The CMAT full form is Common Management Admission Test. CMAT exam is used for admission to postgraduate management courses like MBA, MMS, and PGDM programs across more than 1,000 AICTE-approved colleges and universities nationwide.
| Check Out: Official CMAT Information Bulletin (OUT SOON) |
- The CMAT entrance exam includes 100 MCQs across five sections, with +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer, for a total of 400 marks.
- The registration is expected to begin in the third week of October 2026 for the CMAT 2027 exam.
- The fee is ₹2,500 for General male candidates and ₹1,250 for General female/reserved-category candidates.
- The exam tests Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QT & DI), Logical Reasoning (LR), Language Comprehension, General Awareness (GK), and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections in the exam.
- Candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline can fill the CMAT form, including final-year students, with no upper age limit.
- There is no official passing cutoff for CMAT 2027; CMAT-accepting colleges use CMAT percentile scores to shortlist candidates independently.
Related Links:
- CMAT Syllabus 2027: Sections Wise Important Topics, Exam Pattern, Best Books & Preparation Tips
- CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2027: Check Qualification, Age limit, and Reservation Criteria
- CMAT Mock Test 2027 (Free), Attempt Online Mock Test, Download PDF
Key Summary
- CMAT 2027 does not have a single mechanically changed exam pattern; the test is expected to remain a 100-question, 400-mark, computer-based exam similar to previous cycles.
- CMAT exam eligibility is open to candidates holding a bachelor's degree in any discipline, including final-year students, with no minimum percentage requirement and no upper age limit.
- CMAT exam fee for CMAT 2027 is expected to remain at ₹2,500 for General male candidates and ₹1,250 for female and reserved-category candidates, consistent with the CMAT registration fees structure since 2024.
- CMAT 2027 scores remain valid for one academic year and are accepted by CMAT colleges list running into the thousands, including AICTE-approved B-schools across India.
What is the CMAT Exam?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance examination in India conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is used for admission to postgraduate management courses like MBA, MMS, and PGDM programs across more than 1,000 AICTE-approved colleges and universities nationwide.
- The exam includes 100 MCQs across five sections, with +4 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
- Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline can apply, including final-year students, with no upper age limit.
- There is no official passing cutoff; participating colleges use CMAT percentile scores to shortlist candidates.
Source: NTA Official Website CMAT Page
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) |
| Subjects Covered | 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation2. Logical Reasoning3. Language Comprehension4. General Awareness5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Exam Level | National Level (Postgraduate Management) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer |
| Passing Score | No official passing cutoff; colleges shortlist based on percentile scores (usually 85+ percentile for top colleges) |
| Basic Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (final-year students can also apply) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | cmat.nta.nic.in |
Also Check:
CMAT Exam: Previous Year Trends
The most recent cycles of the CMAT exam reveal that the exam pattern and structure have stabilized, with no major mechanical changes introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Below are some changes in the registration pattern seen over the last few years:
The exam pattern and structure are expected to remain the same as in the previous years, with exactly 20 questions per section, no exceptions, and no sectional time limits.
- CMAT registrations dropped sharply from 76,745 in 2024 to 53,453 in 2026, indicating a significant fall in the candidate pool.
- Despite fewer candidates appearing in 2026, competition at the top percentile levels remained high, making strong raw scores important for leading colleges.
| Exam Year | Registered Candidates | Actual Test Takers | Competition Level / Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 | 53,453 | 41,872 | Moderate (Low Density)Registrations saw a sharp drop of over 27%.But raw scoring remained highly competitive at the top end. |
| CMAT 2025 | 74,012 | 63,145 | Moderate to HighStable turnout similar to previous cycles. |
| CMAT 2024 | 76,745 | 65,127 | High competition.Peak volume of test-takers. Because NTA conducted the exam late in May, candidates had extensive preparation time. |
| CMAT 2023 | 75,209 | 58,035 | High competition. Intense competition at the top 1% bracket. A delayed exam timeline compressed the counseling cycles but kept the competitive threshold high. |
| CMAT 2022 | 58,956 | 51,144 | Moderate competition. Lower application baseline as the academic schedules slowly recovered from post-pandemic variations. |
The New Change: The NTA has not yet activated the registration portal or released the official brochure for CMAT 2027. It is expected to be out in the third week of October 2026, disclosing the changes made in the CMAT 2027 exam.
