CMAT 2026: Exam Date (Jan 25), City and Centre Announcement (Soon); Check Preparation Tips, Mock Tests, Previous Year Papers
CMAT Exam Date 2026: The National Testing Agency will be conducting the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 on January 25, 2026. The CMAT 2026 exam will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in two shifts – morning and late afternoon. CMAT 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). CMAT 2026 Exam City and Centre have not been announced yet and will be released soon. CMAT 2026 registration closed on November 25, 2025. The MAT Exam Pattern has 100 questions divided into five sections. CMAT last month preparation tips include covering the fundamentals (as per the pattern and syllabus), and taking Mock Test and Previous Year Question Papers to understand the type of questions and difficulty level. Read this article to know the syllabus, pattern, preparation tips and top CMAT colleges to apply to. Take the free CMAT mock test 2026.
What is the CMAT Exam?
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national MBA Entrance Exam for admission to over 1000 AICTE-approved PGDM Institutions, University MBA Departments, and their constituent or affiliated colleges across the country. However, IIMs and many top MBA colleges like MDI Gurgaon and XLRI Jamshedpur do not accept CMAT exam scores. Check the list of MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT exam 2025 scores.
Till 2018, the CMAT Test was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The National Test Agency (NTA) has been conducting this Test since 2019. CMAT 2026 official website is Cmat.nta.nic.in.
CMAT 2026 exam date is January 25, 2026. The CMAT 2026 exam date yet. However, based on previous year trends, the expected CMAT exam date is in early January 2026. Last year, the MAT exam date 2025 was January 25, 2025. The CMAT exam difficulty level is moderate. CMAT exam duration is 180 minutes. The CMAT Exam Pattern is divided into five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Check details below.
CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
CMAT is not only one of the most accepted MBA entrance exams in India, but it is also the gateway to top MBA colleges. Following are the key CMAT exam highlights, including CMAT Exam Details, CMAT Full Form, CMAT Form release date, CMAT Exam Dates exam among others.
CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
| CMAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CMAT Exam Full Form | Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) |
| Who conductsthe CMAT Exam? | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT | JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, Pune University PUMBA, NIA Pune, Welingkar Mumbai and BIMTECH Greater Noida |
| CMAT Exam Date | January 25, 2026 |
| CMAT Exam Slots | Two Slot Exam of 3 Hrs Duration for each slot |
| Mode of the CMAT exam | Online Computer-Based Test at Exam Centres |
| CMAT Official Website | cmat.nta.nic.in |
| CMAT Exam Application Fees | Male Candidates – Rs. 2500; Female Candidates – Rs. 1250 |
| Number of Candidates Registered | 75,000 |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 100 |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections with 20 Questions in Each Section |
CMAT 2026: Important Dates
National Testing Agency will be conducting Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode on January 25, 2026. CMAT 2026 registration closed on November 25, 2025. Check the CMAT Exam 2026 dates in the table below.
CMAT 2026 date and time: The CMAT 2026 exam date is January 25, 2026. The CMAT 2026 exam will be held in two shifts. CMAT 2026 exam Shift 1 is from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and CMAT 2026 exam Shift 2 is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Each shift has a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours).
CMAT 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| CMAT 2026 Notification Release Date | October 17, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Registration Start Date | October 17, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Registration Last Date | November 24, 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Registration Fees Payment Last Date | November 25, 2025 |
| CMAT Application Form Correction Window Start Date | November 26, 2025 |
| CMAT Application Form Correction Window Last Date | November 28, 2025 |
| CMAT 2026 Admit Card Release | Soon |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | January 25, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Answer Key Release Date | To be announced |
| CMAT 2026 Answer Key Objection Form Challenge Last Date | To be announced |
| CMAT 2026 Result Date | To be announced |
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
NTA has released the pattern and marking scheme for the CMAT Exam 2026. CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of 100 objective-type (MCQs) questions, which are equally divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The CMAT 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes.
There is no sectional time limit. The CMAT 2026 marking scheme is as follows:
- Each question carries 04 (four) marks.
- For each correct response, the candidate will get 04 (four) marks.
