Is Calculator Allowed in CMAT Exam 2026? How to Manage?

The Common Management Admission Test entrance, i.e., CMAT 2026 Exam Date has not been announced yet, however, it is expected to be held on Jan 24, 2026. With the tentative exam date known, most of the students come up with the issue that, 'whether calculator is allowed in CMAT Exam or not?' 

It is very important for the aspirants to note that "No! Calculator or any electronic items are not allowed in the examination hall." Any candidate carrying any of the prohibited items in the CMAT 2026 Exam Centre will be confiscated at the time of frisking. Thus the candidates are advised to clearly follow the CMAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 mentioned at the back of the hall ticket, to not miss out on any of the instructions.

Can I Use Calculator in CMAT Exam?

Calculators, along with any other electronic items, are strictly prohibited from carrying inside the examination room. Items such as Geometry kits, smart watches, earphones etc., are banned from carrying in the exam room. However, candidates must not worry about the calculation process as rough sheets will be provided by the Examination Invigilator in the exam room before the exam starts.

Also Check: What is a Good Score in CMAT 2026 Exam?

CMAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026

Candidates appearing in the Common Management Admission Test entrance must follow the guidelines to avoid any sort of trouble during the examination. Anything against the guidelines can also lead to disqualification. Candidates must check the lists below mentioning the list of allowed and prohibited items in the CMAT exam.

Apart from this, it is highly recommended that all the candidates reach the examination centre on time following the CMAT dress code guidelines. It is mandatory for the candidates to carry their CMAT 2026 Admit Card or else they shall be denied with the entry.

List of Items Allowed in the CMAT Exam

Apart from important documents such as the CMAT call letter and the candidate’s ID proof, below is the list of items that are allowed in the examination hall. Candidates are advised to carry only the necessary items and not carry anything unnecessary.

• Blue Ball Point Pen with clear transparent body
• Small Hand Sanitiser
• Water Bottle with a clear transparent body
• Plain Handkerchief 
• Medicines (if any candidate has been prescribed any)
• Fruits like bananas, apples or oranges can be carried if the candidate is diabetic.

List of Prohibited Items in the CMAT Exam

The items mentioned below are strictly prohibited from carrying in the CMAT Exam Centre 2026. Any candidates not following these may be disqualified from the examination. 

• Calculator
• Geometry 
• Any kind of stationery items (except for Ball Point Pen)
• Any kind of paper (blank or anything written on it)
• Mobile Phone
• Smart Watch
• Tape Recorder
• Camera
• Earphones
• Any Metallic items

Also Check: How To Score 99 Percentile in CMAT 2026?

How to Manage Without a Calculator in CMAT Exam?

Now that CMAT candidates know that calculators are not allowed in the Common Management Admission Test, many candidates want to learn how to prepare for the examination without the need for a calculator. Candidates can refer to the tips below to know how they can manage to do well in the exam without using calculators-

• The first step is to increase the speed and accuracy of calculating numbers at the time of solving questions. The process is to start practising questions that require calculation. 
• Candidates who still face difficulties after practising CMAT questions can learn to calculate on paper, as the examination invigilator provides blank rough pages before the CMAT exam starts.
• Methods such as Speed Mathematics and Vedik Mathematics Technique can help the candidates improve their calculation abilities for problem-solving questions.
• Candidates must know their weaknesses and strengths in performing well in the entrance examination. As it varies from person to person, if candidates face difficulty with anything, they must prepare themselves before the examination as it will help them on the main day. 
• The calculation is not very complicated if candidates understand the techniques of solving problems properly. Candidates must learn the step-by-step process of solving a calculation problem and not skip any step, as it will hamper their whole process. Once candidates understand the techniques, a candidate will be able to calculate without a calculator in no time.

Also Check: How to Calculate CMAT Percentile?