NMAT 2026 is a national-level computer-based management entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at more than 50 participating institutions in India and abroad, including all NMIMS campuses. The NMAT 2026 exam window is set to open on November 2, 2026 and will run until December 20, 2026 — registration for the first attempt closed on October 31, 2026. NMAT is unique in that it lets you choose your own exam date and time slot within the 49-day window, and allows up to three attempts in a single cycle.
- Exam Window Opens: The NMAT 2026 testing window opens on November 2, 2026 and runs for 49 days until December 20, 2026. Candidates can take the test at a centre or from home via the Online Proctored option. Last year (2025), the exam was held from November 3 to December 19, 2025.
- Retake Registration: Candidates who want a second or third attempt can register for a retake from November 3, 2026 to December 17, 2026. NMAT allows up to 3 attempts per cycle — note that NMIMS considers only your first NMAT score, while most other participating institutes accept the best score.
- Scorecard: The NMAT 2026 official scorecard is released within 48 hours of each attempt. Unofficial raw scores are shown on-screen immediately after the exam. The final scaled score is reported on a 36–360 scale, with section-wise scores also provided.
- Admit Card: Your NMAT 2026 admit card is available on your candidate dashboard 24 hours after you schedule your exam slot, or at least 7 days before your booked test date. Download it from the official mba.com portal and carry a printed copy to the test centre.
| Direct Link to NMAT 2026 Registration (Extended Till 31st Oct’26) |
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- NMAT Exam Dates 2026: Additional Phase Exam Dates Out, Admit Card, Scheduling & Result Dates
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What is NMAT by GMAC 2026?
NMAT by GMAC (formerly known as NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam for admission to management programs at more than 50 top B-schools across India and abroad. GMAC — the Graduate Management Admission Council, the same body that conducts the GMAT — has run NMAT since 2015. Around 60,000 to 70,000 candidates register for NMAT every year.
Unlike CAT or XAT, NMAT is a self-scheduled exam. You choose your own exam date, time, and test centre from available slots within the 49-day window. You can also take the exam from home using the Online Proctored mode. NMAT gives you up to three attempts per cycle, so you can retake the exam to improve your score. There is no negative marking, which makes NMAT less stressful than most other management entrance exams.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NMAT by GMAC 2026 |
| Full Form | NMAT by Graduate Management Admission Council |
| Conducting Body | GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) — Test Centre or Online Proctored at Home |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Total Questions | 108 |
| Total Marks (Raw) | 324 (scaled to 36–360) |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning) |
| Number of Attempts per Cycle | Up to 3 |
| Exam Window 2026 | November 2 to December 20, 2026 |
| Score Range | 36 to 360 |
| Score Validity | 5 years |
| Official Website | mba.com/exams/nmat |
NMAT score is accepted by top B-schools like NMIMS (Mumbai, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Indore), TAPMI Manipal, KJ Somaiya, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Alliance University, BML Munjal University, IFMR, and more. The exam tests three core skills: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
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NMAT 2026 Important Dates
The NMAT 2026 schedule runs from August 2026 (notification and registration) to December 2026 (last exam date). Registration for the first attempt closed on October 25, 2026 after an extension from the original deadline of October 10. The exam window opens on November 2, 2026. If you missed the first-attempt window, you can still register for a retake from November 3, 2026.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Window Opens | November 2, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Retake Registration Opens | November 3, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Retake Slot Booking Opens | November 3, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Retake Slot Booking Closes | December 17, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Exam Window Closes | December 20, 2026 | Upcoming |
| NMAT 2026 Notification Released | August 1, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Opens | August 20, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Closes (Extended) | October 31, 2026 | Ongoing |
| Slot Booking / Scheduling Closes | October 31, 2026 | Ongoing |
Source: GMAC NMAT Official Website
Check:
NMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
GMAC sets the basic eligibility rules for NMAT 2026. Each participating institute may add its own requirements on top of these — always check the college’s official admission brochure before applying.
- Qualification: You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution.
- Minimum Marks: You should have at least 50% aggregate marks in your graduation. For SC/ST/PWD candidates, the minimum is 45%.
- Final Year Students: Students appearing in the final year of their graduation exam can also apply. Admission will be conditional on meeting the percentage requirement later.
