NTA Conducted · National Level · Held Jan 25, 2026
CMAT 2027:
Score vs Percentile.
National MBA Gateway.
Syllabus & Pattern Guide.
Score vs Percentile · Syllabus · Top 12 Colleges · JBIMS Cutoff
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is conducted by NTA and accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved MBA colleges across India — including JBIMS Mumbai, K.J. Somaiya, SIMSREE, and GIM Goa. With a 99+ percentile giving you a real shot at top colleges, CMAT is one of the most accessible high-ROI MBA entrance exams in India.
CMAT 2027 At a Glance Updated August 2026
Conducting BodyNTA (National Testing Agency)
Exam LevelNational — All India
ModeOnline CBT (Computer Based Test)
Duration3 Hours
Sections5 Sections (including Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Total Questions100
Marking Scheme+4 per correct · −1 per wrong
Max Score400
Exam DateJanuary 25, 2026 (held)
Application Fee₹2,500 (General Male) · ₹1,250 (Female/Reserved)
Score ValidityCurrent cycle only (~1 year)
CMAT 2026 was held January 25, 2026, and retained the 5-section format introduced in 2021, including the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section. Result was released February 17, 2026. Scores are valid for the current admission cycle only (approximately 1 year from exam date).
Exam Pattern
Section-Wise Breakdown.
CMAT has 5 sections with 20 questions each. All sections are attempted in a single 3-hour window — there are no sectional time limits. You can move freely between sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 | Arithmetic, Algebra, DI, Geometry, Modern Maths |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 | Arrangements, Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Critical Reasoning |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 | RC Passages, Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 | Current Affairs, Business GK, Static GK, Economy |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 | Startup ecosystem, innovation concepts, case-based questions |
| Total | 100 | 400 | +4 correct · −1 wrong · No sectional time limit |
No sectional time limit: Unlike CAT, you can spend the full 3 hours on any section you choose. Most toppers recommend front-loading QT and LR (where accuracy matters most) and managing GA strategically. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section was added in 2021 — expect case-based or conceptual questions, not rote facts.
Syllabus
What To Actually Study.
The topics below are based on NTA's official syllabus and past CMAT papers.
Quantitative Techniques & DI
Arithmetic
● Percentage
● Profit, Loss & Discount
● Simple & Compound Interest
● Ratio, Proportion & Variation
● Mixtures & Alligations
● Averages
● Time & Work (incl. pipes & cisterns)
● Time, Speed & Distance
Algebra
● Linear & quadratic equations
● Inequalities
● Sequences & Series (AP, GP)
Number System
● Divisibility rules, LCM & HCF
● Remainders & factors/multiples
Geometry & Mensuration
● Triangles, circles & quadrilaterals
● Mensuration — 2D area & 3D volume/surface area
● Basic coordinate geometry
Modern Maths
● Permutation & Combination
● Probability
● Set Theory
Data Interpretation
● Tables & multi-table sets
● Bar, line & pie graphs
● Caselets — data embedded in text form
Logical Reasoning
Arrangement & Puzzles
● Seating arrangement — linear, circular, complex multi-row
● Puzzles — distribution & matching-based
Verbal-Logic Sets
● Syllogisms — Venn diagram based and statement-conclusion
● Coding-Decoding
● Blood relations & family-tree sets
● Direction sense
Analytical & Visual Reasoning
● Number & letter series, Input-Output
● Visual/figure-based reasoning — pattern completion, odd-one-out
● Statement-conclusion & critical reasoning — strengthen, weaken, assumption, inference
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
● 2–3 passages — inference & vocab-in-context
● Author's tone, central idea & fact-vs-opinion questions
Verbal Ability
● Para-jumbles & para-completion
● Grammar — sentence correction, error spotting, fill-in-the-blanks
● Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitution
● Critical reasoning passages appear here occasionally too
General Awareness
Static GK
● History, geography & polity
● Basic science & general science facts
Current Affairs
● National & international events — last 6–12 months
● Government schemes & policy news
Business & Economy
● Budget highlights, RBI policy & market news
● Company founders, taglines, mergers & acquisitions
Sports & Awards
● Major sporting events & winners
● National & international awards
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Startup & Business-Model Awareness
● Startup ecosystem — funding stages, unicorns, Indian startup news
● Business models & types of businesses
Entrepreneurship Concepts
● Design thinking, lean startup, MVP, pivoting
● Social entrepreneurship
● Case-based questions — apply concepts to short business scenarios
● Not rote-GK based — logical reading & basic startup awareness is sufficient
Scoring
Understanding Your Score.
