The NTA has announced the CMAT Results and CMAT Final Answer Key 2026 on 17 February 2026 on its official website - cmat.nta.nic.in. To access the CMAT results, you will need your application number and password. Approximately 53,453 candidates participated in the exam and can now retrieve their CMAT 2026 scorecards.
Note: The NTA will not provide a hard copy of the scorecard; you must download your CMAT 2026 scorecard using your User ID and Password.
CMAT Results 2026
Source: cmat.nta.nic.in/
As the results are released, each participating institution will publish its own cutoff based on factors such as the number of applicants, seat availability, exam difficulty, and trends from previous years.
Candidates who satisfy the cutoff requirements will be shortlisted for the subsequent selection stages, including GD/PI and WAT.
According to discussions on Reddit among CMAT candidates, in CMAT 2025, JBIMS and SIMSREE had cutoffs around the 99.9+ percentile, while tier-1 colleges closed at 95–99 percentile; CMAT 2026 cutoffs are anticipated to remain similar, with a potential 5–10 mark variation in raw scores.
Related Links:
- CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key (Out)- Download Answer Key @cmat.nta.nic.in
- CMAT 2026 Result (Out) - Download Scorecard, Percentile Score, Cut off, and Toppers List
- CMAT Cut Off 2026: Check Good Score & Marks vs Percentile for Top MBA Colleges
- Top MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2026 Scores
- CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026- Check Score Calculation, and Score Normalization
Key Summary
- CMAT is a nationwide MBA/PGDM entrance examination organized by NTA for over 1,000 AICTE-recognized institutes.
- Sections: Quantitative & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Percentiles, rather than raw scores, are used for shortlisting candidates for leading B-schools; a score exceeding 300 typically results in a 99+ percentile.
- Results are anticipated on 13 February 2026; valid for one academic year.
- Top institutions such as JBIMS/SIMSREE demand a 99.9+ percentile; other reputable B-schools accept percentiles between 85 and 95.
- Preparation focus: practice tests, previous papers, section-specific strategies, and precision.
What is CMAT?
The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a nationwide entrance examination in India organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is aimed at facilitating admission to management courses such as MBA and PGDM offered by more than 1,000 AICTE-recognized institutions throughout the country.
CMAT is a business aptitude assessment lasting 3 hours, intended to evaluate candidates on their quantitative skills, logical reasoning, language proficiency, general knowledge, and entrepreneurial mindset.
This exam is regarded as having a moderate level of difficulty and can be successfully navigated with basic to structured preparation, as indicated in the references provided.
Purpose:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
- MMS and other AICTE-recognized management programs
Key features of the CMAT exam:
- Completely online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Conducted annually by NTA
- 3 hours (180 minutes) exam duration
- 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- No sectional time restrictions
CMAT 2026 Important Dates
| Official / Confirmed Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 17 February 2026 (Out) | Final Answer Key |
| 17 February 2026 (Out) | Result Declaration |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | |
| Answer Key Release | |
| Answer Key Challenge Window |
Ques. What is the date of the CMAT exam in 2026?
Ans.The CMAT 2026 is scheduled for January 25, 2026.
Ques. How many times is the CMAT exam conducted in a year?
Ans.The NTA organizes the CMAT exam once a year, typically in January, and candidates can register during the official registration period starting from 14th November 2025.
Ques. When will the CMAT 2026 results be announced?
Ans.The results for CMAT 2026 are anticipated to be announced in the second or third week of February 2026. In 2025, the CMAT results were published on 13 February 2025.
CMAT Answer Key 2026
The CMAT 2026 Answer Key is an official document issued by NTA that includes all the correct answers for the questions posed in the CMAT examination. It is expected to be made available in March 2026, prior to the announcement of the results.
- This will assist candidates in verifying their answers, estimating their potential scores, and gauging their performance relative to other participants.
- In conjunction with the Answer Key, the NTA will also publish the Response sheet, which displays the answers chosen by candidates during the test.
Ques. How to check CMAT answer key?
Ans. Candidates can access the CMAT Answer Key by navigating to the official website and logging in with their User ID and password.
The NTA provides the provisional answer key along with the candidate response sheet, enabling aspirants to confirm their answers and estimate their scores ahead of the final results.
Ques. Is the CMAT 2026 answer key out?
Ans. Yes, the CMAT 2026 Answer Key was released on 17th February 2026 on the official website.
CMAT Results
The NTA has announced the CMAT 2026 Result on 17 February 2026 on the official website - exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
Candidates can view and retrieve their results by entering their Registration Number and Date of Birth. The CMAT 2026 score will be applicable for just 1 academic year, specifically 2026.
