CMAT Latest Updates
17 Oct, 2025 National Testing Agency (NTA) has declared the CMAT schedule for Academic Session 2026-27 on their official website nta.ac.in. The registration starts on 17 October and ends on 17 November. Check Here.
The NTA will conduct the CMAT 2026 in January 2026; the registration began on October 17 and will end on November 17, 2025 on the official website- nta.ac.in/CMAT. The CMAT exam will be taken in CBT format in 3 hours, with 100 questions, each carrying 4 marks.
- Registration fees for non-reserved categories are 2,000 and 1,000 for reserved categories.
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree to appear for the CMAT exam.
- The reference books are Lucent’s general knowledge, Word Power Made Easy, etc.
The topics asked in the examination are logical reasoning, general knowledge, language comprehension, Innovation & entrepreneurship.
Read More:
Key Summary
The article discusses CMAT (Common Management Admission Test), which is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- It offers admission in management programs in different business colleges.
- Registration will begin in November 2025. Exams might be taken around 24 January.
- Registration fees for non-reserved categories (male) are 2,000 and 1000 for reserved categories.
- The reference books are Lucent’s general knowledge, Word Power Made Easy, etc.
- The topics asked are verbal ability, general knowledge, English, etc.
What is CMAT?
The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is designed for admission to management programs like MBA and PGDM offered by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes across the country.
Source:- cmat.nta.nic.in.
The CMAT Exam will be a computer-based test of 400 marks in 3 hours (180 minutes) with 100 MCQs divided into 5 sections:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
As per the CMAT marking scheme, +4 marks will be awarded for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect, and no marks for unattempted questions.
CMAT Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Common Management Admission Test |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Frequency | Multiple times a year (usually 2–4 times) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Accepted By | Over 1000 AICTE-approved institutions offering MBA/PGDM programs |
| Official Website | https://cmat.nta.nic.in |
CMAT 2026 Important Dates
The CMAT 2026 exam is expected to be conducted on 24 January 2026. The Notification might be released in November 2025, with the registration starting from 14 November till 25 December 2025.
| Dates | Event |
|---|---|
| October 17, 2025 | Official Notification Release |
| October 17, 2025 | Registration Start Date |
| November 17, 2025 | Registration End Date |
| 20-21 November 2025 | Application Correction Window |
| To be announced later on website | Admit Card Release |
| To be announced later on website | Exam Date |
| To be announced later on website | Answer Key Release |
| To be announced later on website | Answer Key Challenge Window |
| To be announced later on website | Result Declaration |
Ques. What is the date of the CMAT exam in 2026?
Ans. The official of CMAT 2026 exam has not yet released, but as per the previous years it is expected that CMAT 2026 will be held on 24 January 2026, with the regsitration starting from 14 November 2025.
Ques. What is the pattern of CMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. The CMAT 2026 will be computer-based test conducted online for admission to AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs for 3 hours (180 minutes) and consists of 100 MCQs, each carrying 4 marks and a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer, making a total of 400 marks. he CMAT 2026 paper will be divided into 5 sections: with 20 questions each: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Ques. Will the CMAT 2026 date be extended?
Ans. As of now there has been no official announcement for any extension of the CMAT 2026 date, the NTA has currently scheduled for January 25, 2026.
In the previous years the NTA has occasionally extended the application deadlines or made adjustments to the exam schedules due to any unforseen circumstances.
Ques. How many times CMAT exam is held in a year?
Ans. The NTA conducts the CMAT exam once a years, usually in January, the candidates can register for the exam during the official window of registration which will start from 14th November 2025.
CMAT Eligibility 2026
To appear for the CMAT 2026 exam, the candidates should satisfy a certain set of eligibility criteria set by NTA.
- The candidate must be a citizen of India with a bachelor’s degree to apply, including final-year students, whose results are still pending.
- There is no minimum mark required, no age limit, and no restrictions on attempts, making it accessible to all candidates.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Final Year Students | Eligible, provided results are declared before commencement of admission |
| Minimum Marks Requirement | No minimum percentage required (passing marks sufficient) |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction on the number of attempts |
Ques. What is the minimum educational qualification required for CMAT 2026?
Ans. The candidates must fulfill the eduational qualification to be elibile for CMAT 2026 exam:
- Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in any field from an institution approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or the University Grants Commission (UGC) that lasted at least three years.
