Top CMAT Colleges in India 2026: Expected Cut-Offs, Fees and Admission Process After Results

Staff Writer: Upasana Sen

Last Updated: February 18, 2026

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) serves as a gateway to more than 1,300 AICTE-approved management institutions across India. The CMAT 2026 exam was held on January 25, and the results were declared on February 17, paving the way for candidates to begin shortlisting MBA colleges based on their performance.

Since CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE-approved institutions, including several Tier 1 B-schools, securing a competitive percentile is essential for admission to top colleges. Admissions are primarily based on institute-specific cut-offs, making exam performance a crucial factor in the selection process.

Now that results are out, candidates who have scored as expected should carefully evaluate their options and prepare to apply to suitable MBA or PGDM programmes.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing CMAT Colleges

While CMAT cut-offs are important, experts advise candidates not to rely solely on percentile benchmarks. Aspirants should also assess:

• Preferred MBA specialization
  
• Accreditation and recognition of the institute
  
• Eligibility criteria
  
• Location and industry exposure
  
• Selection process (GD/PI or counselling)
  
• Tuition fees and return on investment (ROI)
  
• Infrastructure and learning environment
  
• Faculty profile
  
• Placement record and corporate connections

A balanced evaluation of these factors helps ensure that candidates select institutions aligned with their career goals.

Expected CMAT 2026 Cut-Offs and Fees

The cut-offs listed below are based on previous years’ admission trends. The CMAT 2026 cut-offs are expected to remain in a similar range. Candidates are advised to verify official admission criteria before submitting applications.

Top Colleges and Expected Cut-Offs (2026):

• Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) – 99.97 percentile | ₹6–7 lakh
  
• Goa Institute of Management (GIM) – 99.85 percentile | ₹4.28–20.50 lakh
  
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research – 99.20 percentile | ₹17.30 lakh
  
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai – 99.06 percentile | ₹9–11 lakh
  
• Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi – 95 percentile | ₹8.90 lakh

Colleges with 85 Percentile Cut-Off:

• IFIM Business School, Bangalore – ₹15.90 lakh
  
• Asia-Pacific Institute of Management – ₹9.65 lakh
  
• NL Dalmia Institute of Management & Research – ₹16.5 lakh

Colleges with 80–82 Percentile Cut-Off:

• Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida – 82 percentile | ₹1.40–14.80 lakh
  
• KIIT School of Management (KSOM) – 80 percentile | ₹13.60 lakh
  
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology – 80 percentile | ₹4.70 lakh
  
• Amrita School of Business, Bangalore – 80 percentile | ₹7.50 lakh

Colleges with 75 Percentile Cut-Off:

• BIMTECH, Greater Noida – ₹13–14 lakh
  
• BIT Mesra – ₹5.50 lakh
  
• DY Patil School of Management, Pune – ₹2.30 lakh
  
• XIME, Bangalore – ₹11 lakh
  
• Alliance School of Business – Alliance University – ₹13.50 lakh
  
• SSN School of Management (SSN SOM) – ₹4.00 lakh

Colleges with 70 Percentile Cut-Off:

• Christ University Institute of Management – ₹7.70 lakh
  
• Welingkar Institute (Mumbai & Bangalore) – ₹11 lakh
  
• IMS Ghaziabad – ₹7.95 lakh
  
• D Y Patil University School of Management (DYPUSM) – ₹8.40 lakh
  
• Jagannath International Management School (JIMS) – ₹8 lakh
  
• Universal Business School – ₹8.48 lakh
  
• NSB Academy – ₹6 lakh
  
• Indira Institute of Management (IIMP) – ₹2.20 lakh
  
• AIMS Institute of Management Studies – ₹4.85 lakh
  
• Accurate Group of Institutions – ₹5.60 lakh
  
• Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies (RCBS) – ₹6 lakh

Colleges with 60 Percentile Cut-Off:

• Indus Business Academy, Bangalore – ₹5.58 lakh
  
• ISME, Bangalore – ₹8.25 lakh
  
• VIT Business School, Vellore – ₹7 lakh

Note: These cut-offs are indicative and subject to change. Fee figures are based on the previous academic session and may be revised.

CMAT 2026 Selection Process

Admission to CMAT-accepting institutes typically involves multiple stages. While state-level admissions may occur through centralized counselling, most private institutes follow a structured selection procedure:

1. CMAT Registration and Examination
   
2. Result Declaration
   
3. College-wise Cut-Off Announcement
   
4. Group Discussion (GD) and/or Personal Interview (PI)
   
5. Final Selection for MBA/PGDM Admission

Each institute follows its own admission criteria, cut-offs, timelines and fee structures. Therefore, candidates must thoroughly review official admission notifications before applying.

Next Steps for Aspirants

With CMAT 2026 results now available, candidates should compare their percentile with expected cut-offs and create a shortlist of aspirational, target and safe colleges. Early preparation for GD and PI rounds can improve chances of final selection.

Given the large number of institutions accepting CMAT scores, strategic planning and informed decision-making are key to securing admission into a reputed management institute.

Also Read: CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key Released: Exam Analysis, Expected Cut-Offs and Scorecard Download Details