Also Check:
CMAT Exam: Important Dates 2027 (Tentative)
Based on timelines from previous testing cycles, the tentative schedule from registration to results for the CMAT Exam 2027 is projected below.
- CMAT 2027 registration is expected to begin in the third week of October 2026, with applications likely closing by the last week of November 2026.
- The exam is expected in the last week of January 2027, followed by the provisional answer key in the first week of February and the final result by the third week of February 2027.
| Exam Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | Second or third week of October 2026 |
| Online Registration Process Begins | Third week of October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Submit Fee | Last week of November 2026 |
| Application Form Correction Window | Late November to early December 2026 |
| Advance Exam City Intimation Slip | Mid-January 2027 |
| CMAT 2027 Admit Card Download | Third week of January 2027 (approx. 4–5 days before the exam) |
| CMAT 2027 Exam Date | Last week of January 2027 (expected around January 24th or 25th) |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window | First week of February 2027 |
| CMAT 2027 Final Result & Merit List | Third week of February 2027 |
Ques. Is there negative marking in the CMAT exam?
Ans. Yes, the CMAT exam awards +4 marks for every correct answer and deducts -1 mark for every incorrect answer, while unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Ques. What is the CMAT exam date for 2027?
Ans. The CMAT 2027 exam date is expected in the last week of January 2027, likely around January 24th or 25th, based on recent CMAT exam date trends.
Also Check:
CMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2027
CMAT exam eligibility for 2027 remains open and non-restrictive, since the test is designed to assess management aptitude:
- Graduation Requirement: A bachelor's degree is mandatory, while final-year students can also fill the CMAT form.
- No 50% Requirement: Candidates do not need to secure 50% marks in graduation to be eligible for CMAT.
- No Work Experience: Work experience is not mandatory to appear for the CMAT entrance exam.
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree of at least 3 years in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Professional Degrees | Candidates with CA, CS, or ICWA qualifications are also eligible |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible to apply if the final result is declared before the 2027–28 admission session begins |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Minimum Graduation Marks | No minimum percentage mandated by NTA; candidates must have passed their qualifying degree |
CMAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF
CMAT Registration and Application Process 2027
The CMAT registration process for 2027 will be conducted entirely online through the CMAT official website run by the NTA. The CMAT form-filling process requires you to complete profile registration, enter academic credentials, upload scanned certificates, and pay the fee.
- CMAT 2027 registration involves profile creation, application form filling, document upload, and fee payment, followed by downloading the confirmation page.
- Candidates should carefully enter their personal and academic details, preferred exam cities, and required documents, then review the form before making the final fee payment.
| Step | Process | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Registration & Profile Creation |
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| Step 2 | Application Form |
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| Step 3 | Document Upload |
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| Step 4 | Fee Payment & Confirmation |
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Ques. What is the CMAT official website for registration?
Ans. The CMAT official website for registration, admit card download, and result declaration is cmat.nta.nic.in, run by the National Testing Agency.
Documents Required for CMAT Registration 2027
The first set contains digital files to upload during CMAT registration, and the second set contains documents you must carry to the exam center.
- Photo & Signature: Candidates must upload their photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format, strictly within the prescribed file-size limits.
- Category-Based Documents: Category and PwD certificates are required only when candidates claim the relevant reservation, fee concession, or examination facilities.
| Document | Size | Format | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Photograph | 10–200 KB | JPG/JPEG | Recent colour photo, plain white background, face clearly visible including ears, no mask/cap/dark sunglasses |
| Signature | 4–30 KB | JPG/JPEG | Signed on plain white paper using black ink pen; standard running signature |
| Category Certificate | 50–300 KB | Required for candidates claiming fee concession or reservation; must meet current NTA date requirements | |
| PwD Certificate | 50–300 KB | Required only for PwD candidates claiming scribe or extra-time facilities |
You do not need to upload the following, but must have them on hand to enter exact details on the CMAT exam form:
- Class 10 Marksheet & Passing Certificate (roll number, school board, and marks)
- Class 12 Marksheet & Passing Certificate (stream details and final aggregate percentage)
- Graduation Marksheets (semester-wise or consolidated; final-year students need pre-final year aggregate scores)
- Valid Email ID and Personal Mobile Number (active throughout the selection process for OTPs and NTA alerts)
CMAT Exam Fee 2027
The CMAT exam fee structure for CMAT 2027 is expected to remain consistent with previous years. The National Testing Agency maintains gender- and category-based pricing on the CMAT registration fees, offering reduced rates for female candidates, transgender individuals, and reserved category applicants.
