CMAT 2026 - Exam Dates, Registrations, Eligibility, Syllabus & more.
The CMAT 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), designed to evaluate candidates’ abilities in quantitative techniques, data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, and innovation & entrepreneurship. With no age limit, the exam is open to all eligible candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree and students in the final year of their graduation.
The registration process is entirely online, requiring candidates to apply via the NTA portal. The CMAT score is widely accepted by AICTE-approved institutions across India for MBA and PGDM programs. Preparing for CMAT 2026 involves a detailed study plan, ideally starting six to nine months in advance.
The exam’s syllabus is vast, covering various key topics. By thoroughly preparing and utilizing resources like mock tests, candidates can aim to achieve a high percentile.
| Exam | Registration Starts | Registration Ends | Exam Date | Registration Fee | Section Considered | What Tarkashastra Provides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CMAT 2026 | January 2026 |
March 2026 |
Second weekend of May 2026 |
|
|
|
What is the CMAT Exam?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Previously overseen by the AICTE until 2018, the NTA has administered the test since 2019. Thousands of management aspirants participate in the CMAT exam each year.
CMAT-2026 will be a three-hour computer-based test to evaluate candidates’ abilities across various segments, including quantitative techniques, data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, and innovation & entrepreneurship.
The CMAT score is widely accepted by AICTE-approved universities, departments, and affiliated colleges offering MBA, PGDM, and equivalent programs. Candidates must complete the application form on the official NTA website to participate in this prestigious examination.
CMAT 2026 Exam Fees
To successfully submit the CMAT 2026 form, the candidates must pay the CMAT exam fees via an online payment gateway using UPI, credit or debit card, or internet banking.
Below are the CMAT 2026 registration fees for various categories:
- Rs 1000*: Females, Third Gender and Reserved category students
- Rs 2000*: General/EWS/OBC-NCL (Male) category
*Fees have been taken from the CMAT 2025 notification, and this amount might change this year after the release of the CMAT 2026 notification.
CMAT Exam Age Limit
According to the CMAT’s notification from the previous year, applicants have no age limit. As long as other important requirements are met, candidates can take the CMAT exam as often as they wish.
CMAT 2026 Important Dates
The key dates and timelines for CMAT 2026, including the CMAT registration date, the final deadline for CMAT 2026 applications, the scheduled CMAT exam date, and the anticipated CMAT result date are as follows:
| CMAT Exam Events | CMAT Exam Date 2025 |
|---|---|
CMAT 2026 notification date |
To be announced |
Beginning of CMAT 2026 registration |
To be announced |
CMAT 2026 registration last date |
To be announced |
CMAT 2026 exam date |
To be announced |
CMAT 2026 result date |
To be announced |
CMAT 2026 Registration Process
Candidates eligible for the CMAT 2026 exam must register through the NTA portal, as the registration process is entirely online, and no other methods are available. Upon registration, each candidate’s application number for CMAT 2026 will be generated.
The registration process can be completed using the simplified steps outlined below.
How to register for CMAT 2026?
- Visit the CMAT 2026 official website cmat.nta.nic.in
- Click on new registration.
- Click “I agree” to the terms and conditions on the next page.
- Choose your method of registration. You can choose from several options, such as an Aadhar Card, Bank document, Digilocker, etc.
- Enter the OTP received on the mobile number registered with your registration method.
- On the next page, fill in all the required details.
- Set up a password.
Upon registration, candidates will receive their CMAT 2026 application number via their registered email ID. This application number and the password created during registration will be used for all future CMAT 2026-related activities.
Documents required for CMAT Application
The necessary documents for completing the CMAT exam form are mentioned below.
- Class 10th Marksheet
- Marksheet for class 12
- Graduation certificate
- Certificate of caste, if relevant
- PWD or DA certification, if relevant
- The candidate’s signature on a piece of white paper
- A recent passport-size photo on a white background
- Payment details by debit/credit card or net banking
CMAT 2026 Application Form Correction
CMAT 2026 applicants should carefully complete the form to avoid errors. However, in case of a mistake, the authorities will provide the CMAT correctional facility, enabling candidates to amend specific details in the submitted form.
