Explore the detailed CMAT 2026 post-exam analysis following the January 25 test. This report covers section-wise difficulty levels, expected score vs. percentile trends, and potential cut-offs for top MBA institutes like JBIMS and SIMSREE.

With the first major management entrance test of the year concluded, the academic community is buzzing with analysis regarding the CMAT 2026 difficulty level. As candidates move past the initial relief of completing the test, the focus has shifted to "Score vs Percentile" prediction models. Preliminary feedback from thousands of test-takers across the country suggests a paper that remained largely true to the traditional CMAT format, though specific sections offered unexpected challenges that could influence the final merit list.

Sectional Breakdown and Difficulty Trends

The 2026 test was conducted in a computer-based format across multiple shifts. Early analysis indicates that while the Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning sections were scoring, the General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship segments acted as the primary differentiators for high-percentile aspirants.

• Quantitative Techniques & DI: Rated as "Easy to Moderate." Most questions were arithmetic-heavy, focusing on TSD, Profit & Loss, and Ratios.
• Logical Reasoning: This was reported as the easiest section, with a high volume of questions on Series, Blood Relations, and Visual Reasoning.
• Language Comprehension: Remained moderate with a focus on direct grammar and vocabulary, though one Reading Comprehension passage was notably lengthy.
• General Awareness: Dominated by static GK (History and Constitution) over current affairs, leading to a "Moderate to Difficult" rating.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Questions focused on government schemes and startup terminology, requiring specific subject knowledge.

Score vs. Percentile Prediction Models

Educational experts have begun releasing their prediction data based on the current year's difficulty curve. For the CMAT 2026 cycle, a raw score of 345+ is widely expected to be the threshold for the 100 percentile, while the 99 percentile bracket is anticipated to settle around the 285-300 mark.

These prediction figures are subject to the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) normalization process, which ensures that candidates from a potentially tougher afternoon shift are not disadvantaged compared to the morning shift.

Impact on Top B-School Cut-offs

The high-scoring nature of the CMAT 2026 test suggests that cut-offs for premier institutes like JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE will remain exceptionally high. Aspirants aiming for "Elite Tier" colleges are closely monitoring these analysis reports to gauge their chances of receiving interview calls.

• JBIMS & SIMSREE: Expected to close at 99.9+ percentile for the MMS program.
• K. J. Somaiya & PUMBA: Likely to see cut-offs in the 95–98 percentile range.
• BIMTECH & IMT Nagpur: Predictions suggest a steady 85–90 percentile requirement.
• GIM Goa: Note that some institutes may have independent application deadlines regardless of the result date.

Conclusion

The post-exam analysis for CMAT 2026 highlights a competitive landscape where accuracy in the GK section could be the deciding factor for top ranks. While current prediction models provide a roadmap for aspirants, the final clarity will only emerge once the NTA releases the official merit list in February. Until then, students are utilizing these trends to shortlist colleges and prepare for the subsequent Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI) rounds.