CMAT uses a +4/−1 scheme. Max score is 400. Percentile is based on your total score relative to all test-takers. Here's how scores map to college competitiveness.
99.5%+
JBIMS / SIMSREE
Target for JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, K.J. Somaiya. Extremely competitive — top 0.5% of test-takers.
97–99.5%
Tier-1 CMAT Colleges
GIM Goa, BIMTECH, IPE Hyderabad, XIME Bangalore. Strong profile needed alongside high percentile.
90–97%
Good Tier-2 Options
PUMBA, MET Mumbai, SIES, Welingkar (distance). Many solid programs available in this band.
Below 90%
Limited Tier-1 Access
Retake recommended for top colleges. Many state-level and niche programs still accessible.
Score vs Percentile: CMAT percentile depends on the number of test-takers and overall difficulty. A score of 290–315+ typically yields 98th–99th percentile (see the table below for year-wise bands). GA and Innovation sections are high-leverage — many students skip preparation for them and lose easy marks. Don't.
Score vs Percentile
How Many Marks = Which Percentile?
CMAT is out of 400 marks (+4/−1). This table maps approximate raw scores to overall percentile bands across 5 recent years, helping you set a realistic target score.
| Percentile | CMAT 2025 | CMAT 2024 | CMAT 2023 | CMAT 2022 | CMAT 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.9%+ | 370–400 | 360–400 | 365–400 | 355–400 | 360–400 |
| 99.5% | 340–369 | 335–359 | 340–364 | 330–354 | 335–359 |
| 99% | 315–339 | 310–334 | 315–339 | 305–329 | 310–334 |
| 98% | 290–314 | 285–309 | 290–314 | 280–304 | 285–309 |
| 97% | 270–289 | 265–284 | 268–289 | 260–279 | 265–284 |
| 95% | 245–269 | 240–264 | 243–267 | 235–259 | 240–264 |
| 90% | 210–244 | 205–239 | 208–242 | 200–234 | 205–239 |
| 85% | 185–209 | 180–204 | 182–207 | 175–199 | 180–204 |
| 80% | 160–184 | 155–179 | 158–181 | 150–174 | 155–179 |
Section-Wise Score Targets (out of 80 per section)
Each section is out of 80 (20 Qs × 4 marks). CMAT has no sectional time limit or sectional cutoff — only total score matters. Here's what 95th–99th %ile scorers typically clock per section.
| Section (Max 80) | Target for 95%ile+ | Target for 99%ile+ | Key focus areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & DI | 52–60 | 68–76 | Arithmetic, DI sets, Algebra |
| Logical Reasoning | 56–64 | 72–76 | Syllogisms, Series, Arrangements |
| Language Comprehension | 56–64 | 68–72 | RC passages, Para-jumbles, Vocab |
| General Awareness | 44–56 | 60–72 | Current affairs (last 6 months), Static GK |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 48–56 | 64–72 | Startup ecosystem, Case reading |
| Total (Max 400) | 245–270 | 315–340 | No sectional cutoff — total only |
Important: CMAT percentile depends heavily on the number of test-takers and paper difficulty — both vary year to year. The GA and Innovation sections are high-leverage: most students skip these, but they account for 160 of the 400 marks. A strong GA + Innovation score can compensate for a weaker QT performance. Score data compiled from NTA result analysis and verified coverage from 2021–2025. Use as directional targets. See college-wise cutoffs →
How To Register
Step-by-Step Process.
Confirmed dates for the completed CMAT 2026 cycle.
October 17, 2025
Application Window Opened
NTA released the CMAT 2026 notification at cmat.nta.nic.in. Registration ran October 17 – November 24, 2025. Application fee: ₹2,500 (General Male), ₹1,250 (Female/Transgender/SC/ST/PwD).
