The online submission window for the CMAT 2026 application form will remain active till 11:50 PM on November 17

Attention MBA aspirants The CMAT 2026 application window is closing soon. Conducted by NTA, this national-level entrance test is the gateway to top AICTE-approved B-Schools. The final deadline for form submission is November 17, 2025, at 11:50 PM. However, candidates have an extra day, till November 18, to complete the fee payment. Ensure your details are accurate, as the application correction window is brief. Don't miss this last chance to register for the January 2026 exam and secure your management career future.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a final reminder for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 registration. This national-level, computer-based entrance examination is the essential gateway for admission into over 1,000 AICTE-approved management institutions, university departments, and affiliated colleges across India.

​Aspirants are strongly urged to complete their online application form submission well before the final, non-negotiable deadline. The registration window, which opened on October 17, 2025, is scheduled to close next week, marking the definitive end of the initial application phase. Procrastination at this critical juncture could cost a year in your career plans. Secure your seat for the CMAT 2026, which is expected to be held tentatively in January 2026, by acting immediately. Remember, late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

​ Critical Dates: Form Submission and Fee Payment Deadlines

​It is vital for every CMAT aspirant to understand the two distinct deadlines set by the NTA for the application process. Candidates must ensure they successfully complete both the form filling and the fee payment within the stipulated timeframes to be considered eligible for the examination.

• ​Application Form Submission:
  • ​Last Date: November 17, 2025
  • ​Time Limit: Up to 11:50 PM
  • ​Action Required: All personal, academic, and contact details, along with the uploading of photograph and signature, must be completed and the application form submitted by this date and time.
• ​Application Fee Payment: 
  • ​Last Date: November 18, 2025
  • ​Time Limit: Up to 11:50 PM
  • ​Action Required: Candidates who have successfully submitted their application form by November 17 can utilize the extra day to make the final payment online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee for General Male Candidates is ₹2,500 and for Female/Reserved/EWS/OBC/SC/ST/Transgender is ₹1,250.
• ​Application Correction Window:
  • ​Dates: Tentatively from November 20 to November 22, 2025
  • ​Action Required: A short window will be provided for candidates to rectify specific errors in their already submitted application form, such as category or gender. Use this opportunity to double-check and correct any inadvertent mistakes.

​Key Insight: While the payment deadline offers a slight breather, the complexity and time required for filling the detailed application make it imperative to complete the form submission on or before November 17. Technical glitches or high traffic on the last day are common, so planning to apply a few days earlier is the safest strategy.

​Step-by-Step CMAT 2026 Online Registration Guide

​The registration process for CMAT 2026 is fully online and streamlined. Following a systematic approach and keeping all necessary documents handy will ensure a smooth and error-free application.

• ​Phase 1: Online Registration and Credentials Generation 
  • ​Visit the official NTA CMAT website (exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT).
  • ​Click on the 'New Registration' link.
  • ​Carefully read the instructions and information bulletin.
  • ​Fill in basic details like Name, Mother’s Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and Mobile Number.
  • ​A system-generated Application Number will be provided, which must be noted down for all future logins.
• ​Phase 2: Filling the Detailed Application Form 
  • ​Log in using the generated Application Number and the password created during registration.
  • ​Fill in the detailed application form with personal, academic (Class 10th, 12th, and Graduation details), and contact information.
  • ​Select your preferred four CMAT Test Cities in order of preference.
  • ​Upload the scanned images of your recent passport-size photograph (10 kb to 200 kb, JPG/JPEG format) and signature (4 kb to 30 kb, JPG/JPEG format) as per NTA specifications.
• ​Phase 3: Fee Payment and Confirmation
  • ​Review all details on the form for accuracy, as corrections in some fields are restricted even during the correction window.
  • ​Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the examination fee before November 18, 2025.
  • ​After successful payment, download and print the Confirmation Page, which is the final proof of your registration.

​Note: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university or be in their final year of a qualifying degree (with results expected before the start of the admission process). There is no age restriction to appear for the CMAT exam, making it a highly accessible option for all aspirants.

​Why CMAT 2026 is Your Essential Management Gateway

​The Common Management Admission Test holds a significant position among national MBA entrance exams. A good CMAT score opens doors to numerous institutions that prioritize this test for their management programs.

• ​Wide Acceptance and Opportunities:
  • ​The CMAT score is accepted by more than 1,000 AICTE-approved institutions, offering a vast array of choices for MBA/PGDM programs across the country.
  • ​This includes many reputed colleges that offer specializations in Finance, Marketing, Operations, and Human Resources.
• ​Exam Structure and Scope: 
  • ​CMAT is a comprehensive 3-hour test with 100 questions in five key sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
  • ​Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response, emphasizing the need for accuracy.
• ​Preparation Strategy Focus: 
  • ​The inclusion of General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections makes CMAT unique and requires a dedicated preparation strategy that goes beyond the core quantitative and verbal skills. Staying updated on current affairs and business knowledge is essential for a high score.

​Conclusion

​The opportunity to register for the CMAT 2026 examination is rapidly drawing to a close. Aspirants must prioritize the completion of their online application form by November 17, 2025, at 11:50 PM and the subsequent fee payment by November 18, 2025. This critical deadline is the first hurdle in the journey towards a successful management career. Secure your future now by completing your registration and shifting your focus entirely to preparing for the exam expected in January 2026.

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