CMAT 2026 Result Declaration Expected in Mid-February Window

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is anticipated to release the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 results today, February 14, or within the immediate mid-February window. This report provides live coverage of the result declaration process, including the publication of the final answer key and the release of individual scorecards. With approximately 53,453 candidates awaiting their ranks, we analyze the expected percentile cut-offs for premier management institutes and the step-by-step procedure to access the official merit list on the NTA's dedicated examination portal.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is in the final stages of processing the Results for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. Following the examination conducted on January 25, the agency has concluded the scrutiny of objections raised against the provisional answer key. The official CMAT portal is currently being updated to host the final merit list and individual scorecards. This Declaration marks a pivotal moment for management aspirants who have been monitoring the portal since the objection window closed on February 2.

• Candidate Turnout: A total of 53,453 candidates appeared for the computer-based test, representing a slight dip in registration volume compared to previous years.
• Final Answer Key: The NTA is expected to publish the final answer key simultaneously with the Results, incorporating any valid challenges verified by subject experts.
• Score Validity: The 2026 scorecard will remain valid for the entire 2026-28 academic session for admission to AICTE-approved management programs.
• No Manual Dispatch: The NTA has reiterated that no hard copies of the scorecard will be sent via post; all data must be accessed digitally.

Institutional Cut-offs and Admission Timeline

With the Results expected imminently, the focus has shifted to the percentile requirements of top-tier B-schools. Premier institutes such as Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) and SIMSREE typically maintain a cut-off above the 99th percentile. The Scorecard will reflect not just the raw marks but also the sectional and overall percentiles, which are the primary metrics used by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved colleges for their selection rounds.

• Sectional Analysis: While the overall Scorecard is vital, some institutes may look at specific performance in the "Innovation & Entrepreneurship" section.
• Merit List: Along with individual scores, the NTA will release an All India Merit List highlighting the toppers and their respective marks.
• Counselling Process: Institutions will begin their independent Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI) rounds shortly after the Declaration.
• Normalization: Since the exam was conducted in multiple shifts, the NTA has utilized a normalization formula to ensure equity across different difficulty levels.

Conclusion

The Declaration of the CMAT 2026 results within this mid-February window brings much-needed clarity to the 2026-28 MBA admission cycle. As of February 14, the administrative machinery at the NTA is fully engaged in ensuring a glitch-free release of the Scorecard PDF. For the thousands of aspirants, the next few hours are critical as they prepare to transition from the examination phase to the institutional selection process. Once the Results are live, candidates are advised to immediately download and secure multiple copies of their scores, as these will be mandatory during the document verification stage at their chosen management institutes. The successful conclusion of this cycle reaffirms the CMAT's role as a cornerstone of management education in India, facilitating access to hundreds of prestigious business schools nationwide.

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