CMAT 2026 Registration Live — Start Planning Your Postgraduate Management Career Now

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 registration window is nearing its final closure. Aspiring MBA and PGDM students must note that the absolute deadline to apply online is November 17, 2025. The registration process, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), commenced on October 17, 2025, and is exclusively available on the official NTA website: cmat.nta.nic.in. This national-level, computer-based test is a crucial gateway to over 1,000 AICTE-approved B-schools across India. Secure your chance for the January 2026 exam by completing the application and fee payment now!

The clock is ticking for thousands of management aspirants across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened and is now swiftly approaching the end of the registration period for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. This national-level entrance examination is the primary route for admission to numerous AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs for the academic session 2026-27.

​The online application process, which began on October 17, 2025, is set to conclude on Monday, November 17, 2025. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid potential last-minute technical glitches on the official NTA website. Given that the CMAT 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for January 2026, successful and timely registration is the indispensable first step towards realizing your MBA ambitions. Do not risk losing a year of academic progress; act immediately to secure your CMAT application!

 Crucial Dates and Application Deadlines

​The preponed schedule for CMAT 2026 necessitates prompt action from all eligible candidates. Missing these dates means missing the opportunity to sit for one of the country's most significant management entrance tests.

• ​Online Registration and Application:
  • ​Start Date: October 17, 2025.
  • ​Last Date: November 17, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM).
• ​Fee Submission Window: 
  • ​Deadline: November 18, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). This provides an extra day for payment after the form submission deadline.
• ​Application Correction Opportunity:
  • ​Window: November 20 to November 21, 2025. (Check the official bulletin for specific fields that can be edited).
• ​Expected Exam Timeline: 
  • ​Exam Date: Tentatively scheduled for January 2026.
  • ​Admit Card Release: Expected in January 2026.

​Note: The application fees are structured by gender and category. For instance, the fee for General Male candidates is ₹2,500, while it is typically ₹1,250 for Female candidates and candidates from reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, Gen-EWS, PwD). Verify the exact fee structure on the official NTA CMAT portal.

​ Step-by-Step CMAT 2026 Registration Guide

​The registration for CMAT 2026 is an entirely online process conducted by the NTA. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure an error-free and complete application before the November 17 deadline.

• ​New Candidate Registration:
  • ​Visit the official NTA CMAT website: cmat.nta.nic.in or exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
  • ​Click on the "New Registration" link to generate a unique Application Number and create a strong password.
  • ​Provide valid personal details, including a working email ID and mobile number, which will be used for all future communication.
• ​Fill the Online Application Form: 
  • ​Log in using the system-generated Application Number and password.
  • ​Meticulously fill in all required sections: Personal Details, Academic Qualifications, Contact Information, and Choice of Exam Cities. Choose exam centres strategically, preferring cities closer to your residence.
• ​Document Upload & Fee Payment:
  • ​Upload Scanned Images: Upload your latest passport-size photograph (typically 10KB to 200KB) and scanned signature (typically 4KB to 30KB) as per the NTA's specified format (usually JPG/JPEG). Ensure the photograph is clear, against a white background, and covers 80% of your face.
  • ​Application Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. A successful payment generates the Confirmation Page.
• ​Final Submission and Confirmation:
  • ​Download and print the Confirmation Page. This page serves as proof of your successful application and is essential for all future correspondence. It is also advisable to keep at least two printouts and a soft copy.

​CMAT Eligibility and Exam Pattern Overview

​Understanding the basic eligibility and the CMAT exam structure is paramount for focused preparation in the remaining months before the January 2026 test.

• ​Core Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen.
  • ​Education: Must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • ​Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of their degree program are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of admission to the B-School.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the CMAT exam, making it an excellent opportunity for working professionals seeking an Executive MBA or PGDM.
• ​CMAT 2026 Exam Structure (Expected):
  • ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
  • ​Duration: 180 Minutes (3 hours).
  • ​Total Questions: 100 Objective Type (MCQ) Questions.
  • ​Total Marks: 400 Marks.
  • ​Marking Scheme: +4 Marks for every correct answer and a -1 Mark deduction for every incorrect answer.
  • ​Five Key Sections (20 Questions/80 Marks Each): 
    • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
    • ​Logical Reasoning
    • ​Language Comprehension
    • ​General Awareness
    • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship

​The inclusion of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section makes CMAT unique and assesses an aspirant's commercial acumen, a critical skill in modern management roles.

​Conclusion

​With the registration window closing on November 17, 2025, the time for deliberation is over. CMAT 2026 is your direct and highly competitive entry point to prestigious management institutions. Secure your application by following the NTA's guidelines precisely and then pivot your focus entirely toward preparation for the January 2026 examination. Register today to convert your management dream into a reality.

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