With the CMAT 2026 concluded on January 25, a comprehensive post-exam analysis has emerged based on student feedback. Most aspirants reported a moderate difficulty level, with the Quantitative Techniques section being more calculation-intensive than in previous years. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship and General Awareness sections provided a mix of static and current affairs questions that tested candidates' range of knowledge As the official answer key release nears, experts suggest that a raw score of 280-300 could translate into a high percentile for top management institutes.

The initial wave of post-exam analysis for CMAT 2026 has officially begun, providing crucial insights into the paper's difficulty and structure. Following the nationwide conduct of the test on January 25, thousands of aspirants have shared their experiences, painting a detailed picture of the 2026 testing environment. According to the latest CMAT exam reports, the overall consensus among candidates points toward a "moderate" difficulty level, maintaining the exam's reputation for being more accessible than the CAT or XAT. However, specific sections, particularly Quantitative Techniques, reportedly featured a higher volume of tricky questions compared to the 2025 cycle.

Sectional Breakdown and Student Feedback

As aspirants continue to populate discussion forums with their feedback, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is preparing for the next phase of result processing. The 100-question paper was divided into five distinct sections, each contributing to the final merit list.

• Quantitative Techniques & DI: Many students noted that while the concepts were fundamental, the calculations were time-consuming. Arithmetic dominated this section, with a few surprising questions on modern mathematics.
• Logical Reasoning: This section was widely regarded as the easiest part of the exam. Aspirants found the arrangements and blood relation questions straightforward, allowing for high accuracy.
• General Awareness: Feedback suggests a heavy tilt toward static GK. Topics ranged from Indian polity and history to recent sports awards, challenging those who focused solely on current events.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: This specialized section was described as "doable," featuring questions on startup culture, government schemes, and business personalities that rewarded well-read candidates.

Expected Cut-offs and Percentile Trends

Based on the early analysis of the January 25 shift, experts are projecting the expected CMAT 2026 cut-offs for premier B-schools. Because the exam was held in a single day, the impact of normalization is expected to be minimal, making raw scores a primary indicator of success.

• 99+ Percentile: To secure a seat in top-tier institutes like JBIMS or SIMSREE, a raw score exceeding 310 is likely required.
• 90-95 Percentile: Moderate performers targeting institutes like GIM or Great Lakes should aim for a score range of 250 to 280.
• Sectional Performance: While CMAT does not have a mandatory sectional time limit, high-ranking colleges often look for a balanced performance across all five segments during the final shortlisting.

Next Steps for Management Aspirants

With the feedback phase concluding, students are now advised to monitor the official NTA CMAT portal for the provisional answer key, which is expected by the end of this week. Once the key is live, the focus will shift from subjective analysis to objective score verification.

• Response Sheet Verification: Candidates should download their recorded responses to compare their answers with the official key.
• Objection Filing: If discrepancies are found, a brief 2-3 day window will be provided for students to challenge the provisional answers for a nominal fee.
• College Shortlisting: Using their estimated percentile, aspirants should begin finalizing their applications for B-schools that accept CMAT scores, as many private institute deadlines close by mid-February.

Conclusion

The post-exam analysis of CMAT 2026 reveals a balanced paper that tested both speed and conceptual clarity. Aspirants who managed their time effectively across the five sections, particularly in the calculation-heavy Quantitative segment, are likely to emerge with competitive scores. As the feedback shifts toward data-driven score estimates, the upcoming release of the provisional answer key remains the most anticipated milestone for the January 28 dateline. The consistency in the exam pattern has provided a transparent baseline for thousands of students aiming for a management career in the 2026-28 academic session.