CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualification, Age Limit, and Reservation Policy

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through an official notification. The eligibility criteria for CMAT 2026 specifically includes the minimum requirements candidates must meet to appear for the exam.

The CMAT Eligibility Criteria comprise factors such as the minimum educational qualification, age limit, marks obtained in the qualifying exam, and other relevant details. Non-compliance with these criteria at any stage of the selection and admission process leads to the disqualification of candidates.

NTA is expected to start the CMAT application process in November 2025. Before starting the registration process, candidates must familiarise themselves with the CMAT eligibility criteria 2026.

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

The table below presents the crucial highlights of the CMAT eligibility criteria 2026:

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates preparing to appear for CMAT 2026 must adhere to the following eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must be Indian citizens.

• They should possess a Bachelor's degree in any discipline issued by a recognised university or institute.

• The course duration of a bachelor's degree must be three years or above.

• The candidate must have secured a minimum of 50% marks (45% for candidates from reserved categories) in the qualifying examination.

• Candidates studying in the final year of their graduation (10+2+3) are also eligible for CMAT. However, they must provide their results and degree certificates during the admission process.

• There is no age limit to apply for the CMAT 2026 exam

Program-Specific CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

 The CMAT eligibility criteria for admission into PGDM/MBA, PGCM, and Executive PGDM programs are established by each University/Institution. The NTA does not include centralised CMAT counselling in 2026. The fundamental program-specific CMAT eligibility criteria 2026, followed by most colleges participating in CMAT, are provided below:

CMAT 2026 Reservation Policy

Most colleges accepting CMAT scores follow a common reservation criterion to admit candidates. However, some private institutions often have their distinct reservation policies.

The following reservations apply to colleges and institutes under the jurisdiction of the Central Government of India:

CMAT Reservation for PwD 2026

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) for the year 2026:

• The CMAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to management programs in participating institutions.

• The NTA provides reservations for PwD candidates under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 201,6 and the rules of the Government of India.

• The PwD category is divided into three subcategories:

1. Visually Impaired (VI)

2. Hearing Impaired (HI)

3. Orthopedically Handicapped (OH)

• The reservation for PwD candidates in the CMAT is as follows:

1. Visually Impaired (VI): 1%

2. Hearing Impaired (HI): 1%

3. Orthopedically Handicapped (OH): 3%

• PwD candidates are required to provide valid disability certificates issued by the competent authority at the time of registration for the CMAT.

• The NTA may provide additional time or compensatory facilities to PwD candidates during the examination, as per the guidelines laid down by the Government of India.

CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Scribe Assistance

PwD candidates facing visual impairment, dyslexia, upper limb disability, or hand/finger loss hindering their use of the Computer-Based Test platform can use the scribe services for the CMAT 2026 exam. PwD candidates who need a scribe should consider the following details:

• Applicants requiring scribe assistance must indicate their preference during CMAT Registration 2026. NTA does not consider candidates' requests for a scribe after the completion of the registration process.

• Test-takers falling under the category of persons with benchmark disabilities, whether opting for scribe services or not, will be allocated an additional 60 minutes to complete their examination.

• The NTA will exclusively provide the scribe, and candidates are not permitted to bring their scribe.
  

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