CMAT 2026 Answer Key Released; Provisional Scores and Response Sheets Now Available

The National Testing Agency has officially released the CMAT 2026 provisional answer key and candidate response sheets today, January 31, 2026. Aspirants can now login to the official portal to calculate their scores, verify recorded responses, and submit objections against any discrepancies before the final results are processed. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reached a significant milestone in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 cycle by releasing the provisional answer key today, January 31, 2026. Following the computer-based entrance examination held on January 25, thousands of MBA aspirants can now access their individual response sheets. This release allows candidates to gain immediate clarity on their performance across the five core sections: Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Candidates can download their documents by visiting the official NTA CMAT website and using their application number and date of birth. The response sheet is a comprehensive record of the options selected by the candidate during the exam alongside the official correct option ID. To calculate a preliminary score, candidates should apply the marking scheme: four marks for every correct answer and a deduction of one mark for every incorrect response.

• Visit the official portal and locate the "CMAT 2026 Answer Key Challenge" tab.
• Enter valid credentials and secure pin to access the dashboard.
• Download the PDF containing the questions and marked responses for future reference.
• Cross-verify the Question IDs with the Answer Key IDs provided in the master list.

Answer Key Challenge Process and Fees

The NTA has provided a window for candidates to challenge the provisional answer key if they find any discrepancies. This objection window is typically active for 48 to 72 hours. For every challenge submitted, candidates are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of INR 200 per question. It is essential to upload supporting documents or academic references to substantiate the claim, as a panel of subject experts will review all grievances before the final result is compiled.

• Select the Question ID you wish to challenge from the online list.
• Choose the correct Option ID according to your claim.
• Upload the supporting evidence in a single PDF file.
• Complete the payment via credit card, debit card, or net banking.

Expected Cutoffs and Next Steps

With the answer key out, the focus shifts toward the expected CMAT 2026 Cutoffs for top-tier management institutes. Experts suggest that a score above 300 will likely fetch a 99+ percentile, making candidates eligible for prestigious institutions like JBIMS and SIMSREE. Most B-schools will begin their selection process, including Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI), shortly after the final results are declared, which is expected by mid-February 2026.

• 99+ Percentile: Expected for scores ranging between 295 and 310.
• 95+ Percentile: Expected for scores around 260 to 275.
• 90+ Percentile: Likely at a score of approximately 240.
• Admission Strategy: Use the College Predictor tools to shortlist colleges based on your estimated raw score.

Conclusion

The release of the CMAT 2026 answer key brings a transparent end to the first phase of the admission cycle. Candidates are encouraged to meticulously check their response sheets and raise valid objections within the stipulated time. As the NTA prepares the final merit list, aspirants should utilize this period to research participating institutes and prepare for the subsequent rounds of the admission process.

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