The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) Kerala has announced a new schedule for the Kerala Management Aptitude Test (KMAT 2026) Session 1 exam. The MBA entrance examination, initially planned for an earlier date, will now take place on February 22, 2026 . This postponement allows candidates additional preparation time.
Alongside the exam date revision, CEE Kerala also extended the registration deadline for KMAT 2026. Aspiring MBA students must complete their online applications by February 5, 2026 , at 4 PM. This extension provides a critical window for those yet to register for the state-level entrance test.
The KMAT exam is mandatory for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs across various institutions in Kerala. These include university departments, affiliated management colleges, and autonomous colleges. Candidates aiming for MBA seats within Kerala must appear for and qualify in KMAT 2026.
Eligible candidates can access the application portal and complete their registration directly on the official CEE Kerala website. The website address is cee.kerala.gov.in . Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before submitting their forms.
KMAT 2026 Application Fees
The application fee structure for KMAT 2026 varies based on the candidate’s category. Payment is a mandatory step to complete the registration process. Detailed fee information is provided below:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General & SEBC (Socially and Educationally Backward Classes) | Rs 1,000 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | Rs 500 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | Exempted |
Candidates must ensure timely payment of the applicable fee through the online portal. Failure to pay the fee will result in an incomplete application.
Examination Pattern and Scoring
KMAT 2026 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The examination will run for a total duration of 3 hours. Test centers will be located across all districts within Kerala. This format ensures standardized testing conditions for all candidates.
The question paper consists of 180 objective-type questions. Each correct answer contributes 4 marks to the total score. The maximum possible score for the KMAT 2026 exam is 720 marks (180 questions x 4 marks). Candidates should note the presence of a negative marking system. For every incorrect response, one mark will be deducted from the total score. This emphasizes accuracy alongside speed.
Syllabus Overview
The KMAT 2026 syllabus covers a range of subjects designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for MBA studies. The paper is divided into five key sections. These sections are:
- English Language Usage and Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
A balanced preparation across all these areas is crucial for scoring well in the exam.
Minimum Qualifying Scores
To be considered eligible for MBA admissions in Kerala, candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score in KMAT 2026. These cut-off marks differ based on the candidate’s social category.
Candidates belonging to the General and SEBC categories must secure a minimum of 10% of the total 720 marks. This means achieving a score of 72 marks or higher. For candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PD) categories, the minimum qualifying score is 7.5% of the total marks. This corresponds to a score of 54 marks or above. Meeting these criteria makes candidates eligible for the MBA admission process in various Kerala institutions.
Candidates should regularly check the official CEE Kerala website for any further updates or notifications regarding KMAT 2026.