NMAT Exam 2026: Registration, Dates, Syllabus & Pattern Details

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. Since the NMAT exam was previous conducted by NMIMS, some people term this exam as NMIMS MBA entrance exam.

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.

MBA aspirants take the NMAT by GMAC exam as it provides flexibility, multiple attempts, and a student-friendly testing format compared to other MBA entrance exams.

• Provides Flexibility: Candidates can choose their exam slot and test venue. NMAT exam is conducted for more than 45 days.
• Multiple Attempts: Candidates are allowed a total of three NMAT attempts within the test window.
• No Negative Marking: The exam pattern does not include negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions.
• Choice of section order: Candidates are allowed to choose the flow of their section on the test day.
• Adaptive format: The computer-adaptive format of NMAT adjusts the difficulty level of the question based on the responses of the candidate.
• Gateway to top b-schools: Some of the top b-schools accept NMAT scores, including KJ Somaiya, SVKMs NMIMS, TAPMI, ISB, SP Jain and more.

Also Read: Why NMAT by GMAC is the Most Candidate Friendly Entrance Exam

NMAT is delivered as a 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 Test Form:

• 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: NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Structure

GMAC does not issue an official prescribed NMAT syllabus document. NMAT syllabus is based on 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's scheduling ecosystem allows test-takers significant autonomy over when and how they attempt the examination.

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.

GMAC administers the application online through the NMAT registration 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 and make the pay the NMAT registration fee of INR 3000.

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

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