Also Check: CMAT Merit List 2025: All India Rank (AIR), Toppers, and Cut off
CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026
A variation of merely 8–12 marks can alter the percentile by 3–5 points, particularly within the 90+ percentile bracket, underscoring the significance of precision over the number of attempts.
| CMAT Score Range (Out of 400) | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 300 – 340 | 99.0 – 99.9 |
| 270 – 299 | 97 – 98.9 |
| 250 – 269 | 95 – 96.9 |
| 230 – 249 | 90 – 94.9 |
| 200 – 229 | 85 – 89.9 |
| 170 – 199 | 75 – 84.9 |
| 150 – 169 | 70 – 74.9 |
| Below 150 | Below 70 |
Ques. What is 150 marks in CMAT?
Ans. A score of 150 out of 400 is viewed as average, which may position you in the 60-70th percentile, offering a chance to gain admission to Tier-3 or regional B-schools (for instance, certain private institutions in Uttar Pradesh or mid-tier schools accepting CMAT scores).
Ques. Is 250 a good score in CMAT?
Ans. Indeed, a score of 250 is regarded as very good, placing you within the 90-95th percentile, which enhances your prospects at mid-tier to reputable colleges such as KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, BIMTECH, Jaipuria, IFIM, IPE Hyderabad, and Alliance.
Also Read:
- List of Colleges in India Accepting CMAT
- Find the Best Colleges Based on Your CMAT Score
- Good Score in CMAT 2026
CMAT Previous Year Cutoffs
| Institute Name | Category | Approximate Cutoff Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| All India Management Association (AIMA) | General | 85 – 90 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), Delhi | General | 90 – 95 |
| Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad | General | 85 – 90 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | General | 80 – 85 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | General | 70 – 80 |
| Shiv Nadar University | General | 70 – 75 |
| SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) | General | Usually requires CAT/XAT; CMAT not accepted |
Check:
- Check Good Score & Marks vs Percentile for Top MBA Colleges
- Best Private B-schools Accepting CMAT 2026 Scores
Top Institutions Accepting CMAT Scores
| Institution Name | Program | Expected CMAT Cutoff (Percentile) | Average Placement (₹ LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBIMS, Mumbai | MMS | 99.9+ | 28 |
| SIMSREE, Mumbai | MMS | 99.9+ | 15–16 |
| GIM, Goa | PGDM | 95+ | 10–11 |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | PGDM | 95+ | 12–17 |
| Great Lakes, Gurgaon | PGDM | 96+ | 13-17 |
| KJ Somaiya, Mumbai | MBA/PGDM | 95–99 | 12–13 |
| BIMTECH, Greater Noida | PGDM | 90–95 | 10–11 |
| NIBM, Pune | PGDM | 95+ | 14 |
| IMT Nagpur | PGDM | 90–95 | 10–12 |
| IMT Hyderabad | PGDM | 91-94 | 11-12 |
| IFMR, Krea University | MBA/PGDM | 85–90 | 13 |
Also Read:
- List of Colleges in India Accepting CMAT
- Find the Best Institutions Based on Your CMAT Score
- Good Score in CMAT 2026
CMAT 2026 FAQs
Ques. What are the top MBA institutions for a 97 percentile in CMAT?
Ans. Achieving a score between 265-280 in the CMAT can result in a 97 percentile, allowing candidates to gain admission to prestigious MBA schools such as KJ Somaiya, Great Lakes, IMT, Welingkar, and XIMR.
Ques. Which institutions should I consider with an 86.1 percentile in CMAT?
Ans. An 86.1 percentile in CMAT typically corresponds to a score of approximately 215-225 out of 500, placing you in the mid Tier-2 category.
Institutions to Consider at 86.1 Percentile in CMAT:
- BIMTECH Greater Noida (Selected programs)
- IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University
- IMI Bhubaneswar
- Welingkar (e-Biz / Retail / Healthcare Management)
- XIME Bangalore / Kochi / Chennai
- Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur)
Ques. "If a candidate scores between 73 to 74 percentile in CMAT, which college would be the best option in India?"
Ans. A score of 73-74 percentile in CMAT falls within the lower Tier-2 to Tier-3 range, indicating a score around 180-190, with the following institutions being viable options:
- Indira Institute of Management, Pune
- IES Management College & Research Centre, Mumbai
- SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), Mysuru (borderline cases)
- PUMBA (University departments – category/home quota cases)
- Regional AICTE-approved colleges with strong placement records
Ques. I achieved a 52 percentile in the CMAT. Which college should I aim for now?
Ans. A 52 percentile indicates a score of approximately 140-150 in the CMAT, which may restrict your options to lower-tier colleges.
College Options at 52 Percentile:
- Regional private MBA colleges (AICTE-approved)
- Emerging B-schools that accept CMAT scores
- State-level colleges with available seats in subsequent rounds
- Institutes offering specialized MBA programs with lower cutoffs