What is a Good Score in CMAT 2026?

If you’ve been wondering what is a good score in CMAT 2026 exam, the general benchmarks are already quite clear. A score in the range of 281 to 340 usually is enough to secure a 90 to 99.99 percentile, which is considered excellent by most standards.

For students aiming for top institutes such as JBIMS, SIMSREE, SIES, BIMTECH, and JAGSoM, the target score is typically higher, falling between 290 and 360 marks, a range that often corresponds to a 98 to 99.99+ percentile. The CMAT 2026 exam is likely to be held in January 2026, and aspirants often track expected cutoffs in advance to understand their target scores. Knowing the cutoff trends helps them to prepare accordingly and know a realistic range to gain admission to their desired college. Also, it helps them understand how different score ranges translate into percentile brackets and which colleges fall within each band.

In this article, let's explore what counts as a competitive score for CMAT 2026.

What is a Good CMAT 2026 Score?

Anything that lies between 290 to 360 is a good score in CMAT 2026. You will be placed within the 98 - 99+ percentile score bracket, and you could end up in some of the best MBA colleges accepted in CMAT scores. Such a score will offer JBIMS, SIMSREE, KIIT School of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, SIES, BIMTECH, and JAGSoM.

But again, a score of 281 to 340 will be considered quite impressive. So that's placed at a level of 90 to 99.99 percentiles. In this range, one can expect opportunities in institutes such as Prestige Institute of Management, GIM, KJ Somaiya, PUMBA, and the Institute of Management Development and Research, among others.

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What is the CMAT Score 2026?

Your CMAT score is the total marks earned by you in all the sections of the examination. The scoring pattern is such that it follows a particular marking scheme, which goes as follows:

• For every correct answer, you get 4 marks.
• 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
• If you leave a question blank, no marks are awarded or deducted.
• To arrive at your total score, simply add up the marks for all the questions you have answered, factoring in the marking rules mentioned above.

How to Calculate CMAT 2026 Score?

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Let's take a walk-through on how to calculate your CMAT score based on the number of correct and incorrect answers you give. You can just follow these easy steps:

• Count the Correct Answers: First of all, count the number of correct answers. For instance, let's say you obtained 75 correct answers.
• Count the Incorrect Answers: Then, count the number of wrong answers. Let's say you got 25 wrong.
• Compute Marks for Correct Answers: Multiply the number of correct answers by 4, as each correct answer carries 4 marks.
  • Example: 75 correct answers × 4 = 300 marks
• Compute Marks for Wrong Answers: Multiply the number of wrong answers by -1, as one mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
  • Example: 25 wrong answers × -1 = -25 negative marks.
• Final CMAT Score: Deduct the negative marking for the wrong answers from the marks you obtained for the correct answers.

What is CMAT Percentile?

CMAT percentile denotes the percentage of exam takers who have scored less than the candidate (you) in the exam. The percentile is calculated using his rank in the CMAT exam. The formula to calculate the CMAT percentile is provided below.

The percentile of the candidate can also be calculated using the formula provided below.

Note: Here N is the total number of test-takers who appeared for the exam.

CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile

Students should note that the cutoff will vary from college to college, so they should check the previous year’s CMAT cutoff for that college to get an idea about what score they should obtain to get admission to that particular college. Check the table provided below to know the expected percentile vs score of the exam.

CMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff for Different Colleges

Applicants who are targeting the top MBA colleges, such as Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida, KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar, and IMT Nagpur, should try to score at least 300 marks out of 400. Candidates can view the table below to understand the expected CMAT 2026 cutoff for different colleges.

Percentile-wise CMAT Accepting Colleges

CMAT Cutoff for Top Colleges

Check the resources below for CMAT cutoff for top colleges:

Section-wise CMAT 2026 Cutoff

To gain admission to any AICTE-approved management institute, students taking the CMAT 2026 exam must also meet section-wise cut-off requirements. These are the minimum scores required in each section. Below are the estimated section-wise percentile cut-offs:

How to Get a Good Score in CMAT 2026?

Success in the CMAT exam depends very much on a focused and methodical approach. Here's how you can increase your chances of success:

• Learn the Exam Format and Syllabus: Start by making it clear from each exam format, CMAT 2026 syllabus , and study plan regarding what to do and on which basis.
• Make a Study Plan: First, prepare a study schedule covering the entire syllabus of CMAT. Break down the preparation so that it is not overwhelming.
• Practice from Sample Papers: Solve as many CMAT sample papers as possible. This will make you familiar with the types of questions you might face and help you gauge the level of difficulty in the exam.
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt CMAT mock tests to assess your preparation. After each test, take time to analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and make improvements.
• Work on Time Management: Time management is key during the CMAT exam. Practice solving questions more quickly without compromising accuracy, helping you get comfortable with the time constraints.
• Maintain a Notebook for Important Topics: Read it time and again. Reading through key concepts frequently will help them sit in your memory and bolster your confidence.

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Aspirants who are interested in admission to any of the colleges listed below may fill out our Common Application Form . Besides this, those who have any doubts regarding the CMAT exam may ask questions on the Collegedekho Q&A zone .