CMAT 2026 Candidates Begin Post-Exam Analysis and Score Estimation

Following the conclusion of the CMAT 2026 exam on January 25, candidates have transitioned into a critical phase of post-exam analysis. With the official answer key expected soon, many are utilizing scoring formulas and percentile mapping tools to estimate their performance. This detailed report covers student feedback across sections, the normalization process used by the NTA, and the score vs. percentile benchmarks for 2026.

In the wake of the successful completion of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, the national spotlight has turned toward score estimation and performance benchmarking. With thousands of MBA aspirants having finished their computer-based tests, the interim period before the official result declaration is being dominated by intensive post-exam analysis. Candidates are currently cross-referencing their memory-based attempts with expert answer keys to gauge their standing in a highly competitive year.

Sectional Difficulty and Student Feedback

Initial reports and student interactions following the January 25 exam sessions suggest a balanced paper, though certain sections posed significant challenges. This year’s analysis indicates a slight shift in the complexity of the non-quantitative sections compared to previous cycles.

• Quantitative Techniques & DI: This section was characterized by many as time-consuming rather than difficult. Calculation-heavy questions in Data Interpretation required aspirants to manage their time strictly to avoid missing out on easier arithmetic problems.
• Language Comprehension: Emerging as the most scoring segment, the English section featured straightforward reading comprehension passages and vocabulary questions that were accessible to most test-takers.
• Logical Reasoning: Candidates noted a high concentration of non-verbal reasoning questions. While the logic was generally transparent, a few sets involving complex arrangements were noted as potential "rank-breakers."
• General Awareness: True to its reputation, the GK section remained the most volatile. The paper featured a 75:25 split between static history/polity and current business events, challenging even the most prepared students.

Score Calculation and Normalization Standards

As students wait for the NTA to release the official response sheets, the process of calculating a raw score has become the primary activity. Understanding the marking scheme is essential for an accurate estimation of the final result.

• Marking Formula: Each correct response adds 4 marks to the tally, while every incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. Unattempted questions carry no penalty or reward.
• Normalization Procedure: Since the exam was conducted in multiple shifts, the NTA employs a normalization process. This ensures that the variation in difficulty levels between Shift 1 and Shift 2 does not disadvantage any candidate.
• Raw vs. Scaled Scores: The raw marks calculated from the answer key are converted into a percentile score. This percentile indicates the relative position of a candidate rather than their absolute percentage of marks.

Estimated Score vs. Percentile Mapping for 2026

Based on the current difficulty analysis and the number of test-takers, the following table provides a tentative mapping of raw scores to expected percentiles.

Conclusion

The current phase of post-exam analysis serves as a vital bridge between the examination and the admission cycle. While memory-based estimations provide a temporary sense of direction, the final clarity will only emerge once the National Testing Agency releases the official response sheets. The normalization process will ultimately play a decisive role in determining the final ranks, especially for those in the 280-310 score bracket where competition is thickest. As the academic community awaits the official data, the consensus remains that CMAT 2026 has been a fair but rigorous test of management aptitude, setting the stage for a busy February admission season.