ATMA February 2026 Candidates Describe Paper as Moderately Balanced
Candidates who appeared for the ATMA February 2026 session report a balanced difficulty level across sections.

The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) successfully conducted the AIMS Test for Management Admissions, popularly known as the ATMA exam, across various centers. Most students who walked out of the exam halls described the February 2026 session as "moderately balanced." Unlike some previous years where the math section was very tough, this year the paper followed a predictable pattern that allowed students to manage their time well.
Section-Wise Difficulty and Candidate Feedback
The paper was divided into six main parts, covering Analytical Reasoning, Verbal Skills, and Quantitative Skills. Each area had two sections to test the speed and accuracy of the candidates. According to student feedback, the Analytical Reasoning section was the most time-consuming part of the paper. Many students found the puzzles to be logical but lengthy, requiring careful reading. On the other hand, the Verbal Skills section was seen as relatively easy, focusing on basic grammar and reading passages that were easy to understand.
- Quantitative Skills: Students reported that the questions were based on basic 10th-standard math, including topics like percentages and averages.
- Verbal Ability: This section tested vocabulary and sentence correction, which most candidates finished ahead of time.
- Analytical Skills: The questions involved coding-decoding and arrangements, which were rated as medium difficulty.
Score Expectations and Selection Process
Since the paper was not extremely difficult, experts believe that the cutoff for top management institutes might go slightly higher this year. High scores in the ATMA exam are essential for getting into various private and government-aided business schools. The scoring system involves giving one mark for every correct answer and taking away 0.25 marks for every wrong one. This negative marking makes it very important for students to be sure before they click on an answer.
| Section Name | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| Analytical Reasoning (I & II) | 60 | Moderate | 45-50 |
| Verbal Skills (I & II) | 60 | Easy to Moderate | 52-55 |
| Quantitative Skills (I & II) | 60 | Moderate | 42-48 |
| Total | 180 | Moderately Balanced | 139-153 |
Next Steps After the February Session
Now that the exam is over, the focus shifts to the official scorecard release. AIMS usually releases the results within a week of the exam date. Candidates can check their results on the official ATMA AIMS portal by using their PID and password. Once the results are out, students can start applying to the colleges that accept these scores for their MBA and PGDM programs. It is important to remember that ATMA is conducted multiple times a year, so those who are not happy with their performance today can try again in the next session.
- Result Date: The results are expected to be announced by February 28 or March 1, 2026.
- Selection: After the results, individual colleges will conduct Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI).
- Admission Guide: For more details on the list of participating institutes, students should refer to the AIMS institutional list.
Conclusion
The ATMA exam has provided a fair chance to all aspirants due to its balanced nature. While the Analytical Reasoning section tested the patience of many, the overall paper was approachable for those who had practiced regularly. The moderate difficulty level suggests that accuracy will be the key factor in determining the final ranks. As the scorecard will be available soon, students are advised to keep their documents ready for the upcoming admission rounds in various management institutes across India.
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