- For each incorrect response, 01 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.
- Unanswered/unattempted will be given no marks.
CMAT Exam Pattern sesection-wise026 is given in the table below.
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks Section-wise |
| 1 | Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| 2 | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| 4 | General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| 5 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
CMAT Syllabus 2026
CMAT 2026 Syllabus is divided into five sections: Language Comprehension; Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation; Logical Reasoning; General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. A brief overview is given below.
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Syllabus for this section includes Arithmetic (Ratio, Time & Work, Averages, Percentages, Profit & Loss), Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Number Properties, and Data Interpretation through tables, pie charts, bar diagrams, and graphs.
Language Comprehension: Syllabus for this section includes grammar, tenses, vocabulary, sentence correction, jumbled paragraphs, and reading comprehension passages focused on inference, central idea, idioms, and expression.
Logical Reasoning: Syllabus for this section includes questions on arrangements (linear, circular, sequencing), puzzles, coding-decoding, statement-conclusion, Venn diagrams, and visual reasoning.
General Awareness: Syllabus for this section includes Static GK, Current Affairs, and Business & Economics awareness, such as fiscal/monetary policies, international organisations, key personalities, and national events.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Syllabus for this section includes government schemes, start-up concepts, innovation management, key entrepreneurs, terminology (bootstrapping, break-even point), and recent developments in business and policy.
Check section wise detailed CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026.
CMAT Preparation 2026
Based on the exam pattern, syllabus and previous year’s questions, the CMAT 2026 preparation strategy for each section is as follows:
- Language Comprehension: Focus on Reading Comprehension and Grammar—practice RCs, sentence correction, idioms, and parajumbles daily.
- Quantitative Techniques & DI: Strengthen Arithmetic fundamentals and practice data interpretation sets—cover topics like TSD, Profit & Loss, SICI, and Pie Charts.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice both verbal and non-verbal reasoning—work on number series, directions, assumptions, arguments, and family trees.
- General Knowledge: Revise static GK with emphasis on Indian polity, history, and constitution—supplement with weekly updates on major national/international events.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Study key startup concepts, government schemes, and entrepreneur types—focus on terms like bootstrapping, lean startup, and funding stages.
In addition to preparing fundamentals for the above sections, you must take full-length CMAT mock tests regularly, and then analyse your performance to identify weak areas and improve time management. Read the following section on how to take free Mock CMAT tests online.
CMAT Mock Test 2026
CMAT Mock Tests and Previous Year question papers are the best preparation tools. Toppers recommend taking as many CMAT mocks and analysing each of them thoroughly. You can take free mock tests on campus.digitalpush.io from the links below.
CMAT Exam Eligibility 2026
CMAT 2026 eligibility criteria are given below.
- The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
- Candidates appearing for the final year of a Bachelor’s Degree, whose results will be declared in June/July 2026, can also apply forthe CMAT exam.
- The candidate must be a Citizen of India.
- There is no age restriction for appearing in the CMAT exam.
CMAT Registration 2026 Process
CMAT Registration 2026 Process
CMAT 2026 Registration is closed now. Last date for CMAT registration was November 24, 2025, and CMAT application fee payment was 25 November, 2025. Readthe complete CMAT 2026 exam registration details. CMAT 2026 registration fees for Male Candidates are Rs. 2500 and for Female Candidatesares Rs. 1250. CMAT Form 2026 can be completed online on the CMAT official website https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ by following the four simple steps given below.
Step 1: Apply For Online Registration
Step 2: Fill in the Online Application Form
Step 3: Pay Examination Fee
Step 4: Download Confirmation Page
All these steps can be done together or on separate dates and timings. But remember CMAT registration process will be considered complete only after you have paid the requisite CMAT exam fees, submitted the application and received the confirmation message from the National Testing Agency.
CMAT 2026 Correction Window
CMAT 2026 error correction window is open from November 26 to November 28, 2025, onthe CMAT official website cmat.nta.nic.in. To make corrections, candidates can follow the steps given below.
How to make corrections in your CMAT form?
- Visit the official website of CMAT at cmat.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the registration link available on the home page.
