CMAT 2026 Registration Underway; Candidates Can Apply Online at cmat.nta.nic.in

The CMAT 2026 application window, conducted by the NTA, is officially open until November 17, 2025. This critical exam is the gateway to 1,300+ AICTE-approved B-schools for MBA/PGDM admission. Aspirants must register at cmat.nta.nic.in and complete the four-step process: registration, form filling, document upload, and fee payment. The fee is set at ₹2,500 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL Male candidates and ₹1,250 for all female and reserved category applicants. An application correction window opens soon after the deadline. Get essential details on the 180-minute, 5-section exam pattern now.

​The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 registration window, administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is rapidly approaching its closure. This is a critical announcement for lakhs of MBA and PGDM aspirants across India, as the CMAT score is widely accepted by over 1,300 AICTE-approved management institutions. The deadline to register for this single-window entrance examination is strictly set for November 17, 2025. With just under two weeks remaining, candidates must prioritize completing the online application process at the official website, cmat.nta.nic.in.

​The CMAT 2026 exam is a crucial step for those aiming for a high-quality, government-regulated management qualification without the intense pressure of exams like CAT. The NTA has streamlined the online application process into four main stages, ensuring accessibility and ease of submission. Prospective management students are urged to review the detailed eligibility criteria, understand the updated fee structure, and familiarize themselves with the documents required before the November 17 deadline. This is a vital opportunity to secure entry into top B-schools like Welingkar, BIMTECH, and Great Lakes, among many others, for the 2026 academic batch.

​ CMAT 2026 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide and Fee Structure

​The entire registration and application process for CMAT 2026 is conducted online, ensuring security and efficiency. Candidates must pay close attention to the deadlines for both form submission and fee payment.

• ​Mandatory Four-Step Application Process:
  • ​Step 1: Online Registration: Visit cmat.nta.nic.in and click on the 'New Registration' link. Provide personal details (Name, Contact Number, Email ID) to generate your Application Number and Password.
  • ​Step 2: Fill the Application Form: Log in using the generated credentials. Complete the form with academic qualifications (Class 10, 12, Graduation), personal details, and select a minimum of four preferred Exam Cities.
  • ​Step 3: Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your recent passport-size photograph (80% face coverage, without mask) and your clear signature, adhering strictly to the NTA's specified dimensions and file formats (JPEG/JPG).
  • ​Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. A successful transaction is the final confirmation of your application.
• ​CMAT 2026 Application Fee Details:
  • ​General / EWS / OBC-NCL Male Candidates:₹2,500
  • ​Female Candidates (All Categories):₹1,250
  • ​SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender Candidates (Male & Female): ₹1,250
  • ​Note: The final fee payment deadline is typically one day after the application deadline, but candidates should complete the entire process before November 17 to avoid complications.
• ​Correction Window Alert: 
  • ​Following the close of registration, the NTA usually opens a two-day Application Correction Window (expected around November 20-21, 2025). This window allows candidates to rectify errors in limited fields like educational details or category—a vital safety net.

​ CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern, Eligibility, and High-Scoring Strategy

​CMAT stands out from other exams due to its unique structure, including a dedicated section on General Awareness and the addition of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, making it favorable for candidates with strong non-quantitative skills.

• ​CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Academic Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University (minimum 3 years duration).
  • ​Final Year Students: Those in their final year of graduation are also eligible, provided they complete their degree requirements before the start of the 2026-27 academic session.
  • ​Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing for the CMAT exam.
• ​CMAT 2026 Examination Pattern (Computer Based Test): 
  • ​Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
  • ​Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
  • ​Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • ​Sections: Divided equally into five sections (20 questions each): 
    • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
    • ​Logical Reasoning
    • ​Language Comprehension
    • ​General Awareness
    • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • ​Marking Scheme: +4 Marks for every correct answer and -1 Mark for every incorrect answer. There is no sectional time limit, allowing candidates to strategically allocate 180 minutes.
• ​Preparation Tip: 
  • ​The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is unique. Aspirants should focus on topics like the legal framework for start-ups, startup ecosystem, and economic concepts related to innovation and IPR.

​ Advantages of CMAT Score and Top MBA/PGDM Colleges

​A successful CMAT score opens doors to a vast network of B-schools that are generally more accessible than those requiring only CAT or XAT scores. Securing a high percentile (90+ percentile) ensures admission to top-tier colleges that accept CMAT.

• ​Wide Acceptance Network: 
  • ​The CMAT score is accepted by approximately 1,300 management colleges across all Indian states and Union Territories, including several state-level universities.
  • ​This wide acceptance makes CMAT an excellent backup examination for students targeting top-tier colleges or as a primary option for colleges in states like Maharashtra, UP, and Gujarat.
• ​Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT (High Cut-offs): 
  • ​Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), Mumbai/Bengaluru.
  • ​K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai.
  • ​Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai/Gurgaon.
  • ​BIMTECH, Greater Noida.
  • ​PUMBA (Department of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pune.
  • ​A score above the 95th percentile is typically required for the highly-ranked colleges, making the competition intense at the top.
• ​Low Application Cost, High ROI:
  • ​Compared to the application fees of individual B-schools, the CMAT fee is highly competitive, especially for female and reserved category candidates (₹1,250), offering a high potential Return on Investment (ROI) for admission across hundreds of colleges.

​Conclusion: Do Not Miss the November 17 Deadline

​The CMAT 2026 registration window, closing on November 17, 2025, at cmat.nta.nic.in, represents a crucial and affordable entry point into the world of management education. Aspiring managers must not risk missing this deadline. Complete your registration, pay the application fee promptly, and use the remaining time for highly focused preparation, especially for the five distinct sections of the 180-minute CBT. Secure your CMAT hall ticket and unlock the door to over a thousand MBA/PGDM colleges for the 2026 academic session.

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