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EXAM SYLLABUS

The CMAT 2026 syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ aptitude across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, verbal ability, reasoning skills, current affairs, and business awareness.

The syllabus focuses on evaluating problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills required for management studies.

The syllabus for CMAT is given below :- 

EXAM SYLLABUS

The CMAT 2026 syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ aptitude across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, verbal ability, reasoning skills, current affairs, and business awareness.

The syllabus focuses on evaluating problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills required for management studies.

The syllabus for CMAT is given below :- 

Note :-  The syllabus for the exam is as per prescribed by AICTE.

DETAILED SYLLABUS

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

The detailed Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation with topic description, topic example and difficulty is given below :-

Note :- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purpose only.

Language Comprehension

The detailed Syllabus for Language Comprehension with topic description, topic example and difficulty is given below :-

Note :- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purpose only.

Logical Reasoning

The detailed Syllabus for Logical Reasoning with topic description, topic example and difficulty is given below :-

Note :- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purpose only.

General Awareness

The detailed Syllabus for General Awareness with topic description, topic example, and difficulty is given below:-

Note :- The above examples to various topics are for illustrative purposes only.

Important Point

1. Core topics from Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation Section:- Date Interpretation, Ratio, and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Time, Speed and Distance, Geometry, Mensuration, Percentages, Simple and Compound Interest, Quadratic and Linear Equations.

2. Core topics from Language Comprehension Section:- Reading Comprehension, Idioms, and Phrases, Jumbled Paragraph, Parts of Speech.

3. Core topics from Logical Reasoning Section:- Blood Relationship, Statements-Conclusions, Statement - Arguments, Coding and Decoding, Analogy Test, Ranking Tests, Matrix Arrangements, Non-Verbal Reasoning.

4. Core topics from General Awareness Section:- History, Polity, Geography, Literature, Sports, Economics, Static GK.

EXAM PATTERN

CMAT will be conducted by NTA as three hour entrance Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates’ ability across various segments for admission to the Management Courses.

The section wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :-

Mode of Examination

CMAT Examination will be conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT). Questions will be Objective Type Multiple Choice in nature.

Medium of Examination

The medium of Question Paper shall be in English only.

Type of Questions

1. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

2. Each question has four options, with only one correct answer

Marking Scheme

Sections of the Test

1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

2. Logical Reasoning

3. Language Comprehension

4. General Awareness

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. Each question carries 04 (four) marks.

2. For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.

3. For each incorrect response, 1 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.

4. Un-answered/ un-attempted questions will be given no marks.

5. To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option as correct option.

6. However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or change in key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.

7. In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates who have attempted it.

Important Points to Note

1. There is no sectional time limit; candidates can move freely between sections

2. All sections carry equal weightage

3. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section tests creative thinking, business awareness, and problem-solving ability

EXAM PATTERN

CMAT will be conducted by NTA as three hour entrance Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates’ ability across various segments for admission to the Management Courses.

The section wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :-

Mode of Examination

CMAT Examination will be conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT). Questions will be Objective Type Multiple Choice in nature.

Medium of Examination

The medium of Question Paper shall be in English only.

Type of Questions

1. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

2. Each question has four options, with only one correct answer

Marking Scheme

Sections of the Test

1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

2. Logical Reasoning

3. Language Comprehension

4. General Awareness

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. Each question carries 04 (four) marks.

2. For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.

3. For each incorrect response, 1 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.

4. Un-answered/ un-attempted questions will be given no marks.

5. To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option as correct option.

6. However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or change in key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.

7. In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates who have attempted it.

Important Points to Note

1. There is no sectional time limit; candidates can move freely between sections

2. All sections carry equal weightage

3. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section tests creative thinking, business awareness, and problem-solving ability

4. The exam tests speed, accuracy, and overall aptitude

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates willing to apply for CMAT Examination are required to fulfil certain conditions to be eligible for it. The candidate who does not satisfy the Eligibility criteria like Age, Minimum educational qualification etc., their candidature shall be rejected by the authorities.
The criteria for eligibility CMAT are decided by the conduction body itself.

The candidate’s eligibility for CMAT Examination is based on the fulfilment of the following conditions :-

1. Nationality
2. Age Limit
3. Educational Qualifications
4. Reservations

Nationality

The candidate must be a citizen of India in order to be eligible for CMAT examination.

