Here’s what you need to know to prepare and act promptly:
Key Highlights
The registration window is now live, so eligible candidates should avoid delay and submit their applications early.
· Based on official timelines and trend-analyses, key dates are as follows:
· Registration likely began in mid-November 2025 (many sources cite November 14)
Ø Last date for application and payment: Late December 2025 (commonly 25 December)
Ø The exam itself: expected in the last week of January 2026 (tentatively around 24-25 January)
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Ø Any candidate with a recognised undergraduate degree can apply; final-year students are also eligible (subject to fulfilling passing requirements).
Ø There is no upper age limit for CMAT, making it versatile for fresh graduates and working professionals alike.
Fee Structure & Other Details
· According to current fee structure guidelines:
Ø General (male) category: ₹2,500
Ø Female / Third Gender / Reserved categories: ₹1,250
· Exam format: Computer-based test (CBT), with 100 questions typically spanning sections like Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Duration is 3 hours.
What Applicants Should Do NOW
1. Visit the official website (cmat.nta.nic.in) and complete your registration (new user creation / form fill / fee payment).
2. Keep scanned documents ready: photograph, signature, ID proof, and academic credentials.
3. Choose your exam city preferences carefully (you can typically select up to 4 cities) to improve chances of favourable allotment.
4. Pay the fee on time and retain proof of payment. Late or incomplete payments may render the registration invalid.
5. Prepare for the pattern: Since the exam is expected in January, start preparing early—refresh core concepts, take mock tests, and manage time.
6. Monitor dates carefully, including correction windows, admit card release, and schedule announcements—missing any of these may jeopardize your exam attempt.
Why This Matters
· The CMAT is accepted by 1,000+ MBA/PGDM institutes across India, making it a critical pathway for management education seekers.
· With the shift of exam dates and new trends (such as the exam moving to January this year), early registration ensures you secure your slot and preferred centre.
· For working professionals or non-traditional applicants, the no-upper-age-limit eligibility and online process make CMAT a flexible option.
Final Word
If you're targeting MBA/PGDM admission in the academic year 2026-27, now is the time to act. Even though full official notification details may still be published, the registration window is open, and delays could mean fewer test location options or technical traffic. Submit your application early, double check all details, begin your preparation schedule, and stay alert for admit card and centre-allotment announcements.