The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a final reminder for students interested in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026. The application submission deadline is November 17, 2025 . Candidates must complete their online application forms and submit them by this date. The examination fee payment window closes one day later, on November 18, 2025 .
CMAT is a national-level entrance examination. It facilitates admissions into various management programs offered by colleges and universities across India. All prospective applicants must complete their process via the official NTA website: cmat.nta.nic.in. Missing these deadlines will result in disqualification from CMAT 2026.
Key Application Deadlines
The NTA’s official notification outlines precise closing times for both application submission and fee payment. The online registration portal for CMAT 2026 will officially close at 11:50 PM on November 17, 2025 . All components of the application form must be submitted before this specific time. The online payment facility for the examination fee will remain active until 11:50 PM on November 18, 2025 . Payments attempted after this cutoff will not be processed, rendering the application incomplete.
Required Application Steps
The application process for CMAT 2026 involves distinct, mandatory steps. First, candidates must visit the official CMAT portal. They need to fill and submit the comprehensive online application form. This form collects essential personal details, academic history, and contact information. Second, applicants must pay the prescribed examination fee using approved online payment methods. Options typically include credit cards, debit cards, or net banking. Finally, after successful fee payment, candidates must download and retain the system-generated confirmation page. This document is important proof of application for all subsequent procedures and records.
The NTA emphasizes that an application is considered fully complete only upon successful payment of the examination fee. Submitting the online form without payment does not qualify as a completed application. Candidates are advised to review all entered data carefully before proceeding to the final payment stage. Accurate details ensure correct processing and prevent any future discrepancies or issues with their candidacy.
CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Specific eligibility requirements apply for CMAT 2026. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. The degree must be from a university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or equivalent body. Students enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program are also eligible to apply. However, their final examination results must be declared before the commencement of the admission cycle for the academic year 2026-27. There is no specified age limit for CMAT applicants.
Examination Fee Structure
The application fee for CMAT 2026 is non-refundable. It varies based on the candidate’s category and gender. All fees must be paid online through the official application portal.
| Category / Gender | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General Category (Male) | ₹2,500 |
| General Category (Female) | ₹1,250 |
| Gen-EWS / SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹1,250 |
Final Instructions for All Applicants
- Complete the online application form and ensure its submission by November 17, 2025, 11:50 PM .
- Process the examination fee payment by November 18, 2025, 11:50 PM .
- Download and save the confirmation page as proof of application for your records.
- Review all entered personal, academic, and contact details carefully before making the final fee payment.
- Note that only applications with a successful fee payment will be considered complete and valid.
The NTA advises all eligible candidates to submit their applications well in advance of the deadlines. This approach helps avoid potential last-minute technical difficulties. For comprehensive information and to initiate your application, visit the official website: cmat.nta.nic.in.