- Final Year Students: If their results are announced before to the start of the academic year for which admission is requested, students who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree program may also apply.
Ques. Is there a minimum percentage requirement to appear for CMAT 2026?
Ans. To be eligible for CMAT 2026, there is no minimum percentage requirement specified by NTA, additionally, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the CMAT exam.
Ques. Can final-year students apply for CMAT 2026?
Ans. Yes, the final-year students can apply for CMAT 2026, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Ques. Are there any reservation benefits for SC/ST/OBC candidates?
Ans. Yes, the CMAT exam has the reservation policy for the different categories
- The SC candidates has the 15% of the reservation, ST candidates has the reservation percentage of 7.5%.
- Whereas the OBC-NCL has 27% and EWS has only 10% of reserved seats.
Ques. Can candidates from distance education programs apply for CMAT 2026?
Ans. Yes, the candidates from the distance learning or education programs are eligible to appear for CMAT 2026, provided their degree is from from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
CMAT 2026 Registration
The CMAT 2026 registration is expected to start on 14 November 2025 and conclude by 25 December 2025 on the official website- exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
The CMAT 2026 registration fees vary according to the category and gender:
The General (Male) candidates are required to pay ₹2,000, while General (Female), Gen-EWS / OBC (NCL) (Male and female), Gen-EWS / OBC (NCL) (Male and Female), and the Third Gender are required to pay ₹1000.
| Category | Registration Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | ₹2,000 |
| General (Female) | ₹1,000 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC (NCL) (Male) | ₹1,000 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC (NCL) (Female) | ₹1,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD (Male & Female) | ₹1,000 |
| Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
CMAT Registration Statistics (2025-2022)
The CMAT registration data of the previous years 2022-2025 shows a stable participation with a slight change annually.
- The CMAT registration started increasing from 58,956 in 2022 to around 75,000–77,000 between 2023 and 2025, reflecting a steady growth in the interest among MBA aspirants.
- The attendance rate have also increased and have remind strong, with the highest rate at 86.8% in 2022 and 85.32% in 2025.
- While the CMAT 2025 saw a slight drop in total registrations of 74,012, the attendance rate improved, indicating better candidate commitment.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Candidates Appeared | Attendance % |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2025 | 74,012 | 63,145 | 85.32% |
| CMAT 2024 | 76,745 | 65,127 | 84.8% |
| CMAT 2023 | 75,209 | 58,035 | 77.1% |
| CMAT 2022 | 58,956 | 51,144 | 86.8% |
Ques. Is CMAT registration 2026 started?
Ans. Yes, the NTA has started the CMAT 2026 registration on 17 October 2025 till 17 November 2025 on its official website.
Ques. Can I make corrections to my CMAT application?
Ans. Yes, NTA provides a correction window after the CMAT application period during which candidates can make edits to their submitted forms. The CMAT correction window is a one-time facility, once it closes, no changes will be allowed under any circumstances. At the time of the CMAT correction window the candidates can only edit certain details like:
- Name (only one among candidate/father/mother)
- Date of Birth
- Gender, Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), PwD status
- Academic details (Class 10, 12, Graduation)
- Exam city preferences
- Uploaded photo/signature
Mobile number & Email ID and Permanent & present address cannot be edited.
Ques. When will the CMAT 2026 result be announced?
Ans. The CMAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in the second or third week of February 2026. In 2025 the CMAT result was released on 13 February 2025.
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CMAT 2026 Exam will have 100 questions for 400 marks in total divided into 5 sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical & Analytical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The CMAT 2026 Exam will be conducted in a computer based format for 3 hours, with a marking scheme of +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium | English |
Ques. Are there any changes in the exam pattern for CMAT 2026?
Ans. The NTA has not released any latest update, so no major changes have been officially announced for the CMAT 2026 exam pattern, the pattern is expected to remain similar to CMAT 2025.
Ques. Does the CMAT syllabus change every year?
- Ans. No, the CMAT Syllabus does not change every year. The NTA has not changed the syllabus it has been fairly stable over the past years, including primarily five sections:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QT & DI): Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation, and basic mathematics.
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Analytical reasoning, puzzles, sequences, syllogisms, and problem-solving.
- Language Comprehension (LC): Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal ability.
