CMAT 2027 is the national MBA and PGDM entrance test that the National Testing Agency (NTA) runs for AICTE-approved institutes. NTA's latest exam calendar lists it on Sunday, 7 February 2027 (tentative). The CMAT 2027 information bulletin and registration are not out yet. So this guide gives you the confirmed 2027 date, plus the official rules from the 2026 cycle, clearly labelled, so you can start preparing now.
Key takeaways
- NTA's calendar lists CMAT 2027 on 7 February 2027, a one-day exam. NTA says the dates are tentative.
- As of 4 November 2026, registration and the 2027 bulletin are not yet announced. Check cmat.nta.nic.in.
- In the 2026 cycle, CMAT had 100 questions, 400 marks and 180 minutes, in English only, with +4 / -1 marking.
- You need a bachelor's degree (final-year students can apply), you must be a citizen of India, and there is no age limit (2026 bulletin).
- The 2026 fee was ₹2,500 for General male candidates and ₹1,250 for most others.
What is CMAT 2027, and who conducts it?
Quick answer: CMAT 2027 is the Common Management Admission Test for MBA and PGDM admission in the 2027-28 session. NTA conducts it as a computer-based test. AICTE ran the test till 2018, and NTA has run it since 2019. The CMAT score is accepted by all AICTE-approved institutions, university departments, constituent colleges and affiliated colleges.
These facts come from the CMAT 2026 Information Bulletin. The 2027 bulletin should say the same, but check it when it comes out.
What does NTA do, and what does it not do?
NTA registers candidates, holds the test, publishes answer keys, declares results and shares the data with AICTE.
NTA has no role in counselling. After the result, you apply to each college you like, on its own website. Each college sets its own CMAT cut-off. It may then call you for a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). The final selection depends on these rounds.
Which colleges accept CMAT scores?
NTA does not publish seat numbers or each college's reservation rules. Check every college's own admission page for its process and dates.
When is CMAT 2027?
NTA's revised Examination Calendar lists the Common Management Admission Test on 07 Feb 2027, for 1 day. The calendar notes that dates are tentative and may change. News sites reported the revised calendar on 26 October 2026 (secondary source). The PDF is official and linked from nta.ac.in.
Everything else for 2027 is not yet announced. To guess the rough timing, look at how the 2026 cycle ran.
CMAT 2027 key dates next to the official 2026 cycle dates.
The CMAT 2027 exam is listed for 7 February 2027 (tentative). Registration, fee and correction dates for 2027 are not yet announced. In the 2026 cycle, registration ran from 17 October to 24 November 2025, after one extension. The 2026 exam was on 25 January 2026, admit cards came out on 21 January 2026, and the result came on 17 February 2026.
What happened in the 2026 cycle?
All of these come from NTA's CMAT 2026 public notices.
| Step (2026 cycle) | Official date |
|---|---|
| Registration opened | 17 October 2025 |
| Last date to apply (extended) | 24 November 2025, 11:50 PM |
| Last date for fee payment | 25 November 2025, 11:50 PM |
| Form correction window | 26 to 28 November 2025 |
| Exam date announced | 4 December 2025 |
| City intimation slip | 16 January 2026 |
| Admit card | 21 January 2026 |
| Exam (one shift, 9 AM to 12 PM) | 25 January 2026 |
| Provisional answer key challenge | 31 January to 2 February 2026 |
| Result and score card | 17 February 2026 |
The original last date in 2026 was 17 November 2025. NTA extended it by a week. Do not count on an extension. Apply early.
According to NTA's result press release, 53,453 candidates registered for CMAT 2026 and 41,872 appeared. The test ran in 110 cities at 259 centres.
Who is eligible for CMAT 2027?
The 2027 rules are not out. The 2026 cycle rules were:
- Degree: a bachelor's degree in any discipline.
- Final-year students: you can apply if your result will be out before admissions start for that academic year.
- Nationality: "The candidate must be a citizen of India."
- Age: no age limit.
- Recognised degree: your degree must be recognised as per AICTE rules. If it is not, NTA can cancel your result.
There is no minimum percentage for the test itself in the 2026 bulletin. Colleges may set their own rules, so check each college's page.
Can NRI or foreign students take CMAT?
The 2026 bulletin only says the candidate must be a citizen of India. It does not have a separate route for foreign nationals. An Indian citizen living abroad still has to sit the test at a centre in India (see the next section). If you are not an Indian citizen, CMAT is not the right route under the 2026 rules. Look at each college's own admission page for other routes, such as the GRE where a college accepts it.
Is there an age limit or attempt limit?
