CMAT Score Validity 2026: How Long Is CMAT Result Valid for MBA Admission?

CMAT Score Validity 2026: How Long Is CMAT Result Valid for MBA Admission?

Himanshu ShekharUpdated on 16 Feb 2026, 02:58 PM IST

CMAT score validity is for one year. The Common Management Admission Test (CAT) exam is a national-level MBA entrance exam for admission into MBA/ PGDM courses at top B-schools in India except IIMs. For admission to MBA colleges in India, the validity of the CMAT score is one year from the date of declaration of CMAT result. If a candidate appears for CMAT 2026, then their CMAT scores will be valid for MBA admission for the 2026-2028 session only.

CMAT Score Validity 2026: How Long Is CMAT Result Valid for MBA Admission?
CMAT Score Validity

How long are CMAT results valid?

CMAT results will be valid for one year only. After the CMAT results are declared and the scores are released, candidates can apply for admission to the CMAT accepting colleges for the academic session 2026-2027.

Also Check: CMAT Counselling

Planning to take CMAT 2026?

In case the candidates take the CMAT 2026 exam but do not take admission this year, then they will have to appear for the CMAT exam again the next year, as it holds a validity of one year. After appearing for the CMAT 2026 exam, they will be eligible for MBA admission.

CMAT Exam Dates 2026

Given below are the important CMAT 2026 exam dates, answer key release date, and CMAT result date.

CMAT Events

CMAT Dates 2026

CMAT exam date 2026

January 25, 2026

CMAT 2026 answer key release date (Provisional)

January 31, 2026

NTA CMAT answer key challenge last date

February 02, 2026

CMAT result date 2026

February 2026

Since the CMAT score validity is for one year only, after downloading the CMAT result and scorecard, candidates must start applying to the B-schools accepting CMAT scores.

  • Candidates must visit the official website of the college.
  • Register themselves and generate a login ID and password.
  • They must fill out the application form by entering their CMAT scores and other required details.

Check Out:

Amity University-Noida MBA Admissions 2026

Ranked among top 10 B-Schools in India by multiple publications | Top Recruiters-Google, MicKinsey, Amazon, BCG & many more.

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Application Deadline: 10th March | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long is a CMAT score valid?
A:

CMAT scorecard will be valid for one year only. If a candidate appears for CMAT 2026, then he/ she must take admission in the same academic year. There are more than 1000 B-schools in India accept CMAT score to offer admission into the MBA program.

Q: Will CMAT happen in 2026?
A:

Yes, the CMAT exam was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on January 25, 2026. 

Q: Which colleges accept CMAT scores in 2026?
A:

There are more than one thousand MBA colleges in India that accept CMAT scores. Top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores includes K J Somaiya, JBIMS, Great Lakes Chennai, GIM Goa, and BIMTECH among others. 

Q: What is the pattern of CMAT 2026 exam?
A:

As per released CMAT paper pattern, there were five sections in the CMAT question paper each section carried 20 questions: Logical Reasoning, Quant & DI, General Knowledge, VARC, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 

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Questions related to CMAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CMAT ?

Yes, you can get a seat in the Institute of Management Studies DAVV with a CMAT score of 170. An expected percentile of 80 improves the chances of admission in the college in a course of your choice.

For safety, we advise you to check the cutoffs released by the

Hello,

Here you can check all the details related to CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship- Download PDF

Hello aspirant,

The CMAT 2026 exam is set for January 25, 2026, and registration began in October 2025. In two sessions, the computer-based CMAT 2026 will be administered in more than 120 Indian cities. The CMAT syllabus and exam format have not changed for 2026.

For more information you can

Hello,

MAT and CMAT acceptance depends on the college you are applying to.

Many private and some government MBA colleges in India accept MAT and/or CMAT scores . However, not all colleges accept both exams , so you must check the specific college’s admission criteria.

Required percentile (approximate):

  • MAT: Usually