- Age Limit: GMAC does not set an upper age limit for NMAT 2026. Some individual institutes may set their own age criteria — check each college’s rules separately.
- Nationality: Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
- Number of Attempts: You can appear up to 3 times in a single NMAT cycle. Each attempt requires a fresh registration and fee payment.
For programs like NMIMS MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, the eligibility requirements may differ (a science background may be preferred). Check NMIMS’s official programme page for details on specific courses.
NMAT 2026 Eligibility: Quick Summary Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 50% aggregate in graduation |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PWD) | 45% aggregate in graduation |
| Final Year Applicants | Allowed (conditional admission) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit set by GMAC |
| Nationality | Indian and foreign nationals both eligible |
| Maximum Attempts per Cycle | 3 |
Related Articles:
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NMAT 2026 Registration Process
NMAT 2026 registration for the first attempt closed on October 25, 2026. If you have already registered, you should have a confirmed exam slot in the November 2 to December 20 window. Retake registration opens from November 3, 2026. Here is how the NMAT registration process works, which also applies to retake registration:
- Step 1 — Create Account: Visit the official portal at mba.com/exams/nmat. Click "Register Now" and create a new account using your email ID and mobile number.
- Step 2 — Fill Application Form: Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, and work experience. Upload a recent photograph and scanned signature in the required format.
- Step 3 — Programme Selection: Select up to 5 programs or schools to which GMAC will send your NMAT score report. You can add more schools after the exam for an extra fee of ₹200 per school.
- Step 4 — Pay Registration Fee: Pay the fee of ₹3,000 + GST online via debit/credit card or net banking. This fee is non-refundable.
- Step 5 — Schedule Exam: After payment, choose your preferred exam date, time slot, and test centre from available options. You can also choose the Online Proctored at Home option.
- Step 6 — Download Confirmation: Save your booking confirmation. Your admit card will be available on your dashboard within 24 hours of scheduling.
NMAT registration and NMIMS MBA application are two separate processes. Completing NMAT registration does not automatically register you for NMIMS. You must apply separately on the NMIMS official website.
Related Article: NMAT 2026 Registration: How to Apply, Fees and Key Dates
NMAT 2026 Registration Fees
| Category | Fee (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| NMAT Registration — First Attempt | ₹3,000 + GST |
| NMAT Retake — Second Attempt | ₹3,000 + GST |
| NMAT Retake — Third Attempt | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Adding Extra Schools (beyond 5) | ₹200 per school |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹1,100 + GST (approx.) |
NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The NMAT 2026 exam has 108 questions spread across 3 sections. The total duration is 120 minutes. You can choose the order in which you want to attempt the sections — this flexibility is unique to NMAT. There is no negative marking in NMAT 2026, which means you should attempt every question.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allowed (Minutes) | Maximum Raw Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 | 108 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 | 108 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 | 108 |
| Total | 108 | 120 | 324 |
Source: GMAC NMAT Official Handbook 2026
Key features of the NMAT 2026 exam pattern:
- Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer. No marks are deducted for wrong or unattempted answers.
- Scaled Score: The raw score out of 324 is converted to a scaled score on a 36–360 scale. GMAC uses equating techniques to make scores comparable across different test versions.
- Section Order: You choose the order of the three sections at the start of your exam. Once you begin a section, you cannot go back to a previous one.
- Question Type: All 108 questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with 4 or 5 answer options.
- Self-Scheduling: You pick your date, time, and test centre from available slots within the 49-day exam window.
- Up to 3 Attempts: You can sit for NMAT up to 3 times in one cycle. GMAC sends your best valid score to schools by default, but NMIMS only counts your first attempt.
Related Article:
- NMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Question Type and Preparation Tips
- NMAT Selection Process: Check Dates, Admission Criteria, GD, WAT, PI Format, and Top Colleges
How NMAT 2026 Scoring Works
NMAT scoring has two layers. First, you get a raw score based on how many questions you answered correctly (each correct answer = 3 marks). Then, GMAC converts this raw score to a scaled score in the 36–360 range. This scaled score is what colleges see and use for shortlisting.
Section-wise scaled scores are also reported. Most colleges require a minimum total scaled score AND a minimum section-wise score. So you need to perform well in all three sections — not just the total.
