Wondering what is good score in CMAT 2026? Well, to get into a top B-school in India, you should target a CMAT 2026 score between 295 and 345. This range commonly corresponds to a 90-99.99 percentile. As such, the definition of a "good score" varies according to the college.
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.
Also Read :
| CMAT Passing Marks 2026 |
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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.
| For instance: 300 marks (correct) - 25 (negative marking) = 275 total score |
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Must Read:
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.
Percentile P = 100 x Number of aspirants who appeared in the examination with raw marks equal to or less than the candidate/Total number of candidates who appeared |
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The percentile of the candidate can also be calculated using the formula provided below.
P = ( (N - your rank)/ N) x 100 |
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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 Score (Raw Score) | CMAT Percentile |
|---|---|
345-359 | 100 |
295-345 | 90-99.99 |
230-295 | 81-90 |
181-230 | 71-80 |
131-180 | 61-70 |
116-130 | 51-60 |
Below 115 | Below 51 |
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.
Name of the College | Expected CMAT Cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|
99.96+ | |
Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai | 99.90+ |
99.2+ | |
98+ | |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | 97 |
95+ | |
95+ | |
95 | |
95 | |
90+ | |
90+ | |
85+ | |
85 | |
84 | |
84 | |
82 | |
80 | |
Institute for Financial Management & Research, Chennai | 80 |
80 | |
80 | |
79 | |
79 | |
75 | |
75 | |
74 | |
70 | |
70 | |
IES Management College, Mumbai | 70 |
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:
Section | Percentile Cut-off |
|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 50-55 |
Language Comprehension | 45-50 |
Logical Reasoning | 40-45 |
General Awareness | 40 |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 35-40 |
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.
Related Links:
| What After CMAT 2026 Result? | |
|---|---|
| Didn't Score Well in CMAT 2026? Here Are Some Alternatives to Look For | |
CMAT Rank vs Percentile 2026 | |
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 .
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FAQs
Candidates are advised to follow a preparation strategy that includes studying the CMAT syllabus, solving mock test papers, and practicing previous years' question papers to become familiar with the exam structure and content.
The CMAT percentile can be calculated using the formula: Percentile P = 100 x (Number of candidates with raw marks equal to or less than the candidate / Total number of candidates).
The CMAT percentile is calculated based on a candidate's rank in the exam compared to the ranks of all other test-takers. It signifies the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or lower than the candidate.
To gain admission to AICTE-approved management institutes, candidates must also meet section-wise cutoff requirements. These minimum scores are estimated to be in the range of 35 to 55 percentile in different sections.
The expected CMAT cutoff score for Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai typically requires a 99.99 percentile score, while Goa Institute of Management, Goa, may require a 99.7 percentile score for admission.
After clearing the CMAT cutoff, candidates are often required to participate in Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and Written Ability Tests (WAT). These components are crucial in determining a candidate's overall performance and admission eligibility.
CMAT cutoff scores are not uniform; each participating college sets its own cutoff scores. These cutoffs vary from one institution to another.
To secure a good CMAT percentile in 2025, candidates should aim for scores ranging from 295 to 359, which typically fall within the 90 to 100 percentile range.
A CMAT score is the sum of marks obtained by a candidate in each section of the exam. It is calculated using a specific marking scheme that considers the number of correct and incorrect answers.
CMAT cutoff scores are crucial as they determine a candidate's eligibility for admission to various MBA colleges across India. They serve as a benchmark to shortlist candidates for further evaluation.
With a 95 percentile in CMAT 2025, you can aim for admission to colleges like XISS Ranchi, IFIM Business School, Jaipuria Institute of Management, BIT Mesra, PUMBA DMS, and others.
To attain a percentile above 99 in CMAT 2025, students typically need to score more than 340 marks.
A good score in CMAT can be between 250-300 out of 400. If you score within this range, you can get a CMAT percentile between 85 to 95. If you are aiming for a 100 percentile, then you should target a CMAT score between 345-350.
Yes, 310 is a good score in CMAT exam. With 310 marks you will be able to get admission into many well-known MBA colleges such as JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, Goa Institute of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, and KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, and ITM Navi Mumbai.
150 is an average score in CMAT. With a 150 CMAT score, you can expect a percentile around 65 which will not be enough to get admission into top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores. Candidates seeking admission into top MBA colleges need to score between 250-300 in CMAT.
To get a 300+ score in CMAT, candidates need to do solid preparation for the exam. Solving previous year question papers, attempting mock tests, studying all the important topics, clearing the basic concepts, etc. are some important things for CMAT preparation.
CMAT scores are calculated using the marking scheme of the exam. As per the marking scheme, four marks will be awarded for each correct answer while one mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
The colleges that accept CMAT scores include JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, Goa Institute of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Birla Institute of Technology, Alliance School of Business, GITAM School of International Business, and KIIT School of Management.
CMAT percentile denotes the percentage of candidates who have scored less than the candidate in the exam. The percentile of the candidate is calculated using his rank in the CMAT exam. The percentile of the candidate can be calculated using the formula provided below.
P = ( (N - your rank) / N) x 100 |
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