CMAT 2026 registration apply by 17 Nov; fee payment deadline 18 Nov

CMAT 2026 registration is closing on November 17, 2025. This is the final opportunity for MBA and PGDM aspirants to apply for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), conducted by NTA. The application fee payment deadline is November 18, 2025. Missing this deadline means missing the chance to secure admission to hundreds of top B-schools across India, including prominent institutions like JBIMS, K J Somaiya, and BIMTECH. Act fast to complete your registration process and begin your final exam preparation.

The registration window for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is set to close on November 17, 2025. This is a crucial date for candidates aiming for admission into AICTE-approved MBA and PGDM programs across India. As the deadline approaches, it’s imperative for those who haven’t yet applied to complete their registration and fee payment process immediately. The final date for fee submission is November 18, 2025. This article provides an essential guide and timely reminder for all hopefuls, detailing the registration steps, exam essentials, and the immense value a CMAT score holds in securing a coveted management seat.

​ How to Secure Your CMAT 2026 Registration Before the Deadline

​The CMAT application process is entirely online, and aspirants are strongly advised not to wait until the last moment to avoid potential server issues or technical glitches. Given the strict deadline of November 17, 2025, for the application form submission and November 18, 2025, for fee payment, candidates must act swiftly.

• ​Visit the Official CMAT-NTA Website: Navigate to the dedicated CMAT section on the National Testing Agency (NTA) official portal.
• ​Complete the Two-Step Process:
  • ​Step 1: Online Registration – Generate a unique Application Number by providing basic personal details, an active email ID, and a mobile number. This is the first and most critical step.
  • ​Step 2: Application Form Filling – Log in using the system-generated Application Number and password to fill in academic qualifications, contact details, and choice of exam cities.
• ​Upload Required Documents: Candidates must upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format and size. Ensure the photograph is clear and taken against a white background.
• ​Pay the Examination Fee: The fee must be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI/PAYTM, with the final payment deadline being November 18, 2025. 
  • ​Fee Structure (Tentative): The fee is typically around ₹2,500 for General Male candidates and ₹1,250 for Female and reserved category candidates (subject to official NTA notification).
• ​Download Confirmation Page: After successful payment and submission, the system will generate a Confirmation Page. Download and print a copy of this page, as it is mandatory proof of a completed application.

​CMAT 2026 Exam Structure: A Quick Overview for Aspirants

​CMAT is a highly respected national-level entrance examination, often considered moderate in difficulty compared to other major MBA tests, making it a viable gateway for many students. While the official exam date for 2026 is yet to be formally announced by NTA, it is typically scheduled in January 2026.

• ​Exam Mode and Duration: 
  • ​The test is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in a single session.
  • ​The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours).
• ​Sectional Breakdown: The paper comprises 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), with five sections carrying 20 questions each, for a total of 400 marks. 
  • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
  • ​Logical Reasoning (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
  • ​Language Comprehension (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
  • ​General Awareness (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
  • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
• ​Marking Scheme: 
  • ​A correct answer fetches +4 marks.
  • ​An incorrect answer leads to a -1 mark deduction (negative marking is present).
  • ​Unanswered questions receive zero marks.

​The Value of CMAT: Why You Must Apply Today

​A high CMAT score opens doors to over a thousand management institutions across the country, providing an excellent alternative to CAT and XAT. For those who may have underperformed in other exams, CMAT is a final, significant opportunity to pursue their MBA dreams in the current admission cycle.

• ​Access to Premier B-Schools: Many top and highly-reputed MBA colleges across India rely on CMAT scores for their admission process. Achieving a high percentile (95+) can make a significant difference. 
  • ​Tier 1 Institutions: Institutions like Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) (through its selection process), K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and Goa Institute of Management (GIM) accept CMAT scores.
  • ​Leading Private Colleges: Reputable B-schools such as Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), and several Jaipuria Institute of Management campuses consider CMAT scores.
• ​Government-Run Programs: CMAT scores are accepted by numerous university-affiliated and state-level government management departments, often offering high-quality education at a lower fee structure, such as the Department of Management Sciences, University of Pune (PUMBA).
• ​Balanced Exam Pattern: The inclusion of sections like General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship allows candidates with a strong knowledge of current affairs and business concepts to score well, often balancing out weaker quantitative skills.

​Conclusion

​The deadline for CMAT 2026 registration on November 17, 2025, is less than a week away. This final call is an indispensable reminder for management aspirants to finalize their application and fee payment (by November 18, 2025). Don't let a procedural delay derail your career plans. Complete your CMAT registration now to secure your entry ticket for the January 2026 examination and keep your pathway to a top-tier MBA/PGDM open.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.