NMAT 2026: Exam Date (Nov 2 to Dec 20), Registration Started (on Aug 20) by GMAC

NMAT test (officially known as NMAT by GMAC) is a national-level computer-based entrance examination conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at SVKM's NMIMS and other leading business schools across India and abroad.

Besides NMAT, GMAC conducts GMAT exam. Unlike a single-day MBA entrance tests such as CAT exam or XAT, NMAT offers candidates the flexibility to choose their preferred exam date, time slot, test mode, and even allows up to three attempts (one main attempt and two retakes) within a single testing window to improve their score. Approximately 75,000 to 90,000 candidates take the test annually.

NMAT 2026 Exam Highlights

Check NMAT 2026 exam overview below:

GMAC sets the basic eligibility to appear for the NMAT exam. Candidates must fulfill GMAC's eligibility requirements before registering for the NMAT exam:

NOTE: NMAT participating B-schools (such as NMIMS, TAPMI, or SPJIMR) will have their own distinct cutoffs, work experience weightages, or minimum percentage criteria. Candidates must check institute-specific norms prior to applying.

Also Read: NMAT Eligibility Criteria for Participating Institutes

GMAC administers the application online through the NMAT registration 2026 portal at mba.com. Candidates can check the steps below to know how to fill NMAT application form. Follow these step-by-step instructions to register:

1. Create Account: Visit mba.com and create your NMAT user profile using a valid email ID and mobile number.
2. Enter Personal Details: Fill in personal, demographic, and identity details. Ensure name and Date of Birth matches government photo ID.
3. Upload Photograph: Upload a recent passport-size photograph as per prescribed dimensions.
4. Academic & Work History: Fill in your 10th, 12th, undergraduate degree details, and work experience (if applicable).
5. Select B-School Preferences: Choose up to 5 participating institute programmes included in the registration fee.
6. Review & Pay Fee: Verify all details carefully (as GMAC does not provide a form correction window) and make the registration fee payment online.

Direct Link for NMAT Registration 2026: https://www.mba.com/service/registration?isFromNMAT=true&returnUrl=https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat

NMAT 2026 Registration Fee

Candidates must complete fee payment before they can proceed to book an exam slot:

NMAT's scheduling ecosystem allows test-takers significant autonomy over when and how they attempt the examination.

How to Schedule Your NMAT Slot

Registration and slot booking are two distinct steps. Once the registration fee is paid, the scheduling option is enabled in the candidate dashboard. Candidates can select their preferred test mode (Computer-Based Test at a designated centre or Online Proctored at Home where available), testing city, date, and time slot based on seat availability.

NMAT Rescheduling Policy

If you cannot appear on your booked date, GMAC allows you to reschedule your exam up to 72 hours prior to your scheduled slot. Rescheduling requires an additional fee of INR 1,200 (+ taxes). Rescheduling cannot be requested within the final 72-hour window before the exam.

NMAT Retake Policy

Candidates can appear for NMAT up to three times in a single testing cycle (1 main attempt + 2 retakes). Retake registration opens in the dashboard immediately after completing an attempt. Candidates must maintain the mandatory cooling gap (7 days) between two successive attempts. Note that while GMAC sends the best score across attempts to selected colleges, certain institutions (such as NMIMS Mumbai) accept only the first attempt score.

NMAT 2026 is delivered as an objective Computer-Based Test (CBT). The test consists of 108 questions to be attempted within a total duration of 120 minutes. Each section carries individual sectional time limits, and candidates can choose the order of sections before starting the test.

Marking Scheme & Adaptive Testing:

• There is no negative marking in NMAT for incorrect answers.
• NMAT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty level of upcoming questions adjusts dynamically based on the test-taker's performance in preceding questions.
• Candidates can review and edit responses only within the active section's time limit. Once a section time runs out or is submitted, candidates cannot return to it.

Also Read: Detailed NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Structure

GMAC does not issue an official prescribed NMAT syllabus document. NMAT 2026 syllabus is mapped from historical exam patterns, official mock analysis, and coaching across three primary sections:

• Language Skills: Reading Comprehension passages, Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Error Identification, Analogies, Vocabulary, and Prepositions.
• Quantitative Skills: Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportions, Time & Work), Algebra, Numbers, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Math (Permutation & Combination, Probability), and Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts).
• Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning (Assumptions, Inferences, Strong & Weak Arguments), Analytical Reasoning (Linear & Circular Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding), Series, and Syllogisms.

NMAT is a test of speed, accuracy, and strategic pacing. To score 230+ (approx. 90+ percentile), structure your preparation around these proven guidelines:

• Master Sectional Pacing: With 108 questions across 120 minutes (28m for Language, 52m for Quant, 40m for LR), practise sectional mocks to ensure you never run out of time on individual sections.
• Exploit the No-Negative-Marking Rule: Since there is zero penalty for incorrect answers, never leave questions unattempted before the sectional timer expires.
• Order Sections Strategically: Pick the section sequence in mock tests that aligns best with your mental stamina (e.g., starting with your strongest area to build confidence).
• Utilise Official Mock Tools: Familiarise yourself with the adaptive testing algorithm by taking official GMAC practice tests.
• Consistent Mock Analysis: Use NMAT question papers and sample tests to identify accuracy gaps and adjust topic revisions.

Practice NMAT Sample Paper with Solutions

Candidates can use the NMAT sample papers with solutions to prepare for the exam:

Also Check:

• Complete NMAT Preparation Strategy
• Best Books and Study Material for NMAT
• How to Prepare for NMAT and CAT Simultaneously?