NMAT 2026 Safe Score for NMIMS Mumbai: Sectional Cutoffs and Score Bands

For NMIMS Mumbai MBA 2026, a safe NMAT score is 230 or above overall, with at least 65 in each section — Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.

NMAT by GMAC is scored on a scale of 36 to 360, with each of the three sections carrying a maximum scaled score of 120. NMIMS Mumbai has set the official minimum cutoff at 209 overall and 60 per section for the MBA programme. However, scoring at the bare minimum does not guarantee a shortlist call. Based on 2025 and earlier trends, students who score 230 or above significantly improve their chances of receiving a shortlist call from NMIMS Mumbai.

• NMAT total scaled score range: 36–360 (each section scored 12–120)
• NMIMS Mumbai MBA official minimum NMAT cutoff 2026: 209 overall
• Sectional minimum for all three sections: 60 each (reduced from 62 in 2025)
• Safe score for a strong shortlist call: 230 and above
• Highly competitive score range: 240 and above
• NMAT score now carries 20% weightage in NMIMS Mumbai’s final selection process

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NMAT Score Scale and Exam Structure

NMAT by GMAC uses a scaled scoring system to ensure fairness across different test windows and difficulty levels. The exam has 108 questions across three sections — 36 questions per section. Raw marks are converted to scaled scores by GMAC after each exam window closes. There is no negative marking, and students can take up to three attempts per admission cycle with only the best score counted.

Students can choose the order in which they attempt sections. This flexibility is a key NMAT feature — starting with your strongest section can boost confidence and overall performance.

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What is a Safe NMAT Score for NMIMS Mumbai?

A safe score is one that gives you a strong probability of clearing the NMIMS Mumbai shortlisting stage — not merely the bare minimum cutoff. While the official minimum cutoff for NMIMS Mumbai MBA 2026 is 209, scoring at this level puts you in the largest and most competitive band of eligible students.

Based on 2025 and earlier admission trends, a score of 230 or above is considered safe for NMIMS Mumbai MBA. Students aiming for a highly competitive position should target 240 or above. The table below shows score bands and their assessed shortlist probability for NMIMS Mumbai.

These probability bands are based on previous year cutoff trends and are expected, not confirmed by NMIMS. The final shortlist depends on the overall applicant pool for each admission cycle.

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Section-Wise NMAT Cutoff for NMIMS Mumbai 2026

All three NMAT sections carry mandatory minimum cutoffs for NMIMS Mumbai — failing even one section disqualifies you regardless of your overall score. The sectional cutoff was reduced from 62 (2025) to 60 (2026) for the MBA programme. Students targeting a safe position should aim for 65 or above per section to maintain a buffer over the minimum threshold.

The MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) programme at NMIMS Mumbai has a lower overall and sectional cutoff compared to the core MBA. Students applying for this programme must still ensure they meet the section-wise minimums as these are qualifying thresholds.

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Year-Wise NMAT Cutoff Trends for NMIMS Mumbai

NMAT cutoffs for NMIMS Mumbai have shifted substantially over the past three admission cycles. The overall cutoff dropped from 235 in 2023 to 209 in 2025 and has held at 209 for 2026. This shift reflects NMIMS’s move toward a multi-component holistic selection model where the NMAT score now carries reduced direct weightage in the final merit computation.

Despite the lower call cutoff, a high NMAT score still strengthens your overall application profile. Students who score 230 or above are better positioned at the Personal Interview stage and in the Competency Test, where the competition among shortlisted students is intense.

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NMAT Score Weightage in NMIMS Mumbai Selection 2026

NMAT score now carries 20% weightage in NMIMS Mumbai’s 2026 selection process — a major shift from earlier cycles when it accounted for up to 70–80% of the merit score. The Competency Test, a written assessment conducted by NMIMS, now carries the highest single weightage at 50%.

Since NMAT score accounts for only 20% of the final merit score, students must prepare equally hard for the Competency Test and the Personal Interview. A safe NMAT score of 230+ ensures you clear the shortlist stage and enter the selection process from a position of strength rather than uncertainty.

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How to Score 230+ in NMAT 2026

Reaching a safe score of 230 or above requires balanced performance across all three sections. Since the maximum section score is 120, you need to average approximately 77 per section to hit the 230 mark. The strategies below are based on the section-wise time limits and question distribution in NMAT 2026.

• Language Skills (28 minutes): Prioritise Reading Comprehension and Grammar sub-topics, which carry the highest share of questions. Build reading speed with timed RC practice to stay within the tight 28-minute window.
• Quantitative Skills (52 minutes): Focus on Arithmetic, Algebra, and Data Interpretation. This section has the longest time limit, so use it to attempt all 36 questions methodically rather than rushing.
• Logical Reasoning (40 minutes): Practice Arrangement, Input-Output, and Critical Reasoning question types. Accuracy and speed are equally critical here.
• Section order strategy: NMAT lets you choose your section order. Start with your strongest section to build early confidence and momentum before tackling weaker areas.
• Use all three attempts: Aim to improve your score by 10–15 points with each attempt. GMAC counts only your best official score, so a second or third attempt carries no downside risk.