CMAT 2026: Dates, Pattern, Syllabus,
Registration & Strategy
CMAT is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs across India. Get the complete guide to the exam structure, preparation, official updates, and next steps.
- Registration opened
- 17 October 2025
- Exam date
- 25 January 2026
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Result status
- Score card live
Always confirm dates on the official site: cmat.nta.nic.in
InsideIIM CMAT 2026
CMAT preparation, from five-section practice to college choices
Follow one preparation path for concepts, timed practice, mock analysis and post-score admission decisions.
Understand CMAT
Start with the notification status, eligibility, pattern and all five sections.
Prepare section by section
Build speed across Language, Quant, LR, GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Practise and analyse
Use sectional mocks, previous-year questions and review to increase attempts safely.
Choose colleges
Compare CMAT-accepting colleges and prepare for GD, PI and WAT after the score.
📚 Explore CMAT 2026 Sections
CMAT 2026 Overview
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to AICTE-approved management programs across India.
Key exam aspects include 5 sections (Language, Quant & DI, LR, GK, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), +4/−1 marking, and a typical duration of 180 minutes as per recent cycles.
📌 CMAT 2026 Highlights
Snapshot based on recent cycles (verify current bulletin):
| 📘 Name of Exam | CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) |
|---|---|
| 🏫 Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| 🌐 Official Website | https://cmat.nta.nic.in |
| 📅 Frequency | Once a year (typically) |
| 📝 Application Process | Online (NTA portal) |
| 🎓 Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree; final-year candidates eligible |
| ⏱️ Duration | 180 minutes (as per recent cycles) |
| 🧩 Sections | Language • Quant & DI • Logical Reasoning • General Awareness • Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| ❓ Questions | 100 (20 per section) – recent pattern reference |
| 📐 Marking Scheme | +4 for correct; −1 for incorrect (recent pattern) |
| 🗣️ Medium | English (CBT) |
| 🏛️ Admission | AICTE-approved institutes & universities |
📘 Name of Exam
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
🏫 Conducting Body
National Testing Agency (NTA)
🌐 Official Website
https://cmat.nta.nic.in
📅 Frequency
Once a year (typical)
📝 Application Process
Online
⏱️ Duration
180 minutes
🧩 Sections
Lang, Quant & DI, LR, GK, Innovation
📐 Marking
+4 / −1 (recent pattern)
📢 CMAT 2026 Notification
The CMAT 2026 schedule and result updates are available on the NTA CMAT website. Always rely on the official portal for score card access, fees, pattern, and rules.
🕒 Exam Structure (recent pattern)
- 5 sections; 20 questions per section
- +4 for correct, −1 for incorrect; no penalty for unattempted
- Total duration: 180 minutes (single sitting)
CMAT 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
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