NMAT 2026 Syllabus
There is no official, published syllabus for NMAT 2026. GMAC does not release a syllabus document. The NMAT syllabus is derived from the official test structure and previous years’ question papers. The exam tests three skill areas: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Here is the section-wise topic breakdown you should prepare:
NMAT Language Skills Syllabus
The NMAT Language Skills section tests your English language ability. With 36 questions in just 28 minutes, this is the most time-pressured section. You have less than 47 seconds per question on average.
- Reading Comprehension: 2–3 passages with questions on main idea, inference, tone, and vocabulary in context
- Grammar and Sentence Correction: Error identification, subject-verb agreement, tense usage, and sentence restructuring
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and fill-in-the-blank questions with contextual word usage
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging 4–5 sentences to form a coherent paragraph
- Verbal Reasoning: Word pairs, analogies, and logical word relationships
- Prepositions, Idioms, and Phrases: Contextual usage and meaning-based questions
NMAT Quantitative Skills Syllabus
NMAT Quantitative Skills has 36 questions in 52 minutes — this section gives you the most time per question. The difficulty is moderate, and questions are based on 10th and 12th standard mathematics.
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, time-speed-distance, work and time, averages, mixtures
- Algebra: Linear equations, quadratic equations, progressions (AP, GP)
- Geometry and Mensuration: Triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, areas, volumes of solids
- Number System: HCF, LCM, factors, remainders, divisibility rules
- Modern Mathematics: Permutation and combination, probability, set theory, functions
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs — typically 2–3 DI sets
- Data Sufficiency: 4–6 questions requiring you to judge if the given data is enough to answer a question
NMAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus
The NMAT Logical Reasoning section has 36 questions in 40 minutes. NMAT Logical Reasoning is heavier on verbal reasoning compared to CAT — critical reasoning and argument-based questions appear frequently.
- Analytical Reasoning: Seating arrangements, blood relations, puzzles, schedules
- Verbal Reasoning: Critical reasoning — strengthening and weakening arguments, assumptions, inferences, and conclusions
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, series completion, coding-decoding, direction sense
- Deductive Reasoning: Statement-assumption and statement-conclusion questions
- Analytical Puzzles: Matrix-based puzzles, ranking, and comparison questions
NMAT 2026 Admit Card
The NMAT 2026 admit card process is different from most other management entrance exams. GMAC does not release a single admit card for all candidates on one specific date. Your admit card is generated individually once you schedule your exam slot, and you must download it yourself from your candidate portal.
- When is it available? Your NMAT 2026 admit card is available on your mba.com candidate portal within 24 hours of scheduling your exam slot. It is also available at least 7 days before your booked exam date.
- How to download: Log in to your mba.com account. Go to the "My Exams" section and click "Download Admit Card" for NMAT 2026.
- What to carry to the exam centre: Print a copy of your admit card and carry it along with one valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
- Online Proctored mode: If you opted for Online Proctored at Home, your admit card includes the login link and instructions for your exam session. Keep it handy on exam day.
- Check details carefully: Verify your name, date, time, and test centre on the admit card immediately after downloading. Report any errors to GMAC support at least 48 hours before your exam.
You must carry your NMAT 2026 admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID to the test centre on exam day. Entry will be denied without both documents.
Related Links:
NMAT 2026 Result and Scorecard
NMAT 2026 results work on a rolling basis — there is no single result date. Your score is available within 48 hours of your attempt. The exam window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026, so NMAT 2026 scores will be released on a rolling basis throughout this period.
- Unofficial Score (Immediate): You can see your section-wise unofficial raw score on-screen immediately after submitting the exam. This gives you a quick idea of your performance.
- Official Scorecard (Within 48 hours): The official NMAT 2026 scorecard, with your scaled total score on the 36–360 range and section-wise scaled scores, appears on your mba.com portal within 48 hours of your attempt.
- Score Validity: Your NMAT score is valid for 5 years from the test date. A score from NMAT 2026 remains valid until 2031.
- Score Reporting to Schools: GMAC automatically sends your NMAT score to the schools you selected during registration. You can add more schools after the exam for ₹200 per school. GMAC sends the best valid score to schools by default.
- NMIMS Special Policy: NMIMS considers only your first NMAT attempt score. If you retake NMAT and score higher, NMIMS will still use the first attempt score. Other schools generally use the best score.
