CMAT 2026 Admit Card: Direct Link, Exam Pattern & Exam Day Guide

With the CMAT 2026 exam scheduled for January 25, 2026, candidates are awaiting the release of the admit card, which is expected between January 20 and 22, following the earlier release of the City Intimation Slip by NTA.

The exam will be conducted in a single morning shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and will consist of 100 questions across five sections—Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship—carrying a total of 400 marks with +4 for correct answers and -1 negative marking.

The admit card must be downloaded from cmat.nta.nic.in using login credentials and carried in print along with a valid photo ID on exam day, while adhering strictly to NTA’s dress code and prohibited item guidelines. Candidates are advised to focus on revision, current affairs, entrepreneurship concepts, and one final mock test during actual exam hours, and to immediately contact the NTA helpdesk in case of any discrepancies on the admit card.

CMAT 2026 Admit Card Release Date, Download Steps, Exam Pattern & Exam Day Guidelines

The countdown has begun! With the CMAT 2026 exam date confirmed for January 25, 2026, candidates are eagerly awaiting their hall tickets. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has already released the City Intimation Slip, and the final CMAT 2026 Admit Card is expected to go live anytime between January 20 and January 22, 2026.

This article covers everything you need: direct download steps, the latest exam pattern, negative marking rules, and critical exam day instructions.

CMAT 2026: At a Glance

Here is the most up-to-date schedule and exam overview.

How to Download Your CMAT 2026 Admit Card

The admit card is your entry pass. Without it, you cannot enter the exam center.

1. Go to the Portal: Visit cmat.nta.nic.in.
2. Select the Link: Click on the notification that says “CMAT 2026 Admit Card”.
3. Login: Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth (DOB).
4. Verify: Type the Security Pin displayed on the screen.
5. Download: Your hall ticket will appear. Click “Download” and save the PDF.
6. Print: Take 2 clear printouts on A4 size paper immediately.

Troubleshooting: Unable to Download?

• Invalid Credentials: Double-check your application number from the confirmation email.
• Server Error: The website may be overloaded. Wait for 10-15 minutes and try again.
• Browser Issues: Try using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox and clear your cache.
• Image Not Loading: If your photo is missing on the card, contact the NTA Helpdesk immediately.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Understanding the paper structure is key to managing your time. The exam consists of 100 questions divided into 5 sections.

Marking Scheme Rules

• Correct Answer: +4 Marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Negative Marking)
• Unanswered: 0 Marks

Pro Tip: Accuracy is more important than speed. Avoid guessing wildly as negative marking can significantly lower your percentile.

Critical Exam Day Guidelines

NTA is strict about rules. Follow these instructions to avoid disqualification.

1. Documents to Carry

• Printed Admit Card: Must be clear and preferably in color.
• Valid Photo ID: Original Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License. (Digital copies or photocopies are not accepted).
• Passport Photo: Carry one additional photo (same as the one on your admit card) to paste on the attendance sheet.
• PwD Certificate: If applicable.

2. Dress Code

• Footwear: Wear slippers or sandals with low heels. Shoes with thick soles are prohibited.
• Clothing: Wear light clothes with half-sleeves. Avoid garments with large buttons.
• Accessories: No jewelry, metallic items, or heavy embroidery.

3. Prohibited Items

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds, or health bands.
• Calculators, log tables, or electronic gadgets.
• Wallets, handbags, or goggles.
• Note: Food items are generally not allowed inside the lab (except for diabetic candidates with prior permission).

Last-Minute Preparation Strategy

With only a few days left, use your time wisely:

1. Focus on Revision: Do not start new topics in Math or Logic. Revise formulas and shortcuts.
2. General Awareness: Briefly review top news headlines from the last 6 months.
3. Innovation Section: Revise key terms related to startups and entrepreneurship.
4. Mock Tests: Take one final mock test during the actual exam hours (9 AM – 12 PM) to set your body clock.

FAQs: CMAT 2026 Admit Card

When will the CMAT 2026 Admit Card be released?
The CMAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released between January 20 and January 22, 2026, on the official NTA website.

What is the official exam date for CMAT 2026?
The CMAT 2026 examination will be conducted on January 25, 2026 (Sunday).

Who is conducting the CMAT 2026 exam?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Where can I download the CMAT 2026 Admit Card?
Candidates can download the admit card from the official website cmat.nta.nic.in.