“Tarkashastra was the best thing that happened to my B-School journey”
Join our classes today.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Eligibility Criteria for the CMAT exam
All candidates wishing to appear for CMAT 2026 must meet the eligibility criteria. Those who meet the requirements can proceed with the registration and application process.
The CMAT eligibility criteria, as specified by the conducting body NTA, are as follows:
- The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
- Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor’s Degree, with results expected before the commencement of admissions for 2026-27, are also eligible to apply for CMAT 2026.
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- There is no age restriction for taking the CMAT 2026 exam.
CMAT Exam Pattern
The CMAT exam pattern consists of five sections, with only the question paper provided in English. Each section contains 20 multiple-choice questions, with each question worth 4 marks. Candidates will receive 4 marks for each correct answer and will lose 1 mark for each incorrect answer. There is no sectional timing, allowing candidates to navigate between sections freely during the CMAT 2026 exam.
The CMAT 2026 exam pattern is summarized in the table below.
| CMAT 2026 Exam Sections | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation |
20 |
80 |
Logical Reasoning |
20 |
80 |
Language Comprehension |
20 |
80 |
General Awareness |
20 |
80 |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
20 |
80 |
Total |
100 |
400 |
*The CMAT exam 2026 will be conducted online. Candidates are expected to have basic computer usage knowledge.
Syllabus of CMAT
The syllabus for the CMAT 2026 exam is prescribed by AICTE. The CMAT 2026 exam includes questions from various subjects, assessing candidates’ verbal skills, critical and analytical thinking, and numerical abilities.
Below is a list of the CMAT 2026 syllabus along with the key topics for each section.
| CMAT 2026 Syllabus | CMAT 2026 Important Topics |
|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation |
Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Alligation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. |
Logical Reasoning |
Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. |
Language Comprehension |
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, etc. |
General Awareness |
Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and start up business |
List of MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2026 scores
All colleges that are AICTE Affiliated with participating institutions all over India.
MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
Check out some of the popular MBA colleges in India which accept CMAT score for admission:
| Top CMAT accepting MBA colleges | |
|---|---|
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra |
Indus Business Academy, Bangalore |
Christ University, Bangalore |
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai |
BIMTECH, Greater Noida |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Hyderabad |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai |
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai |
Goa Institute of Management, Goa |
KIIT School of Rural Management,Bhubaneshwar |
LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai |
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore |
NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai |
Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, Mumbai |
Xavier Institute of Social service, Ranchi |
KIIT School of Management |
| S.No | Name of College | Fees (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
1 |
Welingkar, Mumbai |
11 Lakhs |
2 |
Great Lakes, Gurgaon |
15.8 Lakhs |
3 |
Xavier Business School – St. Xavier’s University (XBS) |
10.98 Lakhs |
4 |
N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research |
8.7 Lakhs |
5 |
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) |
12 Lakhs |
6 |
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) |
12 Lakhs |
7 |
Jaipuria Institute of Management |
9.25 Lakhs |
8 |
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore |
10 Lakhs |
9 |
KIIT School of Management (KSOM) |
11.95 Lakhs |
10 |
International School of Business and Media (ISBM), Pune |
8.9 Lakhs |
11 |
Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE) |
8 Lakhs |
12 |
Chandragupt Institute of Management (CIMP) |
5.25 Lakhs |
Distance MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2026 scores
What is a Distance MBA?
A Distance MBA, also known as a distance learning MBA, is an alternative to traditional on-campus programs. Coursework, lectures, and interactions typically take place online over 2 years. This is convenient for working professionals or those unable to attend on-campus classes due to location, job commitments, or family responsibilities.