Your scorecard will include your total scaled score, section-wise scaled scores, and the percentile rank — the percentage of test-takers you scored better than. Save your scorecard carefully, as you will need it for GD-PI registration at each B-school.
Related Links:
NMAT Score vs Percentile 2026
GMAC does not publish official percentile data for NMAT by GMAC. The NMAT scorecard shows a percentile rank, but overall NMAT percentile trends are tracked through coaching centre analysis of previous years’ data. Here is an approximate NMAT 2026 score vs percentile chart based on 2024–25 trends:
| NMAT Scaled Score (36–360) | Approximate Percentile | Colleges You May Target |
|---|---|---|
| 285–360 | 99th percentile and above | NMIMS Mumbai (top MBA programmes) |
| 265–284 | 95th–98th percentile | NMIMS Mumbai, NMIMS Bangalore |
| 240–264 | 85th–94th percentile | NMIMS (all campuses), TAPMI, KJ Somaiya |
| 220–239 | 75th–84th percentile | SDA Bocconi Asia Center, KJ Somaiya, Alliance University |
| 200–219 | 60th–74th percentile | IFMR, SOIL, BML Munjal University |
| Below 200 | Below 60th percentile | Other NMAT-accepting colleges |
Note: The above percentile ranges are approximate estimates based on coaching centre analysis of 2024–25 NMAT data. GMAC does not officially publish overall NMAT percentile figures. Actual 2026 percentiles may vary based on difficulty and candidate pool.
Check: NMAT Score vs Percentile 2026: Score Calculator, Top Colleges Cutoff and Percentile Predictor
How Many Students Appear for NMAT?
NMAT is a smaller exam compared to CAT. Around 60,000 to 70,000 candidates register for NMAT every year. However, since NMAT allows up to 3 attempts per cycle, the total number of exam sittings is much higher than registrations suggest. Most candidates targeting NMIMS Mumbai or Bangalore take 2–3 attempts to improve their score.
| Year | Approximate Registrations |
|---|---|
| NMAT 2025 | ~70,000 |
| NMAT 2024 | ~65,000 |
| NMAT 2023 | ~60,000 |
NMAT 2026 Cutoff
The NMAT 2026 cutoff scores are set independently by each participating institute. GMAC does not set a unified cutoff for all schools. Official cutoffs for NMAT 2026 will be announced by each college after the exam window closes in December 2026. The expected cutoffs shown below are based on 2024–25 actual data and should be treated as reference ranges.
Expected NMAT 2026 Cutoff for NMIMS Campuses
NMIMS has the highest brand recall among NMAT-accepting schools. Each NMIMS campus sets its own cutoff. NMIMS Mumbai has the most competitive cutoff among all NMIMS campuses.
| NMIMS Campus | Programme | Expected NMAT 2026 Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA | 209+ |
| NMIMS Mumbai | MBA Pharmaceutical Management | 190+ |
| NMIMS Bangalore | MBA | 222+ |
| NMIMS Navi Mumbai | MBA | 200+ |
| NMIMS Hyderabad | MBA | 206+ |
| NMIMS Indore | MBA | 200+ |
Expected NMAT 2026 Cutoff for Other Top Colleges
| College | Location | Expected NMAT Cutoff 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| TAPMI (TA Pai Management Institute) | Manipal | 225+ |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | 225+ |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | Mumbai | 210+ |
| Alliance School of Business | Bangalore | 200+ |
| BML Munjal University | Gurugram | 190+ |
| IFMR Graduate School of Business (Krea University) | Sri City | 190+ |
| SOIL Institute of Management | Gurugram | 185+ |
Note: These are expected cutoffs based on 2024–25 actual data. Official NMAT 2026 cutoffs will be declared by each college after the exam window closes in December 2026.
Keep in mind that clearing the NMAT cutoff is only the first step. After cutoff screening, colleges run their own GD-PI rounds. Your final selection depends on the NMAT score plus your performance in the college’s selection process.
