Management Colleges Gear Up for Post-CMAT Shortlists and Interview Rounds
With the CMAT 2026 exam concluded, premier management colleges across Indi are preparing their shortlisting criteria for the 2026-28 academic session. Institutions such as GIM, K J Somaiya, and PUMBA are expected to announce their cutoffs shortly after the results. Candidates are now shifting focus toward Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) preparation. The focus of the 2026 management admission cycle has shifted toward the selection stages following the completion of the CMAT exam. As of 30 January 2026, top-tier management colleges that accept CMAT scores are finalizing their shortlists and scheduling their interview panels. Unlike national exams like CAT, CMAT provides a gateway to a massive network of over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes. These colleges are now gearing up to evaluate candidates not just on their percentile, but on their communication skills, leadership potential, and academic consistency through upcoming GD/PI rounds.
With the CMAT 2026 exam concluded, premier management colleges across Indi are preparing their shortlisting criteria for the 2026-28 academic session. Institutions such as GIM, K J Somaiya, and PUMBA are expected to announce their cutoffs shortly after the results. Candidates are now shifting focus toward Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) preparation.
The focus of the 2026 management admission cycle has shifted toward the selection stages following the completion of the CMAT exam. As of 30 January 2026, top-tier management colleges that accept CMAT scores are finalizing their shortlists and scheduling their interview panels. Unlike national exams like CAT, CMAT provides a gateway to a massive network of over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes. These colleges are now gearing up to evaluate candidates not just on their percentile, but on their communication skills, leadership potential, and academic consistency through upcoming GD/PI rounds.
College Selection and Cutoff Expectations
Many colleges have already opened their application windows, and candidates are encouraged to apply before the individual college deadlines, which often fall in late February.
- High Percentile (95+): Institutes like K J Somaiya Institute of Management and GIM Goa are the primary targets for top scorers.
- Moderate Percentile (80-90): Colleges like BIMTECH and Welingkar (WeSchool) offer excellent placements for this range.
- Government Institutes: PUMBA (Pune) and SIMSREE (Mumbai) remain the most sought-after due to their high ROI.
| Institute | Expected CMAT Cutoff | Placement Average (LPA) |
| GIM Goa | 98.5 - 99.0 | 14.5 - 15.0 |
| Great Lakes | 95 - 97 | 13.0 - 14.5 |
| PUMBA Pune | 99.0+ | 8.5 - 9.5 |
Preparing for the Second Stage
The interview rounds in 2026 are expected to emphasize "Digital Fluency" and "Business Ethics," reflecting the evolving corporate landscape. Candidates should begin building their profiles for the shortlists.
- GD Topics: Current affairs, digital transformation, and economic policies are likely themes.
- PI Preparation: Mock interviews are being conducted by portals like Shiksha to help students refine their answers.
- Document Readiness: Ensure all semester mark sheets and work experience certificates are ready for verification.
Conclusion
As management colleges prepare to welcome the next batch of leaders, the post-CMAT phase is just as critical as the exam itself. Students must be proactive in checking the official websites of their target institutes to ensure they meet the specific application deadlines. The transition from test-taker to interviewee starts today, 30 January 2026, as the first wave of unofficial results provides a roadmap for the weeks ahead.
For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.