Aspiring Managers, Don’t Wait CMAT 2026 Registration Process Has Begun

Aspiring MBA candidates, your chance to secure a spot for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is here! The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the registration process. The application window is open from October 17 to November 17, 2025. CMAT is a vital national-level entrance exam for admission to numerous AICTE-approved management programs across India. Don't miss this crucial deadline; check the eligibility, exam pattern, and detailed application steps now. Start your CMAT preparation journey today to get into a top B-School in the 2026-27 academic year.

The official notification for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), marking the beginning of the journey for management aspirants seeking admission to over 1,000 AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM institutions across India. This national-level entrance examination is one of the most popular avenues for non-IIM B-school admissions. The registration process is currently live, and candidates are strongly encouraged to complete their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.

​The application window is concise, running from October 17, 2025, to November 17, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). All aspiring candidates must submit their forms exclusively online via the official NTA CMAT website, cmat.nta.nic.in. Securing your registration is the first, most critical step toward a successful management career.

​Important Dates and Application Details for CMAT 2026

​The NTA has laid out a clear timeline for the CMAT 2026 examination, which is expected to be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in a single day, most likely on January 24 or 25, 2026. Prospective candidates must strictly adhere to the following key dates and fee structure:

• ​Registration Window: October 17, 2025, to November 17, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM).
• ​Last Date for Fee Payment: November 18, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM).
• ​Application Correction Window: November 20, 2025, to November 22, 2025.
• ​Exam Date (Tentative): January 24/25, 2026.

​CMAT 2026 Application Fee Structure

​The application fee varies by gender and category. Please note that applicable service/processing charges and GST are to be paid by the candidate separately.

• ​General Category Male: ₹2,500
• ​General Category Female: ₹1,250
• ​EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD/Transgender (Male and Female): ₹1,250

​ CMAT 2026 Eligibility and Exam Pattern Overview

​Understanding the basic structure of the examination and the prerequisites is essential before starting the preparation. The CMAT exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's aptitude across five core management skills.

​Eligibility Criteria

• ​Educational Qualification: The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institution.
• ​Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor's Degree are also eligible to apply, provided their results will be declared before the commencement of the admission process for the academic year 2026-27.
• ​Age Limit and Attempts: Crucially, there is no upper age limit or restriction on the number of attempts for the CMAT exam.
• ​Minimum Marks: While NTA requires only passing marks in graduation to appear for CMAT, most MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores typically set a minimum requirement of 50% for the General category and 45% for Reserved categories.

​Exam Pattern Highlights

​The CMAT 2026 will be a single-session, three-hour (180 minutes) long online Computer-Based Test (CBT) with the following structure:

• ​Total Questions: 100 Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs).
• ​Total Marks: 400.
• ​Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer (negative marking).
• ​Language: The exam is conducted in English only.

​Sectional Breakdown (20 Questions and 80 Marks Each):

• ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Focus areas include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and DI sets.
• ​Logical Reasoning: Focus areas include Analytical Puzzles, Syllogisms, Series, and Critical Reasoning.
• ​Language Comprehension: Focus areas include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Verbal Ability.
• ​General Awareness: Focus areas include Static GK (History, Polity, Geography) and Current Affairs.
• ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Focus areas include Business basics, Startup Ecosystem, and Government Schemes.

​ Strategic Preparation for a High CMAT Score

​With the exam tentatively scheduled for late January 2026, the two-month period from November onwards is critical for a focused preparation strategy. Aspirants must adopt a disciplined and well-structured study plan.

• ​Focus on the Fifth Section: The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section, with 20 questions, is often a high-scoring or low-scoring game-changer. Dedicate specific time to understanding core business terminologies, the Indian startup ecosystem, and relevant government policies.
• ​Balance All Sections: Unlike other exams, CMAT mandates equal importance to all five sections. Practice sectional mock tests to ensure you are proficient in General Awareness and Language Comprehension, which are crucial for overall percentile.
• ​Mock Tests and Error Analysis: Solving at least 15-20 full-length CMAT mock tests under strict timed conditions is non-negotiable. More importantly, spend dedicated time analyzing your performance—identifying weak topics and common mistakes for targeted improvement.
• ​Strengthen Fundamentals: Revise core concepts in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning. Since CMAT is often less complex than CAT, mastering the fundamental concepts and applying quick-solving techniques can significantly boost your score and speed.
• ​Daily GK Routine: Dedicate 30-45 minutes daily to reading a national newspaper and following current affairs. Focus heavily on static GK topics like History, Indian Constitution, and Awards, as they have high weightage in the General Awareness section.

​In conclusion, the opening of the CMAT 2026 registration window signals the final countdown for MBA admissions. Aspirants must use the period between the registration deadline of November 17, 2025, and the expected exam date in January 2026 for intensive and strategic preparation. Completing the application accurately and on time is your first professional test. A high CMAT score opens doors to many reputable institutions, making your dedicated effort now a worthy investment in your future.