Private B-Schools Announce CMAT-Based GD/PI Schedules for 2026 Intake

Following the release of CMAT 2026 results on February 17, major private business schools like BIMTECH, Welingkar, and KJ Somaiya have officially announced their selection round schedules. Candidates must now register individually on college portals to participate in upcoming Group Discussions and Personal Interviews.

With the National Testing Agency (NTA) having declared the CMAT 2026 results just five days ago, top-tier private management institutes across India have moved quickly to announce their second-stage selection schedules. Today, February 22, marks the start of a busy season for every management aspirant who has qualified for the next round. Unlike common counseling for government seats, private B-schools require students to apply directly to their respective campuses to participate in the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

Key Dates and Top Participating Colleges

Leading institutes such as KJ Somaiya Institute of Management and BIMTECH Greater Noida have already activated their shortlisting links. Most of these colleges are looking for students who scored above the 85th percentile, though some niche programs accept scores starting from the 75th percentile.

The selection process is expected to be held in multiple phases. The first phase of interviews will likely begin in the first week of March 2026. Schools like Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool) have also updated their portals, inviting students to book their interview slots. It is a golden rule for every management aspirant to check the individual "Admission" tab on these websites to ensure they do not miss the application deadline, many of which close by the end of February.

Understanding the Selection Process

The admission cycle for 2026 is focusing heavily on "holistic profiles." This means that while your CMAT 2026 score gets you through the door, your performance in the GD and PI will decide if you get the final seat.

1. Group Discussion (GD): Here, 8–10 students discuss a topic like "The Role of AI in Business" or "India’s Green Energy Goals." The judges look at your leadership and how well you listen to others.
2. Personal Interview (PI): This is a one-on-one talk with professors or experts. They will ask about your background, why you want to do an MBA, and your future goals.

Preparation Tips for Candidates

Since the admission cycle is moving fast, students should start practicing their speaking skills now. You should read business newspapers every day to stay updated on current affairs. Most interviews will include at least one question about recent news. Also, prepare a very strong answer for the question: "Tell me about yourself." This is usually the first thing they ask, and it sets the tone for the rest of the interview.

Conclusion

The release of the GD/PI schedules brings a mix of excitement and nerves. For those who didn't get a top score, don't worry—many good private colleges still have their application windows open. The key is to act fast and stay organized. Make a list of the colleges you qualify for and keep track of their specific interview dates. This is the final hurdle in your journey to a top MBA program!