- General Awareness (GA): Current affairs, static GK, business, and general knowledge.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E): Concepts of innovation, business, startups, and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
Ques. Is there any sectional cut-off in CMAT 2026?
Ans. No, CMAT does not have any sectional cutoff, which means the candidates are not required to meet a minimum score in each section to qualify for CMAT 2026.
CMAT Previous Year Question Paper
| CMAT Question paper | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CMAT 2025 Question paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2024 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2023 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2022 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2021 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2020 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2019 Question Paper | Download PDF |
| CMAT 2018 Question Paper | Download PDF |
CMAT Syllabus 2026
CMAT has topics like Quantitative techniques & data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Approximate % of Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| Total | 100 | 400 | 100% |
CMAT 2026 Section-wise Important Topics
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Ratio-Proportion), Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Number Systems, Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Set Theory), Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts, Pie Charts) |
| Logical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Series (Number & Letter), Direction Sense, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogisms, Statements & Conclusions, Analogy, Ranking |
| Language Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Grammar (Error Detection, Sentence Correction), Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Idioms, Sentence Completion |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs (6–12 Months), Business & Economy, Indian Constitution, Politics, History, Geography, Science & Tech, Books & Authors, Awards, Sports, International Events |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Basics of Innovation, Types of Entrepreneurs, Startup Ecosystem, Govt Schemes (Startup India, Make in India), IPR (Patents, Copyrights), Business Models, Incubation, Recent Trends |
Ques. Is the CMAT syllabus the same as other MBA entrance exams?
Ans. No, the CMAT syllabus is not same as the other MBA entrance exams, though there is an overlap in some areas.
- In CMAT, there is an Innoation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) section, which focuses on startup and business ideas, which is not in the syllabus of CAT, SNAP, or MAT.
- In CAT there is more emphasis on higher-level quantitative reasoning and data interpretation, but it does not include an I&E section.
- XAT covers Decision Making and General Knowledge sections, with the Decision Making section being unique to XAT.
- In MAT the most unique section is Indian & Global Environment (GK) section, and has less focus on complex logical reasoning.
CMAT Reference Books
To prepare for the CMAT, students should clarify their concepts. Given below are some references to prepare for the examination, i.e., A modern approach for logical reasoning, Lucent’s general knowledge, Word Power Made Easy, etc.
| Section | Recommended Books | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma / Nishit K. Sinha | |
| Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Language Comprehension | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | |
| General Awareness | Manorama Year Book | Malayala Manorama |
| Lucent’s General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna and Team | |
| Monthly Current Affairs Magazines / Newspapers | (e.g., Pratiyogita Darpan, The Hindu, etc.) | |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development | E-GyanKosh (IGNOU Material) |
| Entrepreneurship Development | S.S. Khanka | |
| NITI Aayog & Government PDFs on Startup India, Make in India, etc. | (Official Sources) |
CMAT 2026 Mock Test
The CMAT mock tests help in simulating the actual exam environment, which helps the candidates familiarise the CMAT exam pattern, identify the Strengths and Weaknesses, improve time management, and Enhance Accuracy.
CMAT Admit Card
The CMAT 2026 Admit cards are expected to be released around 20 January 2026. The candidates will be able to download their admit card from the official website - exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
The NTA will not send the hard copy by post; candidate must download and print their Admit cards as it is required on exam day along with valid photo ID.
CMAT Results
The NTA will release the CMAT 2026 Result tentatively on 13 February 2026 on the official website - exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
The candidates can check and download their results by using their Registration Number and Date of Birth. The CMAT 2026 score will be valid for only 1 academic year i.e, 2026.
CMAT Previous Year Cutoffs
| Institute Name | Category | Approximate Cutoff Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| All India Management Association (AIMA) | General | 85 – 90 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), Delhi | General | 90 – 95 |
| Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad | General | 85 – 90 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | General | 80 – 85 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | General | 70 – 80 |
| Shiv Nadar University | General | 70 – 75 |
| SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) | General | Usually requires CAT/XAT; CMAT not accepted |
CMAT 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What kind of questions are asked in CMAT?
Ans. Multiple choice questions are asked in the CMAT exam and questions are based on the following topics:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Ques. How many hours in CMAT?
Ans. 3 hours are allotted for CMAT exam to attempt 100 questions each carrying 4 marks.