Top Colleges Accepting NMAT 2026 Score
More than 50 B-schools across India accept NMAT by GMAC score for MBA and PGDM admissions. NMIMS is the most popular destination for NMAT candidates, with campuses in 5 major cities. Here are some of the top colleges that accept NMAT 2026 score:
| College | Location | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) | Mumbai, Bangalore, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore | MBA (multiple specialisations) |
| TAPMI (TA Pai Management Institute) | Manipal | PGDM |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | Mumbai | MBA |
| SDA Bocconi Asia Center | Mumbai | MBA |
| Alliance School of Business | Bangalore | MBA |
| BML Munjal University | Gurugram | MBA |
| IFMR Graduate School of Business (Krea University) | Sri City, Andhra Pradesh | MBA |
| SOIL Institute of Management | Gurugram | PGPM |
| Amity Business School | Noida | MBA |
| Woxsen University | Hyderabad | MBA |
| Shiv Nadar University | Greater Noida | MBA |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology | Patiala | MBA |
NMIMS is the most sought-after destination for NMAT 2026 candidates. NMIMS Mumbai is the flagship campus with the highest academic reputation and placement record among all NMAT-accepting schools. Candidates targeting NMIMS Mumbai should aim for a score of 230+ to be competitive at the GD-PI stage.
NMAT 2026 Exam Centres
NMAT 2026 is available at test centres across more than 50 cities in India and a few international locations. You can also opt for the Online Proctored at Home option if you prefer to take the exam from your own location. Major test cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and many others. The full list of test centres is available on the mba.com portal when you schedule your exam slot.
NMAT 2026 Selection Process
NMAT by GMAC is only the first step toward your MBA admission. Each participating institute runs its own selection process after NMAT score shortlisting. There is no single GMAC-run counselling process for NMAT — unlike JEE counselling through JoSAA. Here is how the typical NMAT selection process works, using NMIMS as the most popular example:
NMIMS MBA 2026 Selection Process
- Step 1 — NMAT Score Screening: NMIMS shortlists candidates based on the minimum NMAT 2026 cutoff for each campus. NMIMS counts only your first NMAT attempt. Candidates below the cutoff are not considered further.
- Step 2 — Apply to NMIMS Separately: After clearing the NMAT cutoff, you must submit a separate application to NMIMS on their official portal. NMAT registration and NMIMS application are two different processes.
- Step 3 — WAT (Written Ability Test): Shortlisted candidates write a 20-minute essay on a given business or current affairs topic. This tests written communication and structured reasoning.
- Step 4 — GD/CD (Group Discussion / Case Discussion): A 20-minute group activity with 8–10 candidates discussing a business case or GD topic. Evaluators assess your communication, reasoning, and leadership skills.
- Step 5 — Personal Interview: A 20–30 minute interview covering your academic background, work experience, future goals, and awareness of business and current affairs.
- Step 6 — Final Merit List: NMIMS prepares the final merit list using a composite score that includes your NMAT score, WAT, GD/CD, PI performance, work experience, and academic record.
NMIMS Selection Criteria Weightage (Expected 2026)
| Selection Component | Expected Weightage |
|---|---|
| Competency Assessment (WAT + GD/CD + PI) | 60% |
| Work Experience | 15% |
| NMAT Score | 10% |
| Academic Performance | 10% |
| Diversity (Gender, Academic, Professional) | 5% |
Note: Weightages are based on NMIMS’s 2025 selection criteria and are expected to remain similar for 2026. Verify the official 2026 criteria on the NMIMS website when announced.
For other colleges like TAPMI and KJ Somaiya, the selection process typically involves GD-PI rounds after NMAT score shortlisting. The weightage given to NMAT score vs. interview performance varies by college. Always check each school’s official admission page for the latest details.
NMAT 2026 Preparation Tips
The NMAT 2026 exam window opens on November 2, 2026. If you have already scheduled your slot, you have just days to prepare. Here are practical, section-specific tips to help you maximise your NMAT 2026 score.
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
- Language Skills: Read 2–3 RC passages daily to build reading speed. Revise core grammar rules — subject-verb agreement, tenses, and modifiers are frequently tested. For vocabulary, learn 10–15 new words in context (not just definitions) each day. Time yourself strictly — you have less than 47 seconds per question in this section.
- Quantitative Skills: Revise arithmetic formulas — percentages, profit-loss, time-speed-distance, and averages. Practice Data Interpretation sets from previous NMAT papers — DI is one of the heavier areas in this section. You have 52 minutes for 36 questions, which gives you more breathing room than Language Skills.
- Logical Reasoning: Practice critical reasoning questions daily — strengthen/weaken argument questions appear frequently in NMAT. Work through seating arrangement and blood relation puzzles to build speed. You have 40 minutes for 36 questions.
