The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) in Kerala has officially launched the registration process for the first session of the Kerala Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) 2026. This crucial computer-based entrance exam serves as the gateway for securing admission into Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes offered by a wide network of universities, departments, autonomous institutions, and affiliated management colleges throughout the state of Kerala.
KMAT 2026: Key Dates and Application Process
The window for online applications is now active on the official portal. Aspiring candidates must complete and submit their applications on or before January 15, 2026, by 4:00 PM. The KMAT 2026 Session 1 examination itself is scheduled to be held on January 25, 2026. The entire process, from registration to fee payment, is conducted online via the CEE Kerala website at cee.kerala.gov.in.
The step-by-step application procedure is straightforward:
- Visit the official website and locate the KMAT 2026 application link.
- Complete a one-time registration to generate a unique application number and password.
- Carefully fill in the detailed online application form and double-check all entries.
- Proceed to pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines.
- Finally, download and print the acknowledgement page for your personal records.
It is vital for candidates to safeguard their application credentials, as the same application number and password will be required for all subsequent stages of the admission process.
Eligibility Criteria and Exam Pattern for KMAT 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions. The test is open to both Indian and non-Indian nationals. However, reservation benefits and fee concessions are applicable only to candidates who are natives of Kerala. There is no upper age limit for applicants.
In terms of academic qualification, a candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree of a minimum three-year duration in disciplines such as Arts, Science, Engineering, Commerce, or Management. Students who are currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the qualifying examination before the MBA admission process commences.
The KMAT 2026 will be a three-hour Computer Based Test (CBT) comprising 180 objective-type questions, with a total score of 720 marks. The exam follows a negative marking scheme, where one mark is deducted for every incorrect response. The question paper is divided into four distinct sections:
- English Language Usage and Reading Comprehension (50 questions)
- Quantitative Aptitude (50 questions)
- Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning (40 questions)
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs (40 questions)
To qualify, candidates from the General and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes must secure a minimum of 10% of the total marks, which is 72 marks. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories, the minimum qualifying mark is set at 7.5%, or 54 marks.
Application Fee and Important Advisories
The application fee structure is category-specific. General and SEBC category candidates need to pay ₹1,000. Applicants from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category are required to pay a reduced fee of ₹500, while candidates from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category are fully exempt from paying any application fee. Payment can be made using internet banking, debit card, or credit card.
The CEE will release the KMAT 2026 admit cards for download from the official website at a later date. All examinees must carry a printed copy of their admit card along with an original, valid photo identity proof to the examination centre. Authorities strongly advise all applicants to regularly check the CEE Kerala website for the latest updates concerning admit cards, detailed exam instructions, and other critical admission notifications.
With the registration process now live, MBA aspirants in Kerala have a clear timeline to prepare and apply for one of the state's premier management entrance examinations, paving their way towards a career in business administration.
