Top 6 MBA Entrance Exams in India 2026: Dates, Fees, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and more!

Here are the important dates for CAT 2025 MBA Entrance Exams:

 

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
Aug ' 25 - Sep ' 25	CAT 2025 registration TENTATIVE
Sep ' 25	CAT 2025 form correction process TENTATIVE
Nov ' 25	CAT 2025 admit card download TENTATIVE
30 Nov ' 25	CAT 2025 exam
Dec ' 25	CAT 2025 answer key challenge TENTATIVE
Dec ' 25	CAT 2025 result announcement TENTATIVE

To be eligible for the CAT 2025 exam, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA is required. A relaxation to 45% aggregate is provided for SC, ST, PWD/DA categories.
• Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of a bachelor's degree or equivalent, or those awaiting their final results, are eligible. However, their first and second-year aggregate marks must satisfy the minimum score requirement.
• Professional Degrees: Individuals holding professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA, or FCAI are also eligible to appear for CAT, provided they meet the stipulated percentage.
• Accreditation: The bachelor's degree, whether obtained through regular or distance learning, must be a 3-year program from a UGC-recognized institution.
• Provisional Admission: Candidates in their final year or awaiting results will need to submit their passing certificate or marksheet to the MBA college by a specified deadline to confirm their admission. Until then, their admission will be provisional.
• No Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT. The exam is also accepted for EPGP, Doctorate, and FPM courses, allowing individuals at any stage of their career to apply.

The CAT 2025 exam is expected to be pretty much the same as last year, with just a tiny change: they added a couple more questions to the DILR section in CAT 2025 (it went from 20 to 22).

So, here's what the CAT 2025 exam pattern should look like:

• VARC: 24 questions, 40 minutes to answer
• DILR: 22 questions, 40 minutes to answer
• QA: 22 questions, 40 minutes to answer

Each question is worth 3 marks, but you'll lose 1 mark for every wrong answer.

The registration window for CAT 2025 is scheduled for August to September 2025. Aspiring candidates can apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT) by creating a login ID on the official IIMCAT website, iimcat.ac.in.

Here's how to complete your CAT 2025 application:

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to iimcat.ac.in.
2. Initiate New Registration: Click on the 'new registration' link.
3. Provide Basic Information: Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID to register.
4. Log In and Access Application: Use the ID received in your registered email to log in and begin filling out the CAT 2025 application form.
5. Fill in Personal and Academic Details: Please complete all required personal and academic information, including details about your parents.
6. Upload Required Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your signature.
7. Choose Programs and Institutions: Select your preferred courses and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
8. Select Test City Preferences: Choose up to five preferred test cities from the dropdown menu for your CAT exam centre.
9. Pay Application Fee: Remit the CAT application fee using a credit/debit card or net banking.

Important Note: The allotment of your CAT test city and center will be provided on your CAT admit card. A list of available CAT test cities can be found on the website.

The CAT exam syllabus encompasses three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude. 

These sections evaluate a candidate's proficiency in English communication, reasoning, and quantitative skills. It is highly recommended that candidates prioritise the topics from which the majority of questions are drawn, as outlined below, during their exam preparation to maximise their scores.
 

CAT Syllabus sections	CAT Syllabus topics
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd Sentence Out
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding and Series
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration

In CAT 2025, candidates face pressure due to negative marking, making accurate judgment crucial. Key aspects of the marking scheme include:

• The exam will have a total of 204 marks.
• There will be 68 questions in total.
• Attempting all questions is not compulsory.
• Skipped questions will not incur any mark deductions.
• Some questions will be non-MCQ (Type In The Answer) format.
• Non-MCQ questions will not have negative marking.

Event	Tentative Date
XAT Notification Release	Last week of July 2025
XAT Registration Starts	Second week of July 2025
XAT Registration Last Date	First week of December 2025
XAT Admit Card Release	Last week of December 2025
XAT Exam Date	January 4, 2026
XAT Result Release	Third week of January 2026

It's highly recommended to register early to avoid any last-minute technical glitches

The eligibility criteria for XAT 2026 are quite straightforward:

• Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor's degree of at least three years duration in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
• Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they complete their degree by June 2026.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the XAT exam.
• Nationality: Both Indian and foreign nationals can apply. NRI/Foreign candidates can also apply through their GMAT scores (except for XLRI's GK-based programs).

