To secure a call from top-tier institutes like NMIMS Mumbai, MBA core programme requires an NMAT 2026 cutoff of around 209 to 235+ and a minimum sectional cutoff of 65 in each of Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning.
- An MBA specialization such as Pharmaceutical Management requires a low sectional cutoff of around 50 in each, and the overall NMAT 2026 cutoff is expected to be around 190 for shortlisting at NMIMS campus.
- The top B-schools, TAPMI Manipal and KJ Somaiya, Mumbai, require high sectional cutoffs, 60 in each and an overall NMAT 2026 cutoff ranging between 220 and 225+ to participate in further rounds.
Getting a good percentile will not help you secure admission to institutions; you need to clear the later rounds, such as WAT or PI, to secure your seat for MBA.
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Key Summary
- GMAC does not release the NMAT cutoffs of various colleges.
- You should equally perform well in LR, LS and QA sections to get a good percentile to be eligible for a call from participating institutes.
- The maximum NMAT score is 360 and 120 for each section.
- You need to clear both NMAT cutoff and the sectional cutoffs to be eligible for the admission process.
NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff
The NMAT 2026 cutoff is the minimum score you must secure to qualify for the next stage of admission.
- This stage usually includes a Case Discussion, Written Ability Test, or Personal Interview.
- Each participating college decides its own cutoff based on its seats and the number of applicants.
Previous Year Official NMAT Cutoff
The table below shows the NMIMS Mumbai cutoff for the MBA program over the last six years.
| Years | Overall Cut Off (NMIMS Mumbai MBA) | Language Skills | Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Skills |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (Expected) | 209 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 2024 | 209 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 2023 | 234 | 76 | 60 | 65 |
| 2022 | 232 | 72 | 65 | 70 |
| 2021 | 232 | 70 | 62 | 68 |
| 2020 | 235 | 75 | 66 | 71 |
Related Articles:
- NMAT Cutoff: Section Scores That Can Make or Break Your Admission
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Ques. What is the difference between sectional and overall cutoff?
Ans. The sectional cutoff is the minimum score in each of the three sections. The overall cutoff is the minimum total score out of 360. You must clear both to get shortlisted.
Ques. When will the NMAT 2026 cutoff be released?
Ans. Colleges release their NMAT 2026 cutoff along with the shortlist, expected between December 2026 and January 2027. The cutoff follows the exam window of November 5 to December 19, 2026.
NMAT 2026 Expected Sectional Cutoff
NMAT has three sections of 120 marks each. The top colleges set a minimum score for each section. The table below shows the expected sectional cutoff for NMAT 2026.
| Section | Maximum Marks | Expected Cut Off (Top Colleges) |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 120 | 62 to 78 |
| Logical Reasoning | 120 | 62 to 75 |
| Quantitative Skills | 120 | 62 to 73 |
| Overall Score | 360 | 205 to 245 |
Note: You should always check the official admission page of your target college for its exact category policy.
Source: mba.com/exams/nmat
Related Article: NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Section-Wise Weightage, Duration
Ques. What is the NMAT 2026 cutoff?
Ans. The NMAT 2026 cutoff is the minimum sectional and overall score you need to get a shortlist call. NMIMS Mumbai is expected to set a cutoff of around 209 marks, with 62 in each section.
Ques. Where is the official NMAT cutoff published?
Ans. Each participating college publishes its NMAT cutoff on its official admission page. NMIMS releases its cutoff on the official institute website along with its selection process.
Expected NMAT Cutoff 2026 for Top Colleges
Over 40 B-schools in India and several abroad accept NMAT scores. The table below shows the expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for top colleges, based on previous year data.
- Students with an overall NMAT 2026 cutoff above 230 will surely get a call from NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI Manipal and KJ Somaiya.
- With NMAT 2026 score above 209+ you will have a high chance of getting shortlisted for NMIMS Mumbai, including other campuses.
| College | Program | Expected Overall Cut Off (2026) | Sectional Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA | 209 to 235 | 62 each (minimum) |
| NMIMS Bengaluru | MBA | 209 | 62 each |
| NMIMS Hyderabad | MBA | 200 to 209 | 62 each |
| NMIMS Navi Mumbai | MBA | 209 | 62 each |
| NMIMS Indore | MBA | 200 to 209 | 62 each |
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA Pharmaceutical Management | 190 | 50 each (lower) |
| TAPMI Manipal | MBA | 224 to 226 | 60 to 70 |
| KJ Somaiya, Mumbai | MBA | 223 to 225 | 60 to 70 |
| XIM University (XIMB) | MBA-BM / HRM | 230 | 60 to 70 |
| XIM University (XUB) | MBA Rural Management | 200 | - |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | MBA | 175 to 200 | - |
| SPJIMR Mumbai | Select Programs | 200+ | - |
Note: NMIMS Mumbai sets the highest NMAT cutoff among all participating colleges.