There is no age limit. The bulletin does not mention an attempt limit. It does say you must fill only one application form in a year. Multiple forms lead to cancellation of your result.
Where are CMAT exam centres? Are there centres abroad?
In the 2026 cycle, the bulletin listed 131 exam cities, all in India. There were no centres abroad. You pick four cities in order of choice. NTA tries to give you one of them, but it can give you a different city.
NTA asks you to choose your own city or nearby cities in your state of residence. Do not pick far-away cities in other states.
What is the CMAT exam pattern?
The 2027 pattern is not yet announced. The 2026 pattern is below. CMAT is a computer-based test (CBT) of 3 hours (180 minutes).
CMAT paper pattern from the official 2026 bulletin.
CMAT has five sections. Each section has 20 questions worth 80 marks. The sections are Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. That makes 100 questions and 400 marks in 180 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
What is the CMAT marking scheme? Is there negative marking?
Yes, there is negative marking:
- +4 for each correct answer.
- -1 for each wrong answer.
- 0 for a question you leave blank.
- If NTA drops a question, every candidate gets full marks for it.
What language is the paper in? Can I use a calculator?
The paper is in English only. Calculators are not allowed. You get rough sheets at the centre and must hand them back before you leave.
How is CMAT scored? What are percentile and normalisation?
NTA declares a score out of 400 and an All India Rank. If two people have the same score, the older candidate ranks higher (date of birth decides).
If CMAT is held in more than one shift, NTA converts raw marks into an NTA score using percentiles. This is the official formula:
Percentile = 100 × (candidates in your session with a raw score equal to or less than yours) ÷ (total candidates in your session)
NTA works this out to 7 decimal places. A percentile is not the same as a percentage of marks. A 90 percentile means you scored equal to or higher than 90% of candidates in your session.
The 2026 exam was in a single shift. The bulletin says the exam "may be held on multiple shifts", depending on numbers.
There is no re-checking or re-evaluation. Score cards are not posted. Download yours from cmat.nta.nic.in.
How much is the CMAT 2027 application fee?
The 2027 fee is not yet announced. In the 2026 cycle, the fee was:
| Category (2026 cycle) | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹2,500 | ₹1,250 |
| Gen-EWS, SC, ST, PwD/PwBD, OBC-NCL | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 |
| Third gender | ₹1,250 (one fee) | - |
You pay online only, by net banking, credit card, debit card or UPI. Bank charges and GST are extra. The fee is not refunded and cannot be carried to another year.
If you want to challenge an answer key, it cost ₹200 per question in 2026, also non-refundable.
Book a free demo class to get a CMAT quant plan built around your dates, or see our plans and fees.
How do I apply for CMAT 2027, step by step?
Registration has not opened. When it does, it will be on cmat.nta.nic.in only. In the 2026 cycle, the steps were:
How the CMAT online application works, based on the 2026 bulletin.
First, register and note your Application Number. Next, fill in the form and choose four exam cities. Then upload your photo and signature and pay the fee online. Last, download and print the Confirmation Page.
- Register. Enter your basic details, set a password and pick a security question. Note down the Application Number.
- Fill the application form. Log in with your Application Number. Add personal details, education and four exam cities.
- Upload images. A recent photo in JPG, 10 to 200 kb, on a white background, with 80% of your face (and ears) visible and no mask. A signature in JPG, 10 to 50 kb. A PwD/PwBD certificate in PDF, 50 to 300 kb, if it applies.
- Pay the fee online.
- Download the Confirmation Page. It appears only after the fee is paid. If it does not appear, contact your bank or payment gateway.
Use your own (or a parent's) mobile number and email, one per form. NTA does not change details after the correction window.
What do I take on exam day?
In 2026, NTA asked candidates to bring:
- The admit card with the self-declaration, printed clearly on A4 paper.
- A simple transparent ball pen.
- An extra photo, the same as the one you uploaded.
- One original photo ID, such as a PAN card, passport or Aadhaar card with photo.
- A PwD/PwBD certificate, if you are claiming relaxation.
How should I prepare for CMAT 2027?
You have about 13 weeks from early November to 7 February 2027. Here is a simple plan.
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | Basics in each section. Arithmetic (percentages, profit and loss, ratios, averages), reading practice, daily news. |
| 5 to 8 | Timed section practice. Data Interpretation sets, reasoning puzzles, Innovation and Entrepreneurship reading. |
| 9 to 11 | Full-length 180-minute mocks, one or two a week. Review every wrong answer. |
| 12 to 13 | Light revision, General Awareness notes, admit card and exam-day plan. |
Section by section
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: build speed in percentages, ratios and profit and loss. These ideas come up in DI tables too. Do mental maths, because there is no calculator.
