Organization / Board / Department: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Year / Session: 2026
Official Website / Portal: [https://cmat.nta.nic.in/]

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the NTA CMAT 2026 Answer Key for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) held on 25 January 2026. This answer key allows candidates to verify their responses and estimate their scores before the final results are announced. The provisional answer key was made available on 31 January 2026 on the official NTA CMAT portal.

Candidates who appeared for the exam can download the answer key using their registration number, date of birth (DOB), and other login details. The NTA also provides an opportunity to raise objections against the provisional answer key within a specified timeframe. As per official information, the final answer key will be released after reviewing all challenges.

Students are advised to check the official website ([https://cmat.nta.nic.in/] for the latest updates and notifications. Details may change, so always cross-verify with the official sources.

Important Dates & Schedule

Event	Date
Notification Release	17 October 2025
Online Application Start	17 October 2025
Last Date to Apply	24 November 2025
Fee Payment Last Date	25 November 2025
Correction Window	26–28 November 2025
Exam City Details Release	15 January 2026
Admit Card Release	21 January 2026
Exam Date	25 January 2026
Provisional Answer Key Release	31 January 2026
Objection Window (Tentative)	1–3 February 2026
Final Answer Key Release	To be announced
Result Declaration	To be announced

Note: Objection window dates are tentative. Students should check the official website for exact dates.*

Eligibility Requirements

Criteria	Details
Age Limit	No age restriction for any category.
Educational Qualification	Passed or appearing in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree in any stream.
Nationality	Indian citizens are eligible.
Exam Attempts	No limit on the number of attempts.

How to Apply / How to Check Result — Step by Step

Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official NTA CMAT portal: [https://cmat.nta.nic.in/](https://cmat.nta.nic.in/). Look for the “Answer Key – NTA CMAT 2026” link in the notifications or latest updates section.

Step 2: Click on the Answer Key Link
Find and click the “Download Answer Key” link. You will be redirected to the candidate login page.

Step 3: Enter Login Details
Fill in the following details:

• Registration Number
• Date of Birth (DOB)
• Gender
• Verification Code (as shown on the screen)

Step 4: Submit and Download
Click “Submit” to view your answer key. Download and save it for future reference.

Step 5: Raise Objections (If Any)
If you find any discrepancies in the answer key, follow the instructions on the portal to challenge it. You may need to pay a prescribed fee per objection.

Selection Stages / Result Preparation Method

The CMAT 2026 selection process is based on a single online computer-based test (CBT). Here’s how the evaluation works:

Stage	Details
Online Exam	125 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering:

• Quantitative Techniques
• Logical Reasoning
• Language Comprehension
• General Awareness

– Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Scoring Pattern	– Correct answer: +4 marks

• Incorrect answer: -1 mark

– Unanswered question: 0 marks
Result Declaration	Based on the final answer key, NTA will release the results and percentile scores.
Objection Process	Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by submitting objections with supporting documents.

Required Documents —

Purpose	Documents Needed
Downloading Answer Key	– Registration Number
– Date of Birth (DOB)
Challenging Answer Key	– Proof of objection (if required)
– Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
Admission Process	– CMAT Scorecard

• Graduation Marksheet
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Photo ID Proof |

Salary Structure / Pay Scale / Career Growth (if job-related)

The NTA CMAT 2026 is an entrance exam for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in top business schools across India. It does not offer direct employment or a salary structure. However, clearing the CMAT exam can lead to the following career opportunities:

1. Admission to Top B-Schools: CMAT scores are accepted by over 1,300 management institutes in India, including IIMs, SPJIMR, MDI, and more.
2. Job Opportunities: After completing an MBA/PGDM, candidates can explore roles in:

– Management Consulting
– Finance & Banking
– Marketing & Sales
– Human Resources
– Operations & Supply Chain

1. Salary Expectations: Salaries vary based on the institute and job role. Fresh MBA graduates from top institutes can expect ₹8–25 lakhs per annum, while mid-career professionals can earn ₹20–50 lakhs per annum or more.

Important Instructions & Rules —

Rule	Details
Answer Key Challenge	Objections must be submitted within the specified window. A non-refundable fee may apply per challenge.
Final Answer Key	No further objections will be entertained after the final answer key is released.
Result Validity	CMAT scores are valid for one year from the date of result declaration.
Data Privacy	NTA does not share candidate data with third parties without consent.
Official Communication	All updates will be posted on the official website. Avoid relying on unofficial sources.
Admit Card Requirement	Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam center.
Exam Day Guidelines	Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card and official website.

Common Errors to Avoid —

Mistake	How to Avoid
Incorrect Login Details	Double-check your registration number and date of birth before submitting.
Missing Deadlines	Note down all important dates (answer key release, objection window, etc.) and set reminders.
Ignoring Instructions	Read the official notification carefully before downloading the answer key or raising objections.
Using Unofficial Sources	Always download the answer key from the official NTA website to avoid errors.
Not Verifying Responses	Cross-check your responses with the answer key to ensure accuracy.
Late Objections	Submit objections within the given timeframe to avoid rejection.

Who Is Eligible to Apply / Check

This information is essential for:

1. Candidates who appeared for the CMAT 2026 exam on 25 January 2026.
2. Students planning to pursue MBA or PGDM programs in India.
3. Parents and guardians assisting candidates in the admission process.
4. Coaching institutes and career counselors guiding students for management entrance exams.
5. Aspiring management professionals looking for career growth opportunities.

How to Use Official Website — Step Guide

Task	Steps
Find the Answer Key	1. Visit [https://cmat.nta.nic.in/]

1. Look for “Answer Key – NTA CMAT 2026” in the notifications section.

3. Click the link and log in with your credentials.
Download Admit Card	1. Go to the official website.

1. Find the “Download Admit Card” link.
2. Enter your registration number and date of birth.

4. Download and print your admit card.
Check Exam City Details	1. Visit the official portal.

1. Click on “Exam City Details.”

3. Log in with your credentials to view your exam center.
Raise Objections	1. After downloading the answer key, click on the “Challenge Answer Key” link.

1. Select the question(s) you want to challenge.
2. Upload supporting documents (if required).

4. Pay the objection fee (if applicable) and submit.
Check Results	1. Visit the official website.

1. Look for the “CMAT 2026 Result” link.
2. Log in with your credentials to view your scorecard. |

Official Links & Source Verification

Always verify information using the official links below:

Purpose	Link
Official Website	[https://cmat.nta.nic.in/]
Download Answer Key	[https://examinationservices.nic.in/ExamSys2026/Root/CandidateLogin.aspx?enc=Ei4cajBkK1gZSfgr53ImFU3Rihn/LCw46teQC5bcj4p4xovgNlTakiqik+puV5Y3]
Download Admit Card	[https://examinationservices.nic.in/AdmitCardService/Admitcard/Login?enc=KOTAW5q/gGNKxaEZ](https://examinationservices.nic.in/AdmitCardService/Admitcard/Login?enc=KOTAW5q/gGNKxaEZ)
Official Notification	Check the “Latest News” section on the official website.

FAQs:

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details may change as per official announcements by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students are advised to cross-check all information with the official website ([https://cmat.nta.nic.in/](https://cmat.nta.nic.in/)) before taking any action.

The NTA CMAT 2026 Answer Key process, dates, and guidelines are subject to change. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. For the most reliable updates, always refer to the official NTA CMAT portal.