What After CMAT Results 2026 - Cutoffs, GD/PI, Counselling & Top MBA Colleges

What to Do After CMAT Results 2026?

After the CMAT results are announced, you must do a few things to land yourself in the right direction.

Prepare yourself for GD/PIs

After the CMAT results 2026, you need to prepare yourself for the admission process. The CMAT selection process will vary from college to college. Brace yourself for rounds like the Writing Aptitude Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Remember, admission isn't just about CMAT scores; it's about shining in every aspect of the selection process.

1. Group discussion

• Evaluation Criteria: You'll be judged on your communication skills, leadership qualities, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving aptitude.
• Format: You and other candidates will discuss a given topic or case study within a specified time frame, typically 15-30 minutes.
• Key Skills: Success depends on your ability to communicate effectively, actively listen, reason logically, and navigate diverse viewpoints.

2. Personal interview

• Format: You'll face a one-on-one interview with faculty or admissions officers, lasting 15-30 minutes, either in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
• Evaluation Criteria: Your clarity of expression, knowledge about your field, career alignment, confidence, and demeanor are key factors.
• Be prepared with basic HR questions and be thorough with everything that you mention on your CV.

CMAT 2026 Selection Criteria and Phases

• CMAT 2026 Result: The CMAT results has been declared on February 13 and the scorecards has been published on the official website.
• CMAT Merit List 2026: The merit list is prepared based on the CMAT marks of students.
• Group Discussion: Eligible candidates should visit their respective institutes where they have applied for the CMAT exam procedure 2026. Multiple rounds of exams will be held on the premises of the concerned institution. Every college conducts a GD round during its examination process.
• PI & WAT: These rounds are conducted for candidates who clear the Group Discussion round.
• Final Admission Process: Based on a candidate's performance in various rounds of GD, PI and WAT, the final list of selected students will be prepared. Candidates have to confirm their admission by paying the entrance fee.

Look for other MBA Entrance Exam

If the CMAT result does not go as expected then you can look for several other alternative MBA entrance exams. Here are a few MBA entrance exams that you can target.

• CAT: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management aptitude test for admission to the MBA courses offered by 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools in India.CAT is conducted by a different IIM each year. The CAT question paper is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude
• XAT: XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur for admission to MBA/PGDM programs.Applicants can apply to various colleges in India through XAT scores.XAT has a different paper pattern therefore the XAT Syllabus has a few extra topics as compared to other management entrance exams. It comprises four sections: Decision Making, Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
• MAT: Management Aptitude Test is conducted in paper-based (PBT), computer-based (CBT), and Internet-proctored (IBT) modes, providing candidates with options based on their preferences. The MAT Syllabus has various topics like English Comprehension, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The MAT exam pattern comprises five sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Indian and Global Environment.
• NMAT: Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test is a computer-based test (CBT) comprising multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The NMAT exam pattern consists of three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Each section is individually timed, and candidates need to complete the entire exam within the allotted time frame.

CMAT 2026 Result: Apply for colleges offering direct MBA admission

If you score a low percentile in CMAT 2026, then you can look for colleges which offer direct admission to MBA and PGDM courses without any entrance exams. Some of the colleges that provide direct admission to MBA and PGDM courses without any entrance exams are listed below, you can check out more information about about these colleges by clicking on their names.

Target your dream college

Identify institutions that match your CMAT score and offer programs aligning with your career objectives. Factor in the areas of expertise offered by these schools, such as finance, marketing, or international business.Group Discussions and Personal Interviews (GD/PI): Most top-tier business schools have multiple stages in their selection process, including GD and PI. Update yourself on current affairs and industry trends, and practice articulating your achievements and professional aspirations.

Keep your eye on the cut-offs

These cutoffs vary from institute to institute and are your gateway to further assessments. Keep a close eye on the cutoff lists released by colleges post-CMAT results. If you're eyeing a specific institution, ensure you've met their cutoff to stay in the running for admission.

CMAT Accepting Colleges (Percentile Wise)

CMAT Result 2026: Detailed Admission Process for Top Colleges

Application Submission: Begin by applying to the colleges you have shortlisted. Applications typically require your CMAT 2026 score, academic transcripts, and personal details.

• Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai: Considered one of the top institutes for management studies in India, JBIMS conducts its own counselling sessions based on CMAT scores. Ensure you attend these sessions as part of the selection process.
• Great Lakes Institute of Management: This institution uses CMAT scores as a part of their comprehensive selection process which also includes personal interviews and group discussions.
• Goa Institute of Management (GIM): For GIM, the admission process includes analysing CMAT scores, past academic performance, and relevant work experience. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for GD and PI.
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management: Admission is based on CMAT scores followed by case-based group discussions and personal interviews. Candidates are also evaluated on their overall profile, including extracurricular activities and leadership qualities.

Check CMAT Counselling 2026 Dates

The admission process of CMAT accepting institutes will likely commence in February 2026.

Top MBA colleges accepting CMAT score: City-wise

Candidates can check from the list below, their preferred MBA college in their preferred city for admission through CMAT.