The AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) for PGDM, MBA, and MCA admission. The ATMA exam is AICTE and Ministry of Education-approved and is accepted by more than 750 B-schools in India.
This guide gives total information regarding the ATMA 2026 exam, such as syllabus, fees, best colleges, important dates, admission process, and more.
Why Choose ATMA?
- Accepted by 750+ B-schools: Especially useful for admission into mid-tier PGDM/MBA colleges.
- Multiple Exam Windows: Conducted 4–5 times a year—flexible for working professionals and freshers.
- Easy Application Process: Fully online, with quick result announcements.
- AICTE Approved: Recognized by the Ministry of Education for PGDM/MBA/MCA admissions.
ATMA 2026 Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online (AI-proctored or Test Center) |
| Frequency | 4–5 times per year |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Sections | 6 |
| Total Marks | 180 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer |
ATMA 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)
| Session | Exam Date | Registration Deadline |
| February Session | Feb 23, 2026 | Feb 18, 2026 |
| May Session | May 25, 2026 | May 20, 2026 |
| July Session | July 27, 2026 | July 22, 2026 |
ATMA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Analytical Reasoning – I | 30 | 30 mins |
| Analytical Reasoning – II | 30 | 30 mins |
| Quantitative Skills – I | 30 | 30 mins |
| Quantitative Skills – II | 30 | 30 mins |
| Verbal Skills – I | 30 | 30 mins |
| Verbal Skills – II | 30 | 30 mins |
| Total | 180 | 180 mins |
ATMA 2026 Syllabus
1. Analytical Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Arrangements
- Statements & Conclusions
- Cause-Effect
- Critical Reasoning
-
Quantitative Skills
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Data Interpretation
- Number System
- Modern Math
-
Verbal Skills
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
ATMA 2026 Exam Fees
| Category | Fee |
| General | ₹2,000 |
| Women Candidates | ₹1,500 (discounted) |
| North-East Candidates | ₹1,000 |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree (final year eligible) |
| Minimum Marks | 50% (general category) |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory |
Top PGDM Colleges Accepting ATMA 2026
| College Name | Location | Avg. Package | Fees (Approx.) |
| Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute | Mumbai/Bangalore | ₹7.8 LPA | ₹12–13 lakh |
| PUMBA | Pune | ₹6.5 LPA | ₹1.3 lakh |
| XIME | Bangalore | ₹6 LPA | ₹11 lakh |
| IMS Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad | ₹6.2 LPA | ₹7.5 lakh |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | Lucknow | ₹6.7 LPA | ₹10 lakh |
| IBA Bangalore | Bangalore | ₹6 LPA | ₹8.4 lakh |
ATMA vs Other MBA Exams
| Factor | ATMA | CAT | CMAT |
| Exam Mode | Online (Home/Center) | Online | Online |
| Frequency | 4–5 times/year | Once a year | Once a year |
| Level of Difficulty | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Score Validity | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours | 3 hours |
Admission Process Using ATMA Score
- Register for ATMA on CAREERMANTRA.NET.ATMA
- Take the exam on your selected session date
- Receive results within 3–5 days of exam
- Apply to PGDM colleges using ATMA score
- Undergo PI/WAT rounds conducted by institutes
- Admission offers are rolled out based on overall profile
ATMA Score Trends for Top Colleges
| College Name | Required ATMA Score (Percentile) |
| Welingkar Mumbai | 85–95% |
| XIME Bangalore | 80–90% |
| PUMBA Pune | 90–95% (for Maharashtra domicile) |
| Jaipuria Lucknow | 70–80% |
| IES Management, Mumbai | 75–85% |
FAQs: ATMA 2026
Q1. How many times can I take ATMA?
A: As many times as it is conducted in a year (usually 4–5).
Q2. Is ATMA accepted by top MBA colleges?
A: Yes, many top-tier PGDM institutions like Welingkar, XIME, and PUMBA accept ATMA.
Q3. How long is the ATMA score valid?
A: 1 academic year.
Q4. Can final-year students apply for ATMA?
A: Yes, final-year graduation students are eligible.
Q5. What is the cutoff for Welingkar?
A: Generally 85+ percentile.
Q6. Is the exam conducted from home?
A: Yes, both home-based online and test center options are available.
Q7. Is there a negative marking?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q8. Is work experience needed for ATMA?
A: No, but it helps during the interview stage at some colleges.
Conclusion
The ATMA test is a great alternative pathway to top PGDM/MBA schools for people who need flexible timings, multiple attempts, and AICTE-approved admission processes. Whether you are a graduate or a professional, ATMA can assist you in securing admission to top B-schools in India. With diligent preparation and careful choice of college, your PGDM aspirations can be fulfilled.
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