The CMAT 2026 application submission window will stay open until 11:50 PM on November 17

The registration window for the CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) 2026 is rapidly closing. MBA aspirants must finalize and submit their online application form on the NTA website by 11:50 PM on November 17, 2025. Critically, the fee payment deadline is extended to November 18. Candidates who complete the process will get a valuable opportunity to correct any errors during the form correction window from November 20 to 22, 2025. Don't miss this crucial step toward admission to over 1,300 AICTE-approved B-schools.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), the conducting body for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, has issued a final warning regarding the closing of the online application window. CMAT, a national-level entrance examination, is mandatory for admission to various AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs across the country. With the application submission deadline set for 11:50 PM on Monday, November 17, 2025, time is running out for prospective management students to secure their candidacy.

​A key detail for all applicants is the slightly extended deadline for the fee payment, which can be completed up to 11:50 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. This staggered deadline offers a small buffer but candidates must ensure the application form itself is submitted by November 17. Following the closure of the registration window, the NTA will open a dedicated Correction Window from November 20 to 22, 2025, providing an essential opportunity to rectify any submission errors. Aspirants are strongly urged to finalize their forms immediately on the official NTA-CMAT website (cmat.nta.nic.in) to avoid last-minute server overload.

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 CMAT 2026 Deadline Alert: Form Submission vs. Fee Payment

​Understanding the distinct deadlines for the CMAT application is crucial to ensure a successful submission and avoid disqualification from the exam process.

• ​Crucial Deadlines to Note: 
  • ​Online Application Submission Deadline (Form Locking): November 17, 2025 (11:50 PM). The form must be completely filled out, documents uploaded, and submitted/locked before this time.
  • ​Application Fee Payment Deadline:November 18, 2025 (11:50 PM). The payment of the examination fee (typically ₹2,500 for General Male / ₹1,250 for General Female/Reserved categories) can be completed one day after the form submission. Payment is mandatory to finalize the application.
• ​Key Application Requirements:
  • ​Mandatory Documents: Candidates must have soft copies of a recent passport-size photograph (preferably matching the appearance on the exam day) and a scanned signature ready for upload.
  • ​Exam City Preference: The application requires candidates to choose their preferred cities for the Computer Based Test (CBT). Submitting early increases the chances of securing a slot in a convenient city.
  • ​Final Confirmation: The entire process is complete only upon successful payment of the fee and the generation of the Confirmation Page, which must be downloaded and saved.

​ CMAT Correction Window: A Second Chance for Accuracy

​A critical benefit provided by the NTA is the short, three-day period dedicated solely to rectifying errors made during the initial form filling. This window is essential for ensuring that the admit card and final merit list details are accurate.

• ​Correction Window Details:
  • ​Dates: November 20, 2025, to November 22, 2025 (11:50 PM).
  • ​Purpose: This window allows candidates to log back into their portal and edit specific fields in the submitted application form.
  • ​Fields Generally Allowed for Correction: Mistakes in personal details (e.g., Mother's/Father's name, Address, Category), educational qualifications, and exam city preferences are typically allowed.
  • ​Fields Generally Not Allowed for Correction: Core details like the candidate's Name, Date of Birth, Gender, and Email ID/Mobile Number are usually locked and cannot be changed after initial registration. Candidates must exercise extreme caution while filling these initial fields.
• ​How to Use the Correction Window Effectively:
  • ​Proactive Review: Do not wait for the window to open to check your form. Review the downloaded Confirmation Page immediately after submission.
  • ​Systematic Check: Cross-check every field, especially the category and PwD status, as errors here can directly impact the cut-off and final admission process.
  • ​Final Save: Once all corrections are made, candidates must ensure they save and submit the revised form before the November 22 deadline.

​ CMAT 2026: Gateway to Over 1,300 B-Schools and Exam Overview

​CMAT stands out among management exams due to its unique pattern and wide acceptance among government and private institutions, making it a valuable investment for any aspirant.

• ​Exam Pattern Highlights (The 5 Sections):
  • ​CMAT is a 180-minute (3-hour) Computer Based Test (CBT) with 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • ​The test is divided into five compulsory sections, with 20 questions and 80 marks allocated to each section, totaling 400 marks.
  • ​Five Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and a unique section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• ​Importance of the General Awareness (GA) Section: 
  • ​Unlike CAT, CMAT places significant emphasis on General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which requires dedicated preparation focused on static GK, current affairs, business news, and entrepreneurial concepts. A high score here can be a differentiating factor for many aspirants.
• ​Accepting Institutions: 
  • ​CMAT scores are accepted by approximately 1,300 AICTE-approved institutions across India, including prominent names like Great Lakes Institute of Management, PUMBA, K J Somaiya, and various state university management departments.

​Conclusion

​The CMAT 2026 application process is in its final phase. With the form submission closing on November 17 and the fee payment window ending on November 18, aspirants must act with urgency to complete all formalities on cmat.nta.nic.in. Do not overlook the mandatory two-day correction window (November 20-22) to finalize your details. Securing a seat in the highly competitive January 2026 examination is the next step toward leveraging the CMAT score for admission into a top-tier MBA/PGDM program.

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