CMAT 2026 Result to be Announced Today: Answer Key Released
The CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The official website now hosts the key in a PDF format and is available for download on cmat.nta.nic.in. Students who appeared for CMAT 2026 can check and download the final answer key PDF and calculate their scores with it. As per the CMAT marking scheme, test takers gain four marks for every correct answer and lose ¼ mark for every wrong answer. No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions.
The NTA conducted CMAT 2026 on 25 January 2026 and also released a provisional answer key on 31 January 2026. A period of two days, till 2 February, was given for candidates to raise any objection. The result is shortly expected on the official website.
How to Download CMAT 2026 Answer Key
- Visit the official website cmat.nta.nic.in
- Look for public notices section
- Click on “Final Answer Keys for CMAT – 2026”
- Access the answer key PDF
- Download for later reference
CMAT 2026 Overview
CMAT, which stands for Common Management Admission Test, is a three-hour MCQ-format exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. The test comprises 100 questions from Quantitative Technqiues, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
It is is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in the country. Over 70,000 aspirants sit for this highly competitive exam every year, hoping to get into some of the country’s top B schools. Renowned colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, PUMBA, and GIM Goa will accept CMAT exam 2026 scores.
Your CMAT rank can open doors to prestigious management colleges across India for MBA/PGDM/PGPM/PGP programs.
Read more about the CMAT 2026 Syllabus here – CMAT 2026 Syllabus – Section-wise important topics
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CMAT exam pattern is very straightforward. There are five sections, each with 20 MCQ questions, worth 100 marks.
Scheme of Examination
Marking scheme:
• For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.
• For each incorrect response, 01 (one) negative mark.
• No marks for un-answered/un-attempted questions.
• To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option as correct option.
• 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.
• In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates irrespective of the fact who have attempted it or not.
• Candidates get a total of 3 hours to attempt all the questions. For every correct answer, you’re awarded four marks. And for every wrong one, you lose one mark.
Read more about: CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 – Check CMAT Paper Pattern, Duration, Marking Scheme
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
| MBA COLLEGES | CITY | AVERAGE PLACEMENT (in lakhs) |
| GIM Goa | Sanquelim | 14.3 |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | 12.23 |
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management | Mumbai | 27.63 |
| BIMTECH | Greater Noida | 11.00 |
| IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University | Sri City | 13.50 |
| Welingkar | Mumbai | 12.25 |
| Amrita School of Business | Coimbatore | 6.72 |
| SIES | Mumbai | 8.70 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Noida | 11.49 |
| Delhi School of Business | Delhi | 8.25 |
| National Insurance Academy | Pune | 12.50 |
| GITAM | Visakhapatnam | 8.00 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Lucknow | 11.49 |
| Sri Balaji University | Pune | 8.25 |
| IMS | Ghaziabad | 8.25 |
| RV Institute of Management | Bangalore | 6.00 |
| Jaypee Business School | Noida | 5.96 |
| Pune Business School | Pune | 5.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMAT exam for?
The CMAT or the Common Management Admission Test is a national-level computer-based exam for admission to MBA, PGDM and other AICTE-approved management programs in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency.
Is CMAT easier than CAT?
Yes, CMAT is generally considered considerably easier than CAT. Unlike CAT, CMAT is relatively easier with more straightforward questions. It doesn’t have the complex, speed-intensive questions that CAT has.
Is CMAT accepted by IIM?
No, CMAT is not accepted by the IIMs. The premier management institutes only accept CAT.
What is a good score in CMAT?
A score between 295-305+ on the CMAT is generally considered good. Scoring in this range can potentially lead to a percentile of 99.5 or above.