- Enter the login details and click on submit.
- Once done, the application form will be displayed.
- Check the application form and make the corrections where required.
- Click on submit and download the confirmation page.
- Keep a hard copy of the same for further needs.
What are the Corrections Allowed inthe CMAT 2026 Form?
Candidates cannot edit their mobile number, email ID and address. They can make changes in their name, father’s name and a few other details. Check details inthe table below.
S. No. | Corrections in the Application Form for the CMAT-2026 examination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Actions |
| Fields | |
1. | Candidates shall NOT be allowed to change: | i. ii. | Mobile Number E-Mail address |
|
| iii.
| Address (Permanent and Present) |
2. | Candidate shall be allowed to change in the fields: | i. ii. | Candidate Name Father Name |
|
| iii. | Mother Name |
|
| iv. Class 10/ equivalent details vi. Bachelor’s Degree ix. Category x. Sub-category/PwD/PwBD xi. Photograph – Image Upload xii. Signature – Image Upload | |
3. | Candidates shall be allowed to change examination Cities based on their Permanent and present addresses. | Examination City Selection (all 04 preferences) | |
CMAT Admit Card 2026
CMAT Admit Card is a mandatory document to enter the exam centre to take the exam. NTA will upload the Admit card on the official NTA CMAT exam website a few days before the exam. Only successfully registered candidates can download the CMAT admit card. The last date to download the Admit Card is the exam date.
CMAT Exam Centres 2026
CMAT 2026 Exam Centres are located across all the States in India. NTA will conduct the CMAT exam in more than 100 cities at 175 Exam Centres across the country. A candidate should choose the four most preferred CMAT test cities at the time of filling the CMAT application form. NTA will allot one of the cities. Check the list of CMAT Exam Cities in India and how to select the CMAT exam centre while filling the CMAT registration form 2026.
CMAT Accepting Colleges
Top CMAT Colleges in India are Welingkar Mumbai, BIMTECH Greater Noida, IFMR Krea University, IMI Bhubaneswar, Jaipuria Noida and Jaipuria Lucknow. But remember, the CMAT admission process is not centralised by NTA or AICTE. You need to apply separately to CMAT colleges of your choice with your CMAT Scores. Thereafter, the CMAT accepting institution will release its own CMAT Scores Cut Offs to qualify for admission. Check the complete list of MBA colleges accepting CMAT Exam scores.
CMAT Registration Numbers
A total of 74,012 candidates registered for the CMAT 2025 exam, while 63,145 candidates appeared in the examination. A total of 34,717 female candidates registered for the CMAT Exam 2026. Male candidates were 39,293, while there were 2 transgender candidates. The total number of candidates who registered for CMAT 2024 was 76,745. However, only 65,127 candidates actually took the CMAT 2024 exam. CMAT 2026 Registration Numbers are expected to remain the same as in the previous two years. CMAT Registration Numbers for the last few years are as follows:
CMAT Registration Numbers
| Year | Candidate Registrations | CMAT Test Takers |
| CMAT 2025 | 74,012 | 63,145 |
| CMAT 2024 | 76,745 | 65,127 |
| CMAT 2023 | 75,209 | 58,035 |
| CMAT 2022 | 58,956 | 51,144 |
CMAT Official Website 2026, Helpline Number, Email
CMAT Official Website: The CMAT 2026 Official Website is cmat.nta.nic.in. This is the website that candidates should use to register for the exam and pay CMAT exam fees.
CMAT 2026 Helpline Number
In case of any emergency regarding CMAT exam registration or admit card, you can contact NTA CMAT Helpdesk on the following CMAT helpline number and contact details:
- website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
- Telephone number: 011-40759000
- Email: cmat@nta.ac.in
In summary, the National Testing Agency will be conducting Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode on January 25, 2026. CMAT 2026 registration closed on November 25, 2025. CMAT Official Website 2026 is cmat.nta.nic.in. This is CMAT NTA NIC in 2026. Also read CMAT Exam Pattern, CMAT Syllabus, CMAT Preparation, and top MBA colleges accepting CMAT 2026 scores.
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