The ATMA Exam Pattern 2026, defined by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), follows a consistent structure but with renewed emphasis on reasoning accuracy. The exam serves as a gateway to 750+ MBA colleges across India.
-
The official syllabus PDF and exam pattern for ATMA 2026 is expected to be released by mid-November.
- Registration for ATMA February 2026 session is likely to open soon on aimsatma.org.
- The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) sets the ATMA Exam Pattern 2026.
- As per the previous pattern, the ATMA will be a computer-based entrance exam consisting of 180 MCQs, divided into 6 sections: Analytical Reasoning Skills (1 and 2), Verbal Skills (1 and 2), and Quantitative Skills (1 and 2).
- Each section is allotted 30 minutes, totaling 180 minutes. As per the Marking scheme, 1 mark will be awarded to each correct answer, -0.25 for each incorrect answer, and no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
Related Links:
Key Summary
- ATMA 2026 is a 3-hour computer-based exam with 180 MCQs.
- The test consists of 6 sections: Analytical Reasoning (1 & 2), Verbal Skills (1 & 2), and Quantitative Skills (1 & 2).
- There are 30 minutes of sectional time for each section; you cannot go back once time is over.
- Marking scheme: +1 for correct, −0.25 for wrong, 0 for blank.
What is the ATMA Exam Pattern?
The ATMA Exam is a fully computer-based test with 180 questions in 3 hours (180 minutes), and each question carries 1 mark divided into 3 subjects: Analytical Reasoning (1 and 2), Verbal Skills (1 and 2), and Quantitative Skills (1 and 2).
- The exam is typically conducted 4-6 times a year, starting from February, which provides the candidates with multiple opportunities to appear for the exam, allowing them to choose the date as per their preference.
- There is no limit to appear for the ATMA exam; the candidates can attempt multiple sessions to improve their scores.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Number of Questions | 180 Questions |
| Section | 6 Sections
|
| Total Marks | 180 Marks (1 mark per question) |
| Time per section | 30 minutes |
| Test Timing | Usually conducted in two shifts (morning and afternoon), depending on the test center and date |
ATMA Exam Pattern Section-wise 2026
The ATMA Exam Pattern 2026 remains unchanged from 2025. The test is computer-based with strict sectional timing, meaning once a section ends, candidates cannot return to it.
The ATMA exam consists of six sections, 2 of each Analytical Reasoning, Verbal Skills, and Quantitative Skills, each with 30 questions in 30 minutes.
- Analytical Reasoning 1 focuses on Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Directions, and Venn Diagrams, while Analytical Reasoning 2 covers on Syllogisms, Logical Reasoning, Statement & Assumption, and Critical Reasoning, which is slightly harder.
- Verbal Skills 1 and 2 both focus on Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Completion, and Para Jumbles, and RC being the highest weightage and most time-consuming.
- Quantitative Skills covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Numbers & Simplification, and DI, with Quantitative Skills 2 being more challenging.
As per the previous year's data, you should target at least 24-25 correct answers per section to score 80+ percentile, with high-weightage topics like Puzzles, RC, Arithmetic, and DI important for maximising scores.
| Section | No. of Questions | Duration | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Reasoning Skills 1 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
| Analytical Reasoning Skills 2 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
| Verbal Skills 1 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
| Verbal Skills 2 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
| Quantitative Skills 1 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
| Quantitative Skills 2 | 30 | 30 minutes |
|
ATMA Marking Scheme
As per the ATMA Marking Scheme, 1 mark will be given to every correct answer, -0.25 marks will be deducted, and no marks will be deducted or given for unanswered questions.
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | −0.25 marks |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks (no penalty or reward) |
For instance, if you attempt 150 questions with 120 correct and 30 wrong answers:
- Total = (120 × 1) − (30 × 0.25) = 112.5 marks
ATMA Syllabus 2026
The ATMA 2026 Syllabus is divided into 3 major subjects, each of which is further subdivided into 2 parts, making a total of 6 sections in the ATMA exam.
- Analytical Reasoning Skills - 1 and 2
- Verbal Skills- 1 and 2
- Quantitative Skills- 1 and 2
ATMA Section-wise Weightage 2026
The ATMA syllabus shows a well-balanced distribution of the topics across all 3 subjects.
- The Analytical Reasoning Skills have an evenly distributed weightage of 10% per topic, focusing on the consistent practice in logical reasoning, arrangements, and argument evaluation.
