CMAT 2026 – Current Exam Status
As of January 2026, the CMAT 2026 application process has been completed, and the exam cycle has entered its most crucial phase. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has successfully concluded registrations, released the exam city intimation slip, and is preparing for the final stages of the examination process.
The CMAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 25 January 2026 and will be conducted in computer-based mode (CBT) across multiple test centres in India. Candidates who have registered should now be fully focused on final revision, exam-day readiness, and post-exam admission planning.
This blog explains what has already happened, what is happening now, and what candidates should do next.
CMAT 2026 Important Dates – Current Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 Notification Released | 17 October 2025 |
| Online Registration Period | 17 Oct – 24 Nov 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | 26 – 28 November 2025 |
| Exam City Intimation Slip | 16 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Around 20 January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | 25 January 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | February 2026 |
| Final Answer Key | February 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Result | February 2026 |
CMAT 2026 Admit Card – What Candidates Should Check Now
Candidates should download their CMAT 2026 admit card immediately once available and verify the following details carefully:
- Candidate name and photograph
- Roll number and application number
- Exam date and reporting time
- Test centre address
- Exam instructions
Important Reminder
- Carry one printed copy of the admit card
- Carry a valid government photo ID
- Reach the exam centre at least 90 minutes before reporting time
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern – Last-Minute Overview
standard structure:
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
- Time Duration: 3 Hours
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, −1 for incorrect
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty
CMAT 2026 – Last-Week Preparation Strategy
Since the exam is very close, this is not the time to learn new topics, but to consolidate what you already know.
1. Quantitative Techniques
- Revise arithmetic formulas
- Focus on accuracy over speed
- Practice 2–3 DI sets daily
2. Logical Reasoning
- Solve mixed puzzles and arrangements
- Avoid time-consuming questions in the exam
- Attempt familiar question types first
3. Language Comprehension
- Revise grammar rules
- Practice short RC passages
- Avoid overthinking vocabulary questions
4. General Awareness
- Revise current affairs of last 12 months
- Focus on business, economy, awards, appointments
- Static GK questions are usually straightforward
5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Revise startup-related concepts
- Government schemes and business terms
- Famous entrepreneurs and startup case basics
CMAT 2026 Exam-Day Instructions
On the day of the exam:
- Follow the reporting time strictly
- No electronic gadgets allowed
- Rough sheets will be provided at the centre
- Use the on-screen calculator only if required
- Manage time section-wise, but remember CMAT has no sectional time limit
After CMAT 2026 Exam – What Comes Next?
1. Answer Key & Response Sheet
- Provisional answer key will be released in February 2026
- Candidates can raise objections (if any)
- Final answer key will be published after review
2. CMAT 2026 Result
The CMAT scorecard will include:
- Section-wise marks
- Total score out of 400
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Percentile score
CMAT score is valid for the 2026–27 academic year only.
Expected CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile
| Score Range | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 330+ | 99+ |
| 300–329 | 95–98 |
| 250–299 | 85–94 |
| 200–249 | 70–84 |
| Below 200 | Below 70 |
(Approximate and may vary based on difficulty level)
CMAT 2026 Admission Process – What Candidates Should Prepare For
After results:
- Apply to CMAT-accepting colleges
- Participate in state CAP rounds (where applicable)
- Attend GD / PI / WAT rounds
- Final merit list and seat allotment
Popular Colleges Accepting CMAT
- Government MBA colleges
- State universities
- AICTE-approved private institutes
- Autonomous management institutes
Why CMAT 2026 Is Still a Strong MBA Gateway
- National-level credibility
- Moderate difficulty level
- Wide college acceptance
- Lower competition than CAT
- Suitable for freshers and working professionals
Final Words
CMAT 2026 has entered its most decisive phase. Candidates who have prepared consistently should now focus on calm revision, exam temperament, and confidence. The exam rewards balanced performance across all sections, not just one strong area.
With the right mindset and smart execution on exam day, CMAT 2026 can open doors to quality MBA and PGDM programs across India.
FAQs:
CMAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 25 January 2026 in computer-based test (CBT) mode.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT exam on behalf of AICTE.
The CMAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released around 20 January 2026, a few days before the exam.
CMAT 2026 consists of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections, with a total duration of 3 hours and a maximum score of 400 marks.
Yes. One mark is deducted for each incorrect answer, while four marks are awarded for every correct response.
CMAT 2026 results are likely to be announced in February 2026, after the final answer key is released.
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