The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the CMAT 2026 registration window for management aspirants across India. Candidates seeking admission to MBA and PGDM programs for the Academic Year 2026–27 can now submit their applications online through the official website, cmat.nta.nic.in.
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is one of the most popular national-level entrance exams for students aiming to join AICTE-approved management institutions. The exam evaluates candidates across multiple aptitude areas, helping institutions identify well-rounded future managers.
What Is CMAT 2026 and Why Is It Important?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as a gateway to more than 1,000 AICTE-approved colleges in India offering MBA, PGDM, and similar management programs. The CMAT 2026 exam aims to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in five core areas: Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.
This exam is ideal for those who wish to pursue business management studies without competing in the more intense CAT exam. Its structure, accessibility, and wide acceptance make it a top choice for MBA aspirants.
When Does CMAT 2026 Registration Start and End?
The CMAT 2026 registration process began on October 19, 2025, and will continue till November 17, 2025. Candidates must submit their completed application form before the deadline to avoid late submissions. The fee payment window will remain open until November 18, 2025, and the application correction window will be available from November 20 to November 21, 2025.
| Event | Important Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 Registration Start | October 19, 2025 |
| Last Date for Registration | November 17, 2025 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | November 18, 2025 |
| Correction Window | November 20 – November 21, 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | To be announced by NTA |
Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid server congestion and last-minute technical issues.
How to Apply for CMAT 2026 Online?
The registration process for CMAT 2026 is entirely online and can be completed in just a few steps. Applicants must ensure they have a valid email ID, mobile number, and scanned documents before starting.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official NTA CMAT website exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
- Click on the ‘Registration for CMAT 2026’ link.
- Select ‘New Registration’ to create your account.
- Fill out the required details: name, address, contact number, and academic qualifications.
- Upload the necessary documents like a passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI).
- Review your form and submit it.
- Download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Applicants must keep a copy of the confirmation slip and payment receipt for future correspondence.
How Much Is the CMAT 2026 Application Fee?
The application fee for CMAT 2026 varies depending on the category and gender of the candidate.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Male (Unreserved Category) | ₹2,500 |
| Female / Transgender / Reserved Category | ₹1,250 |
Payment can be made through any secure online method, including UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the final day for payment, as delayed transactions might not be processed in time.
What Is the CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern?
The CMAT 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The paper will consist of five sections, testing the candidate’s aptitude in management-related fields.
| Sections | Total Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 4 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 4 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 4 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 4 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Optional) | 20 | 4 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | — | 400 |
Each correct answer will fetch 4 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.
Who Can Apply for CMAT 2026?
To be eligible for the CMAT 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Final-year students can also apply, provided their results are declared before the admission process begins.
There is no age limit for appearing in the CMAT exam.
Which Colleges Accept CMAT 2026 Scores?
The CMAT 2026 score will be accepted by AICTE-approved institutions, university departments, constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges offering MBA and PGDM programs across India.
Some of the top CMAT-accepting institutes include:
- JBIMS, Mumbai
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management
- Great Lakes Institute of Management
- SIMSREE, Mumbai
- BIMTECH, Greater Noida
- Welingkar Institute of Management
Each college will release its own CMAT cutoff score and selection process once the results are declared.
What Should Candidates Do in Case of Application Issues?
In case of any technical difficulties or registration-related concerns, candidates can reach out to the NTA Helpdesk.
Helpline Number: 011-40759000
Email: cmat@nta.ac.in
It’s advisable to provide complete details of the issue, including the application number and registered email ID, for a quicker response.
Why Choose CMAT Over Other MBA Exams?
While CAT remains the most popular MBA entrance exam in India, CMAT offers several advantages:
- Wider acceptance across AICTE-approved colleges.
- Less competition compared to CAT.
- Moderate difficulty level, making it accessible for more candidates.
- Inclusion of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, catering to future business leaders.
FAQs on CMAT 2026 Registration
1. When will CMAT 2026 registration begin?
The CMAT 2026 registration started on October 19, 2025, on the NTA’s official website.
2. What is the last date to apply for CMAT 2026?
The last date to submit the CMAT 2026 application form is November 17, 2025.
3. Where can I apply for CMAT 2026?
You can apply online through the official website cmat.nta.nic.in.
4. What is the CMAT 2026 application fee?
The fee is ₹2,500 for unreserved male candidates and ₹1,250 for female, transgender, and reserved category candidates.
5. What is the mode of the CMAT 2026 exam?
The CMAT 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across India.
6. How many sections are there in CMAT 2026?
The exam includes five sections, covering Quantitative Technique, Reasoning, Language, GK, and an optional Innovation section.
7. Can final-year students apply for CMAT 2026?
Yes, final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply for CMAT 2026.
8. When will the CMAT 2026 exam be conducted?
The exam date will be announced soon by NTA on the official website.
9. Is there a negative marking in CMAT 2026?
Yes, one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the exam.
10. How can I contact CMAT helpdesk for queries?
You can call the helpline at 011-40759000 or email cmat@nta.ac.in for assistance.