The XAT exam pattern has a unique structure. The exam duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) and it is divided into two parts:

Part 1 (170 minutes): This part consists of three sections:

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR): This section tests your English language proficiency, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. You can expect questions on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, and logical puzzles.
2. Decision Making (DM): This is a distinguishing feature of the XAT exam. It presents scenarios (caselets) and questions that require you to analyze situations, evaluate options, and make sound decisions, often considering ethical dilemmas, managerial issues, and stakeholder satisfaction.
3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): This section assesses your mathematical skills and ability to interpret data from various charts, tables, and graphs. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, and data interpretation sets.

Part 2 (10 minutes): This part focuses on:

1. General Knowledge (GK): This section tests your awareness of current affairs, business, economics, politics, history, geography, and static GK.

Important Note: The Analytical Essay Writing (AEW) section has been removed from XAT 2026.

The XAT registration process is entirely online. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official XAT website: Go to xatonline.in (This is the official XAT website).
2. New Registration: Click on "New Registration" for XAT 2026.
3. Fill Basic Details: Enter your name, email ID, phone number, and other required basic information.
4. Receive Login Credentials: You will receive a unique XAT ID and password via email/SMS.
5. Log In and Complete Application: Use your login credentials to access the application form.
6. Fill Personal & Academic Details: Provide your personal information, academic background (10th, 12th, Graduation, etc.), and work experience (if any).
7. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature as per the specified format and size. You may also need to upload Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, and identity proof.
8. Choose XLRI Programs & Test Cities: If you wish to apply to XLRI programs (BM, HRM, GM), you can select them and pay an additional fee. Also, choose up to four preferred test cities.
9. Pay Application Fee: Pay the XAT registration fee online using a credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking.
   • XAT Registration Fee: ₹2,200
   • Each XLRI Program Addition: ₹200 extra
   • NRI/Foreign Candidates: ₹5,000
10. Submit and Download Confirmation: After successful payment, submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.

The XAT 2026 syllabus is designed to evaluate a wide range of skills. Here's a breakdown by section:

1. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (VA & LR):

• Verbal Ability: Reading Comprehension (including passages and poems), Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms), Grammar (Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks), Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test.
• Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Deductive Reasoning, Syllogisms, Statement-Conclusion.

2. Decision Making (DM):

• This section doesn't have a fixed syllabus but involves scenarios from business, ethical dilemmas, HR issues, and general management situations. You need to apply logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical considerations to choose the best course of action.

3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI):

• Quantitative Ability:
  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Allegations, Time & Work, Speed, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest.
  • Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions (AP, GP), Logarithms.
  • Geometry & Mensuration: Properties of shapes, Area, Volume, Perimeter, Coordinate Geometry.
  • Number System: Divisibility, Remainders, Factors, Multiples, HCF, LCM.
  • Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory.
• Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables, Caselets.

4. General Knowledge (GK):

• Current Affairs: National & International events, business news, economy, awards, sports, science & technology, personalities.
• Static GK: History, Geography, Indian Economy, Indian Politics & Constitution, Important Organizations, Books & Authors.

Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for effective exam strategy:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: -0.25 marks
• Unattempted Questions:
  • The first 8 unattempted questions have no negative marking.
  • Beyond the first 8, a penalty of -0.10 marks will be deducted for every unattempted question.
• General Knowledge (GK) Section: There is no negative marking in the GK section. Also, the GK section marks are generally not included in the percentile calculation for the main sections, but some institutes use them for shortlisting.