January 2026
Admit Card Released
Downloaded from cmat.nta.nic.in using application number and date of birth.
January 25, 2026
CMAT 2026 Exam
Held in a single day across multiple shifts. Duration: 3 hours.
February 17, 2026
Result & Scorecard
NTA released the result and scorecard. Required for all college applications.
March–June 2026
College Applications & GDPI
Apply to individual colleges using your CMAT scorecard. Each college has its own application process and deadline. Shortlisted candidates are called for GD/PI/WAT rounds.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
Check if you meet the eligibility requirements before applying for CMAT 2027.
Graduate in Any Stream
Must hold a bachelor's degree (any stream) from a recognised university. Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories) required by most colleges.
Final Year Students Eligible
Students appearing in the final year of graduation can apply provisionally. Admission is confirmed only after producing the final marksheet.
No Age Limit
NTA does not set any age limit for CMAT. Individual colleges may have their own age criteria — verify at each college's admission page.
Open to All Nationalities
Indian nationals and NRI/OCI candidates can appear for CMAT. Foreign nationals may need to check individual college policies for international student admissions.
Important: CMAT is the admission test for PGDM/MBA programs at AICTE-approved institutions. It is not accepted by IIMs (which use CAT) or XLRI (which uses XAT). Verify that your target colleges accept CMAT scores before applying.
Selection Process
Your CMAT Score Is The Main Event.
Unlike CAT, NTA itself never runs a centralized interview for CMAT. For most AICTE-approved colleges, your percentile does almost all the work — with a few notable institute-specific exceptions.
1. CMAT Score / Percentile
NTA's role ends here — it conducts the exam and declares your score and percentile. There is no NTA-run interview, GD, or WAT stage after CMAT. Your percentile becomes the primary filter every college and counselling body uses next.
2. Score-Based Shortlisting & Counselling
Most AICTE-approved and GFTI colleges shortlist and admit largely on CMAT percentile directly, through their own application process or a state/central counselling round that recognizes CMAT scores. For a large share of CMAT seats nationally, this is the entire process.
3. Institute-Specific GD / PI / WAT
Some individual institutes run their own Group Discussion, Personal Interview, or Written Ability Test after shortlisting candidates on CMAT score. Certain seats at colleges like JBIMS — which primarily fills through Maharashtra's MAH-MBA-CET — may also involve separate state-linked processes for CMAT-route candidates. Always check each target college's own admission page rather than assuming a uniform process.
4. Final Merit & Document Verification
Colleges publish a merit list combining CMAT score/percentile with academic record and, where applicable, GD-PI-WAT performance. Document verification and fee payment complete the admission. Weightage formulas are entirely institute-specific and can change each cycle.
Don't overstate the interview stage: for the large majority of CMAT-accepting AICTE colleges, there is no separate national interview — your CMAT percentile plus the college's own (often score-dominant) process decides admission. A handful of top institutes and certain seat categories are the exception, not the rule. Always verify the exact process on your target college's official admission page.
Where CMAT Can Take You
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Score.
The MBA institutes that matter most for CMAT aspirants — sorted by prestige and typical cutoff. CMAT is accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved colleges. These 12 are the ones worth targeting.
All Top CMAT MBA Colleges
| # | College | City | CMAT Cutoff %ile | Avg. Package | Intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JBIMS | Mumbai | 99.95%+ | ₹26 LPA ✓ | ~120 |
| 2 | SIMSREE | Mumbai | 99.8%+ | ₹12 LPA ✓ | ~120 |
| 3 | K.J. Somaiya | Mumbai | 97–99% | ₹14 LPA ✓ | ~240 |
| 4 | GIM Goa | Goa | 95–98% | ₹13 LPA ✓ | ~420 |
| 5 | BIMTECH | Greater Noida | 92–96% | ~₹10 LPA | ~240 |
| 6 | PUMBA | Pune | 90–95% | ~₹7 LPA | ~120 |
| 7 | IPE Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 90–95% | ~₹8 LPA | ~240 |
| 8 | XIME Bengaluru | Bengaluru | 88–93% | ~₹8 LPA | ~180 |
| 9 | Welingkar | Mumbai / Bengaluru | 85–92% | ~₹8 LPA | ~300 |
| 10 | MET Mumbai | Mumbai | 80–90% | ~₹7 LPA | ~120 |
| 11 | SIES Mumbai | Mumbai | 80–90% | ~₹6 LPA | ~120 |
| 12 | IBA Bengaluru | Bengaluru | 75–85% | ~₹6 LPA | ~120 |
Data notes: ✓ rows use verified placement data from official brochures. ~ rows are directional estimates. Cutoffs shift year to year based on difficulty and applicant pool. CMAT has no sectional cutoff — only total percentile matters for shortlisting. Each college runs its own GD/PI/WAT after shortlisting. Always confirm deadlines and requirements at each college's official website.
