CMAT Exam Dates 2026 – Schedule, Registration & Important Updates

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM and other management programs in India. For aspirants planning for CMAT 2026, knowing the exact dates for registration, exam, admit card release, and results is crucial to ensure timely application and planning. The following article provides a comprehensive overview of all the important CMAT 2026 dates.

CMAT 2026 Exam Dates

Based on NTA’s previous cycles and industry reporting, several reputable education portals currently indicate that the CMAT 2026 notification and registration are likely to be released in November 2025, with the exam scheduled in January 2026. Many portals point to 24–25 January 2026 as the probable exam date and expect the application window to run from mid-November to late December 2025. These are widely circulated tentative timelines — use them for planning, but confirm with the NTA notification once it publishes the official schedule.

Note: All dates are tentative based on past CMAT cycles. Candidates should check the official NTA CMAT website for final confirmation.

Important CMAT Exam Dates 2026

• Notification release: Marks the start of the CMAT cycle. Candidates can download the information bulletin and check eligibility and fee details.
• Registration window: Candidates must complete online application and pay fees before the last date. Late submissions are generally not accepted.
• Admit card release: Candidates need to download their admit card before the exam. This is mandatory to enter the test center.
• Exam date: CMAT is a computer-based test conducted in a single session. Exact date must be verified on the official NTA portal.
• Result declaration: The result includes scores and percentile, which candidates can use for admissions to participating institutions.

Who is eligible and what documents you’ll need

CMAT is relatively inclusive: Indian nationals, NRIs and foreign nationals who meet the minimum qualification (a bachelor’s degree in any discipline or final-year students) can apply. There is typically no upper age limit. When applying, prepare scanned copies of the following commonly required documents:

• Passport-size photograph and signature (specifications given in NTA instructions).
• Class X / XII mark sheet and graduation certificate (or a certificate from college if in final year).
• Government photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License).
• Category certificate (if applying under reserved categories).
• Payment method (net banking/credit card/debit card/UPI) for application fees.
• These document requirements are standard across past CMAT cycles; check the 2026 information bulletin for any changes.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

CMAT historically follows a fixed sectional pattern (four broad areas) and is administered in CBT mode. While small changes can occur year to year, expect something close to the following format:

CMAT 2026 Registration Process

The application fee structure commonly used in recent CMAT cycles has been differentiated for male and female candidates / reserved categories (for example, general category male candidates higher than female/reserved), with online payment required via net banking, card or UPI. The registration process normally involves:

Steps to Apply for CMAT 2026

• Create an Account - Visit the official NTA CMAT portal and register by providing your basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number. Once registered, you will receive login credentials.
• Login and Start Application - Use your credentials to log in and begin the application process. Complete Part A & Part B of the application form, which includes personal information, academic qualifications, and preferred exam city.
• Upload Documents - Scan and upload the required documents according to the specifications mentioned in the instructions, including:
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Signature
  • Class X and XII certificates
  • Graduation certificate or proof of final-year enrollment
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid photo ID
• Select Exam Center and Preferences - Choose your preferred exam city and other relevant options. Make sure to verify the city availability before final submission.
• Pay Application Fee - Complete the application fee payment online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Ensure the payment is successful and you receive a confirmation.
• Review and Submit - Carefully review all the details in your application form. Make corrections if needed, then submit the form.
• Download Confirmation Page - After successful submission and payment, download and save the confirmation page or receipt for future reference.
• Keep Track of Updates - Regularly check the official NTA CMAT portal for notifications regarding admit card release, exam schedule, and results.

The exact CMAT fees amount and step-by-step screenshots will be included in the NTA information bulletin for CMAT 2026; use the official page for the live payment gateway.