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The KMAT 2026 will be conducted by KPPGCA for admission to the MBA and MCA programs in Karnataka. The application start date is yet to be announced on the official website.
-
The registration for Session I is expected to start in early February 2026, with the exam in the 3rd week of February 2026.
- The registration for session II is expected to start in July 2026, with the exam in the last week of September 2026.
- The KMAT 2026 exam is a home-based, online, remotely proctored test, allowing candidates to take it from home on a computer with internet, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are eligible for the exam.
- The application fee for KMAT 2026 is likely to be 1000 INR for General/OBC categories and 750 INR for SC/ST categories.
In this article, you can check the KMAT exam dates, registration, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, syllabus, books, and all other details.
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Key Summary
In this article, you can check the KMAT exam dates, registration, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, syllabus, books, and all other details.
- The KMAT 2026 will be conducted by KPPGCA for the admission to the MBA and MCA programs in Karnataka.
- The application start date will be available on the official website.
- The registration for Session I is expected to start in early February 2026, with the exam in the 3rd week of February 2026, and for Session II, it is expected to start in July 2026, with the exam in the last week of September 2026.
- The KMAT exam is computer-based and open to graduates from any discipline.
- The application fee for KMAT 2026 is likely to be 1000 INR for General/OBC categories and 750 INR for SC/ST categories.
What is KMAT 2026?
The KMAT is a state-level exam that gives applicants the chance to be admitted to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programmes offered by more than 55 MCA colleges and 169+ university-affiliated B-schools in Karnataka.
- Participating institutes will invite successful KMAT Karnataka 2024 applicants to move forward with the admissions process, which entails in-person interviews and group discussions.
- In Karnataka, the Karnataka Post Graduate Private Colleges' Association (KPPGCA) administers the Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT).
KMAT 2026: Exam Highlights
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) |
| Conducting body | Karnataka Post Graduate Private Colleges' Association (KPPGCA) |
| Exam level | State Level |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of examination | Home-based Online Remote Proctored Test |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Test timings | MCA: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PMMBA: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Syllabus | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning |
| Exam pattern | 120 MCQs with no negative marking |
| Language | English |
| Application fees | INR 1000 (General/OBC)INR 750 (SC/ST) |
| Exam purpose | Admission into over 170 MBA colleges and more than 55 MCA colleges in Karnataka |
| No. of seats | Approximately 15,000 seats through KMAT |
| Courses offered | MBA, PGDM, MCA |
| No. of test cities | 13 (likely conducted in home-based proctored mode) |
| Exam date | Session 1: February 2026 (tentative)Session 2: August/September 2026 (tentative) |
| Official website | www.kmatindia.com |
Ques. What is the KMAT exam used for?
Ans. In Karnataka, the KMAT 2026 exam is taken to gain admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programmes.
- The exam helps participating institutions in creating a shortlist of applicants for subsequent admissions procedures, including in-person interviews and group discussions.
Ques. What is the validity of the KMAT exam?
Ans. The validity of the KMAT exam is given below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Score Validity | The KMAT 2026 score is valid for admission in the academic session of the corresponding year. |
| Applicable Courses | MBA, PGDM, MCA |
| Participating Colleges | All colleges participating in KMAT 2026 admissions across Karnataka |
KMAT 2026 Exam Dates
The KMAT tentative exam dates for 2026 are given below in the table:
| Session 1 (Feb 2026) (Expected) | Session 2 (Aug/Sep 2026) (Expected) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Early February 2026 | August 2026 | Registration Starts |
| Mid-February 2026 | Mid-October 2026 | Registration Closes |
| Mid-February 2026 | October 2026 | Admit Card Release |
| 3rd week of February 2026 | Last week of August / 3rd week of October 2026 | Exam Date |
| March 2026 | October/November 2026 | Result Declaration |
Ques. Who conducts KMAT 2026?
Ans. The KMAT is conducted by the KPPGCA, which is a state-level entrance exam for MBA and MCA.
- The association oversees the planning, scheduling, and execution of the exam, including registration, application processing, conducting the test, result declaration, and providing scorecards to candidates.
Ques. What is the KMAT exam level and frequency?