Key Strategies for Exam Day
- Take Full Mock Tests: GMAC offers official NMAT mock tests on the mba.com portal. Take at least 2–3 full-length timed mocks before your exam date to get used to the format and time pressure.
- Choose Section Order Wisely: Start with your strongest section to build confidence early. You cannot go back to a previous section once you begin a new one, so plan your order before the clock starts. Most toppers start with either Quantitative or Logical sections first.
- Attempt Every Question: Since NMAT has no negative marking, you should answer every single question. Never leave one blank — even a guess gives you a 20–25% chance of picking up 3 marks.
- Plan for a Retake if Needed: If you are not satisfied with your first attempt, register for a retake from November 3. Most candidates improve by 15–25 points in their second attempt with their first exam experience behind them.
- Check Admit Card in Advance: Verify all details on your admit card — name, date, time, and test centre — at least 48 hours before your exam. Carry both the admit card and a valid photo ID to the centre.
Recommended NMAT 2026 Study Resources
- Official NMAT Mock Tests (GMAC): Available on the mba.com portal — the most authentic practice for actual exam difficulty and interface
- The Official NMAT by GMAC Guide: Published by GMAC with authentic practice questions and answer explanations
- Arun Sharma — Quantitative Aptitude: Good for building DI and arithmetic fundamentals for the Quantitative Skills section
- Norman Lewis — Word Power Made Easy: Excellent for vocabulary building for the Language Skills section
- IMS / Career Launcher / Cracku Mock Platforms: Useful for section-wise timed practice and performance tracking
FAQs on NMAT 2026
Ques. What is the NMAT 2026 exam date?
Ans. NMAT 2026 does not have a single exam date. The testing window opens on November 2, 2026 and runs until December 20, 2026 — a 49-day window. Candidates book their own exam date and time slot within this window. Last year, the 2025 exam window ran from November 3 to December 19, 2025.
Ques. How many times can I appear for NMAT 2026?
Ans. You can appear for NMAT up to 3 times in the 2026 cycle. The first attempt required registration before October 25, 2026 (now closed). Retake registration opens from November 3, 2026 and closes December 17, 2026. Each retake costs an additional ₹3,000 + GST. Most candidates improve their score in the second or third attempt.
Ques. Is there negative marking in NMAT 2026?
Ans. No, there is no negative marking in NMAT 2026. Every correct answer earns 3 marks, and wrong or unattempted answers get 0 marks. This is a major advantage over exams like CAT and XAT that penalise wrong answers. You should attempt all 108 questions — never leave a question blank.
Ques. What is the NMAT 2026 score range?
Ans. The NMAT score is reported on a scaled range of 36 to 360. The raw score — based on correct answers at 3 marks each — is out of 324. GMAC converts this raw score to the 36–360 scaled score using equating methods to account for difficulty differences across test versions. Section-wise scores are also reported on the same scale.
Ques. What is a good NMAT score for NMIMS Mumbai?
Ans. To be shortlisted for NMIMS Mumbai MBA, you typically need a score of 209 or above (based on 2025 cutoff data). To be competitive at the GD-PI stage, aiming for 230+ is recommended. Top candidates at NMIMS Mumbai typically score 240 and above. For other NMIMS campuses — Bangalore (222+), Hyderabad (206+), Navi Mumbai (200+) — the requirement is slightly lower.
Ques. What is the NMAT 2026 eligibility criteria?
Ans. To be eligible for NMAT 2026, you need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates). Final year students can also apply on a conditional basis. GMAC does not set an age limit, though individual institutes may have their own age criteria — check each college’s official brochure.
Ques. When does NMAT 2026 retake registration open?
Ans. NMAT 2026 retake registration opens on November 3, 2026 and closes December 17, 2026. You can register on the mba.com/exams/nmat portal by paying ₹3,000 + GST per retake attempt. Retake slot booking is also open during the same period. Remember — NMIMS uses only your first NMAT attempt score, so retakes primarily help with other colleges.
Ques. Can I take NMAT 2026 from home?
Ans. Yes, GMAC offers an Online Proctored at Home option for NMAT 2026. You need a laptop or desktop with a stable internet connection, a working webcam, and a microphone. A remote proctor monitors your screen, audio, and video throughout the exam. The rules and exam structure are the same as the test centre mode.