Age Limit

There is no age restriction for candidates appearing in CMAT examination.

Educational Qualification

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s Degree, whose result will be declared before commencement of admission for academic year 2026 - 27, can also apply for CMAT 2026.

Reservations

In the case of Institutes run by the Central Government, the reservation would be applicable as mentioned below:

1 - 15% of the seats Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.

2 - 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates

3 - 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates as per the Central List*

4 - 10% of the seats for General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS) candidates

5 - Persons with Disability/ Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) –  5% seats in each of the GENERAL, GEN-EWS, OBC- NCL, SC and ST category seats

Important Points to Note

1. Only Indian candidates are eligible for CMAT exam.

2. Candidates of any age are eligible for exam.

3. Candidate should possess a Bachelors degree in any Discipline,

4. Reservations will be provided as per the category of the candidate.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a national-level exam for admission to MBA/PGDM and other management programs in over 1,300 AICTE-approved institutions. The exam will be held on January 25, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode (likely in two shifts: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and 3:00 PM–6:00 PM), lasting 3 hours, in English only.

EXAM ANALYSIS 2025

The CMAT 2025 exam was conducted on 25 January 2025 in two shifts. The question paper consisted of 100 objective-type questions, divided equally into five sections with 20 questions each. The total exam was of 400 marks, and candidates were given 3 hours to complete it. Each correct answer was awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark was deducted for every incorrect response.

CMAT 2025 Shift 1 Exam Analysis

The CMAT 2025 Shift 1 examination has been completed, and a detailed section-wise evaluation of the paper is being presented. Drawing from candidates’ reactions and expert analysis, this overview highlights the exam structure, difficulty level, and expected number of good attempts.

EXAM ANALYSIS 2025

The CMAT 2025 exam was conducted on 25 January 2025 in two shifts. The question paper consisted of 100 objective-type questions, divided equally into five sections with 20 questions each. The total exam was of 400 marks, and candidates were given 3 hours to complete it. Each correct answer was awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark was deducted for every incorrect response.

CMAT 2025 Shift 1 Exam Analysis

The CMAT 2025 Shift 1 examination has been completed, and a detailed section-wise evaluation of the paper is being presented. Drawing from candidates’ reactions and expert analysis, this overview highlights the exam structure, difficulty level, and expected number of good attempts.

Section-wise Analysis

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

This section featured a balanced mix of easy to moderate questions, mainly testing basic arithmetic and data interpretation skills. Candidates with strong fundamentals found it manageable and scoring.

Logical Reasoning

Students described this section as moderately challenging, with a combination of questions that tested critical thinking as well as direct logical problem-solving abilities.

Language Comprehension

The Language Comprehension section was of moderate difficulty, requiring good reading comprehension skills and vocabulary knowledge to answer questions accurately.

General Awareness

Candidates found this section difficult, as it placed significant emphasis on current affairs along with a strong foundation in general knowledge.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This section was generally perceived as easy to moderate, focusing more on conceptual understanding rather than complex or lengthy problem-solving, which many candidates found encouraging.

EXAM ANALYSIS 2024 (SHIFT 1)

The paper analysis of CMAT 2024 Shift 1 is described here. According to the student feedback, overall difficulty is difficult from medium. Students stated that logical reasoning was the simplest. A detailed section wise analysis has been provided with an excellent attempt.

COMMON MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST (CMAT) 2023 ANALYSIS

CMAT 2023 is being conducted on May 04, 2023 in two shift between 9 AM to 12 Noon (Shift 1) and 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM (Shift 2). This is the CMAT 2023 analysis of the Shift 1.

COMMON MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST (CMAT) 2022 ANALYSIS

NTA conducted CMAT 2022 on April 9 in a single shift from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in CBT mode. CMAT 2022 was rated moderately difficult by the students who appeared for the exam
This analysis will help all the candidates who have appeared in the exam or all those aspirants who are going to appear for the CMAT Exam in the future.

