CMAT 2026 Registration Deadline Extended; Candidates Can Now Apply Till 21 Nov

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has granted a final reprieve, extending the CMAT 2026 registration deadline to November 21, 2025. This is the last chance for management aspirants to apply for the Common Management Admission Test, the gateway to over 1,300 AICTE-approved B-Schools. The fee payment window closes on November 21, 2025. With the exam tentatively scheduled for January 25, 2026, candidates must utilize this extended window to secure their application and finalize their preparation for the next stage of the MBA journey.

The registration window for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 has been extended by the National Testing Agency (NTA), bringing a sigh of relief to thousands of MBA aspirants who might have missed the initial deadline. CMAT is a crucial national-level entrance examination, accepted by hundreds of prestigious institutions across India, including top colleges for the All India Seats in the Maharashtra MMS/MBA common admissions process (CAP).

​The initial registration closing date was November 17, 2025, but the NTA has now allowed candidates to register online until November 21, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). Similarly, the final deadline for fee payment has also been extended to November 21, 2025. This article serves as an urgent reminder for aspirants, detailing the extended deadlines, the application process, and the critical need to utilize the upcoming correction window.

​ The Final Application Window and Key Dates

​This extension represents the absolute final opportunity to apply for CMAT 2026, which is tentatively scheduled to be held in late January 2026. Aspirants must treat this deadline as non-negotiable.

​Revised CMAT 2026 Application Schedule

• ​Online Submission of Application Form: Extended till November 21, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM).
• ​Last Date for Submission of Application Fees: Extended till November 21, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM).
• ​Application Form Correction Window: Expected to open shortly after the registration closes, tentatively from November 22 – November 23, 2025.
• ​Tentative Exam Date: January 25, 2026 (expected to be conducted in two shifts).
• ​Official Website: All registration must be completed on the NTA's official CMAT portal: exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT or cmat.nta.nic.in.

​Candidates must ensure that they not only register but also successfully complete the fee payment transaction before the 11:50 PM cutoff on November 21st. Technical issues on the last day are common, making early submission highly advisable.

​ Step-by-Step Registration and Correction Process

​The online registration process is divided into three key steps: Registration, Filling the Application Form, and Fee Payment. Candidates who have already applied should focus on the subsequent correction window.

​Mandatory Steps for New Applicants

• ​Step 1: Registration: Visit the official portal and complete the one-time registration to generate a unique Application Number. You must set a password and security question.
• ​Step 2: Application Form Filling: Log in using the Application Number and Password. Fill in all personal details, educational qualifications (Bachelor's degree in any discipline is mandatory), preferred exam cities (must be chosen carefully), and upload the required documents.
• ​Step 3: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online. (The fee for General Male candidates is typically ₹2500/-, and for reserved categories/Female candidates is usually ₹1250/-). A successful fee payment confirms the application submission.
• ​Document Checklist: Keep scanned copies of your recent photograph (10 kb to 200 kb, JPG/JPEG) and signature (10 kb to 50 kb, JPG/JPEG) ready before starting the application.

​Utilizing the Application Correction Window

​Aspirants who have already submitted their forms should note the subsequent Correction in Particulars window. This short, two-day window is the only opportunity provided by the NTA to rectify non-critical errors.

• ​Candidates can typically correct details like Academic Qualifications, Exam City Preferences, Category (if applicable), and minor spelling errors.
• ​Crucial details like the Candidate’s Name, Date of Birth, and Registered Email/Mobile Number are usually locked and cannot be changed, emphasizing the need for accuracy during the initial registration.

​CMAT Exam Pattern, Scoring, and Top B-School Targets

​With the registration hurdle nearly cleared, aspirants must quickly pivot back to exam preparation. CMAT is a 3-hour, Computer-Based Test (CBT) that assesses candidates across five key sections.

​CMAT 2026 Exam Structure (400 Marks)

• ​Total Questions: 100 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions).
• ​Sections (20 Questions Each): 
  • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
  • ​Logical Reasoning (LR)
  • ​Language Comprehension (LC)
  • ​General Awareness (GA)
  • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)
• ​Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer (Negative Marking).

​Target Percentiles for Top CMAT Colleges

​CMAT scores are accepted by numerous top-tier and mid-tier colleges. Aspirants aiming for premium institutes must target high scores:

• ​Top Tier (99.99 - 99+ Percentile): Institutions like JBIMS Mumbai (typically 99.99+), SIMSREE Mumbai (99+), and K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai (95-99). These colleges often require a score in the range of 320 to 360 out of 400.
• ​Mid-Tier (90 - 95+ Percentile): Includes institutes like Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, and PUMBA, Pune (90+).
• ​Wider Range (80 - 90 Percentile): Colleges such as Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), IMT Nagpur, and BIMTECH, Greater Noida, provide excellent opportunities.

​Conclusion: Register, Correct, and Conquer CMAT

​The extension of the CMAT 2026 registration deadline to November 21, 2025, is a final call to action for every MBA aspirant. Complete your application accurately on the NTA website immediately. Once registered, dedicate the remaining two months entirely to focused CMAT preparation, particularly mastering the unique Innovation & Entrepreneurship and General Awareness sections. Securing a competitive CMAT score is your ticket to a high-ranking B-School and a successful management career.

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