- The base CMAT form fees have remained stable for the last few registration cycles since NTA implemented the flat ₹2,500 rate for General-tier male candidates.
- The application fee rose from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for General male candidates in 2024, while the female/reserved-category fee increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,250.
This revised CMAT registration fee structure has stayed unchanged through CMAT 2026 and is expected to continue for CMAT 2027.
| Category | Male Candidates | Female Candidates | Third Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹2,500 | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 |
| Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 | ₹1,250 |
Source: NTA Official CMAT Information Bulletin
Also Check: CMAT 2027: MBA Colleges Accepting 250 Marks Score Range
CMAT Exam Pattern 2027
The CMAT 2027 exam pattern remains unchanged, following the stabilized structure managed by the NTA. The CMAT entrance exam is a computer-based test (CBT) evaluating analytical and business-oriented skills over a 3-hour window.
- The exam consists of five mandatory sections. Each section contains exactly 20 questions, making them all equally important to the final score.
- Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +4 marks.
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking applies).
- Unanswered/Skipped Question: 0 marks.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Source: NTA Official CMAT Information Bulletin
Also Check:
CMAT Syllabus 2027
The CMAT 2027 syllabus covers five comprehensive sections. The NTA does not provide an exhaustive topic-by-topic list, but previous years' paper analysis shows the question patterns focus on core aptitude and foundational business concepts.
- All five CMAT sections carry an equal 20 questions and 80 marks, making each section equally important for the overall score.
- The syllabus combines quantitative and analytical skills with language proficiency, general awareness, and business-oriented knowledge through Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
| Section | Questions / Marks | Major Topics | Detailed Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 / 80 | Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Partnerships |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions, Progressions (AP/GP), Inequalities | ||
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry, Volume & Surface Area of 3D Shapes | ||
| Modern Math | Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory | ||
| Number Systems | LCM & HCF, Divisibility Rules, Remainders, Number Properties | ||
| Data Interpretation | Data Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Caselets | ||
| Logical Reasoning | 20 / 80 | Arrangements | Linear Arrangement, Circular Arrangement, Matrix Grid Puzzles |
| Verbal Reasoning | Syllogisms, Statement & Argument, Cause & Effect, Course of Action, Assertions & Conclusions | ||
| Analytical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Clocks & Calendars, Input-Output | ||
| Series & Alpha-Numeric | Number Series, Letter Series, Odd One Out, Analogies | ||
| Language Comprehension | 20 / 80 | Reading Comprehension | Short passages, Direct Questions, Fact-Based Questions, Inference-Based Questions |
| Grammar & Usage | Sentence Correction, Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Parts of Speech, Error Spotting | ||
| Vocabulary | Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-Word Substitutions, Word Analogy | ||
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks | ||
| General Awareness | 20 / 80 | Static GK | Indian Constitution, History, Geography, Rivers, Dams, National Parks, Science & Technology, Art & Culture, Awards & Honors |
| Current Affairs | National & International News, Government Schemes, Economic Surveys, Sports Events, Appointments & Resignations, Books & Authors | ||
| Business GK | Corporate M&A, CEOs/Founders, Brand Taglines, Logos, Economic Policy Changes, RBI Rates, Union Budget | ||
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 / 80 | Entrepreneurship Concepts | Types of Entrepreneurs, Venture Lifecycle, Ideation, Scaling, Exit, Business Model Canvas |
| Startup Funding Ecosystem | Bootstrapping, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, Private Equity, IPOs, Incubators, Accelerators | ||
| Business & Management Frameworks | SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Marketing Mix (4 Ps), Porter's Five Forces | ||
| Government Initiatives | Startup India, Make in India, Stand-Up India, MUDRA Loans, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) | ||
| Business Terminology | Unicorns, Burn Rate, Pitch Deck, MVP, B2B, B2C, D2C, Angel Tax |
CMAT Exam Preparation Tips 2027
Unlike exams like CAT, the difficulty level of the CMAT exam is easy to moderate, meaning accuracy is highly rewarded in CMAT 2027.
- Use the flexible 3-hour duration strategically by limiting time on GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship and dedicating more time to QT & DI, LR, and Language Comprehension.