What login details are required to download the admit card?
You need your CMAT application number, date of birth, and the security pin shown on the screen.

Is the CMAT 2026 City Intimation Slip already released?
Yes, the NTA has already released the CMAT 2026 City Intimation Slip.

What is the exam duration of CMAT 2026?
The total duration of the CMAT 2026 exam is 180 minutes or 3 hours.

How many sections are there in CMAT 2026?
CMAT 2026 consists of five sections.

What are the sections included in CMAT 2026?
The sections are Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

How many questions are asked in CMAT 2026?
A total of 100 questions are asked in the CMAT 2026 exam.

What is the total marks of CMAT 2026?
The exam carries a total of 400 marks.

What is the marking scheme for CMAT 2026?
Each correct answer carries 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

Is there negative marking in CMAT 2026?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer.

Are unanswered questions penalized?
No, there is no penalty for unanswered questions.

What is the exam shift timing for CMAT 2026?
The exam is expected to be conducted in the morning shift from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, but candidates must check their admit card for final timing.

Can I enter the exam hall without the admit card?
No, entry to the exam center is strictly prohibited without a printed copy of the admit card.

How many printouts of the admit card should I carry?
It is advisable to carry at least two clear printouts of the admit card.

Is a digital copy of the admit card allowed at the exam center?
No, only a printed hard copy of the admit card is accepted.

What photo ID is accepted at the CMAT exam center?
Valid original photo IDs such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License are accepted.

Are photocopies or digital IDs accepted as valid proof?
No, only original photo ID proofs are allowed.

Do I need to carry a passport-size photograph?
Yes, candidates must carry one additional passport-size photograph identical to the one uploaded in the application form.

What should PwD candidates carry to the exam center?
PwD candidates must carry their valid PwD certificate along with other required documents.

What is the dress code for CMAT 2026?
Candidates should wear light clothes with half sleeves and slippers or sandals with low heels.

Are shoes allowed inside the exam center?
No, shoes with thick soles are not permitted.

Is wearing jewelry allowed during the exam?
No, jewelry, metallic items, and accessories are strictly prohibited.

Can I carry a mobile phone to the exam center?
No, mobile phones and any electronic devices are not allowed inside the exam hall.

Are calculators allowed in CMAT 2026?
No, calculators, log tables, or any electronic gadgets are prohibited.

Is food allowed inside the exam center?
Food items are generally not allowed, except for diabetic candidates with prior permission.

What should I do if I forget my login credentials?
You should check your application confirmation email or use the credential recovery option on the official website.

What if the CMAT website is not loading while downloading the admit card?
This may happen due to heavy traffic; wait for some time and try again using a different browser.

Which browsers work best for downloading the admit card?
Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are recommended for smooth access.

What if my photo or details are missing on the admit card?
You should immediately contact the NTA Helpdesk for correction.

Can I request a change in exam center after admit card release?
No, the exam center allotted on the admit card is final and cannot be changed.

Who should I contact for discrepancies on the admit card?
You should contact the NTA Helpdesk via phone or email as mentioned on the official website.

What is the best last-minute preparation strategy for CMAT 2026?
Focus on revision, avoid starting new topics, review current affairs, revise entrepreneurship concepts, and attempt one final mock test.

Should I take mock tests just before the exam?
Yes, taking one mock test during actual exam hours helps align your body clock.

Is accuracy more important than attempting all questions?
Yes, due to negative marking, accuracy is more important than guessing.

Will CMAT 2026 be conducted online or offline?
CMAT 2026 will be conducted in computer-based test mode.

Is CMAT conducted once a year?
Yes, CMAT is conducted once a year by the NTA.

Can I leave the exam hall early?
No, candidates are not allowed to leave the exam hall before the exam ends.

What happens if I arrive late at the exam center?
Late entry is usually not permitted, so candidates must reach the center well before reporting time.

Is rough paper provided during the exam?
Yes, rough sheets are provided at the exam center and must be returned after the exam.

Is CMAT compulsory for MBA admission?
CMAT is accepted by many AICTE-approved institutes, but admission requirements vary by college.

Can I use a pen or paper from home?
No, candidates must use only the materials provided at the exam center.

Will there be biometric verification at the exam center?
Yes, biometric verification and frisking are part of the standard exam-day process.

Is it mandatory to follow the instructions on the admit card?
Yes, all instructions mentioned on the admit card must be strictly followed to avoid disqualification.