CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis: Check Slot-Wise Exam Analysis [Difficulty Level & Question Paper Review]

Overview: The CMAT 2026 exam was successfully conducted today from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM across India. Candidates can check the latest CMAT exam analysis, along with live updates on reporting time, documents required, question paper review, exam pattern, difficulty level, and expected cut-offs here.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 at multiple test centres spread across more than 120 cities. Nearly 75,000 candidates were expected to appear for the exam this year.

As per the initial CMAT exam analysis 2026, the overall difficulty level of the paper was moderate. There was no change in the CMAT exam pattern compared to last year. The question paper consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) distributed across all sections.

For every correct answer, +4 marks are awarded, and for every wrong answer, -1 mark is deducted.

Experts suggest that attempting around 75 questions with high accuracy is a good effort and may lead to a strong percentile, depending on the final CMAT cut-off.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

Stay tuned with us to get the latest and up-to-date information on the CMAT 2026 exam analysis for both shifts.

Check: CMAT Exam Previous Year's Trend

CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Overview

The exam followed the standard 100-question format, to be completed in 180 minutes, with no sectional time limits.

Exam Feature	Details
Exam Date	January 25, 2026
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Total Questions	100 (20 per section)
Total Marks	400
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
Sectional Time Limit	None
Overall Difficulty	Moderate

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis: Section-wise Distribution

The CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis begins with a section-wise overview to help aspirants understand the overall structure, weightage, and difficulty balance of the exam.

This distribution plays a crucial role in planning attempts and estimating cut-offs for top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores.

Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Level of Difficulty	Good Attempts
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	80	Easy to Moderate	16 – 18
Logical Reasoning	20	80	Easy to Moderate	15 – 17
Language Comprehension	20	80	Easy	15 – 17
General Awareness	20	80	Moderate to Difficult	10 – 12
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80	Moderate	11 – 13
Total	100	400	Moderate	70 – 75

Read more:

CMAT Answer Key	CMAT Response Sheet	CMAT PYQs	CMAT Cut Off
CMAT Colleges	CMAT Total Marks	CMAT Mock Test	CMAT Cut Off

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QDI)

The CMAT exam analysis 2026 for the QDI section focuses on mathematical aptitude, data interpretation skills, and calculation accuracy under time pressure.

Traditionally, this section has a significant impact on the overall percentile due to its scoring potential.

• Total Number of Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Good Attempts: 16-18

Parameter	Details
Number of Questions	20
Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Major Topics Covered	Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work) Basic Algebra Data Interpretation (Tables and Charts)
Nature of Questions	Mostly calculation-based but not time-consuming
Data Interpretation Level	DI sets were simple and direct
Calculation Complexity	No lengthy or complex calculations involved
Overall Section Analysis	Manageable section for well-prepared candidates
Expected Good Attempts	16 to 18 questions

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis for Logical Reasoning (LR)

As per the CMAT Exam Analysis 2026, the Logical Reasoning section evaluates candidates’ analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and decision-making abilities.

This section often balances moderate difficulty with lengthy problem sets.

• Total Number of Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Good Attempts: 15-17

Parameter	Details
Number of Questions	20
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Major Topics Covered	Coding and Decoding Series and Analogies Blood Relations Direction Sense Statement-based Questions
Nature of Questions	Mostly standalone questions
Question Focus	Emphasis on logical thinking rather than puzzle-heavy sets
Overall Section Analysis	Manageable for candidates with basic reasoning skills

• CMAT 2025 Question Paper PDF
• CMAT 2024 Question Paper PDF

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis for Language Comprehension (LC)

The CMAT 2026 Language Comprehension analysis highlights the importance of reading skills, vocabulary knowledge, and grammatical accuracy.

A strong performance here helps candidates boost their overall score with relatively less time investment.

• Total Number of Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Easy 
• Good Attempts: 15-17

Parameter	Details
Number of Questions	20
Major Topics Covered	Reading Comprehension Grammar Vocabulary Sentence Correction
Reading Comprehension Level	RC passages were short and easy to understand
Grammar & Vocabulary Focus	Tested basic language usage and clarity
Overall Section Analysis	Ideal scoring section for most candidates

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis for General Awareness (GA)

According to the CMAT Exam Analysis 2026, the General Awareness section tests awareness of current affairs, static GK, business, and economics.

This section is knowledge-based and less time-consuming but requires consistent preparation.

• Total Number of Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult 
• Good Attempts: 10-12

Parameter	Details
Number of Questions	20
Major Topics Covered	Current Affairs Static GK Business & Economy Sports Awards Science
Question Mix	Balanced mix of static GK and current affairs
Nature of Section	Static questions increased unpredictability
Key Success Factor	High accuracy was crucial

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis for: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The Innovation and entrepreneurship section of the CMAT exam 2026 focuses on topics such as the startup ecosystem, government initiatives, business awareness and more.

Here are the key highlights of this section:

• Total Number of Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Good Attempts: 15-17

Parameter	Details
Section Name	Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Number of Questions	20
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Major Topics Covered	Entrepreneurship Fundamentals, Startup Ecosystem, Government Initiatives, Business Awareness
Nature of Questions	Concept-based and application-oriented
Ideal For	Candidates with basic business and startup knowledge
Overall Section Analysis	Scoring for well-prepared aspirants

Expert Tips on How to Prepare for CAT GDPI

CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: [Score VS Percentile]

CMAT Percentile	CMAT score 2026 (expected)	CMAT score 2023	CMAT score 2022	CMAT score 2021
99.5	305	303	325	320
99	295	293	318	313
95	262	260	300	250
90	245	240	282	232
80	215	211	200	203
70	195	180	170	180

Read More | CMAT Exam Preparation Strategy

Attempt Free CMAT Mock Test for CMAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Expected Scores

College accepting CMAT score	Target Percentile Cutoff
JBIMS 2023 CMAT cutoff	99.99+
SIMSREE CMAT cutoff	99.96+
University of Pune- Department of Management Science CMAT cutoff	99.9+
NIBM Pune cutoff	90+
KJ Somaiya CMAT 2023 cutoff	98+
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai CMAT cutoff	95+
Welingkar Mumbai cutoff	95+
Xavier Institute of Social Science, Ranchi, CMAT exam cutoff	90+

Check : CMAT Mock Exam 2026

Conclusion

This year's CMAT 2026 exam maintained a balanced level of difficulty across all 5 sections. We hope that this CMAT exam analysis for 2026 provides aspirants with a clear picture of how they should proceed with their preferred college choice and further the admission process.

Whether you are aiming for top-tier institutes or looking to score well to broaden your choices, understanding the dynamics of the exam after proper research can significantly bolster your preparation efforts.