Ans. The KMAT is a state-level entrance exam for programs like MBA and MCA within the state of Karnataka.
- The exam is conducted twice a year to provide flexibility and multiple opportunities for students. Typically, session 1 is held early in the year, and session 2 is held in midyear
KMAT 2026 Registration
The registration details for the KMAT 2026 are given below:
Check: KMAT Registration
KMAT 2026 Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the KMAT 2026 exam are outlined below in the table for registration.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Must hold a 3-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree from a recognized institution in fields such as commerce, management, arts, social sciences, engineering/technology, or an equivalent discipline. |
| Minimum Marks (General Category) | At least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination. |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST Category) | At least 45% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination. |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are eligible, provided they meet the minimum percentage at the time of admission. |
| Educational Changes | The requirements may differ slightly based on the particular college or university. Applicants need to review the requirements of the school of their choice. |
Check: KMAT Eligibility
Ques. Who is qualified to take the KMAT 2026?
Ans. You must have a 3-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from a recognized university or institution.
- Commerce, management, the arts, social sciences, engineering/technology, or any equivalent field are among the eligible fields.
Ques. What are the required minimum qualifying scores?
Ans. Below are the minimum qualifying scores needed to pass the KMAT exam:
- General/OBC Categories: A minimum of 50% of the total points earned in the qualifying exam
- SC/ST Categories: A minimum of 45% of the total points earned in the qualifying exam.
KMAT 2026 Results
- The session results are expected in March 2026, about 2–3 weeks after the exam.
- The session II results are expected in September 2026, in the last week of the month.
- Results will be declared online on the official website: www.kmatindia.com
- The result is valid for admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA courses in participating institutions across Karnataka.
- You should download and print your scorecard, as it will be required during the counselling/admission process.
Check: KMAT Results
KMAT 2026 Admit Card
The KMAT 2026 Session 1 admit card will be released in February 2026, about one week before the exam.
- The KMAT 2026 Session 2 admit card will be released in August/September 2026, about one week before the exam.
- The admit card will be available for download on the official website.
- It is a mandatory document to be carried on exam day.
Ques. How can I access my KMAT results?
Ans. The KMAT results can be accessed by the following steps:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.kmatindia.com |
| Steps to Access Result | 1. Visit the official website.2. Log in using your credentials.3. Download the scorecard |
| Purpose of Scorecard | Required for counselling and admission into MBA, PGDM, and MCA programs |
Ques. When will KMAT exam results be announced?
Ans. The KMAT exam results will be announced; check details below:
| Session | Expected Result Date | Notes | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | March 2026 | About 2–3 weeks after the exam | www.kmatindia.com |
| Session 2 | September 2026 | Last week of the month | www.kmatindia.com |
KMAT 2026 Exam Centers
Because the KMAT exam is an online, remotely proctored test, you can take the test from home using:
- A computer with an internet connection
- A webcam
- A microphone
Webcams, screen tracking, and AI or human proctors are used to remotely monitor the exam to prevent cheating and provide a safe and equitable testing environment.
KMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The KMAT 2026 exam format is essentially the same as it was in prior years. Making an efficient study plan and increasing your chances of success require an understanding of the course exams and important subjects.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| KMAT 2026 Exam Date | September (tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Internet-Based Test (IBT) |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Total No. of Questions | 120 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Examination Sections for KMAT 2026 | Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| KMAT 2026 Marking Scheme | (+) 1 Mark for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No |
| TITA Questions | No |
Check: KMAT Exam Pattern
Ques. What is the exam duration and structure of the exam?
Ans. The exam duration and structure of the KMAT are given below:
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension – 40 questions
- Quantitative Ability – 40 questions
- Logical Reasoning – 40 questions
Ques. What is the mode of the KMAT 2026 exam?
Ans. The KMAT 2026 exam is a home-based, online, remotely proctored test, allowing candidates to take it from home on a computer with internet, a webcam, and a microphone.
KMAT 2026 Syllabus
The KMAT 2026 is designed to test the key skills required to study a computer management and applications course.
- The test is divided into three sections; each section assesses different aspects of the applicant's intellectual abilities, such as language ability, numerical reasoning, and logical problem-solving.
