ATMA February 2026 Underway Today: AIMS Conducts Single-Shift Exam Across 100 Cities
The Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) is conducting the February session of the AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) 2026 today. The exam is being held in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in a computer-based test (CBT) format.
As candidates begin their final reporting and biometric verification at centers, the atmosphere is one of intense focus. ATMA scores are a gateway to over 500 MBA and PGDM institutes, making today a make-or-break event for those who did not secure their desired scores in CAT or XAT.
To stay updated on the live difficulty analysis once candidates exit the centers at 5:00 PM, follow Only Education News.
Real-Time Exam Day Guidelines
As the 2:00 PM start time approaches, the following protocols are being strictly enforced at all 100+ testing cities:
- Final Entry: The gates at most centers will officially close at 1:30 PM. No candidate is being permitted entry after this time, regardless of the circumstances.
- Mandatory Documents: Security personnel are verifying two color copies of the ATMA Admit Card, a valid government Photo ID, and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Digital Prohibitions: All electronic gadgets, including smartwatches, calculators, and even digital key fobs, are being deposited at center counters.
Understanding the Sectional Timing "Lock"
One of the most unique and challenging aspects of today's ATMA paper is its rigid sectional structure. Candidates must manage their time with surgical precision because:
- The 180 questions are divided into 6 sections (30 questions each).
- Each section is allotted exactly 30 minutes.
- Once the 30-minute timer for a section expires, the system automatically locks that section and moves to the next. Candidates cannot go back to review previous sections or jump ahead.
| Section Type | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Reasoning Skills (I & II) | 60 | 60 Mins |
| Verbal Skills (I & II) | 60 | 60 Mins |
| Quantitative Skills (I & II) | 60 | 60 Mins |
Candidate Strategy: The Negative Marking Factor
With a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer, students entering the hall today are being advised to prioritize accuracy over the total number of attempts. Unlike the CMAT, where the time pressure is lower, ATMA’s one-question-per-minute pace often leads to hurried errors in the Quantitative and Analytical sections.
What Happens Next?
Following the conclusion of today's exam at 5:00 PM, AIMS has promised a rapid turnaround. The ATMA 2026 results are scheduled for release on February 28, 2026. This quick result cycle is designed to help students apply for the final round of admissions at top B-schools before the March deadlines.
For a specialized list of "Top B-Schools Accepting ATMA Scores" with their expected 2026 cut-offs, follow Only Education News.