CMAT 2022 Exam Analysis Section-wise

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

The section consisted of 20 questions. The overall difficulty level was easy to moderate. A good percentage of questions were from Arithmetic and the questions of DI were slightly tedious and time-consuming. Some of the questions from probability were also slightly tricky. Overall, an attempt of 15 questions in this section will be considered a good attempt.

Logical Reasoning

There were 16 math-based reasoning questions. There was a set on blood relations consisting of 4 questions. Questions appeared from areas like Code decoding, Venn diagram, Rank, Analogy, number series, and direction.

The breakup of questions is as follows:

Language Comprehension

General Awareness

Much like the last year, this year also, the General Awareness Section was dominated by questions from Static GK. Some of the questions were tricky. There were hardly any questions from Current Affairs except one from politics. The broad topics covered in Static GK were Indian History, Polity and Science.

The breakup is as follows:

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Innovation & Entrepreneurship was the easiest section of this paper. It was dominated by the Business GK questions involving brands, logos and basic definitions of business terms. Anyone with an entrepreneurial/business mindset could attempt 15+ questions in this section.

Some of the areas from which the questions were asked included:

1. Brand Taglines (Raymond, Amul)
2. Government intervention in entrepreneurship (Role of govt, startup India program)
3. Founders of Startups (OYO, Lenskart, Sugar Cosmetics)
4. Adequacy of Market
5. Most Viable Product (MVP)

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) Analysis 2021

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been recently successfully conducted for CMAT on March 31st, 2021, followed by Previous Year Papers.

 This year NTA conducted CMAT in two shifts from 9.00 AM to 12.30 PM and from 3 PM to 6.30 PM as a computer-based test.

STUDY TIPS

To prepare effectively for the CMAT exam, candidates should build strong fundamentals in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning through regular practice. Reading newspapers and current affairs magazines daily helps improve General Awareness and Language Comprehension. Solving previous year papers and mock tests is essential for understanding the exam pattern and improving time management. Consistent revision and maintaining accuracy during practice are key to achieving a high score.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Start by thoroughly understanding the CMAT exam structure, sections, marking scheme, and syllabus. Knowing the weightage of each section helps you plan your preparation strategically and avoid unnecessary topics.

2. Strengthen Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Focus on building strong fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Practice calculations daily to improve speed and accuracy. Learn shortcuts and formulas, and regularly solve sectional questions.

3. Master Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning requires consistent practice. Work on topics such as series, puzzles, syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, and critical reasoning. Try to analyze each question logically rather than guessing.

4. Improve Language Comprehension

Enhance your reading and comprehension skills by reading newspapers, magazines, and editorials. Practice grammar rules, sentence correction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension passages to boost accuracy.

5. Prepare for General Awareness

Stay updated with current affairs, business news, static GK, and recent events. Make short notes of important news, awards, sports, economy, and national & international developments.

6. Focus on Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This section tests conceptual understanding and business awareness. Read about startups, innovation trends, basic management concepts, and entrepreneurship-related topics.

7. Practice Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers

Solve full-length mock tests and previous years’ question papers regularly. This helps you understand the exam difficulty, manage time efficiently, and identify weak areas.

8. Work on Time Management & Accuracy

Practice completing mock tests within the 3-hour time limit. Avoid negative marking by attempting questions wisely and focusing on accuracy.

9. Regular Revision

Revise formulas, concepts, vocabulary, and GK notes weekly. Consistent revision helps retain information and boosts confidence.

10. Maintain a Healthy Routine

Follow a balanced study schedule, take short breaks, eat healthy, and get enough sleep to stay focused and stress-free during preparation.

6 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Month 1: Foundation Building

Understand the CMAT exam pattern and syllabus

Start Quantitative Techniques: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest

Begin Logical Reasoning basics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations

Read newspapers daily to improve Language Comprehension and General Awareness

Learn basic concepts of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Month 2: Core Concepts Development

Quantitative Techniques: Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Mixtures

STUDY TIPS

To prepare effectively for the CMAT exam, candidates should build strong fundamentals in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning through regular practice. Reading newspapers and current affairs magazines daily helps improve General Awareness and Language Comprehension. Solving previous year papers and mock tests is essential for understanding the exam pattern and improving time management. Consistent revision and maintaining accuracy during practice are key to achieving a high score.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Start by thoroughly understanding the CMAT exam structure, sections, marking scheme, and syllabus. Knowing the weightage of each section helps you plan your preparation strategically and avoid unnecessary topics.