Below is a section-by-section breakdown of the KMAT 2026 syllabus, along with a brief introduction to each section.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
|
| Quantitative Ability (QA) |
|
| Logical Reasoning (LR) |
|
The KMAT 2026 sectional pattern for MBA and MCA is given below:
| Section | Test | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 40 |
| 2 | Quantitative Ability | 40 |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | 40 |
| Total | - | 120 |
Check: KMAT Syllabus
Ques. What topics are tested in logical reasoning?
Ans. The topics included in logical reasoning are given below:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning (LR) |
|
Ques. Is the syllabus the same for the KMAT MBA and MCA programs?
Ans. Yes, the syllabus for the KMAT exam for MBA and MCA programs. The details are given below:
| Section | Topics Covered | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Completion | 40 | 1 | No |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Modern Mathematics | 40 | 1 | No |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Analogy, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Series, Puzzles, Logical Connectives, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency | 40 | 1 | No |
| Total | All sections combined | 120 | 1 per correct answer | No |
KMAT 2026 Important Books
The important books for the KMAT exam preparation 2026 are given below in the table:
| Section | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | |
| The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| High School English Grammar and Composition Key | Wren & Martin | |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning for CAT & Other Management Exams | Peeyush Bharadwaj | |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Ques. Are these books sufficient for KMAT 2026 preparation?
Ans. Yes, these books cover all three sections (VARC, QA, LR) comprehensively. Candidates can also supplement them with mock tests and previous year question papers for better practice.
Ques. Are CAT exam preparation books helpful for KMAT?
Ans. Yes, many books designed for CAT exam preparation, like Arun Sharma’s series, are highly relevant for KMAT because the syllabus and question types in VARC, QA, and LR are similar.
KMAT 2026 Preparation
Some of the important KMAT exam preparation tips for students to score well in the exam:
| Subjects | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Skills |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
| Language Comprehension |
|
| General Awareness |
|
| Mock Test and Daily Review |
|
Check: KMAT Preparation Tips
KMAT 2026 Cutoffs (Expected)
The KMAT cutoff indicates that there will be a little more competition than in prior years.
- The top institutions, like A.J. Institute of Management, Acharya Bengaluru B-School, and Adarsh Group, will have a higher KMAT cutoff of 111–71, 108–72, and 109–62, respectively.
- The mid-tier colleges like Appa Institute (83–47) and AVK Institute (80–48) are expected to remain accessible with moderate cutoffs.
- For the General Category, the KMAT cutoff will be competitive, with the opening ranks ranging from 80 to 111 and closings from 44 to 74.
- While SC/ST category candidates are expected to maintain a wide range of cutoffs (70–88 to 32–53).
| Institute Name | General (Open–Close) | SC (Open–Close) | ST (Open–Close) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acharya Bengaluru B-School | 108 – 72 | 86 – 57 | 85 – 53 |
| Acharya Academy of Management Studies | 101 – 61 | 86 – 51 | 85 – 56 |
| Adarsh Group of Institutions | 109 – 62 | 83 – 52 | 82 – 47 |
| Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology | 89 – 61 | 83 – 45 | 82 – 39 |
| Administrative Management College | 101 – 70 | 82 – 43 | 80 – 36 |
| Alliance Ascent College | 88 – 53 | 81 – 43 | 78 – 42 |
| Allum Karibasappa Institute of Management | 85 – 47 | 76 – 38 | 73 – 34 |
| Adept Institute of Management Studies & Research (AIMSR) | 86 – 64 | 82 – 39 | 81 – 37 |
| Aditya Institute of Management and Research | 99 – 58 | 82 – 43 | 80 – 39 |
| Alliance University | 89 – 53 | 80 – 36 | 78 – 33 |
| Aishwarya Institute of Management Studies & Research | 93 – 59 | 81 – 39 | 74 – 34 |
| AMC Engineering College | 87 – 50 | 76 – 37 | 73 – 33 |
| Alva’s Institute of Engineering & Technology | 92 – 53 | 85 – 38 | 83 – 33 |
| Angadi Institute of Technology & Management | 83 – 44 | 80 – 34 | 77 – 37 |