- Strengthen core concepts in Quants, LR, and Language, while regularly revising current affairs, business GK, startup concepts, and entrepreneurship frameworks.
| Area | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Time Allocation | Since there is no sectional time limit, spend less than 15 minutes combined on General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, leaving over 2.5 hours to score well on Quants, Logical Reasoning, and Language Comprehension |
| Quantitative Techniques & DI | Revise arithmetic, algebra, and geometry fundamentals; practice Data Interpretation sets (tables, pie charts, bar and line graphs, caselets) for speed |
| Logical Reasoning | Practice arrangement puzzles, verbal reasoning (syllogisms, cause and effect), and series/coding-decoding questions daily |
| Language Comprehension | Read short passages daily and revise grammar rules, vocabulary, and para jumbles for quick accuracy |
| General Awareness | Maintain a running notes file covering current affairs, business GK, and government schemes rather than static GK alone |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Focus on startup funding terms, government initiatives (Startup India, MUDRA), and business frameworks like SWOT and the 4 Ps |
Also Check:
CMAT Admit Card 2027
The National Testing Agency typically releases the CMAT admit card 4 to 5 days before the CMAT exam date. While the exam timeline shifted between May and January in previous years due to changing academic calendars, the NTA has stabilized the process back to a January exam window.
- The NTA releases an Advance City Intimation Slip a few days before the final admit card, informing candidates of their test center city so they can plan travel; it is not valid for entry into the exam hall.
- The hall ticket is accessible entirely online on the CMAT official website. Candidates need their Application Number and Date of Birth/Password to log in and download the PDF.
| Exam Year | City Intimation Slip Release | Admit Card Release Date | Actual CMAT Exam Date | Gap (Admit Card to Exam) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2027 (Expected) | Mid-January 2027 | Third week of January 2027 | Last week of January 2027 | ~4–5 Days |
| CMAT 2026 | January 16, 2026 | January 21, 2026 | January 25, 2026 | 4 Days |
| CMAT 2025 | January 18, 2025 | January 20, 2025 | January 25, 2025 | 5 Days |
| CMAT 2024 | April 28, 2024 | May 6, 2024 | May 15, 2024 | 9 Days |
Also Check:
CMAT Result and Scorecard 2027
The CMAT 2027 result and official scorecard will be released by the NTA roughly 2 to 3 weeks after the exam is conducted. The scorecard is available exclusively for download via the CMAT official website.
The CMAT scorecard remains valid for one full academic year (the 2027–2028 batch) and is used directly by over 1,000 AICTE-approved business schools among CMAT colleges for shortlisting candidates.
The downloaded PDF scorecard shows performance broken down across multiple metrics:
- Sectional Raw Scores: Exact raw marks out of 80 in each of the 5 sections
- Sectional Percentiles: Relative standing compared to all other candidates in each section
- Total Raw Score: Combined raw score out of 400 marks
- Overall Percentile: The critical final number (e.g., 99.5 percentile) that colleges accepting CMAT scores use to set admission cutoffs
- All India Rank (AIR): Unique national rank among all test-takers
There is no official qualifying cutoff or passing score set by the NTA for the CMAT exam. Every candidate receives a scorecard featuring raw marks, sectional percentiles, and an overall All India Rank.
- CMAT has no single qualifying cutoff; each participating college sets its own percentile requirement. Top institutes such as JBIMS may require 99.99+ percentile, while some Tier-2 colleges may accept around 80–85 percentile.
- A raw score of around 120/400 is often considered a broad baseline by coaching experts, corresponding to roughly the 50–55 percentile range, although actual cutoffs vary by year and college.
Ques. Is there a minimum passing score for the CMAT exam?
Ans. No, the NTA does not set an official passing cutoff for CMAT; every candidate gets a scorecard, and it is the individual CMAT-accepting colleges that set their own shortlisting percentile.
Also Check:
CMAT Exam Cutoff 2027
The NTA does not release a centralized cutoff or passing score for the CMAT exam. Instead, each business school determines its own cutoff percentile based on exam difficulty, seat matrix, and applicant volume.
- Because the overall exam structure remains unchanged, expected CMAT 2027 cutoffs are likely to track close to recent testing cycles.