While the official dates for SNAP 2026 are yet to be announced, based on previous years' trends, here's a tentative schedule to help you plan:

• SNAP Registration Opens: August 2025
• Last date to fill application form: Fourth week of November 2025
• Admit Card Release: December 2025
• SNAP Exam Dates: December 2025 (usually held over 2-3 slots)
• SNAP Result Announcement: January 2026

Remember to keep a close eye on the official SNAP website (snaptest.org) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Before you embark on your SNAP journey, it's crucial to check if you meet the eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum aggregate is 45%.
• Final Year Students: If you are in your final year of graduation, you are also eligible to apply. However, you must complete your degree with the required percentage by the date specified by the respective Symbiosis institutes.
• No Age Limit: There is no specific age limit to appear for the SNAP exam.
• No Limit on Attempts: You can attempt the SNAP exam multiple times.

The SNAP exam is a computer-based test (CBT) designed to assess your aptitude for management studies. Here's a breakdown of the exam pattern:

• Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Questions: 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Sections: The exam is divided into three sections:
  • General English: Covers Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, and Vocabulary. (15 Questions)
  • Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: Includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and Data Interpretation. (20 Questions)
  • Analytical & Logical Reasoning: Focuses on logical puzzles, coding-decoding, series completion, critical reasoning, and more. (25 Questions)
• Sectional Time Limit: There is no individual sectional time limit, giving you the flexibility to manage your time across sections.

The SNAP registration process is entirely online and straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official SNAP Website: Go to snaptest.org.
2. Register Now: Click on the "Register Now" or "Apply Now" button.
3. Create an Account: Provide your basic personal details like name, email ID, and mobile number to create a SNAP ID and password. You'll likely receive an OTP for verification.
4. Fill the Application Form: Log in with your new credentials and fill in the detailed application form, including your academic qualifications, contact information, and program preferences.
5. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and your signature in the specified format and size (usually JPEG/JPG, not exceeding 100 KB).
6. Pay the Application Fee: The SNAP exam fee is typically INR 2,250 (subject to change). You can pay this online using various payment gateways (Billdesk, Easebuzz, Indian Bank Payment Gateway) or via Demand Draft (DD).
7. Select Test Cities: Choose up to three preferred test cities.
8. Submit Application: Review all the details carefully before final submission. It's advisable to take a printout of the submitted form and payment acknowledgment for future reference.

Remember, you will also need to pay an additional fee (around INR 1,000 per program) for each Symbiosis institute/program you wish to apply to after registering for SNAP.

The SNAP 2026 syllabus is designed to test your general aptitude. Here's a detailed breakdown of key topics:

• General English:
  • Reading Comprehension (though often not explicitly asked, strong comprehension helps with other verbal sections)
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Idioms & Phrases)
  • Grammar (Sentence Correction, Sentence Completion, Parts of Speech, Tenses)
  • Jumbled Paragraphs
• Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency:
  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Averages, Mixtures & Allegations.
  • Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities.
  • Geometry/Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Area, Volume.
  • Numbers: Number Systems, HCF & LCM.
  • Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability.
  • Data Interpretation (DI) & Data Sufficiency (DS): Questions based on Tables, Charts (Bar, Line, Pie), Graphs, Caselets.
• Analytical & Logical Reasoning:
  • Logical Puzzles (Arrangements - Linear, Circular, Matrix)
  • Blood Relations
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Series Completion (Number, Letter, Symbol)
  • Clocks & Calendars
  • Directions
  • Syllogisms
  • Statement & Conclusion
  • Cause & Effect
  • Critical Reasoning

Understanding the marking scheme is vital for strategizing your attempts:

• Total Marks: The SNAP exam is conducted for a total of 60 marks.
• Correct Answer: For every correct answer, you will be awarded +1 mark.
• Incorrect Answer: For every incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks (1/4th of a mark) deducted.
• Unanswered Questions: There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

This negative marking system emphasizes accuracy, so it's crucial to attempt questions you are confident about rather than making random guesses.

While the official dates for MAT 2026 will be released by AIMA closer to the examination cycles, based on past trends, here's a tentative schedule you can expect:

MAT is usually conducted four times a year. Keep an eye on the official AIMA MAT website (mat.aima.in) for the most accurate and updated information.