- Logical Reasoning: practise arrangements, series, coding and statements. Draw a quick diagram before you answer.
- Language Comprehension: read one editorial a day. Note new words in a list.
- General Awareness: spend 20 minutes a day on news. Revise monthly.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: this section is special to CMAT. Read about startups, business models and government schemes for entrepreneurs from reliable sources.
Should I guess on CMAT?
Each wrong answer costs only 1 mark, while a right one gives 4. If you can rule out all but two options, a guess gives an average of 0.5 × 4 − 0.5 × 1 = +1.5 marks. So guess only after you cut options. Do not fill a whole section with wild guesses.
Worked example: a CMAT-style quant question
Here is a short profit and loss question with made-up numbers. It is the type of arithmetic that shows up in the quant section.
Question: A shopkeeper buys an item for ₹800. He marks it up by 25% and then gives a 10% discount. What is his profit percentage?
A profit and loss question solved step by step.
The cost price is 800. The marked price is 800 × 1.25 = 1,000. The selling price after a 10% discount is 1,000 × 0.90 = 900. The profit is 900 − 800 = 100, so the profit % is 100 ÷ 800 × 100 = 12.5%. Quick check: 1.25 × 0.9 = 1.125, which also means a 12.5% gain.
Answer: 12.5% profit.
The trap is to say 25% − 10% = 15%. That is wrong, because the discount is taken on the marked price, not on the cost price. The multiplier method (1.25 × 0.9) is faster and safer.
What are common CMAT mistakes to avoid?
- Waiting for the last date. In 2026 the window closed in November, about two months before the exam. Apply early.
- A bad photo. NTA rejects blurred photos or signatures. There may be no chance to fix them.
- Filling two forms. Multiple forms lead to cancellation.
- Picking far-away cities. Choose cities in your own state.
- Ignoring General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. They are 160 of the 400 marks.
- Guessing wildly. Each wrong answer costs 1 mark.
- Assuming a CMAT score means admission. You still need to apply to each college and clear its GD and PI.
How does CMAT compare with CAT, XAT and SNAP?
CMAT is one of several MBA entrance tests in India. What makes it different:
- Who runs it: NTA, for AICTE-approved institutes.
- Sections: it has five equal sections, including General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Marking: 100 questions, +4 / -1, in 180 minutes (2026 cycle).
- Timing: the 2027 exam is listed for 7 February 2027.
Many students take CMAT alongside other tests. For details, see our CAT 2026 exam guide, our XAT 2027 guide and our SNAP 2026 guide. If you are torn between the two biggest tests, read CAT vs XAT.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with CMAT 2027
Asymptode is a 1-on-1 live online maths and science tutoring service. For CMAT, our mentors are strongest on the quant and data interpretation section. For the other sections, the mentor helps with planning, timing and method.
- One dedicated mentor, live online 1-on-1. Your mentor follows your own exam dates, working back from 7 February 2027, and adjusts the plan if NTA changes anything.
- Method first. The mentor watches each step of your working on percentages, ratios and DI sets, so you fix the real mistake, such as subtracting percentages instead of multiplying.
- Personalised homework with feedback. You get timed quant sets and mock reviews built from your weak areas, with notes on every error.
- Short parent updates, every class recorded, and a free demo class. Rewatch any session before a mock. Read more on why one-on-one tutoring works.
Facts checked against official sources on 4 November 2026.
FAQ
What is the CMAT 2027 exam date?
NTA's exam calendar lists CMAT 2027 on 7 February 2027, a Sunday. NTA says calendar dates are tentative and may change. Watch cmat.nta.nic.in for the official schedule notice.
Has CMAT 2027 registration started?
Not as of 4 November 2026. The CMAT website shows no 2027 registration or bulletin yet. In the 2026 cycle, registration opened on 17 October 2025, so keep checking the site.
Can final-year students apply for CMAT 2027?
Under the 2026 rules, yes. Final-year students can apply if their result will be declared before admissions start for that academic year. Check the 2027 bulletin to confirm.
Is there negative marking in CMAT?
Yes. In the 2026 cycle, each correct answer gave +4 and each wrong answer cost 1 mark. Questions you leave blank score 0.
Can I take CMAT from outside India?
Not under the 2026 rules. The 2026 bulletin listed exam cities in India only, and said candidates must be citizens of India. Check the 2027 bulletin when it is released.
What is a good CMAT percentile?
NTA does not set a pass mark, and colleges set their own cut-offs. Your percentile shows how many candidates in your session scored equal to or below you. Check each college's admission page for its cut-off.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.