CMAT 2026 Registration Started (Online Submission of Application Form)

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 registration window is closing soon, with the deadline set for November 17, 2025. This national-level entrance exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is your essential gateway to MBA and PGDM programs at over 1000 AICTE-approved institutions across India. Aspiring management students must complete their application and fee submission on the official website, cmat.nta.nic.in, by the stipulated dates. Don't miss this crucial opportunity; secure your seat in the CMAT 2026 exam and step closer to a lucrative management career. A form correction window will also be available post application.

The path to a coveted Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program is paved with entrance examinations, and the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) stands as a significant milestone for lakhs of aspirants. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT is a national-level test that serves as a single-window gateway to admissions in over 1000 AICTE-approved institutions/University Departments/Affiliated Colleges across the country. As of today, October 25, 2025, the clock is ticking for CMAT 2026 registration, and all management hopefuls must take immediate note of the fast-approaching deadlines.

​The official notification has confirmed that the online registration for CMAT 2026 is currently open, but it will close decisively on November 17, 2025. The window for fee submission is set to close just one day later, on November 18, 2025. Aspirants are strongly advised to complete their applications well before these deadlines to avoid last-minute technical glitches or payment failures. Submitting your application on time is the critical first step toward realising your professional management ambitions.

​ Key CMAT 2026 Dates and Application Protocol

​The entire application process for CMAT 2026 is online, managed through the official NTA website. Aspirants need to meticulously follow the steps and adhere to the published schedule to ensure their candidature is successfully registered.

• ​Crucial Deadlines for Aspirants:
  • ​Online Registration Closing Date: November 17, 2025 (Last date to submit the application form).
  • ​Last Date for Fee Submission: November 18, 2025 (Ensure payment is successful by this date).
  • ​Correction Window Availability: November 20 to 21, 2025 (A two-day window to rectify any errors in the submitted form).
• ​How to Apply: 
  • ​Visit the official CMAT website: cmat.nta.nic.in.
  • ​Click on the registration link for CMAT 2026.
  • ​Complete the New Registration by providing a valid email address and mobile number, which are essential for all future communication.
  • ​Log in with the system-generated Application Number and Password to fill out the detailed Application Form (personal, academic, and contact details).
  • ​Upload the necessary documents, including scanned copies of a passport-size photograph and signature, as per the specified format and size.
  • ​Pay the requisite examination fee online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee for General (Male) candidates is ₹2500, while it is ₹1250 for Female, Reserved, and Transgender candidates.
  • ​Download and save the Confirmation Page after successful fee payment.

​ Why CMAT is a Strategic Choice for MBA Admissions

​For many MBA aspirants, CMAT offers a highly compelling alternative to other national-level entrance exams like CAT or XAT. The exam's structure and the broad acceptance of its scores open numerous doors to quality management education across the country.

• ​Wider College Acceptance: 
  • ​The CMAT score is accepted by over 1000 AICTE-approved B-Schools, including reputable institutions such as JBIMS, GIM, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya, and PUMBA, significantly broadening your college options.
  • ​It provides a national-level benchmark for admissions, especially beneficial for those targeting institutions outside the IIM network.
• ​Moderate Difficulty Level: 
  • ​Generally, the CMAT exam is considered to have a moderate difficulty level compared to CAT, with questions often being more direct and formula-based rather than heavily concept-driven.
  • ​This structure can highly benefit candidates with strong fundamentals and a disciplined preparation strategy, often leading to a high percentile score with focused effort.
• ​No Sectional Time Limits:
  • ​CMAT is a three-hour computer-based test (CBT) that historically does not impose sectional time limits, allowing candidates the strategic flexibility to manage their time across the five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

​Mastering the CMAT 2026 Preparation: Essential Tips

​Success in CMAT, like any competitive exam, hinges on smart preparation and consistent effort. With the application period winding down, aspirants should now fully dedicate their focus to the study schedule.

• ​Strategic Preparation Focus: 
  • ​Understand the Syllabus: The CMAT syllabus covers core areas of management aptitude. Pay special attention to the relatively new section, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which carries 20 questions (80 marks).
  • ​Practice with Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests under timed conditions. This is essential for improving speed, accuracy, and test-taking stamina, especially to familiarize yourself with the online CBT mode.
  • ​Sectional Deep Dive: Allocate dedicated time to areas of weakness. For instance, General Awareness requires regular reading of newspapers and current affairs compilations from the last 6-12 months.
• ​Utilizing the Correction Window:
  • ​The two-day correction window (November 20-21, 2025) is a vital provision. Every aspirant must meticulously check their application form for any potential errors in personal details, category, or city preferences after submission. Correcting inaccuracies in this window is crucial to avoid issues with admit cards and during the final admission process.

​Conclusion

​The CMAT 2026 registration window represents a crucial time-bound opportunity for MBA aspirants. With a clear deadline of November 17, 2025, for registration and November 18, 2025, for fee payment, procrastination is not an option. Leverage the advantages CMAT offers—including its moderate difficulty and wide acceptance—and kickstart your focused preparation today. Ensure your application is accurate, your fee is paid, and your study plan is rigorous. The pathway to a successful management career starts with this single, timely application.