- In the Verbal Skills, the Reading Comprehension has the highest weightage of 40%, while vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structuring share equal weightage of 15% each.
- The Quantitative Skills have a uniform weightage of 10% across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern maths, indicating that candidates must be proficient in all areas.
Analytical Reasoning Skills
| Topics | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Coding-Decoding, Statement-Inference, Linear Arrangement, Blood Relations / Family Tree, Statement-Conclusion, Circular Arrangement, Syllogism, Strong / Weak Arguments, Analogy | 10% (Each Topic) |
| Total | 100% |
Verbal Skills
| Topic | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 40% |
| Synonyms and Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Jumbled Sentences, Grammar | 15% (Each topic) |
| Total | 100% |
Quantitative Skills
| Topic | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Profit, Loss and Discount, LCM and HCF, Number System, Average, Speed-Time-Distance, Permutation and Combination, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Modern Maths, Mensuration, Quadratic Equation, Logarithm, Geometry, Binomial Theorem, Percentage, | 10% (Each topic) |
| Total | 100% |
Comparative Analysis: ATMA vs CAT, MAT, and CMAT
While ATMA shares a similar structure with other MBA entrance exams, its balance across reasoning, quant, and verbal sections makes it more approachable. CAT remains the toughest with analytical intensity, while MAT and CMAT are more speed and recall-based.
| Feature / Section | ATMA | CAT | MAT | CMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | AIMS | IIMs | AIMA | NTA |
| Mode | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) | CBT / PBT / IBT | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 180 | 66 | 200 | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 / -0.25 | +3 / -1 | +1 / 0 | +4 / -1 |
| Quantitative Section | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math | Advanced Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math | Arithmetic, Data Sufficiency | Arithmetic, Geometry, DI |
| Verbal Section | RC, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Completion | RC-heavy, Para Summary, Critical Reasoning | RC, Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms | RC, Grammar, Vocabulary |
| Reasoning Section | Analytical Puzzles, Coding, Series, Syllogisms | Data Interpretation, Logical Sets | Series, Critical Reasoning | Logical Sequences, Puzzles |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High | Easy–Moderate | Moderate |
ATMA Exam Pattern FAQs
Ques. Is ATMA easier than exams like CAT or CMAT?
Ans. Students on forums widely agree that ATMA is moderately easier than CAT or XAT, but slightly tougher than CMAT.
- The difficulty level lies in speed and accuracy, not complex concepts.
- Logical Reasoning questions in ATMA are more straightforward, while Verbal and Quant sections resemble CMAT-level aptitude.
- Many aspirants take ATMA to strengthen their MBA admission chances after CAT/MAT attempts.
Ques. How much score is needed for 95 percentile in ATMA?
Ans. As per data shared by candidates, a raw score of around 115–125 out of 180 usually lands you in the 95–97 percentile range.
- A score above 130 may go close to 99 percentile depending on the session.
- Scoring around 22–25 correct answers per section is considered strong.
- Since percentile depends on test difficulty, targets should be adjusted per attempt.
Ques. Do repeated ATMA attempts improve your chances of selection?
Ans. Yes. Many users report that appearing in 2–3 sessions helps improve scores significantly.
- Each attempt is treated independently, and you can use your best score for admissions.
- Repeating the test helps understand sectional timing and question patterns.
- AIMS imposes no restriction on the number of attempts per year.
Ques. Which ATMA sections are considered most time-consuming?
Ans. Based on topper discussions, Verbal Skills II and Quantitative Skills II take the most time.
- Verbal II includes long RC passages and tricky grammar questions.
- Quant II often has multi-step arithmetic and DI sets.
- Candidates are advised to attempt Analytical Reasoning first, as it’s typically faster to solve.
Ques. Do top B-schools accept ATMA scores equally with CAT or XAT?
Ans. While ATMA is accepted by over 500 institutes, not all consider it on par with CAT/XAT.
- Top-tier colleges (like JBIMS, FMS) accept only CAT or CMAT.
- However, reputed private B-schools such as Christ University, PUMBA, and Xavier Institute of Management & Research (XIMR) accept ATMA.
- ATMA is highly useful for Tier-2 and Tier-3 colleges offering strong ROI and placement records.
Fees Structure
| Category | State |
|---|---|
| General | 1298 |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments