Is 140 a Safe Score in ATMA July 2026 for MBA Admission?

A score of 140 out of 180 in ATMA July 2026 is a safe score for admission to many good private MBA colleges, placing you in approximately the 70th to 78th percentile based on 2025 trends.

ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) is conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) multiple times a year, with the July 2026 session scheduled on July 10, 2026. Over 700 management institutes across India accept ATMA scores, giving students with a score of 140 a wide range of admission options depending on the programme, campus and category.

• ATMA has 180 questions worth 1 mark each with negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer; the maximum score is 180 marks.
• A score of 140 is expected to correspond to approximately the 70th to 78th percentile in ATMA July 2026 based on 2025 trends.
• This score is safe for many reputed private MBA colleges and borderline for select competitive ATMA-accepting institutes.
• ATMA July 2026 results are expected within 2 to 3 weeks after the July 10, 2026 exam.

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ATMA 2026 Scoring Pattern and Total Marks

ATMA comprises 6 sections with 30 questions each, totalling 180 questions. The sections cover Analytical Reasoning Skills (two sets), Verbal Skills (two sets) and Quantitative Skills (two sets). Each correct answer awards 1 mark while each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks. The maximum possible score is 180 marks.

A score of 140 out of 180 means you answered a net of 140 questions correctly after accounting for negative marking. This represents approximately 77.8% of the total marks and indicates a strong performance in the exam.

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Expected Percentile for 140 in ATMA July 2026

The ATMA percentile depends on the overall difficulty of the paper and the number of students who appeared in the session. Based on ATMA 2025 trends, a score of 140 is expected to fetch approximately the 70th to 78th percentile in ATMA July 2026. The table below shows the expected score-to-percentile mapping.

All figures are expected estimates based on ATMA 2025 data and may shift based on the difficulty of the July 2026 paper and the total number of test-takers in that session.

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MBA Colleges Accepting ATMA Score of 140 in 2026

With a score of 140 in ATMA July 2026, you are eligible to apply to a wide range of MBA colleges. The list below highlights institutes where this score is expected to be safe or competitive based on previous year cutoffs.

Cutoff figures are expected estimates based on ATMA 2024-25 trends. Final cutoffs for ATMA July 2026 will be declared by individual colleges after results are announced.

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Is 140 Safe for Top ATMA-Accepting Colleges?

The most competitive ATMA-accepting institutes typically set cutoffs between 145 and 160. A score of 140 may not be safe for top-tier colleges, though you can still apply and compete through Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI) and academic profile evaluation.

If you scored 140 and are targeting these colleges, excellent GD/PI performance and a strong academic or work experience profile can compensate for a score at or slightly below their typical cutoff range. All cutoffs above are expected estimates based on previous year trends.

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How to Strengthen Your Admission Chances with a Score of 140

A score of 140 in ATMA July 2026 opens doors to many MBA programmes. Here is how to maximise your chances:

1. Apply to multiple colleges simultaneously — target 8 to 10 colleges spanning safe, moderate and stretch categories to improve your overall odds.
2. Prepare thoroughly for GD and PI — most ATMA-accepting colleges weigh GD/PI performance heavily; a strong interview can more than offset a borderline score.
3. Highlight relevant work experience — colleges like TAPMI and Welingkar value professional experience; present it prominently in your application and interview.
4. Cross-apply with other exam scores — if you also appeared for CAT, MAT or XAT, apply to colleges that accept multiple scores to expand your college list at no extra cost.
5. Apply early for rolling admissions — several ATMA-accepting colleges process applications on a first-come basis; early applications often receive priority for interview slots.