2026 Admission Activity Rises as Colleges Publish Initial Cut-Off Signals

Leading MBA institutes across India have begun releasing expected cut-off percentiles for the 2026 batch following the release of official CMAT results on February 17.

Admission season is in full swing as of today, February 24, with many management institutes opening their counseling windows. Following the release of the CMAT Result by the National Testing Agency on February 17, students are now rushing to apply to colleges that fit their scores. Unlike some other tests, this exam does not have a single common counseling process. Instead, every student must apply to their chosen college separately. This makes it very important for candidates to keep a close eye on individual college websites and their specific Cut-off Percentile requirements.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) reported that over 53,000 students registered for the exam held in January. Now that the scorecards are out, the focus has shifted from exam preparation to the final selection. Top-ranked business schools have started giving signals about the minimum marks they will accept this year. For students, this is the time to finalize their choices and prepare for the next rounds, which usually include group discussions and face-to-face interviews.

1. Understanding Expected Cut-offs for Top Colleges

Different colleges have different requirements based on their reputation and the number of seats they have available for the 2026 batch.

• Tier-1 Institutes: Elite colleges like JBIMS and SIMSREE in Mumbai usually require a very high Cut-off Percentile, often reaching 99.9 or above.
• Tier-2 Institutes: Good schools like PUMBA, K J Somaiya, and Great Lakes generally look for candidates scoring between the 90th and 98th percentile.
• Specialized Schools: Institutes like NIA Pune or NIBM are great for finance and insurance, with cut-offs usually hovering around the 85-90 range.
• State-Level Colleges: Many state universities accept scores in the 70-80 range, making them accessible to a wider group of students.
• Official Verification: Students should always verify these numbers on the Official NTA CMAT Portal or the specific college’s website before paying any application fees.

2. Next Steps in the Selection Process

Clearing the written exam is only the first half of the journey; the Admission Stage requires passing a few more tests.

• Application Filing: You must visit the website of each college you like and fill out their specific form using your CMAT roll number and score.
• Group Discussion (GD): Many top schools will group 8-10 students together to talk about a current topic to see how well they communicate and lead.
• Personal Interview (PI): This is a one-on-one talk with professors. They will ask about your goals, why you want an MBA, and your academic background.
• Writing Ability Test (WAT): Some colleges might ask you to write a short essay on a given topic to check your writing skills.
• Check Notifications: For the most accurate and latest updates on these rounds, students should regularly check the NTA News and Events section.

3. Tips for Students with Moderate Scores

If your CMAT Result was not as high as you hoped, there are still many excellent paths available for your management career.

• Look for ROI: Some colleges have lower fees and good placements, providing a high Return on Investment (ROI) even if their cut-offs are not at the 99th percentile.
• Consider PGDM: Many private institutes offer PGDM programs that are equivalent to an MBA and have more flexible admission rules compared to university departments.
• Check Vacant Seats: Sometimes, colleges have a second round of admissions if seats remain empty after the first list. Stay alert for these openings in late March.
• Scholarship Options: High scorers in the Admission Stage can often get their tuition fees reduced. Check the AICTE Scholarship Guidelines for more info.
• Improve Your Profile: Use this time to do short online courses or internships to make your resume look better for the interview panel.

Conclusion

The month of February is a turning point for thousands of MBA aspirants. With the CMAT Result already in hand, the race to secure a seat in a dream college has officially begun. While the high Cut-off Percentile of top-tier schools can be intimidating, the sheer number of participating institutes ensures that every hard-working student has a chance. Remember that a management degree is about more than just a name; it is about the skills you learn and the network you build. As you move through the final Admission Stage, stay confident and keep your documents ready for verification. The next two months will determine where you spend the next two years of your life, so make every application count!

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