Updated on 23rd May 2025 | 10:28 am | #CMATNotification2026
CMAT 2026 Updates: The official CMAT 2026 notification is expected to be released in the second or third week of November 2025, which will announce the beginning of the CMAT 2026 registration process. The CMAT exam 2026 is expected to take place in January 2026, as it did the previous year. The body that conducts the CMAT exam is the NTA, or National Testing Agency, which usually conducts the exam in over 100 cities across India.
As per the CMAT notification, the registration process for the exam will commence in the third or fourth week of November 2025 and conclude in the first week of January 2026, with a possibility of extension. CMAT aspirants can apply for the same on the official website at cmat.nta.nic.in/, along with other details such as the registration process, application fee, and the necessary documents.
All serious CMAT aspirants should not wait for the CMAT 2026 notification and should begin their preparation and practice as many mock tests as possible to assess their standing in the competition.
The official CMAT notification will be released in the second/third week of November 2025, which will include all the important information, such as CMAT 2026 registration window dates, CMAT 2026 eligibility criteria, CMAT 2026 exam dates, CMAT syllabus 2026, CMAT exam fee, and more.
Based on the previous year's trends, it can be inferred that, according to the CMAT 2026 notification, the registration process for the exam will start in the second/third week of November 2025 and will conclude in the first week of January 2025, with the possibility of extending it further.
The CMAT 2026 exam is most likely to take place on January 4th, 2026 (expected). This exam is an important step towards gaining admission to the top colleges accepting CMAT scores in India.
The National Testing Agency, popularly known as NTA, is responsible for the conduction and execution of the CMAT 2026 exam. With the release of the CMAT 2026 notification, NTA will announce the complete schedule for the CMAT exam 2026.
Have a look at the tentative schedule of all the CMAT important dates released by NTA for your reference:
CMAT 2026 Exam Date |
|
CMAT Exam Events |
CMAT 2026 Important Dates |
CMAT 2026 Notification Release |
Second week of November 2025 |
CMAT 2026 Registration Start Date |
Last week of December 2025 |
CMAT 2026 Registration End Date |
Last week of December 2025 |
CMAT Form Correction Window Timeline |
Last week of December 2025 |
CMAT 2026 Exam City Slip Release Date |
Third week of January 2026 |
CMAT Admit Card 2026 Release Date |
Third week of January 2026 |
CMAT 2026 Exam Date |
Fourth week of January 2026 |
CMAT Answer Key 2026 Release Date |
Fourth week of January 2026 |
CMAT 2026 Result Declaration |
Second week of February 2026 |
Last year, CMAT came out with a surprise! Everyone was expecting it to take place in April 2025. The NTA released the official CMAT notification in November 2024, with the CMAT registration process starting on November 14, 2024, and the exam being held in January 2025. This year, as well, the CMAT registration process 2026 is expected to begin in the month of November 2025.
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you fill out your CMAT application form 2026 hassle-free.
The following documents are necessary to complete the CMAT 2026 registration process, including:
There has been a revision in the CMAT application fees, and candidates considering CMAT as their alternative should look into the revised fee structure.
Category |
Male (INR) |
Female (INR) |
General |
2500 |
1250 |
Gen-EWS/OBC (NCL)/SC/ ST/ PWD |
1250 |
1250 |
Transgender |
1250 |
Check the validity of the debit/credit card and have it ready with you while logging on to the website to submit the application form. Enter the information very carefully to avoid any discrepancies and keep the proof of fee paid.
The CMAT exam fee can be paid using SBI/HDFC Bank through:
Important: Ensure that you go through the CMAT application form and verify that all the information you have filled in is correct, as once the payment is made, no further changes can be made to the CMAT 2026 application form.
Also Check: CMAT Syllabus | CMAT Exam Pattern
Usually, the CMAT admit card release date comes out with the release of the official CMAT notification. However, based on past trends, the CMAT 2025 admit card will be released a week before the exam, which is expected to be held in January 2025. It will be available on the NTA's official website.
Candidates can download their admit card using their login information. Here’s how to download the CMAT admit card 2026 from the NTA website:
On the day of the test, candidates must bring a printout of their CMAT 2026 hall ticket to the testing location. Without this required document, candidates will not be permitted to take the test. To minimize last-minute problems, it is therefore advised to get it printed two to three days before the test.
