The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened the registration process for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. This is an important update for students who are planning to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree after their graduation.
Students interested in applying for the CMAT 2026 exam can register online starting from October 17, 2025 . The deadline to submit the application form is November 17, 2025 , at 11:50 PM. The last date to pay the application fees is November 18, 2025 , also by 11:50 PM. The NTA will announce the exact exam date later.
What is CMAT?
CMAT is a national-level entrance examination held for admissions to various MBA and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs across India. This exam is a single test that allows students to apply to over 1300 colleges approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) throughout the country.
An MBA is a popular postgraduate degree that helps students gain advanced knowledge and skills in business management. It prepares them for leadership roles in different industries. Achieving a good score in CMAT can open doors to many reputable management colleges.
Who Can Apply for CMAT 2026?
The eligibility criteria for CMAT 2026 are straightforward. Students who have already completed their graduation degree can apply. Also, those who are currently in the final year of their bachelor's degree program are eligible to take the CMAT exam. This means if you are about to finish your college degree, you can still apply for this important entrance test.
CMAT 2026 Exam Structure and Syllabus
The CMAT 2026 exam pattern will remain the same as the previous year. The test includes questions from five main sections:
- Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation : This section tests your mathematical skills and ability to understand and use data from charts and graphs.
- Logical Reasoning : This part checks your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Language Comprehension : This section evaluates your understanding of English language, grammar, and reading skills.
- General Awareness : This tests your knowledge about current events, history, geography, politics, and other general topics.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship : This section focuses on your understanding of new ideas, business creation, and market trends.
Students should prepare well for all these sections to score high in the exam.
Important Dates for CMAT 2026
Here are the key dates for CMAT 2026 that students must remember:
| CMAT 2026 Event | CMAT 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Application Form Submission | October 17, 2025 to November 17, 2025 (until 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date to Submit Application Fees | November 18, 2025 (until 11:50 PM) |
| Application Form Correction Window | November 20-21, 2025 |
| City Intimation | To be announced by NTA |
| Admit Card Download | To be announced by NTA |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | To be announced by NTA |
How to Apply for CMAT 2026?
The application process for CMAT 2026 is completely online. Students must follow these steps carefully to complete their registration:
- Visit the official CMAT-NTA website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ .
- On the homepage, click on the link that says 'Registration for CMAT 2026'.
- If you are a new user, click on 'New Registration' and provide the required basic details to create your account.
- Once you have registered, log in using your newly created credentials.
- Fill out the CMAT application form with all your personal information and academic qualifications.
- Carefully select your preferred test cities from the given options. You will also need to upload your recent passport-size photograph and signature.
- Proceed to pay the CMAT application fee online using the available payment methods.
- After successful payment, make sure to download and save a copy of your completed application form for future reference.
It is important for all applicants to submit their forms and fees before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute issues. Keep checking the official NTA website for further updates on admit cards and exam dates.