Ques. Does NMIMS accept NMAT retake scores?
Ans. No, NMIMS considers only your first NMAT attempt score — not the best score across multiple attempts. If you retake NMAT and score higher, NMIMS will still use your first attempt score for shortlisting. Other NMAT-accepting colleges like TAPMI, KJ Somaiya, SDA Bocconi, and IFMR generally accept the best score from any attempt.
Ques. How is NMAT 2026 result declared?
Ans. NMAT 2026 results are released on a rolling basis — not on a single date. You get your unofficial raw score on-screen immediately after finishing your exam. The official scorecard, showing your scaled score (36–360 range), section-wise scores, and percentile rank, is released on your mba.com dashboard within 48 hours of your attempt.
Ques. What is the difference between NMAT and GMAT?
Ans. Both NMAT and GMAT are conducted by GMAC, but they differ in scope and purpose. NMAT is designed primarily for admission to Indian B-schools — especially NMIMS and other Indian institutes. GMAT is a global exam accepted by more than 7,000 business school programs worldwide. GMAT is harder and more expensive than NMAT. It also tests additional skills including Analytical Writing and Data Insights. If you are targeting only Indian B-schools, NMAT is the right exam. For global top B-schools, GMAT is the standard choice.
Disclaimer: The NMAT 2026 information on this page is based on official GMAC announcements and verified sources as of October 2026. Exam dates, fees, cutoffs, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always check the official GMAC NMAT website at mba.com/exams/nmat for the latest and most accurate information before making any decisions.
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You can check here for the NMAT 2025 Question Paper (Available): Download NMAT Previous Year Papers PDFs with Solutions
You can check here for the NMAT Mock Test 2026: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
The CMAT (2026) exam date has not been officially announced yet. However, based on the latest notification by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it is expected to be held in the last week of January 2026.
You can check here for the NMIMS NPAT 2024 Sample Papers, Old Question Papers and Practice Tests
You can check here for the NMAT Mock Test 2025: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
You can check here for the AIBE Mock Test 2025 (Available), Attempt Free Online Mock Test
You can check here for the MHT CET Syllabus 2026: Download PDF, Check Section-wise Syllabus, Weightage & Important Topics
You can check here for the NMAT Mock Test 2025: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
The NMAT 2025 exams began on 5 November 2025. The candidates can check the exam analysis and the NMAT 2025 question paper.
You can check here for the NMAT Mock Test 2025: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
You can check here for the Top MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Score Based on 2025 Ranking
Yes, taking NMAT practice tests can help you achieve passing or competitive marks. These tests familiarize you with the actual exam pattern, improve your time management, and identify weak areas in sections like Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills. By practicing mock tests and reviewing your mistakes, you can strengthen your conceptual understanding and accuracy. Many NMAT aspirants improve their scores by analyzing their mock test performance and adjusting their study strategies.
There is no specified limit mentioned for how many free mocks you can take for the NMAT by the GMAC exam series. However, for the official NMAT practice tests via GMAC, you get two free attempts for the “free practice exam 1” (108 questions) after registration
You can download the previous year's question papers for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (B.Sc. Nursing) exam from the official website: Visit AIIMS Examinations Office at aiimsexams.ac.in. and go to the ‘Downloads’ or ‘Question Papers / Previous Years’ section. Once there, select the relevant year, click the PDF link, and save the file for practice.
You can check here for the NMAT Mock Test 2025: Attempt Full Test, Chapter-wise Test Online for Free
You can check here for NMAT Question Paper, Download Previous Year Papers PDFs with Solutions. To download official NMAT (National Management Admission Test) question papers, visit the official NMAT by GMAC website. Here, you can access a free online practice exam containing 108 past NMAT exam questions, which you can attempt twice.
You can check here for the NMAT PYQs: Practice NMAT Previous Year Questions for All Sections – QA, LR, VARC
Please post your questions in this thread, and we will be happy to resolve your queries.
Based on your NMAT 2024 score of 188, here are some top MBA colleges in India that accept NMAT scores:
These colleges have varying cutoffs and seat intakes.
You can check here to see the colleges participating in NMAT Entrance exam. Top Colleges in India Accepting NMAT Based on 2023