2. Strengthen Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Focus on building strong fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Practice calculations daily to improve speed and accuracy. Learn shortcuts and formulas, and regularly solve sectional questions.

3. Master Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning requires consistent practice. Work on topics such as series, puzzles, syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, and critical reasoning. Try to analyze each question logically rather than guessing.

4. Improve Language Comprehension

Enhance your reading and comprehension skills by reading newspapers, magazines, and editorials. Practice grammar rules, sentence correction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension passages to boost accuracy.

5. Prepare for General Awareness

Stay updated with current affairs, business news, static GK, and recent events. Make short notes of important news, awards, sports, economy, and national & international developments.

6. Focus on Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This section tests conceptual understanding and business awareness. Read about startups, innovation trends, basic management concepts, and entrepreneurship-related topics.

7. Practice Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers

Solve full-length mock tests and previous years’ question papers regularly. This helps you understand the exam difficulty, manage time efficiently, and identify weak areas.

8. Work on Time Management & Accuracy

Practice completing mock tests within the 3-hour time limit. Avoid negative marking by attempting questions wisely and focusing on accuracy.

9. Regular Revision

Revise formulas, concepts, vocabulary, and GK notes weekly. Consistent revision helps retain information and boosts confidence.

10. Maintain a Healthy Routine

Follow a balanced study schedule, take short breaks, eat healthy, and get enough sleep to stay focused and stress-free during preparation.

6 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Month 1: Foundation Building

Understand the CMAT exam pattern and syllabus

Start Quantitative Techniques: Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest

Begin Logical Reasoning basics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations

Read newspapers daily to improve Language Comprehension and General Awareness

Learn basic concepts of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Month 2: Core Concepts Development

Quantitative Techniques: Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Mixtures

Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts

Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangements

Language Comprehension: Grammar rules, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension

General Awareness: Static GK (History, Geography, Economy)

Month 3: Advanced Topics

Quantitative Techniques: Algebra, Geometry, Number System

Data Interpretation: Caselets and Mixed DI sets

Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Critical Reasoning

Language Comprehension: Para-jumbles, Sentence Correction

Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Startups, Business Models, Government Initiatives

Month 4: Practice & Strengthening

Start section-wise mock tests

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas

Increase speed and accuracy in Quantitative and Reasoning

Revise current affairs of the last 6–8 months

Practice previous year CMAT question papers

Month 5: Full-Length Mock Tests

Attempt 2–3 full-length mocks per week

Focus on time management and negative marking

Improve accuracy in weaker sections

Revise formulas, GK notes, vocabulary daily

Work on exam strategy and section-wise time allocation

Month 6: Final Revision & Exam Readiness

Attempt 3–4 full mocks per week

Revise all important concepts and short notes

Focus on General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Analyze mock performance and fine-tune strategy

Stay calm, maintain health, and revise lightly before the exam

Preparation Tips

Study 4–6 hours daily consistently

Practice mental calculations and shortcuts

Avoid over-attempting to reduce negative marking

3 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Month 1: Concept Building & Basics

Understand the CMAT exam pattern and syllabus

Quantitative Techniques: Arithmetic topics (Percentages, Ratio, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time & Work)

Logical Reasoning: Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relations, Direction Sense

Language Comprehension: Grammar basics, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension

General Awareness: Start current affairs (last 6 months)

Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Basic concepts of startups and business terms

Month 2: Practice & Skill Enhancement

Quantitative Techniques: Algebra, Number System, Geometry

Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Caselets

Logical Reasoning: Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Syllogisms

Language Comprehension: Para-jumbles, Sentence Correction

General Awareness: Static GK + Current Affairs

Attempt section-wise mock tests

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas

Month 3: Revision & Mock Tests

Attempt full-length mock tests (2–3 per week)

Focus on time management and accuracy

Revise formulas, vocabulary, and GK notes regularly

Solve previous year CMAT question papers

Strengthen Innovation & Entrepreneurship concepts

Finalize exam strategy and section order

1 MONTH STUDY PLAN

Week 1: Quick Revision of Basics

Revise Quantitative Techniques formulas: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Averages

Practice Data Interpretation sets (tables, bar graphs, pie charts)

