CMAT 2026 registration deadline extended; candidates can now apply until today, 21 Nov

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has extended the CMAT-2026 application deadline to November 24th, 2025, a critical update for MBA aspirants. This extension provides a final, valuable opportunity for candidates to complete their registration for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. Aspiring managers must ensure their application fee is paid by November 25th, 2025. CMAT is the gateway to over 1300 AICTE-approved B-schools across India, offering a moderate difficulty level and a wide array of top college options. Don't miss this last chance to secure your spot for a coveted management degree.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), the official conducting body for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, has released a significant public notice announcing the extension of the application window. This decision, made in response to numerous requests from management aspirants nationwide, is a huge relief for candidates who might have missed the initial deadline. CMAT is one of the most widely accepted national-level entrance examinations for admission to AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs across India, opening doors to over 1300 B-schools.

​The revised schedule is a crucial piece of information for all aspiring candidates.

• ​Online Application Submission: The deadline for the online submission of the CMAT-2026 application form has been officially extended to November 24, 2025, up to 11:50 PM.
• ​Successful Fee Transaction: The last date for the successful final transaction of the application fee has been revised to November 25, 2025, up to 11:50 PM.
• ​Application Correction Window: A window for making corrections in the application particulars will also be available from November 26, 2025, to November 28, 2025.

​Candidates are strongly advised to take note of these extended dates and complete the registration process well ahead of the final cut-off to avoid last-minute technical glitches. The NTA has provided this much-needed buffer, which should be leveraged to ensure all application details are accurate and submitted successfully.

​ A Golden Opportunity: Key Benefits of CMAT 2026

​For every MBA aspirant, the CMAT exam represents a strategic opportunity, especially for those who may not have excelled in other entrance tests like CAT or XAT, or who are seeking admissions to specific regional colleges. The extension of the application deadline further amplifies the benefits of appearing for CMAT 2026.

• ​Wider College Acceptance: CMAT scores are accepted by over 1300 AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM colleges across India, including top-tier and cost-effective institutions. This dramatically increases a candidate’s options for pursuing a quality management education. 
  • ​Top B-schools accepting CMAT scores include: Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) (for admission through MAH CET CAP), Sydenham Institute of Management Studies Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE), Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), and Goa Institute of Management (GIM).
• ​Moderate Difficulty Level: CMAT is generally considered to be of a moderate difficulty level compared to other major exams, making it a highly scoreable test for candidates with a disciplined preparation strategy. This can translate into a high percentile and better college selection.
• ​No Sectional Time Limits: Unlike some other exams, CMAT does not impose sectional time limits. This allows candidates to allocate their 3-hour duration strategically based on their individual strengths and weaknesses, potentially optimizing their overall score.
• ​Inclusion of New Section: The CMAT exam structure includes the 'Innovation & Entrepreneurship' section, a forward-looking area of study that aligns with contemporary management education and offers a unique scoring opportunity for candidates with a good grasp of current industry trends.

​ Step-by-Step Guide to CMAT Registration

​The process for CMAT 2026 registration is entirely online and must be completed on the official NTA CMAT website. Prospective candidates must follow these steps meticulously before the extended deadline of November 24, 2025.

• ​Official Website Visit: Navigate to the official NTA CMAT portal at cmat.nta.nic.in.
• ​New Registration: Click on the "CMAT 2026 Registration" link available on the homepage. Candidates must first register by providing basic details like their name, mobile number, and email ID to generate their unique login credentials.
• ​Filling the Application Form: Log in using the generated credentials. Carefully fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact details. Ensure that all details match official documents.
• ​Uploading Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature in the specified format and size.
• ​Fee Payment: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the requisite application fee. The fee is ₹2500 for General Male candidates and ₹1250 for General Female, Gen-EWS, SC/ST, PwD, OBC-(NCL), and Third Gender applicants. The payment must be completed successfully by November 25, 2025.
• ​Final Submission & Confirmation: Review all the details, click on the submit button, and download the confirmation page. It is essential to print a hard copy of the final submitted application form and the confirmation page for future reference.

​In case of any discrepancies after submission, the application correction window will be open from November 26 to November 28, 2025. Candidates must utilise this short period to rectify any errors.

​Conclusion

​The extension of the CMAT 2026 application deadline to November 24th is a significant and positive development for management aspirants, especially those facing last-minute hurdles. This is a final opportunity to apply for a national-level test that acts as a gateway to numerous top B-schools across India. Aspiring candidates must act swiftly to complete their registration and fee payment by November 25th, ensuring they do not miss out on this crucial chance to kickstart their MBA journey in the 2026-27 academic session.

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