CMAT 2026 Registration Open: Apply by Nov 17

CMAT 2026 online registration, a gateway to over 1000 AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs, is set to close on November 17, 2025. Aspiring management students must complete their application and fee payment via the official NTA website by the stipulated deadlines. This national-level Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is crucial for entry into numerous top business schools across India. Check the key dates for application, fee payment, and the form correction window to ensure a smooth application process. Don't miss this final opportunity to apply for CMAT 2026.

The path to a successful management career often begins with a critical entrance examination. For thousands of MBA aspirants across India, the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is that crucial stepping stone. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT scores are accepted by over 1000 AICTE-approved institutions for admission into their flagship MBA and PGDM programs. The application window for CMAT 2026 is currently in full swing, but time is quickly running out.

​Online registration commenced on October 17, 2025, and candidates have until November 17, 2025, at 11:50 PM to submit their applications. With the clock ticking, every aspirant must prioritize completing their registration process to secure their chance at a prestigious management education. Beyond the application submission, there are other essential dates and procedural steps that require immediate attention.

​ CMAT 2026: Key Dates and Application Timeline

​The CMAT 2026 application cycle is marked by strict deadlines for registration, fee payment, and application correction. Missing any of these dates can lead to the rejection of your candidature, making meticulous planning essential.

• ​Online Registration Start Date: October 17, 2025
• ​Registration Deadline: November 17, 2025 (11:50 PM) ⚠️
• ​Last Date for Application Fee Payment: November 18, 2025 (This separate deadline provides a crucial buffer for payment processing.)
• ​Application Correction Window: November 20–21, 2025 (A short two-day window to rectify any errors in the submitted form.)
• ​Official Website for Submission: Candidates must register and complete all steps exclusively at the official NTA CMAT website, ensuring all personal and academic details are accurately entered.

​Pro-Tip for Aspirants: Do not wait until the final hour of November 17 to submit your application. Heavy server load on the last day can cause technical glitches, jeopardizing your registration. Aim to complete your submission and fee payment at least 48 hours before the final deadline.

​Understanding CMAT Eligibility and Exam Structure

​Before filling out the application form, aspirants should ensure they meet the minimum eligibility criteria and are familiar with the exam structure to strategize their preparation.

​Eligibility Requirements:

• ​Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• ​Educational Qualification: A recognized Bachelor's Degree of minimum three-year duration in any discipline from an AICTE-approved university or institute.
• ​Final Year Students: Candidates in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply, provided their result will be declared before the commencement of admission for the academic year 2026–27.
• ​Age Limit: There is no age restriction to appear for the CMAT exam.

​CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Likely to remain consistent):

• ​Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• ​Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours).
• ​Sections: The exam traditionally comprises five sections, each having 20 questions: 
  • ​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 (negative marking applies).

​ Why CMAT is Crucial for Management Aspirants

​CMAT stands out as a vital entrance test, offering a balanced mix of accessibility and opportunity for securing an MBA seat in numerous reputed institutions.

​Broad Acceptance Across India:

• ​Wide Access: The CMAT score is officially accepted by all AICTE-approved management institutions, including University Departments, Constituent Colleges, and Affiliated Colleges. This opens doors to a vast number of B-schools across different states.
• ​Top B-Schools Accepting CMAT: Several highly-ranked institutes, such as GIM (Goa Institute of Management), K J Somaiya Institute of Management (Mumbai), Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool), and BIMTECH (Greater Noida), use CMAT scores for their admission process, often with cutoff percentiles ranging from 85 to 98+.

​The Correction Window Advantage:

• ​Error Rectification: The two-day correction window (November 20–21, 2025) is a small yet significant opportunity. Candidates can log in and edit select details in their application form, such as contact information, academic scores, and choice of exam city, ensuring their data is correct for the eventual admit card generation. Note: Core details like name and date of birth are often restricted from modification.

​Conclusion

​For MBA aspirants planning to kickstart their management journey in the academic year 2026–27, the ongoing CMAT 2026 registration process is paramount. With the registration deadline fast approaching on November 17, 2025, and the last date for fee payment on November 18, 2025, action is needed now. Prepare diligently for the five sections of the exam, check your eligibility, and submit your application well in advance via the official NTA website. Your dream B-school admission is just a CMAT score away.

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