CMAT 2026 registration extended — new last date is 24 November, fee payment due 25 November

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a crucial extension for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 application deadline. Aspirants now have until 11:50 PM on November 24, 2025, to submit their online application forms. The fee payment window is open until November 25, 2025. CMAT is a premier national-level entrance exam for admission to MBA/PGDM programs across hundreds of AICTE-approved institutions. This article details the revised schedule, key fee information, and the next steps, including the form correction window. Secure your management seat today!

In a significant announcement that offers a final lifeline to thousands of aspiring MBA candidates, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the deadline for the online application submission for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. Originally scheduled to close earlier, the application window, which commenced on October 17, 2025, will now remain open until 11:50 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025.

​This extension comes in response to numerous requests from candidates who faced technical issues or needed additional time to finalize their applications. CMAT 2026 is a pivotal national-level entrance examination, accepted by hundreds of AICTE-approved management institutions across India for admission to their flagship MBA and PGDM programs for the 2026-27 academic session. Aspirants who are yet to register must utilize these last few hours to complete the process. Crucially, the deadline for a successful final fee transaction has also been shifted, providing a vital buffer until 11:50 PM on November 25, 2025.

​CMAT 2026: Final Deadline and Application Fee Structure

​Candidates must treat the new deadline of November 24, 2025, as a strict cut-off. Failure to submit the application form by this time will lead to exclusion from the CMAT 2026 examination, which serves as a gateway to top-tier B-schools.

• ​Final Application Submission: The portal (\text{cmat.nta.nic.in}) closes for online form submission on November 24, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). All details, uploads, and final steps of the form must be completed before this time.
• ​Successful Fee Transaction: The payment window offers a 24-hour extension, closing on November 25, 2025 (up to 11:50 PM). Candidates who submit their form on November 24th must ensure their payment is processed successfully before this fee deadline to validate their application.
• ​Application Fee Details: The fee structure for CMAT 2026 is category-dependent and must be paid online: 
  • ​General Male Candidates: \text{₹}2,500/-
  • ​General Female, Gen-EWS, SC/ST/PwD/PwBD, OBC-(NCL), and Third Gender Candidates: \text{₹}1,250/-
• ​Mode of Payment: Fees must be paid online via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI, through the designated payment gateway. Candidates must keep a transaction receipt for future reference.

​Key Steps to Complete CMAT Registration Today

​Given the limited time, aspirants should follow a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth and error-free submission process before the 11:50 PM deadline.

• ​Visit the Official Portal: Navigate directly to the official NTA CMAT website, cmat.nta.nic.in. Avoid third-party links to prevent data security risks.
• ​New Registration: Click on the 'CMAT 2026 Registration' link. Register by providing basic details to generate the unique Application Number and Password. These credentials are vital for all future interactions with NTA.
• ​Fill the Application Form: Log in and accurately fill in all personal, academic (graduation details), and contact information. Be meticulous when entering your marks and choose your preferred Examination Cities carefully, as these determine your test centre allocation.
• ​Document Upload: Upload scanned images of your Photograph and Signature as per the specific size and format guidelines provided in the official Information Bulletin. Incorrectly sized or blurry images can lead to application rejection.
• ​Review and Submit: Thoroughly review the entire application form before the final submission. Once submitted, changes are generally not possible until the correction window opens.
• ​Download Confirmation: After successful submission and payment, download and print the Confirmation Page. This page is the only definitive proof that your application for CMAT 2026 has been successfully registered with the NTA.

​The Next Phase: CMAT Correction Window and Exam Preparation

​Successfully submitting the application is the first hurdle. Aspirants must now focus on the subsequent official processes and their exam preparation for the CMAT 2026 test, which is expected to be held in late January 2026.

• ​Application Correction Window:
  • ​Dates: November 26, 2025, to November 28, 2025.
  • ​Significance: This three-day window is reserved for candidates to rectify any errors (e.g., in category, personal details, or academic scores) in their submitted forms. Candidates who submit their form today should mark these dates to cross-check their entries.
• ​Exam Pattern Overview: CMAT is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 3 hours duration. The paper is designed to assess candidates across five core sections, which are typically: 
  • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
  • ​Logical Reasoning
  • ​Language Comprehension
  • ​General Awareness
  • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• ​Preparation Focus: With the deadline secured, candidates should intensify their preparation. Focus on mock tests to improve time management, analyze weak areas identified during practice, and systematically revise key concepts across all five sections. CMAT often includes a higher weightage for General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship compared to some other management exams, requiring specific preparation in these domains.

​Conclusion

​The extension of the CMAT 2026 application deadline to 11:50 PM tonight, November 24, 2025, is a final, critical chance for aspiring management students. Ensure your application is submitted before this cut-off and the fee transaction is completed by the extended deadline of November 25, 2025. With the application secured, shift your focus entirely to preparation and mark the November 26th to 28th window for any necessary form corrections. Timely action now paves the way for a successful performance in this high-stakes national-level entrance exam.

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