Candidates aspiring for MBA admissions through CMAT can now fill out the online form at the official website

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 registration window is nearing its close. Aspirants for MBA/PGDM programs must complete their online application by November 17, 2025, on the official NTA website, cmat.nta.nic.in. The process involves registration, form filling, document upload, and fee payment. Don't miss this opportunity to gain admission to over 1300 top B-schools across India. Read this crucial guide on eligibility, exam pattern, and how to successfully submit your CMAT 2026 form before the deadline.

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various management programs (MBA/PGDM) offered by over 1300 AICTE-approved institutions across India. For aspiring managers targeting the 2026-27 academic session, the clock is ticking! The official online application window for CMAT 2026 is set to close on November 17, 2025. Candidates who started their application process on October 17, 2025, or are yet to begin must act swiftly to avoid last-minute rush and technical glitches on the official portal, cmat.nta.nic.in. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential details to successfully complete your application.

​ CMAT 2026 Online Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

​The CMAT 2026 application is a mandatory online process that requires careful execution. Aspirants must ensure they have all necessary documents and information ready before starting. The official website for all application-related activities is cmat.nta.nic.in.

• ​Step 1: New Candidate Registration
  • ​Visit the official NTA CMAT website and click on the 'New Registration' link.
  • ​Read the instructions carefully, then proceed to fill in personal details like your name, date of birth, mobile number, and a valid email ID.
  • ​Create a unique password and choose a security question. An application number will be generated and sent to your registered email and mobile.
• ​Step 2: Filling the Application Form
  • ​Log in using your system-generated application number and password.
  • ​Fill out the detailed application form, which includes personal information, academic details (Class 10, 12, and Graduation), and contact details.
  • ​Crucially, select up to four preferred examination city choices in order of preference.
• ​Step 3: Uploading Documents
  • ​Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph (passport-size, preferably against a white background) and your signature as per the specifications (file size and format) provided in the official information bulletin.
  • ​Ensure the photograph is not more than six months old and clearly visible.
• ​Step 4: Fee Payment 
  • ​Pay the application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. The fee structure varies for different categories (Male/Female/SC/ST/PwD/EWS). It is important to check the exact fee amount on the official notification.
  • ​After a successful transaction, a confirmation page will be generated. Candidates must download and print this confirmation page for future reference.

​ CMAT 2026 Eligibility and Exam Overview

​Understanding the basic requirements and the exam structure is vital for all candidates. The CMAT exam is highly competitive and serves as a gateway to numerous quality B-schools.

​CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• ​Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• ​Educational Qualification: The aspirant must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized University or Institute of at least 3 years' duration.
• ​Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for the final year of their qualifying examination are also eligible to apply, provided their result is declared before the commencement of the admission process for the academic year 2026-27.
• ​Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in the CMAT examination.

​CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Expected - January 2026)

• ​Mode: The exam is conducted as an Online Computer Based Test (CBT).
• ​Duration: The total test duration is 180 minutes (3 hours).
• ​Sections: The paper is divided into five mandatory sections, each having 20 questions. 
  • ​Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (20 Questions)
  • ​Logical Reasoning (20 Questions)
  • ​Language Comprehension (20 Questions)
  • ​General Awareness (20 Questions)
  • ​Innovation & Entrepreneurship (20 Questions)
• ​Marking Scheme: Each correct answer fetches +4 marks, and each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of -1 mark. The total maximum score is 400 marks.

​ Key Dates and Post-Application Roadmap

​While the application deadline is the most immediate concern, aspirants should also be aware of the subsequent crucial dates and the admission process that follows.

• ​Registration Closure: November 17, 2025 (Final date for application submission).
• ​Fee Payment Deadline: Generally, this is one day after the application deadline, i.e., around November 18, 2025.
• ​Application Correction Window: A short window is typically opened by NTA (usually a few days after the fee deadline) for candidates to correct minor errors in their submitted form (excluding basic fields like Name, DOB, etc.). Expectedly around November 20-21, 2025.
• ​Admit Card Release: The admit card is usually released approximately 10-15 days before the expected exam date.
• ​CMAT 2026 Exam Date: The exam is tentatively scheduled for January 2026 (based on previous year trends).

​The CMAT Admission Process

• ​No Central Counselling: Unlike some other exams, NTA does not conduct a centralized counselling process for CMAT.
• ​Individual College Applications: Candidates must use their CMAT score to apply individually to the CMAT-accepting B-Schools of their choice (e.g., JBIMS, K J Somaiya, Welingkar, etc.).
• ​GD/PI Rounds: Shortlisted candidates will be called by these institutes for their respective selection rounds, which typically include a Group Discussion (GD) and/or a Personal Interview (PI), and sometimes a Written Ability Test (WAT).
• ​Final Selection: Final admission is based on a composite score, taking into account the CMAT score, performance in GD/PI/WAT, academic record, and work experience.

​Conclusion

​The CMAT 2026 is a vital entrance examination for thousands of MBA aspirants. With the registration closing on November 17, 2025, time is of the essence. Aspirants are strongly advised to complete the process—including registration, form submission, document upload, and fee payment—well before the deadline to avoid any eleventh-hour complications. Securing a high percentile in CMAT can open the doors to a plethora of prestigious management institutions across the country, making a timely and accurate application the crucial first step in your journey toward a successful management career.

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