Revise Logical Reasoning basics: Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations

Start daily current affairs revision (last 6–8 months)

Read editorials to improve Language Comprehension

Week 2: Strengthening & Practice

Practice Algebra and Geometry questions

Solve Logical Reasoning puzzles and seating arrangements

Revise grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading comprehension

Continue General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship topics

Attempt section-wise mock tests

Week 3: Full-Length Mock Tests

Take 2–3 full CMAT mock tests

Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas

Improve speed, accuracy, and time management

Revise GK notes, important business terms, and startup-related topics

Week 4: Final Revision & Exam Strategy

Attempt 2–3 full-length mock tests

Revise all formulas, short notes, and important concepts

Focus on accuracy and avoid guesswork

Light revision in the last few days and stay relaxed before the exam

Last-Minute Tips

Revise daily, don’t learn new topics

Focus on accuracy to reduce negative marking

Stay calm and confident

OVERVIEW

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to management programmes across the country. This test enables AICTE-affiliated and participating institutions to select eligible graduate candidates for admission into MBA/PGDM and other management courses. CMAT is an aptitude-based examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is accepted by numerous B-Schools across India.

Earlier, the examination was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) until 2018, while NTA has been conducting CMAT since 2019. The CMAT 2026 exam is a three-hour computer-based online test, designed to assess candidates’ abilities in Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has the following eligibility requirements to appear in the exam:

Nationality

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

There is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT- 2026.

Education Qualification

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s Degree, whose result will be declared before commencement of admission for academic year 2026 - 27, can also apply for CMAT 2026.

Reservations

In the case of Institutes run by the Central Government, the reservation would be applicable as mentioned below:

1 - 15% of the seats Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.

2 - 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates

3 - 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates as per the Central List*

4 - 10% of the seats for General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS) candidates

5 - Persons with Disability/ Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) –  5% seats in each of the GENERAL, GEN-EWS, OBC- NCL, SC and ST category seats

EXAM PATTERN

CMAT will be conducted by NTA as three hour entrance Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates’ ability across various segments for admission to the Management Courses.

The section wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :-

OVERVIEW

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to management programmes across the country. This test enables AICTE-affiliated and participating institutions to select eligible graduate candidates for admission into MBA/PGDM and other management courses. CMAT is an aptitude-based examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is accepted by numerous B-Schools across India.

Earlier, the examination was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) until 2018, while NTA has been conducting CMAT since 2019. The CMAT 2026 exam is a three-hour computer-based online test, designed to assess candidates’ abilities in Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has the following eligibility requirements to appear in the exam:

Nationality

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

There is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT- 2026.

Education Qualification

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s Degree, whose result will be declared before commencement of admission for academic year 2026 - 27, can also apply for CMAT 2026.

Reservations

In the case of Institutes run by the Central Government, the reservation would be applicable as mentioned below:

1 - 15% of the seats Scheduled Castes (SC) candidates.

2 - 7.5% seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates

3 - 27% seats for Other Backward Classes (OBC) Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates as per the Central List*

4 - 10% of the seats for General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS) candidates

5 - Persons with Disability/ Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) –  5% seats in each of the GENERAL, GEN-EWS, OBC- NCL, SC and ST category seats

EXAM PATTERN

CMAT will be conducted by NTA as three hour entrance Examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode to evaluate the candidates’ ability across various segments for admission to the Management Courses.

The section wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :-

Key Highlights

Total Questions: 100 (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs with 4 options each)

Total Marks: 400

Marking Scheme

+4 marks for each correct answer

-1 mark for each incorrect answer

0 marks for unattempted questions

EXAM SYLLABUS

The CMAT 2026 syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ aptitude across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It covers topics such as arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, verbal ability, reasoning skills, current affairs, and business awareness. The syllabus focuses on evaluating problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills required for management studies.

1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Date Interpretation, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combination/ Probability, Geometry, Time, Speed and Distance, Number System, Allegations & Mixtures, Fractions and Decimals, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Simple and Compound Interest, etc.

2. Language Comprehension

Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Parts of Speech, Idioms and Phrases, Cloze Test, Jumbled Paragraph, One-Word Substitution, Sentence Improvement, etc.

