CMAT Exam Date and Time 2026: NTA Notice – Exam on January 25 in Single Shift (9 AM-12 PM); Check Reporting, Gate Closing Time (Download PDF)

CMAT 2026 exam date is January 25, 2026. CMAT 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Read CMAT Exam Dates 2026 in the table below. 

CMAT exam 2026 will be held in single shift on January 25, 2026. Candidate should note following revised CMAT 2026 date and timing. Candidates should check CMAT Admit Card to reconfirm these details. 

• CMAT Date is January 25, 2026
• CMAT Exam Time is 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• CMAT Reporting Time is 7:00 AM
• CMAT Gate Closing Time is 8:30 AM

National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct CMAT 2025 on 25 January 2026 (Sunday) in Single Shifts from 09:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. This is a big change from last many years when CMAT exam was held in two shifts. 

Complete details about the CMAT Exam timing, reporting time and exam timing for entry to the exam centre are given below. No candidate is permitted to enter the CMAT test centre after the close of entry at CMAT exam centre. Candidates should also reconfirm their session timing on their Admit Card. 

NTA Public Notice (Issued on Jan 16) - CMAT 2026 Exam be held in Single Shift

NTA had issued official CMAT Exam Day Instructions and Guidelines for candidates. Check complete CMAT Exam Day Instructions 2026 below.

• CMAT Admit Card Hard Copy: Print the Admit Card on an A4 size paper and carry the same on the day of Test for verification. Admit Card is valid only if the candidate's photograph and signature images are legibly printed.
• List of Valid Identification Proof Document:  Candidates should carry one of the following valid photo ID proof to CMAT exam centre: Aadhaar Card/Voter ID Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License.
• Reporting Time & Gate Closing Time: Candidate must reach the centre as indicated against Reporting / Entry time at centre.
• No Permission to Leave Exam Lab: No candidate shall be permitted to leave the CMAT Test Lab and Centre before the end of the test.
• Don’t Carry Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationery items, papers, wallets, goggles, etc. will NOT BE ALLOWED inside the Test centre. Candidates must NOT wear any jewellery or other items containing metal. 

Read complete CMAT 2026 exam instructions to avoid last-minute issues at exam centre. 

• Understand CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 and cover key topics in CMAT exam syllabus 2026.
• Take free CMAT Mock Tests 2026 and CMAT Previous Year Papers to know type of questions, difficulty level and to improve your preparation.
• Follow “80-80” CMAT test taking strategy to ensure high accuracy and good attempts.
• Know CMAT Score Vs Percentile 2026 to set the right benchmarks.
• Finally, follow CMAT Exam Day Guidelines 2026 for hassle free exam experience

CMAT exam dates have been changing in previous years. While in past CMAT exam was held in May, last year the exam was held in January. Check CMAT 2025 date, CMAT 2024 date, CMAT 2023 date and CMAT 2022 date in the table below.  

Do’s

• Arrive at the CMAT exam centre on the CAT exam date 2 hours before the commencement of the CMAT exam
• Carry Admit Card & Photo ID Card inside the CMAT test hall
• Carry transparent water Bottle, 2 simple pens and the test related documents (Admit Card, ID Card etc.). No other items will be permitted inside the test centre
• Candidates must follow the guidelines starting from point of entry in the test venue till his/her exit from the test venue.
• Allow PwD candidates to get into test centre first as they will get priority entry

Don’ts

• Do not carry Mobile phones, electronic gadgets, watches, calculators, stationary items, papers, wallets, goggles or similar such things as they are not allowed inside the test hall on CMAT exam date.
• Do not wear any jewellery or other items containing metal, you may be asked to remove them.
• Don’t carry valuables on CMAT exam date to CMAT exam centre. There is no facility for safekeeping of your personal belongings outside the test hall and CMAT Centre is not responsible for its loss.
• Don’t ask your friends and relatives to accompany you as they will not be allowed inside the test centre. 

In summary, CMAT exam date and time 2026 is January 25, 2026 in single shift from 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM. CMAT 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Read this article to know CMAT Exam Date 2026.