CMAT 2026 Conducted on January 25; Answer Key and Response Sheet Timeline Awaited

CMAT 2026 was successfully held on January 25, 2026, across India. Candidates are now awaiting the official answer key and response sheet from the NTA. The provisional key is expected by the end of January, allowing students to estimate their scores before the final February results. The marking scheme includes +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect responses.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) concluded the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 yesterday, January 25, 2026. The examination was held in a computer-based test (CBT) format across multiple shifts in numerous cities nationwide. With the conclusion of the test, the focus for thousands of management aspirants has shifted toward the release of the provisional answer key and the individual response sheet. These documents are essential for candidates to verify their performance and calculate an estimated score before the official results are declared by the NTA.

Expected Timeline for Answer Key and Response Sheet

Historically, the NTA does not release the official answer key immediately after the exam. Instead, a specific timeline is followed where candidates are first given access to a provisional key to invite challenges. Based on previous trends for the CMAT exam, the following milestones are anticipated for the 2026 cycle:

• Provisional Answer Key Release: The NTA is expected to upload the provisional answer key on the official website by January 30 or January 31, 2026.
• Response Sheet Availability: Candidates will be able to download their individual response sheet alongside the answer key to see their marked options.
• Objection Window: A window of approximately two to three days will be provided for candidates to challenge any answer they believe is incorrect.
• Final Result Declaration: After reviewing all objections, the NTA typically releases the final answer key and the CMAT 2026 results by the second week of February.

Marking Scheme and Sectional Breakdown

The CMAT 2026 followed a structured marking scheme where accuracy plays a vital role in determining the final percentile. Each of the five sections consists of 20 questions, making a total of 100 questions for the entire examination. Candidates use the answer key to apply the following marking rules: +4 marks for every correct response and a deduction of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.

Procedure to Access the Answer Key

Once the NTA activates the link, candidates must follow a digital process to view their documents. The portal requires specific login credentials that were generated during the registration phase. The answer key and response sheet remain available only for a limited duration on the official NTA-CMAT portal.

• Login Credentials: Candidates need to enter their application number and date of birth or password to access their dashboard.
• PDF Download: It is standard practice for candidates to save a PDF version of their response sheet and the question paper for future reference during the counseling process.
• Challenge Fee: For every question challenged, candidates are usually required to pay a non-refundable processing fee, which is typically around 200 per question.
• Expert Verification: All submitted challenges are verified by a panel of subject matter experts before the NTA finalizes the results.

Conclusion

The completion of the CMAT 2026 examination on January 25 marks a major step for students seeking admission into AICTE-approved management programs. The upcoming release of the answer key and response sheet will provide the transparency needed for candidates to assess their standing. With the provisional answer key expected within the week, the NTA will soon open the portal for challenges, leading toward the final results in February.