3. Logical Reasoning

Blood Relationship, Statements-Conclusions, Statement - Inferences, Ranking Tests, Number Series, Analogy Test, Direction and Distance, Coding and Decoding, Statements - assumptions, Cause and Effects, Matrix Arrangements, Sequencing, etc.

4. General Awareness

Current Affairs, History, Trade Awareness, Polity, Sports, Politics, Geography, Economics, Science, Literature, Static GK, etc.

5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Concepts of Innovation, Entrepreneur -definitions, Types, Theories of Entrepreneurship, Innovation Framework, Types of Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Challenges, The legal structure of startups, Role of the Government in promoting Entrepreneurship, Funding of startups, arketing and growth strategy, etc. 

SELECTION PROCESS

CMAT 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to MBA and PGDM courses in AICTE approved institutes. Eligible candidates must be graduates or final year students. Candidates apply online, download admit card, and appear in a computer based test covering Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. After the exam, results and scorecards are released online.

CMAT score is used by colleges to shortlist candidates. NTA does not conduct counselling. Candidates must apply separately to institutes. Shortlisted candidates may have to appear for Group Discussion, Written Ability Test, and Personal Interview. Final selection is based on CMAT score, performance in selection rounds, and academic background. After document verification and fee payment, final admission is confirmed.

1. Conducting Authority

The CMAT 2026 exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).

2. Eligibility Checklist

Candidate must be a graduate from any discipline from a recognized university.

Final-year students of graduation are also eligible provided they can produce proof of passing before admission.

3. Online Registration (Application)

Registration opens on the official CMAT portal.

Candidates must fill in personal, academic, contact details and upload a photograph & signature online.

Application fee must be paid online (varies by category).

After submission, download the confirmation page for future reference.

Typical fee structure:

General male: Rs. 2,500

Female / Reserved / PwD / Third gender: Rs. 1,250 (approx.)

4. Application Correction Window

NTA provides an online correction window to make edits to the submitted application.

This is generally open for a limited period after the registration deadline.

5. Exam City Intimation Slip

Before the admit card, NTA releases an Exam City Slip.

This slip tells candidates the city allotted for their CMAT exam.

6. Admit Card (Hall Ticket)

NTA issues the admit card online before the exam; it is not sent by post.

Candidates must download and carry it to the exam centre with a valid photo ID.

7. CMAT 2026 Exam (Written Test)

The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Duration is 3 hours with objective-type questions from:

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning

Language Comprehension

General Awareness

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Each correct answer carries marks, and there is negative marking for wrong answers.

8. Answer Key & Results

After the exam, NTA releases a provisional answer key (usually online).

Candidates can challenge the key within a defined period (if allowed).

Final CMAT 2026 Results / Scorecard are published online (showing percentile).

9. Score Acceptance

CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE-approved B-schools / MBA programmes across India.

However, NTA does not conduct a centralised admission or counselling — it only conducts the exam.

10. Application to Colleges

After results, candidates must apply separately to participating institutions using their CMAT score.

Each college publishes its cut-off scores / shortlisting criteria based on CMAT percentiles.

11. Shortlisting for Further Rounds

Colleges shortlist candidates based on their CMAT score meeting the cut-off.

Shortlisted candidates are called for further rounds such as:

Group Discussion (GD)

Personal Interview (PI)

Some institutes may include Written Ability Test (WAT).

12. Group Discussion (GD)

GD assesses communication skills, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving.

Candidates discuss a topic in a group and are evaluated by panel members.

13. Personal Interview (PI)

PI is a face-to-face interview with a panel of experts from the institute.

Focus is on assessing personality, motivation, career goals, subject knowledge, and suitability.

14. Final Merit List & Seat Offer

Final selection at each college is based on a combination of:

CMAT score

GD performance

PI performance

Academic profile & other criteria (may vary by institute)

Candidates receive offer letters from respective institutes based on merit and seat availability.

15. Document Verification

After selection, candidates must produce original documents for verification.

Documents typically include:

CMAT scorecard

Admit card

Graduation mark sheet

Photo ID

Category / PwD certificates (if applicable)

16. Admission & Fee Payment

After document verification, candidates must confirm admission by paying the required fees.

Colleges then issue joining instructions and orientation details.