Gujarat Top 10 Colleges (through CMAT / ACPC)
The Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC) conducts centralized counselling for MBA admissions across Gujarat based strictly on CMAT scores. Below are the most sought-after institutes in this process.
| # | Institute | City | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B.K. School of Business Management | Ahmedabad | Gujarat University |
| 2 | K.S. School of Business Management | Ahmedabad | Gujarat University |
| 3 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) | Vadodara | M.S. University of Baroda |
| 4 | L.J. Institute of Management Studies | Ahmedabad | GTU |
| 5 | N.R. Institute of Business Management (GLS) | Ahmedabad | GLS University / GTU |
| 6 | Som-Lalit Institute of Business Management | Ahmedabad | Gujarat University |
| 7 | Chimanbhai Patel Institute of Management | Ahmedabad | GTU |
| 8 | Department of Business Management | Rajkot | Saurashtra University |
| 9 | S.R. Luthra Institute of Management | Surat | GTU |
| 10 | V.M. Patel Institute of Management | Mehsana | Ganpat University |
Previous Year Analysis
What Actually Shifts Year To Year.
General trend observations across recent CMAT cycles — treat these as directional patterns to guide preparation focus, not exact statistics.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Trend
● The newest of the 5 sections (added 2021), so its weightage and question style have historically been less predictable than the older sections
● Mix of factual startup-awareness questions and case-based/conceptual ones — the balance between the two has varied across recent papers
● Still the section most candidates underprepare for, which keeps it a high-opportunity area regardless of exact weightage shifts
QT & DI Trend
● Difficulty has generally trended upward in recent cycles compared to earlier CMAT papers
● DI sets have leaned more calculation-heavy, rewarding speed and accuracy together rather than either alone
● Arithmetic remains the most consistently high-weightage topic group within the section
General Awareness Trend
● Remains the highest-yield section for quick score gains, since most candidates prepare it the least
● Consistent mix of current affairs, static GK, and business/economy news across recent years
● Well-prepared candidates tend to separate themselves from the pack here, more than in QT or LR
Logical Reasoning Trend
● Consistently one of the more scoring sections with focused practice — arrangement and puzzle-based sets dominate
● Question style has stayed relatively stable compared to the newer sections
Language Comprehension Trend
● RC and vocabulary-heavy pattern has stayed fairly consistent across recent years
● Grammar and para-jumble questions continue to appear alongside RC passages
Takeaway: Since CMAT has no sectional cutoff, balanced preparation across all 5 sections — especially General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which most candidates neglect — tends to move your overall percentile more than over-optimizing any single section. See the Score vs Percentile section above for year-by-year score bands.
Preparation Strategy
A Different Plan For Every Starting Point.
CMAT prep isn't one-size-fits-all — and General Awareness plus Innovation & Entrepreneurship reward a different kind of daily discipline than QT or LR.
Beginner (First Attempt, 4–5 Months Out)
Build QT fundamentals from the basics up and start a daily RC-reading habit. Start a current-affairs notebook from day one — GA prep compounds over months, so the earlier you start reading, the less you cram later. Don't attempt full mocks yet; focus on topic-wise practice.
Intermediate (One Mock Attempted, 2–4 Months Out)
Start sectional tests to isolate weak topics across all 5 sections. Layer in a weekly current-affairs capsule and a light Innovation & Entrepreneurship primer (startup news, basic business-model concepts). 2 full-length mocks per week with an error log covering every section, not just QT/LR.
