Following the conclusion of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 on January 25, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets by early February. Aspirants can download their documents from cmat.nta.nic.in to calculate scores and raise objections during the challenge window. Stay updated on official result dates and normalization processes for over 1,300 participating MBA colleges.

With the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 successfully conducted on January 25, thousands of management aspirants are now awaiting the release of the official provisional answer key. The National Testing Agency (NTA) traditionally makes these documents available within a week of the exam. Currently, the official NTA portal is being monitored for the activation of the login link, where students can access their recorded responses alongside the master question paper.

• Expected Release: The provisional key and response sheets are tentatively scheduled for release between January 31 and February 2, 2026.
• Access Credentials: Aspirants will need their application number and date of birth or password to log in.
• Official Website: All updates and download links will be hosted exclusively at cmat.nta.nic.in.
• Data Verification: The response sheet will display the specific options marked by the candidate during the three-hour computer-based examination.

Challenge Window and Fee Structure

Once the provisional keys are live, the NTA will provide a brief window for candidates to raise objections against any discrepancies they identify. This transparency measure ensures that the final merit list is based on an error-free evaluation. According to previous NTA trends, each challenged question requires a non-refundable processing fee, and valid proof from standard textbooks must be submitted to support the claim.

The examination authority will review all submitted challenges through a panel of subject experts. If an objection is found to be correct, the answer key will be revised for all aspirants, and the final results will be processed accordingly. It is important to note that no individual notification is sent regarding the acceptance or rejection of a specific challenge.

Conclusion

As the 2026 examination cycle moves toward its conclusion, the focus shifts to score calculation and percentile prediction. The provisional answer key serves as a critical tool for aspirants to gauge their performance before the final result announcement in mid-February. Candidates are advised to download and save their response sheets immediately upon release, as the link remains active only during the challenge period. Following the resolution of all objections, the NTA will publish the final scorecards, which will be accepted by over 1,300 AICTE-approved institutions for the 2026-27 academic session.