Exam Cycle	Expected Registration Window	Expected Exam Month
February	December 2025 – January 2026	February 2026
May	March – April 2026	May 2026
September	July – August 2026	September 2026
December	October – November 2026	December 2026

The eligibility criteria for the MAT exam are designed to be inclusive, allowing a wide range of graduates to apply. Here's a breakdown:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute.
• Final Year Students: Students appearing in the final year of their undergraduate degree can also apply provisionally. However, they will need to submit proof of completion within the stipulated timeline set by the admitting institute.
• Minimum Marks: While there is generally no minimum percentage required by AIMA for the MAT exam itself, individual colleges accepting MAT scores may have their own specific minimum aggregate mark requirements (e.g., 50% for General Category, 45% for Reserved Categories).
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the MAT exam.
• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of times you can attempt the MAT exam. Your latest score will be considered for admission.

Understanding the MAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The MAT exam is designed to assess your general aptitude for management studies and consists of five sections:

Section	Number of Questions	Recommended Time Allotment
Language Comprehension	30	30 minutes
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning	30	30 minutes
Mathematical Skills	30	40 minutes
Data Analysis & Sufficiency	30	35 minutes
Indian & Global Environment	30	10 minutes
Total	150	120 minutes (2 hours)

The MAT registration process is entirely online and user-friendly. Follow these steps to register for the MAT exam:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official AIMA MAT website: https://mat.aima.in/
2. Create an Account: Click on the "Register" option. You will need to provide basic details such as your name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, state, city, preferred test mode, and set a password.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in to your newly created account and proceed to fill out the detailed application form. This will include personal, academic, and contact information.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your recent passport-sized photograph (10-50 KB) and signature (5-20 KB) as per the specified guidelines.
5. Select Test Mode & City: Choose your preferred test mode (PBT, CBT, or IBT) and select the exam city from the available list. You can opt for an additional mode of test (PBT+CBT) by paying an extra fee.
6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee online using Credit Card/Debit Card (ATM Card) or Net Banking.
   • For one mode (PBT or CBT or IBT): Approximately ₹2,100
   • For two modes (e.g., PBT + CBT): Approximately ₹3,600
7. Submit and Confirm: Review all the details carefully before submitting the application. It is advisable to take a printout of the submitted application form for your records.

The MAT syllabus is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude across various domains essential for management studies. Here's a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in each section:

1. Language Comprehension:
    
   • Reading Comprehension (Passages with inference-based questions)
   • Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution)
   • Grammar (Sentence correction, Error detection, Fill in the blanks)
   • Sentence Arrangement (Para-jumbles)
2. Intelligence & Critical Reasoning:
    
   • Logical puzzles
   • Blood Relations
   • Coding & Decoding
   • Series
   • Statements & Conclusions
   • Course of Action
   • Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Seating)
   • Visual Reasoning
   • Syllogisms
   • Critical Reasoning (Inference-based questions, Arguments)
3. Mathematical Skills:
    
   • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Speed, Time & Distance)
   • Algebra (Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities)
   • Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry)
   • Mensuration (Area, Volume)
   • Number System
   • Probability
   • Set Theory
4. Data Analysis & Sufficiency:
    
   • Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs – Bar, Line, Pie)
   • Data Sufficiency (determining if given data is sufficient to answer a question)
   • Data Comparison
5. Indian & Global Environment (General Awareness):
    
   • Current Affairs (National and International events)
   • Business & Economy (Mergers, Acquisitions, New Policies, Business trends)
   • Social Issues
   • Awards and Honors
   • History, Geography, and Polity (basic knowledge)

The marking scheme for the MAT exam is straightforward:

• Correct Answer: For every correct answer, 1 mark is awarded.
• Incorrect Answer: For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted (negative marking).
• Unattempted Questions: There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

It's important to note that while all five sections contribute to your overall score, the "Indian & Global Environment" section's score is often used for descriptive purposes by colleges and may not always be included in the composite score calculation (which is typically out of 800). However, a good score in this section can definitely give you an edge.

Total Marks: The MAT exam is out of 200 marks, with 40 marks allocated to each of the five sections. However, the composite score is calculated on a scale of 200-800.

