What to Expect from CMAT 2026?
What to Expect from CMAT 2026? Check this guide to understand the exam structure, section-wise format, marking scheme, and test mode. It helps aspirants understand how the exam is likely to be organised.
What to Expect from CMAT 2026?Aspirants can anticipate the exam to be of a moderate difficulty level, with the overall pattern largely remaining consistent from the previous year.
CMAT 2026 will include five sections: Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The exam will be conducted in online mode, carrying overall 400 marks, with each correct answer awarded 4 marks and a penalty of 1 mark for every incorrect response.
CMAT 2026is scheduled to be held on January 25, 2026, across 120 cities in India. Check this article to understand what to expect from CMAT 2026, along with insights onCMAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and section-wise structure to help aspirants prepare with clarity.
Also Read:CMAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The exam question paper is divided into five sections and is expected to have separate section-wise questions. All the questions will carry equal marks (+4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect answers). Take a look at the exam pattern mentioned below:
Exam Pattern | Detailed Information |
Sections |
|
Total Questions | 100 |
Total Marks | 400 |
Exam Duration | 3 hours or 180 minutes |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult (Expected) |
Sectional-time limit | No |
Marking Scheme |
|
Also Read:
| How Many Questions to Attempt for 99 Percentile in CMAT 2026? | How Many Questions to Attempt for 100 Percentile in CMAT 2026? |
Expected Question Paper & Difficulty Level of CMAT 2026
Based on thePrevious Years' Question Paper of CMAT, the exam is expected to be moderate to difficult. According to the trends of the last few years, the Logical Reasoning section has always been regarded as the difficult section. Aspirants planning to appear for the exam can collect a gist of what to expect in the upcoming question paper by taking a look at the expected list, section-wise and the difficulty level:
Sections | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Considerably Good Attempt | Expected Difficulty Level |
Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 | 16-17 | Easy-Moderate |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 | 16-17 | Easy-Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 | 15-17 | Moderate-Difficult |
General Awareness | 20 | 80 | 16-17 | Moderate |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 | 14-16 | Moderate-Difficult |
Total | 100 | 400 | 75-84 | Moderate |
Also Read:CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension
Preparation Tips to Ace CMAT 2026 Exam
The difficulty level of the exam is always considered to be Moderate. Hence, there is a high possibility to score exceedingly well in the CMAT exam in comparison to other MBA Entrance Exams. With dedication, good preparation, and a well-planned strategy, it becomes easier to ace the exam. Here are some tips to follow to ace the exams:
- It is recommended that aspirants follow a properCMAT preparation strategyto complete the preparation.
- They should start their preparation six months before the examination to ensure the completion of the preparation plan for the exam.
- The first step, while preparing, should be to complete the entire syllabus for the exam. Students must refer to thebest books for CMAT 2026to prepare for the exams.
- All the sections of the exam should be prepared individually. Avoid skipping any difficult or easy topics, out of pressure or confidence. Make sure to touch on all the topics during the preparation.
- Memorise all the formulae, theorems, and concepts ahead of time, and revise them daily.
- Aspirants must practice the Mock Tests andCMAT practice testsand check out the previous year's question paper for reference. The marking scheme and question format will remain the same, hence, it will help the candidates to take references from.
- The question paper can be tricky and may consist of decision-making questions. Hence, students should prepare well for such situations.
- Finally, make it a habit to revise the entire syllabus before the exam day, and avoid starting any new topics.
Also Read:Tips on How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning Section for CMAT 2026
Colleges Accepting CMAT 2026 Score and Expected Cutoff
Students can check out the participating colleges and their expectedcutoff for CMAT2026 after theCMAT 2026 resultsare declared. Prepare well in advance to secure seats in your desired colleges and institutes accordingly.
Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores | Expected CMAT 2026 Cutoffs |
95-99 | |
85 | |
80 | |
SIMSREE, Mumbai | 99+ |
95-99 | |
80 | |
99.9+ | |
95-99 | |
85 | |
Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management | 85 |
Also Read:Top 10 Colleges that Accept CMAT Scores In India
Aspirants must prepare well for the upcoming CMAT exam. They are advised to reach the allocatedCMAT exam centrestwo hours before the exam and follow all the instructions stated by the exam authorities. Take a printout of theCMAT admit cardfor the exam day and carry any one of the documents, such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, Voter ID card, Passport, Driver’s license, and College/University ID card. Prepare well in advance for the exams and get excellent results to get admission to your preferred college/institute.
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