State MBA entrance exams like CMAT and MAH-MBA CET (held in 2026) remain on aspirants’ calendars for future planning

As 2025 concludes, MBA aspirants are shifting focus toward state-level entrance exams like CMAT and MAH-MBA CET 2026. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the exam structures, expected registration dates, and comparative analysis to help you plan your study schedule. Whether you are targeting top institutes in Maharashtra or national-level B-schools, understanding these cycles is crucial for success. Learn how to balance speed and accuracy while navigating the unique sections of these upcoming management tests. Start your journey toward India's top B-schools today.

As the calendar turns to late December 2025, the focus for management aspirants is rapidly shifting. While major national tests like CAT and XAT have concluded their primary cycles, the window for high-impact exams such as CMAT and MAH-MBA CET is just beginning. These exams offer a critical second chance for students to secure admission into premier institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and various AICTE-approved colleges. With CMAT scheduled for early January and MAH CET registration on the horizon, this week marks the start of a decisive phase for the 2026-27 academic session.

CMAT 2026: Countdown to January

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), remains a preferred choice for its balanced difficulty level. With the exam date confirmed for January 25, 2026, candidates are now entering the final month of preparation.

• The exam features 100 questions across five sections, including the unique Innovation & Entrepreneurship segment.
• Candidates should expect their advance city intimation slips by mid-January, followed by admit cards approximately four days before the test.
• The 180-minute duration allows for a higher accuracy-focused approach compared to speed-based tests.
• Unlike other exams, CMAT does not have sectional time limits, giving aspirants the flexibility to manage their attempts across segments.

MAH-MBA CET 2026: Strategic Expansion

In a significant move for the 2026 cycle, the Maharashtra State CET Cell has announced a two-phase exam model. This provides aspirants with more flexibility and a potential second attempt to improve their percentiles for the Centralized Admission Process (CAP).

• The first session is scheduled for April 6–8, 2026, with a second follow-up attempt on May 9, 2026.
• Registration is expected to open in the final week of December 2025, making this the ideal time to gather necessary documentation.
• The exam is purely speed-based, requiring candidates to solve 200 questions in just 150 minutes.
• The absence of negative marking makes it a high-scoring environment where logical and abstract reasoning carry the maximum weightage.

Key Comparison and Timeline Overview

Success in these upcoming months depends on understanding the fundamental differences between these two pathways. While CMAT tests comprehensive knowledge, MAH-MBA CET is a test of rapid decision-making.

Managing the transition between these two formats is essential for aspirants targeting top-tier ROI colleges.

In conclusion, the next few weeks are pivotal for finalizing your MBA roadmap. As CMAT enters the final countdown, the MAH-MBA CET window offers a fresh start for those aiming at Maharashtra's prestigious management ecosystem. Consistency in mock tests and staying updated with official notices will be the differentiator between an average score and a top-percentile result. Aspirants should immediately visit the official NTA and State CET Cell portals to monitor registration links and download the latest information bulletins for their respective exams.

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