While the official notification for CMAT 2026 will be released by the NTA, based on previous year trends, here's an expected schedule for CMAT 2026:

• CMAT Notification Release: Mid-November 2025

• Online Application Form Submission: Mid-November to late December 2025

• Last Date for Application Fee Payment: Late December 2025

• Application Form Correction Window: Late December 2025

• Announcement of City of Examination: Mid-January 2026

• Downloading Admit Cards: Mid-January 2026

• CMAT 2026 Exam Date: January 24th or 25th, 2026 (Likely one of these dates)

• Answer Key Release: Early February 2026

• Answer Key Objection Window: Early February 2026

• CMAT 2026 Result Date: Mid-February 2026

To be eligible for the CMAT exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

• Educational Qualification:

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree of minimum three-year duration or equivalent in any discipline from an AICTE-approved institute/university.

  • Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor's degree examination are also eligible to apply, provided their1 results will be declared before the commencement of the admission process for the academic year.

• Minimum Marks: While there is no minimum score required to apply for the CMAT exam itself, most CMAT-accepting colleges generally require a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying undergraduate examination (45% for candidates belonging to reserved categories).

• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in the CMAT exam.

The CMAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) and follows a well-defined pattern:

• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)

• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Sections:2 The exam is divided into five sections, each carrying equal weightage:

  1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

  2. Logical Reasoning

  3. Language Comprehension

  4. General Awareness

  5. Innovation3 & Entrepreneurship (This section was made mandatory from CMAT 2022 onwards)

• Sectional Time Limit: There is no sectional time limit, allowing candidates the flexibility to manage their time across sections as per their strengths.

• Total Marks: 400 marks

The CMAT registration process is entirely online. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official NTA CMAT website (cmat.nta.nic.in).

2. New Registration: Click on the "New Registration" or "Apply Online" link.

3. Fill Basic Details: Provide your personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. A unique application number and password will be generated and sent to your registered email/mobile.

4. Complete Application Form: Log in using your generated credentials. Fill out the detailed application form with your personal, academic, and contact information. Select your preferred test cities.

5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents as per the specified format and size:

   • Passport-sized photograph: JPEG format (10KB - 200KB)

   • Scanned signature: JPEG format (4KB - 30KB)

   • Category Certificate (if applicable): PDF format (50KB - 300KB)

   • PwD Certificate (if applicable): PDF format (50KB - 300KB)

6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the CMAT application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies based on the candidate's category.

7. Submit and Download Confirmation: Review all the details carefully before final submission. After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page for your records.

The CMAT 2026 syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for management studies. Here's a section-wise breakdown:

• Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation:
   

  • Quantitative Techniques: Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixture & Allegations, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest), Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions), Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, Probability, Permutation & Combination.

  • Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets.

• Logical Reasoning:
   

  • Analytical Reasoning, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Directions, Syllogisms, Seating Arrangements, Series, Analogies, Puzzles, Statements and Assumptions/Arguments/Conclusions, Cause and Effect.

• Language Comprehension:
   

  • Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases), Grammar (Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks), Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion.

• General Awareness:
   

  • Static GK: Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Books & Authors, Awards, Sports, Art & Culture.

  • Current Affairs: National & International Events, Business & Economy News, Government Schemes.

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship:
   

  • Concepts of Innovation, Entrepreneurship Theories, Startup Ecosystem, Business Planning, Funding Options, Government Initiatives for Entrepreneurship, Legal Structures of Startups, Marketing and Growth Strategies.

The CMAT 2026 exam follows a clear marking scheme:

• For every correct answer: +4 marks

• For every incorrect answer: -1 mark (negative marking is applicable)

• For unattempted questions: 0 marks (no penalty)

With 100 questions in total, and each question carrying 4 marks, the maximum possible score for the CMAT exam is 400. Understanding this marking scheme is crucial for effective exam strategy and time management.

By thoroughly understanding these aspects of the CMAT exam, aspiring management students can prepare effectively and maximize their chances of securing admission to their desired B-schools. Good luck with your CMAT 2026 preparation!