Ques. Is CMAT easier than GMAT?
Ans. CMAT is easier than GMAT in terms of question difficulty and competition. However, GMAT opens international opportunities, while CMAT is mainly for Indian B-schools.
Ques. What is a good score on the CMAT?
Ans. A good score depends on your preferences. Here is a complete detail:
- For top B-schools → 320+ is safe.
- For good colleges → 280–300+ is competitive.
Ques. What are the guidelines for CMAT exam?
Ans. Here are the guidelines for examination:
- Admit Card:
- Download from the NTA website and carry a printed copy.
- Check details (name, photo, signature, exam centre, timings).
- Documents to Carry:
- Admit card (mandatory).
- Valid photo ID (Aadhar card, Passport, Driving License, PAN card, Voter ID).
- Passport-size photo (same as uploaded in form).
- Reporting Time:
- Reach the centre at least 1.5 hours before the exam.
- Gates usually close 30 minutes before start time.
Ques. What does CMAT stand for?
Ans. CMAT stands for Common Management Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), India for admission into MBA/PGDM and other management programs in B-schools across India.
Ques. What are the subjects covered in CMAT?
Ans. There are 5 subjects covered in CMAT examination:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
.png?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
Comments
Found 38 Comments
CMAT is a three hours Computer Based Online examination which candidates have to appear for from their allotted examination centre.
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) for the year 2024 is scheduled to take place in May 2024. Although the exact date has not been announced yet, you can expect it to occur during that month. Here are some key details about CMAT 2024:
The CMAT exam is scheduled to take place in May 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the exam in more than 110 major Indian cities via online computer-based testing (CBT). Registration for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2024 has been delayed and will open in the fourth week of March.
4 May 2024 is the date of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2024. The registration opened from 13 Feb–13 Mar 2023.
4 May 2024 is the date of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2024. The registration opened from 13 Feb–13 Mar 2023. Follow these steps to fill te application form:
Last date to apply for the CMAT exam 2024 is expected to be 31st March. 4th May is the date of CMAT examination.
4 May 2024 is the date of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2024. The registration opened from 13 Feb–13 Mar 2023. Follow these steps to fill te application form:
It is expected that the CMAT 2024 Registration process will begin very soon, probably in the second week of February 2024. Await the official announcement if you intend to sit for the CMAT exam. The deadline to register will be available until the second week of March 2024.
The CMAT 2024 registration process is expected to begin in the second week of March 2024. The NTA will release the official CMAT 2024 notification on its website.
The Mizoram University entrance exam, often known as the CUET, will decide admission to both UG and PG programmes in 2024. The dates of the CUET PG 2024 examination are March 11–March 28, 2024. Registration for CUET UG 2024 will also open soon. The dates of the 2024 CUET UG exam are set for May 15–May 31, 2024.
Yes, students can gain direct admission to many MBA programmes in India without having to take an entrance exam. This is mostly intended for students who have done well in their previous studies, participated in extracurricular activities, accumulated job experience etc.
It is expected that the CMAT 2024 registration period would open in the second week of March 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is anticipated to administer the CMAT 2024 exam in May of that year. In the final week of May 2024, the NTA will declare the results of the CMAT exam.
After you have paid the CMAT registration and exam fee, you can download and print the Confirmation Page. You will receive a confirmation email and SMS on your registered mail ID or mobile phone.
It is expected that the CMAT 2024 registration period would open in the second week of March 2024. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is anticipated to administer the CMAT 2024 exam in May of that year. In the final week of May 2024, the NTA will declare the results of the CMAT exam.
To complete your CMAT Registration 2024, do the following steps: Go to cmat.nta.nic.in, the CMAT 2024 official website. Select the link labelled "Fill Online Application Form." Select the "New Registration" tab located under the "New Candidate Registration" section. Fill in all the details, upload the documents, and pay the fees.
CMAT Registration 2024 involves the following steps.
It is a satisfactory college in terms of placements and infrastructure. Almost all the students got placed through college placements. The average salary package offered to students was around 4-5 LPA.
To fill up CMAT exam form follow the below mentioned steps
CMAT 2024 registration process is expected to open on February 15 or 16, 2024. Please keep a check on this page of CollegeDunia or the official website of CMAT for the confirmed date. The closing date for registration will be end of February (tentatively).