You can watch the video by “Cracku- MBA CAT Preparation” to know the full roadmap for the NMAT 2026 exam.
Related Article: NMAT Mock Test 2026: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
Ques. How is the NMAT cutoff decided?
Ans. Each participating college decides its own cutoff. It depends on the number of test-takers, exam difficulty, seats available, and program popularity. GMAC sets no national cutoff.
Ques. What happens if I clear the overall cutoff but miss a sectional cutoff?
Ans. You will not get a shortlist call. You must clear both the sectional and overall cutoff together. A high overall score cannot make up for a weak section.
Expected NMAT Score vs Percentile 2026
The table below shows the expected NMAT score vs percentile for 2026.
- Candidates scoring around 240+ will get 99 percentile in the NMAT 2026 exam and will surely be shortlisted for NMIMS Mumbai.
- A candidate with 95 to 98 percentile will likely score around 220+ marks in NMAT 2026 exam and will get admission to top B-schools such as TAPMI and KJ Somaiya.
| Score Range (out of 360) | Expected Percentile | What It Means For You |
|---|---|---|
| 240 and above | 99+ | Safe for NMIMS Mumbai and all top colleges |
| 230 to 240 | 98 to 99 | Strong calls from NMIMS Mumbai and peers |
| 220 to 230 | 95 to 98 | Good calls from most top colleges |
| 210 to 220 | 90 to 95 | Calls from NMIMS and several top B-schools |
| 200 to 210 | 85 to 90 | Good for mid-tier colleges, NMIMS borderline |
| 180 to 200 | 50 to 85 | Calls from mid and lower-tier colleges |
| Below 180 | Under 50 | Limited options, consider a retake |
You can watch the YouTube video by “Unacademy CAT” to know the strategy for scoring 99+ in NMAT 2026.
Related Article: NMAT College Predictor: Check MBA Colleges based on NMAT Cut off Score and Percentile
Ques. What is the minimum NMAT score to get NMIMS Mumbai?
Ans. You need around 209 marks to clear the expected NMIMS Mumbai cut off. To feel safe for the flagship MBA, you should aim for a score of 230 or above.
Ques. Is there a category-wise NMAT cutoff?
Ans. NMAT by GMAC has no reservation policy, so it sets no category-wise cutoff. Individual colleges decide any relaxation for reserved categories on their own.
What After NMAT 2026 Cut Off?
Clearing the NMAT 2026 cutoff only gets you a shortlist call. The final seat depends on the next rounds.
- Score the exam and meet the cutoff- You must clear both the sectional and overall NMAT 2026 cutoffs of your target college.
- Receive the shortlist call- The college sends out a call for its selection rounds.
- Appear for the Competency Test or WAT- NMIMS uses a Competency Assessment Test that carries heavy weightage.
- Attend the Case Discussion or Group Discussion- This checks your reasoning and communication.
- Clear the Personal Interview- NMIMS uses an AI-based and panel interview format.
- Get the final merit list- The college combines your NMAT score, test, interview, academics, and work profile.
Related Articles:
- NMAT Selection Process: Check Dates, Admission Criteria, GD, WAT, PI Format, and Top Colleges
- NMAT 2025 GD, PI, and WAT Tips To Crack NMIMS Selection Process
Ques. Is the NMAT cutoff the same every year?
Ans. No, the NMAT cutoff changes every year. It dropped from above 230 to a unified 209 at NMIMS in 2024, and this framework is expected to continue for 2026.
NMAT 2026 Cut Off: Reddit Discussion
According to a Reddit post, a user wanted to know whether he/she will get into NMIMS Mumbai with 209 marks, where 75 marks in LS, 71 in LR and 63 in Quant.
In the discussion, it was said that it depends on the college cutoff. If the cutoff is like 2025, he/she will get NMIMS Mumbai, but if it is like 2023, then there is no possibility as the overall NMAT cutoff was 234+.
Source: Reddit
Ques. What is a good score in NMAT 2026?
Ans. A score of 200 or above is treated as a good NMAT score for most reputed colleges. For NMIMS Mumbai and other top-tier colleges, you should target 220 or more.
Ques. How many marks do I need to clear the NMAT cutoff?
Ans. Most top colleges expect an overall score between 205 and 250. Sectional cutoffs usually range from 62 to 78 marks across Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills.
Ques. Can I get admission without clearing the NMAT cutoff?
Ans. No, you need to clear the cutoff to enter the selection rounds. If your score is below the cutoff, you can apply to colleges with lower cutoffs or plan a retake.
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