Admission Open For 2025-2026

CMAT 2026 Exam Scheduled for January 25— Key Details for Aspirants

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Synopsis: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that the CMAT 2026 — a major national MBA entrance test — will be conducted on 25 January 2026 in computer-based mode across multiple cities. The registration window has closed, and over 1,300 AICTE-approved colleges accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, syllabus and key preparation details.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed the date for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, a national-level management entrance examination for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes. The exam is scheduled to be held on 25 January 2026 in computer-based test (CBT) mode across numerous cities in India.

Registration & Application Summary
The registration process for CMAT 2026 commenced in October 2025, with the application window closing in November 2025 after extensions for fee payment and form correction. Candidates were required to complete the online application and pay the necessary fees within the prescribed timeline to be eligible.

Exam Pattern & Structure
CMAT is conducted in a single day in CBT format. The test assesses a candidate’s aptitude across key areas essential for management education: quantitative techniques, data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness and innovation & entrepreneurship. Each section typically contains 20 questions, making up 100 questions in total. Each correct response earns four marks, while one mark is deducted for incorrect answers; unanswered questions receive zero marks.

Eligibility & Accepting Institutes
Any graduate from a recognised university is eligible to sit for CMAT; final-year students awaiting results are also permitted under standard eligibility norms. CMAT scores are widely accepted for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes in over 1,300 AICTE-approved institutes nationwide, including reputed B-schools that consider these scores in their selection process.

What Candidates Should Do Now
With the exam date approaching, aspirants should:

Ensure they understand the full syllabus and sectional format.
Review past year papers and practice mock tests under timed conditions to optimize performance.
Monitor the official CMAT portal (cmat.nta.nic.in) for the release of city intimation slips and admit cards — typically issued a few weeks before the exam.

As the CMAT 2026 date draws near, candidates are advised to finalise their prep strategy and keep all documents ready. The exam’s outcome will play a significant role in shaping MBA/PGDM admissions across the country.