The exam date for **CMAT 2026** has been announced. Students aiming for MBA courses should note that the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 will take place on **January 25, 2026**. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is in charge of this important national-level exam.
The CMAT exam helps students get into various Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs across India. The test will be held online as a **Computer Based Test (CBT)** in many cities across the country. NTA released a notice today with details about the exam schedule, how long the test will be, and the language medium.
Students who applied for CMAT 2026 did so between **October 17 and November 24, 2025**. With the exam just about one and a half months away, candidates should now focus completely on their studies. The exam pattern and syllabus for CMAT 2026 are the same as last year, so students can use previous study materials.
Exam Mode and Test Centers
The CMAT 2026 will be conducted in an online format, meaning it is a Computer Based Test (CBT). This ensures fairness and ease for all students. The exam will be held in approximately **124 cities** across India. When applying, students chose their preferred test cities. The exam centers will be given to candidates based on their first choice mentioned in their CMAT 2026 application form.
CMAT 2026 Admit Card
The **CMAT 2026 admit card** is a mandatory document to enter the exam hall. Along with the admit card, information about the test city will also be released. Students can expect to download their admit cards and check their city details about **2-3 days before the exam date**.
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
It is important for all candidates to understand the CMAT exam pattern. Knowing the structure helps students prepare better and manage their time during the test. Here are the main points of the CMAT 2026 exam pattern:
| Particulars | CMAT Details |
| Number of Sections | 5 |
| Section Names | Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Duration of Exam | 180 minutes |
| Number of Shifts | One |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Questions per Section | 20 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Number of Answer Choices | 5 |
| Marking Scheme (Correct Answer) | +4 marks |
| Marking Scheme (Incorrect Answer) | -1 mark |
Understanding the Exam Sections
The CMAT exam has five different sections, each testing a specific skill:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: This section checks your math skills and your ability to understand and work with data. Questions might involve numbers, charts, and graphs.
- Logical Reasoning: This part tests how well you can solve problems using logic. It includes puzzles, patterns, and critical thinking questions.
- Language Comprehension: This section focuses on your English language skills. It includes reading passages, understanding meanings, grammar, and vocabulary.
- General Awareness: This part checks your knowledge of current events, history, geography, politics, and other general topics. Staying updated with news is key for this section.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: This new section tests your understanding of new business ideas, creative thinking, and starting new ventures.
Important Marking Scheme
For every correct answer, students will get **4 marks**. However, for every wrong answer, **1 mark will be taken away**. This means students should be careful and try to avoid guessing answers if they are unsure. There are 5 choices given for each question, and students must pick the most suitable one.
Preparation Tips for CMAT 2026
With the exam date set for **January 25, 2026**, students have a limited time to prepare well. It is advised to:
- Review the syllabus for each of the five sections.
- Practice regularly with past papers and mock tests to understand the exam format and time management.
- Focus on improving speed and accuracy in all sections.
- Stay updated with general knowledge and current affairs for the General Awareness section.
- Understand concepts related to innovation and entrepreneurship.
By following these steps, students can aim to perform well in the CMAT 2026 examination.