For admission, candidates must have a 50% graduation score. Popular Distance MBA colleges include IGNOU, Annamalai University, NMIMS Global Access School for Continuing Education, and Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning. The curriculum covers essential business topics like finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and strategic management.
The average course fee ranges between INR 1 Lakh and INR 3 Lakh, with IIMs charging INR 15 Lakh – 20 Lakh. Entrance exams accepted for admission include CAT, MAT, CMAT, and XAT.
Any graduate can apply for a Distance MBA. Graduates can find jobs as Corporate Associates, Portfolio Managers, Finance Analysts, Credit Risk Managers, Executives, and Senior Executives. The average salary ranges between INR 3 LPA and INR 4 LPA.
What Are The Distance MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score In India?
Displayed in the table below are the distance MBA colleges across India that accept CMAT scores, along with their respective total tuition fees:
| Distance MBA Colleges | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
SRM IST Kattankulathur |
INR 9 lakh |
VMOU – Vardhman Mahaveer Open University |
INR 22,000 |
Dr. C.V. Raman University |
INR 64,000 |
All India Management Association Delhi |
INR 1 lakh |
ATM Global Business School Delhi |
INR 4 lakh |
Affordable MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2026 scores
What Are The Affordable MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score In India?
Pursuing MBA colleges accepting CMAT score in India can be affordable. Listed below are some of the colleges which are having tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh:
| Low-cost MBA Colleges | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
Tezpur University |
INR 63,000 |
Gujarat University |
INR 80,000 |
B.K. School of Professional and Management Studies Ahmedabad |
INR 40,000 – INR 80,000 |
MNNIT Allahabad |
INR 48,000 |
University of Kalyani |
INR 70,000 |
CMAT 2026 Preparation: Tips and Strategies
Preparing for CMAT 2026 requires a detailed plan due to the extensive syllabus. It is advisable to begin CMAT preparation at least six to nine months in advance. This approach ensures sufficient time to cover the entire syllabus and allows ample time for practice papers and mock tests.
Mock tests are crucial for CMAT 2026 preparation. After completing the syllabus, aspirants should focus on practicing as many CMAT mock tests as possible. Tarkashastra offers a free CMAT mock test for candidates to practice and assess their proficiency in various topics.
This mock test is designed based on actual CMAT question papers and matches the difficulty level of the real exam.
CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips
Explore these CMAT preparation tips and strategies to achieve a 95+ percentile in the CMAT 2026 exam:
- Break down the syllabus and focus on weaker areas.
- Aim to attend as many CMAT mock tests as possible to enhance accuracy and speed.
- Utilize the CMAT mock tests to identify the sections that require the most attention.
- Thoroughly cover all topics in the CMAT syllabus by analyzing previous years’ question papers.
- Learn & apply shortcuts to solve questions efficiently, avoiding lengthy calculations.
- Dedicate 3 to 4 hours daily to CMAT exam preparation without interruption.
CMAT 2026 Study Plan
How do I start preparing for CMAT 2026?
If you are starting your CMAT preparation now, watch our recent videos related to the CMAT Exam Study Plan on YouTube (give a link to YT channel here)
CMAT 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage
CMAT 2024 Quant and DI Weightage
Given below is the approximate weightage of each topic in the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section of CMAT based on the previous year’s trends.
| Topic | No. of Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Algebra |
3 |
16% |
Arithmetic |
6 |
24% |
Geometry |
5 |
28% |
Data Interpretation |
2 |
8% |
Modern Maths |
2 |
16% |
Miscellaneous |
2 |
8% |
Total | 20 | 100% |
CMAT Language Comprehension Weightage
Here is the weightage of topics asked in the Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2024 based on the previous year’s trends.
| Topic | No. of Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Algebra |
3 |
16% |
Arithmetic |
6 |
24% |
Geometry |
5 |
28% |
Data Interpretation |
2 |
8% |
Modern Maths |
2 |
16% |
Miscellaneous |
2 |
8% |
Total | 20 | 100% |
CMAT Logical Reasoning Weightage
Check out the percentage weightage of each topic in the Logical Reasoning section based on the previous year’s trends.
