CMAT 2026 aspirants have entered the final preparation phase for the January 25 exam. National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the city intimation slips today, Jan 17, at cmat.nta.nic.in. Candidates are now shifting focus to mock tests, revision of the 400-mark paper, and preparing for the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section to boost their percentile.

With the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 scheduled for next Sunday, January 25, thousands of MBA and PGDM aspirants have officially entered their final week of intense preparation. Today marks a significant milestone in the exam timeline as the National Testing Agency (NTA) has activated the link for the exam city intimation slip on its official portal. This advance information allows candidates to finalize their travel arrangements and mentally prepare for the three-hour computer-based test conducted across 120+ cities nationwide.

Sectional Strategy and Last-Minute Focus

As the test date draws near, students are moving away from new topics and prioritizing high-yield sections. The CMAT 2026 maintains its established format of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into five equal sections. While Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning often take the most time during preparation, the "Innovation & Entrepreneurship" and "General Awareness" segments are currently seeing a surge in revision activity, as these sections often act as the deciding factor for the 99th percentile.

• Quantitative Techniques: High focus on Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, and modern math basics.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Revision of startup terminology, government schemes like "Startup India," and basic business concepts.
• General Awareness: Reviewing current affairs from the last 6–10 months, static GK, and business brands.
• Logical Reasoning: Daily practice of puzzles and circular arrangements to maintain speed and accuracy.

Admit Card and Logistics Update

Following the release of the city intimation slip today, the NTA is expected to issue the formal CMAT 2026 admit cards by January 20. Aspirants are advised to check the official website (cmat.nta.nic.in) regularly and keep their application numbers ready. For the 2026 session, the test will be held in two shifts, and the specific slot—morning (9 AM – 12 PM) or afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM)—will be clearly indicated on the hall ticket.

• City Intimation: Released today, January 17, to provide advance notice of the allotted city.
• Admit Card Release: Tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2026.
• Reporting Time: Candidates must arrive at the center at least 90 minutes before their shift starts.
• Required Documents: A printed color copy of the admit card, a valid government ID, and a passport-size photograph are mandatory for entry.

CMAT 2026 Exam Structure and Marking Scheme

Understanding the weightage is vital for effective time management during the final preparation phase. Each of the five sections carries 80 marks, contributing to a total of 400 marks. There is no sectional time limit, giving students the freedom to navigate between sections based on their comfort level.

Conclusion

As the final countdown begins, the emphasis for every aspirant is shifting toward mental composure and simulated mock tests. The release of the city intimation slip has brought a sense of urgency to the entry of the final revision cycle. By focusing on accuracy over speed—considering the -1 negative marking—and staying updated via the NTA helpdesk, students can maximize their chances of securing a seat in one of the 1,300+ AICTE-approved management institutes.

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