Advanced (Targeting 99%ile+, <6 Weeks Out)
Since CMAT has no sectional cutoff, push hardest on your highest-leverage gaps — usually GA and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, since most competitors underprepare them. 3–4 full mocks per week, daily current-affairs revision, and case-based Innovation & Entrepreneurship practice.
Working Professional (Limited Daily Hours)
Time-boxed study: 1–1.5 hours on weekdays, 4–5 hours on weekends. Use commute time specifically for current-affairs reading and RC — it's the most "gap-time friendly" prep you can do for CMAT. Prioritize GA and Innovation & Entrepreneurship first since they're high-yield and lower-effort per mark than QT.
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FAQ
Common Questions.
What is CMAT?+
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency). It is accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved MBA colleges in India, including JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, K.J. Somaiya, GIM Goa, and BIMTECH.
What is the CMAT 2027 exam pattern?+
CMAT 2027 has 5 sections with 20 questions each: Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Total: 100 questions, 400 marks, 3 hours. Marking: +4 for correct, −1 for wrong. No sectional time limits.
What is a good CMAT score for top colleges?+
A 99.5th percentile or above is required for JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE. 97–99.5 percentile targets GIM Goa and K.J. Somaiya. 90–97 percentile gives access to strong Tier-2 colleges. A score of 290–315+ out of 400 typically puts you in the 98th–99th percentile range, though this depends on exam difficulty.
How many times can I attempt CMAT?+
There is no cap — NTA does not limit the number of attempts or set any upper age limit for CMAT, so you can reappear in subsequent years if you don't hit your target percentile.
Is a calculator allowed in the CMAT exam?+
No physical calculators, mobile phones, or other electronic calculating devices are allowed inside the CMAT exam hall. All Quantitative Techniques & DI calculations must be done manually using the rough sheet provided at the centre. Always confirm the exact permitted-items list in the official CMAT information bulletin before exam day, since NTA policies can be updated each cycle.
What is the CMAT 2027 application fee?+
₹2,500 for General category male candidates and ₹1,250 for female candidates (all categories), transgender candidates, and SC/ST/PwD/reserved-category candidates, payable online during registration.
Does CMAT require a separate interview or GD-PI round?+
NTA's role ends at conducting the exam and declaring your CMAT score/percentile — it does not run a centralized interview. Most AICTE-approved and GFTI colleges shortlist and admit largely on the CMAT percentile itself, through their own or state/central counselling processes. Some individual institutes (and certain seats at colleges like JBIMS, which primarily fills through Maharashtra's MAH-MBA-CET) may additionally run their own Group Discussion, Personal Interview, or Written Ability Test after shortlisting on CMAT score. Check each target college's admission page for its exact process — see the Selection Process section above.
What documents should I carry on CMAT exam day?+
Your CMAT admit card (printed) and a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, or voter ID) matching the name on your admit card. Photocopies or expired IDs are typically not accepted.
Is there an age limit for CMAT?+
No — NTA does not set a minimum or maximum age limit for CMAT. However, individual colleges may apply their own age-related criteria during admission, so check each target institute's policy separately.
Which colleges and states accept CMAT scores for admission?+
CMAT is accepted by 1,000+ AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM colleges across India, including JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, K.J. Somaiya, GIM Goa, BIMTECH, and many state and private institutes. Some states also factor CMAT scores into their own centralized or institute-level counselling alongside state-level entrance tests. Policies vary by state and institute and can change each cycle, so always verify directly with your target college or state admission authority.
What kind of questions actually appear in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section?+
Expect a mix of awareness-based questions (startup ecosystem, funding stages, well-known Indian unicorns/startups) and case-based or conceptual questions that test reasoning — such as evaluating a short business scenario, identifying a business model, or applying ideas like the lean startup method or MVP. It leans less on rote memorization than General Awareness and more on logical reading applied to business situations.
Is negative marking the same across all CMAT sections?+
Yes — every section, including General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, follows the same +4 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong answer scheme. There is no section where wrong answers are penalty-free, so guess selectively rather than attempting every question blindly.
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