Note: It is recommended that candidates carefully study the instructions on their CMAT admit card and follow them during the test.
Candidates must carry the listed documents below. The candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam center without the same.
The CMAT 2026 exam will be held as a Computer-Based Test in India, with the examination being conducted in 2 shifts. which is mentioned on the candidates' admit card. All CMAT takers are advised to read every detail mentioned in their CMAT admit card, stick to the CMAT exam day guidelines, and ensure timely arrival at the CMAT exam center.
The table below shows the CMAT 2026 exam shifts and reporting time as per the official CMAT notification released by NTA:
CMAT 2026 Exam Slots |
CMAT 2026 Exam Date |
CMAT 2026 Shift Timing |
Reporting Time |
Shift 1 |
TBA |
09:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
07:30 AM |
Shift 2 |
TBA |
02:30 AM to 05:30 PM |
01:00 PM |
Candidates should make sure they are fully informed about the dos and don'ts of CMAT exam day. Any mistake could jeopardize their chances of taking the exam. Below are the important CMAT exam day instructions for your reference:
CMAT Exam Day - Do’s |
CMAT Exam Day - Don’ts |
Download and read the advisory on the CMAT 2026 admit card and follow all guidelines. |
Do not arrive late to the exam center. Late candidates will not be allowed to enter. |
Bring two copies of your admit card (with a photo attached), a valid ID card, and a blue ballpoint pen. Digital copies will not be accepted. |
Arrive at least 1 hour prior to your exam slot. For example: If you have a morning slot (9:00 am - 12:00 pm), arrive before 8:00 am and similarly, for the afternoon slot (2:30 pm - 5:30 pm), arrive before 1:30 pm. |
PwD candidates must bring a PwD certificate issued by a competent authority. |
Do not leave the exam hall before the test is over. You can only leave once the invigilator announces it. |
Once inside the exam venue, maintain order and follow instructions given by the test center staff. |
Avoid using unfair methods or cheating throughout the test. Anyone seen doing so will not be allowed to take the test. |
Before login in, wait for the invigilator to give you instructions while seated at your assigned system in the exam room. |
Avoid bringing any electronic devices to the exam center, such as watches, phones, or earbuds. |
You will receive paper for rough work. Write your name and roll number on it and drop it in the designated drop box after use. |
Steer clear of clothing with big buttons, shoes with thick soles, and any metal accessories or jewelry. |
Make sure your date of birth and application number are entered correctly for your User ID. In the test room, you will be given a login password. |
Do not carry valuables or bags to the exam center, as there will be no place to store them. |
Drop one copy of the filled CMAT 2026 admit card in the designated drop box before leaving the examination center. Forgetting to do this may lead to cancellation of your application. |
Choosing an exam center wisely is an important decision that you need to make. Candidates have the opportunity to select up to four cities where they would prefer to sit for the test. The system then assigns one of the cities based on availability and the candidate’s preferences. The final CMAT test center is assigned according to the preferences provided by the candidate, ensuring they have full control over the CMAT exam center selection process.
Choosing the right CMAT exam center can significantly affect your overall testing experience. Consider factors such as travel distance, accommodation options, and local traffic conditions when making your selections.
To ensure a smooth exam experience, take your time when selecting your preferred locations. Make sure to choose CMAT test centers that will be convenient for you on exam day. Your preparation and familiarity with the area can greatly reduce stress and help you perform your best.
National Testing Agency
Note: For technical support, reach out to the concerned authorities on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
The NTA will conduct the CMAT exam in more than 100 cities throughout India. Based on the previous year's CMAT exam timeline, the CMAT 2026 exam is expected to take place on the last Sunday of January 2026.
Yes, there is a negative marking in the CMAT exam. For each incorrect answer you give, 1 mark will be deducted from your total score.
Yes, CMAT is considered one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Even though it includes an additional section, the overall difficulty level is usually moderate.
To register for CMAT 2026, candidates need to pay a fee of Rs 2,500 for males. For female candidates, third-gender candidates, and candidates from reserved categories, the fee is Rs 1,250.