CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 and Reservation Guidelines

CMAT Guidelines include scribe facilities, compensatory time etc are also explained for the reference of the candidates.

CMAT Eligibility 2026 Requirements 

• The candidates must have a bachelor degree in any field so as to become eligible for the 2026 CMAT exam.

• Students in their final year of graduation can also apply if results are declared before the start of admissions. This is part of the CMAT academic criteria.

• Eligibility is limited to students who are Indian nationals.

• There is no upper age limit or CMAT age criterion. Candidates of any age may apply.

The details specified below define the CMAT Exam Eligibility 2026 and CMAT 2026 Exam Eligibility for candidates.

CMAT 2026 Policy For Reservation 

For Central Government Institutes -

• Scheduled Castes - 15%

• Scheduled Tribes - 7.5%

• Other Backward Classes Non-Creamy Layer -  27%

• General Economically Weaker Section -  10%

• Persons with Disability with 40% or more disability -  5% in each category

For State Government Institutes - 

• State-specific reservation rules apply.
  

Important Notes -

1. Only classes/castes/tribes listed in the Central List get reservation benefits.

2. Since OBC non creamy layer candidates must be on the central list and state OBCs who are not on it must select the General category.

3. CMAT Reservation Criteria is implemented as per the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment notifications.

CMAT 2026 Provisions for Persons with Disability 

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 26 includes persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments limiting full participation in society. 

Benchmark disability is 40% or more certified by an authorised medical authority.

Types of Disabilities Covered:

1. Physical Disability - locomotor, visual, hearing, speech & language disabilities

2. Intellectual Disability - learning disorders and autism spectrum disorder

3. Mental Behaviour - mental illness

4. Chronic Conditions - neurological disorders, blood disorders

5. Multiple Disabilities - a combination of any above including deaf-blindness

CMAT 2026 Facilities for PwD Candidates

• Scribe/Reader/Lab Assistant support is available for visually impaired, locomotor disability both arms and cerebral palsy candidates with a valid certificate.

• Other PwD candidates may request a scribe with a certificate from a government medical authority confirming that assistance is necessary.

• Compensatory time of one hour is provided for a three-hour exam regardless of scribe use.

CMAT 2026 Scribe Guidelines

• A scribe assists only with reading questions and entering answers so they cannot explain questions or give solutions.

• Candidates can opt for a scribe during registration or bring their own.

• If using their own scribe the scribe must have qualifications one level below the candidate’s.

• Candidates must submit the scribe details at the exam centre.

• Misuse of scribe or compensatory time may lead to disqualification and cancellation of admission.

Additional Notes-

• Minimum 40% disability is required for reservation eligibility.

• Disability extent is assessed as per RPwD Act, 2016 guidelines.

• No changes to category or PwD status are allowed after registration and verification.

• False or incorrect documents will lead to cancellation of admission.

CMAT 2026 Guidelines for Persons with Less than 40% Disability with Writing Difficulty

• Scribe and compensatory time may be provided based on a medical certificate from a government authority.

• The certificate should be issued by a multi-member medical team including - 

• Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Chief District Medical Officer

• Orthopaedic or PMR specialist

• Neurologist if available

• Clinical or Rehabilitation Psychologist/Psychiatrist/Special Educator

• An occupational therapist if available

• Other experts as needed

• Compensatory time - minimum of 20 minutes per exam hour; allocated time is used if the exam is shorter than an hour.  Five minutes at least in multiples of five.

• The CMAT application form requires PwD candidates to upload their Unique Disability ID which is provided by a notified medical authority.