| Topic | No. of Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning – Statement Argument, Statement Conclusion, Word Relationship, Assertion Reason |
4 |
16% |
Odd One Out |
2 |
12% |
Coding-Decoding |
2 |
12% |
Blood Relations |
2 |
12% |
Series Completion |
1 |
8% |
Visual reasoning |
1 |
8% |
Analogy |
2 |
8% |
Logic-Based |
1 |
4% |
Counting Number of Squares in a Figure |
1 |
4% |
Ranking |
1 |
4% |
Square Arrangement |
1 |
4% |
Directions |
1 |
4% |
Miscellaneous |
1 |
4% |
Total | 20 | 100% |
CMAT 2024 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Weightage
| Topic | No. of Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Current Affairs |
2-3 |
10% |
Static Affairs |
17-18 |
90% |
Total | 20 | 100% |
Best Books for CMAT 2026 Preparation (section-wise)
Selecting the best books for CMAT preparation can be confusing for many aspirants. Below is a list of the best books for CMAT 2026 exam preparation:
| CMAT 2025 exam sections | CMAT 2025 books recommended |
|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data
Interpretation |
|
Logical Reasoning |
|
Language Comprehension |
|
General Awareness |
|
Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
|
CMAT Question Papers
Candidates preparing for the CMAT 2026 exam should familiarize themselves with the syllabus, even though no official version exists. They can understand it using resources like free CMAT mock tests, sample papers, and previous CMAT question papers.
CMAT 2026 Beginner Tests
Before starting CMAT 2026 preparation, take 1-2 CMAT 2026 mocks to assess your standing. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, then draft a CMAT preparation strategy.
After completing the CMAT 2026 Syllabus, attempt daily CMAT 2026 mock tests. If you need to catch up in any section based on your mock analysis, improve that area promptly.
We at Tarkashastra provide a comprehensive CMAT preparation program with daily mock tests, personalized study plans, and expert guidance to help you achieve your target score. 1 to 1 Mock Analysis is highly revered by our students.
CMAT 2025 Score Vs Percentile (Expected)
The score achieved by a candidate in the CMAT 2025 exam will correspond to a specific percentile, which will depend on factors such as the number of candidates taking the exam and the exam’s difficulty level.
The table below illustrates the expected CMAT score versus percentile based on previous trends for a range of scores.
| CMAT percentile | CMAT Score 2025 | CMAT Score 2024 | CMAT Score 2023 | CMAT Score 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
99.5 |
305 |
303 |
325 |
320 |
99 |
295 |
293 |
318 |
313 |
95 |
262 |
260 |
300 |
250 |
90 |
245 |
240 |
282 |
232 |
80 |
215 |
211 |
200 |
203 |
70 |
195 |
180 |
170 |
180 |
Sectional & Overall Cut Off 2025, Check Previous Year Cut Off
Click the link to gain in-depth knowledge on sectional and overall cutoff scores for 2025 and the previous year’s CMAT cutoffs.
CMAT 2025 - FAQs
1. Who conducts the CMAT Exam?
The CMAT exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which took over from the AICTE in 2019.
2. What is the mode of the CMAT 2025 exam?
The CMAT 2026 exam will be a three-hour computer-based test.
3. What are the sections in the CMAT 2025 exam?
The CMAT 2026 exam consists of five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
4. What is the registration fee for CMAT 2026?
The registration fee for CMAT 2026 is Rs 1000 for females, third gender, and reserved category students, and Rs 2000 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL (male) candidates.
5. When will the registration for CMAT 2026 begin?
The exact dates for the CMAT 2026 registration have not yet been announced. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
6. Is there an age limit for appearing in the CMAT 2026 exam?
No, there is no age limit for taking the CMAT 2026 exam.
Explore Courses
Be the part of
the league.
Join the league of top achievers today!