While the official and exact dates for NMAT 2026 will be released by GMAC closer to the examination period, based on past trends, here's an expected schedule:

• Application Form Release: August 2025 (1st week)
• Registration Last Date: October 2025 (2nd week)
• Scheduling Window: August 2025 (1st week) to October 2025 (3rd week)
• Retake Registration: November 2025 (2nd week) to December 2025 (2nd week)
• Rescheduling Window: August 2025 (1st week) to December 2025 (3rd week)
• NMAT 2026 Exam Dates: November 2025 (1st week) to December 2025 (3rd week)
• Result Declaration: Within 48 hours of exam delivery (unofficial score); Official scorecard within a few days.

To be eligible for the NMAT exam, candidates generally need to fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
• Minimum Marks: A minimum aggregate of 50% in the final year of the bachelor's degree.
• Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
• Age Limit: There is typically no age limit to apply for NMAT.

The NMAT exam is a computer-based test with a unique adaptive format. This means the difficulty of subsequent questions can adjust based on your performance on previous questions. Here's a breakdown of the NMAT exam pattern:

• Total Questions: 108
• Total Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• Sections: The exam is divided into three sections, each with an equal number of questions and a fixed time limit:
  • Language Skills: 36 Questions | 28 Minutes
  • Quantitative Skills: 36 Questions | 52 Minutes
  • Logical Reasoning: 36 Questions | 40 Minutes

The NMAT registration process is entirely online and straightforward. Here's a general guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official NMAT by GMAC website (mba.com/exams/nmat).
2. Create an Account: If you're a new user, register by providing your basic details like name, email ID, and phone number to create a new profile.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in and complete the detailed application form. This will include personal details, educational qualifications, work experience (if any), and preferences for institutes you wish to send your scores to.
4. Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph and a valid government ID.
5. Choose Exam Mode: Select your preferred exam mode (test center or at-home online proctored exam, if available for the specific cycle).
6. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the NMAT registration fee online (e.g., via credit card, debit card, or net banking). As of recent trends, the early registration fee is typically around Rs. 3000 + applicable taxes. Retake and rescheduling fees apply for those options.
7. Schedule Your Exam: After successful registration, you can schedule your exam date, time, and test center (if opting for center-based). It's advisable to schedule early as slots are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Download Admit Card: Once your exam is scheduled, you can download your NMAT admit card from your dashboard.

The NMAT 2026 syllabus is designed to comprehensively test your aptitude across three core areas:

• Language Skills:
   
  • Reading Comprehension: Passages followed by questions assessing understanding, inference, and main idea.
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, fill in the blanks (vocabulary-based), analogies, idioms.
  • Grammar: Sentence correction, error identification, parts of speech, prepositions, tenses.
  • Para Jumbles: Arranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
• Quantitative Skills:
   
  • Arithmetic: Number properties, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, time and work, simple and compound interest, time, speed, and distance, mixtures and allegations.
  • Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, absolute value, logarithms.
  • Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons, 3D figures, mensuration formulas.
  • Modern Math: Permutation and combination, probability, set theory, Venn diagrams, progression (arithmetic, geometric, harmonic).
  • Data Interpretation (DI) & Data Sufficiency (DS): Analyzing and interpreting data presented in various formats like tables, charts (bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts), and caselets. Data sufficiency questions involve determining if given information is sufficient to answer a question.
• Logical Reasoning:
   
  • Analytical Reasoning: Puzzles (linear, circular arrangements), coding-decoding, series, blood relations, directions, matrix-type questions.
  • Verbal Reasoning (Critical Reasoning): Syllogisms, statement-conclusion, statement-assumption, strong/weak arguments, course of action, decision making, inferences, strengthening/weakening arguments.

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The NMAT marking scheme is student-friendly and designed to encourage candidates to attempt all questions:

• Marks per Correct Answer: Each correct answer fetches +3 marks.
• No Negative Marking: Crucially, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. This allows candidates to make educated guesses without fear of penalty.
• Unattempted Questions: No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.

The total scaled score for NMAT ranges from 36 to 360. Each section also has a score range of 12-120.