The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 was held on 25 January 2026 by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in a single shift across various test centres in India. Aspirants appeared for the computer-based test (CBT) to compete for admissions into MBA, PGDM and other management programmes for the 2026–27 academic session.
CMAT 2026 Exam Overview and Pattern
The CMAT 2026 exam comprised 100 multiple-choice questions distributed evenly across five sections. Each section carried 20 questions, with a total score of 400 marks; candidates earned 4 marks for each correct answer and incurred 1 mark deduction for incorrect responses. The sections included:
- Language Comprehension
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- General Awareness
Candidates were required to report at the exam centre early in the morning, with reporting times typically set well before the scheduled start to complete security and verification formalities.
Difficulty Level and Good Attempts
Based on live updates and student feedback:
- The overall difficulty level of the CMAT 2026 question paper was moderate.
- A good attempt score — reflecting competitive performance — is estimated at 70–75 questions answered accurately out of 100
Section-wise estimations for good attempts were:
- Language Comprehension: ~15-16
- Quant & DI: ~16-17
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: ~15-16
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: ~11-12
- General Awareness: ~10-11
What Happens Next: Answer Key and Results?
Following the exam, NTA is expected to release the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets soon. These documents will allow candidates to cross-verify answers and estimate their raw scores before the official result is published.
Once available, candidates will be able to:
- Download the answer key PDF from the NTA CMAT portal.
- Review the response sheet submitted at the exam centre.
- Raise challenges if discrepancies are found (during the challenge window).
After processing any objections, the final answer key and result/scorecard will be released. Candidates can check their percentiles and overall performance to determine eligibility for management college admissions based on their CMAT scores.
Exam Day and Preparation Tips (Retrospective)
Candidates had been advised ahead of the exam to:
- Carry the printed CMAT 2026 admit card and a valid photo ID.
- Reach the testing centre well before the reporting time to complete identity verification.
- Adhere to exam day guidelines including dress code and prohibited items.