Here is a breakdown of CMAT-accepting colleges with their cutoff and fees across major B-school tiers:
Also Check:
CMAT 2027: Marks vs Rank
Because the CMAT exam is known for being relatively easy compared to CAT or XAT, raw scores skew high. Use this historical blueprint to understand what raw score out of 400 is needed to clear elite percentiles among CMAT top colleges:
- A score of around 340–360+ marks may be needed for the 99.9+ percentile range, targeting institutes such as JBIMS and SIMSREE.
- Candidates scoring around 210–320 marks can fall in the 80–98 percentile range, with potential options across Tier-2 and other reputed management institutes.
| Target Percentile | Expected Raw Score Range (Out of 400) | Top College Match |
|---|---|---|
| 99.9+ Percentile | 340 – 360+ Marks | JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai |
| 95 – 98 Percentile | 280 – 320 Marks | K J Somaiya, Great Lakes, PUMBA Pune |
| 90 – 94 Percentile | 250 – 275 Marks | BIMTECH Greater Noida, XIME, Welingkar |
| 80 – 89 Percentile | 210 – 245 Marks | Christ University Bangalore, IMT Nagpur |
Also Check:
CMAT 2027: Counselling and Admission
There is no centralized counselling conducted by the NTA for the CMAT exam. The NTA's role ends entirely once the final scorecard and merit list are declared.
CMAT 2027 counselling and admissions are not conducted through a single centralised process. Candidates need to apply separately to CMAT-accepting colleges or state-level counselling authorities and keep track of their respective admission deadlines.
Centralized State Counselling (e.g., MAH MBA CAP)
- The System: The most prominent example is the MAH MBA CAP process run by DTE Maharashtra / CET Cell.
- How it Works: You register on the state portal, input your CMAT roll details, and submit a prioritized preference list of colleges.
- Top institutes like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA fill their slots purely through these merit ranks without conducting separate Group Discussions or Interviews.
- Other states like Madhya Pradesh (DTE MP) also use specialized state counseling windows.
Independent B-School Admissions (PGDM & Private Universities)
For autonomous institutes such as Great Lakes, GIM, BIMTECH, K J Somaiya, or Welingkar, candidates must submit application forms directly on each college's individual website.
| Step | Stage | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | College Application (Jan–March 2027) | Apply to individual B-schools using the CMAT registration number; Many elite colleges close applications shortly before or after the exam |
| Step 2 | Cutoff Shortlisting | The B-school filters applications based on its minimum percentile limits |
| Step 3 | Screening Rounds (March–May 2027) | Shortlisted applicants attend Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) |
| Step 4 | Final Composite Merit List | Institutes compute a composite rank based on CMAT percentile (typically 35%–50% weightage), GD-WAT-PI performance, academic record, and work experience/diversity parameters |
| Step 5 | Seat Confirmation | Selected candidates receive a provisional offer letter and must pay the booking token fee before the deadline |
During the final admission verification, candidates must carry the original documents, including the
- CMAT 2027 scorecard and admit card,
- Class 10 and 12 marksheets and certificates,
- Graduation degree and semester marksheets,
- Category certificate (if applicable),
- Valid government ID, and
- Work experience proof with salary slips, if applicable.
CMAT 2027 FAQs
Ques. What is CMAT, and what is CMAT full form?
Ans. CMAT full form is Common Management Admission Test. What is the CMAT exam, in simple terms — a national-level entrance test conducted by the NTA for admission to MBA, MMS, and PGDM programs.
Ques. What is the CMAT exam fee for 2027?
Ans. The CMAT exam fee for General male candidates is expected to be ₹2,500, while female, transgender, and reserved-category candidates are expected to pay ₹1,250, consistent with the CMAT registration fees since 2024.
Ques. Which colleges accept CMAT score?
Ans. Over 1,000 AICTE-approved colleges accept CMAT scores, including JBIMS, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya, Great Lakes, PUMBA Pune, Welingkar, BIMTECH, and NIBM Pune, among other CMAT top colleges.
Ques. Is there a minimum eligibility percentage for the CMAT exam form?
Ans. No, the NTA does not mandate a minimum percentage in graduation; candidates only need to have passed a bachelor's degree of at least 3 years in any discipline.
Ques. How long is the CMAT 2027 scorecard valid?
Ans. A CMAT 2027 scorecard is valid for one academic year (2027–2028) and is used by CMAT colleges list for that admission cycle only.
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