| Annapoorna Institute of Management Research | 84 – 50 | 72 – 40 | 71 – 38 |
| Anjuman Institute of Technology & Management | 85 – 51 | 73 – 37 | 72 – 33 |
| Amruta Institute of Engineering | 87 – 47 | 74 – 37 | 72 – 33 |
| B.M.S. College of Engineering | 86 – 49 | 75 – 38 | 73 – 34 |
| Appa Institute of Engineering & Technology | 83 – 47 | 72 – 37 | 70 – 33 |
| AVK Institute of Management | 80 – 48 | 72 – 34 | 71 – 32 |
| Bangalore School of Management Studies | 87 – 48 | 75 – 38 | 73 – 34 |
| Ballari Institute of Technology & Management | 85 – 47 | 77 – 42 | 74 – 39 |
| Bangalore Institute of Management Studies | 80 – 48 | 70 – 33 | 68 – 32 |
| Atria Institute of Technology | 82 – 47 | 71 – 33 | 67 – 32 |
| Acharya Institute of Technology | 91 – 74 | 83 – 64 | 82 – 53 |
| A.J. Institute of Management | 111 – 71 | 88 – 57 | 83 – 53 |
Check: KMAT Cutoffs
Ques. Where can I locate a particular college's cutoff?
Ans. After the result declaration, cutoffs are typically posted on the official website of KMAT or by the college itself. Applicants can consult the relevant college admission pages or the KMAT website.
Ques. Do cutoffs change every year?
Ans. Yes, the KMAT exam cutoffs changes every year depending on the below given factors:
| Factors Affecting KMAT Cutoffs | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Candidates | More candidates can increase the competition potentially raising the cutoffs. |
| Exam Level | A tougher exam may lower the cutoffs, while an easier exam may raise the cutoffs. |
| Seat Availability | Linited seat in a college can increase the cutoffs while more seats can lower the cutoffs. |
FAQs
Ques. When to apply for KMAT 2026?
Ans. The KMAT 2026 application form will be available from the 4th week of January 2026 for Session I. For the Session II exam, the application form will be available from the 4th week of May 2026.
Ques. What is the entrance exam for MBA in 2026?
Ans. The entrance exam for MBA is given below:
| Exam Name | Purpose / Accepted By | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | Admission to IIMs and other top management institutes | National |
| XAT 2026 | Admission to XLRI and associated colleges | National |
| NMAT 2026 | Admission to NMIMS and participating B-schools | National |
| KMAT 2026 | Admission to state/private universities in Karnataka | State-level |
| TANCET 2026 | Admission to MBA programs in Tamil Nadu | State-level |
Ques. Is KMAT conducted twice a year?
Ans. Yes, KMAT is usually conducted twice a year, once in July and again in December, but the actual exam schedule is released by the KMAT governing authority each year.
Ques. Is CAT more difficult than KMAT?
Ans. The following summarizes the differences between KMAT and CAT:
| Comparison | KMAT | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Difficulty | Average | High |
| Focus Areas | Fundamental mathematical, logical, and verbal skills | Advanced problem-solvingData interpretationLogical reasoningTime management |
| Competitiveness | Less competitive | Highly competitive |
| Objective | Admission to state/private universities in Karnataka | Admission to IIMs and top management institutes |
Ques. Which three MBA entrance exams are the most difficult in India?
Ans. The three toughest entrance exams in India are
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
- IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade exam) or GMAT for International Admissions
Ques. Can I get into IIM with a KMAT score?
Ans. No, KMAT scores are not accepted by IIMs. Admission to the IIMs is only through CAT or specific institute-level criteria. KMAT is generally for state/private colleges in Karnataka.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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Applications for KMAT Kerala 2024 were accepted from January 31, 2024, to February 12, 2024.
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The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) is an online, remote-proctored test that assesses a candidate's aptitude and skills for postgraduate management programs. The KMAT is designed to help candidates gain admission to MBA, PGDM, and MCA programs at management institutes and business schools across Karnataka.
Here are some key features of the KMAT:
The KMAT can help candidates get admission to MBA and MCA courses at prominent institutes in Bangalore and the rest of Karnataka
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