NMAT 2026: Syllabus, Pattern, Exam Dates, Registration, Eligibility, Results, Top Colleges

NMAT 2026 ( NMAT )

Abhishek Dhawan
Updated on Apr 20, 2026 17:52 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

Overview

NMAT exam is conducted every year for MBA admissions across 50+ b-schools in India and abroad. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) will release NMAT 2026 exam details in the first week of August, 2026. Candidates will find the NMAT registration link with the exam details on the official website, mba.com/nmat. NMAT exam will have a test window of 40 to 50 days. Candidates will be allowed to appear for NMAT 2026 exam thrice during the test window.

NMAT participating colleges shortlist candidates based on their exam scores. Shortlisted candidates go through selection rounds, including a competency test, personal interview, WAT, group discussion, etc. Scroll down for more details on the NMAT exam 2026, including the eligibility criteria, registration process, pattern, syllabus, mock test, and more.

Table of contents
  • What is NMAT Exam?
  • NMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
  • NMAT 2026 Registration Process
  • NMAT 2026 Exam Scheduling & Slot Booking
  • NMAT Preparation Tips 2026
  • NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
  • NMAT 2026 Admit Card
  • NMAT Result 2026
  • NMAT 2026 Selection Process
  • NMAT 2026 Contact Information
  • FAQs on NMAT Exam
View More
NMAT Logo

What is NMAT Exam?

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts NMAT for MBA admissions across b-schools in India and abroad. Top NMAT participating colleges include SVKMs NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, SPJIMR, among other institutes. Candidates find NMAT question paper with three sections similar to CAT exam. NMAT varies from other MBA exams as it provides flexibility of choosing preferred exam date and three exam attempts. several b-schools have their set selection criteria, which may include considering best of first two NMAT score, best of three NMAT scores or the score from the first NMAT exam attempt. All NMAT colleges have a separate admission process.

NMAT by GMAC score is based on the performance of candidates in three sections, namely, Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning.

NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Exam Highlights

Check the overview of NMAT exam below:

Features

Details

Exam name

NMAT by GMAC

Conducting body

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Exam level

National level for PG admission

Frequency

Once a year with three attempts (within a test window ranging around 45 days)

Mode

CBT from test centre

Duration

120 minutes

Syllabus

Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning

Pattern

108 Questions

Language

English

NMAT registration fee

INR 3,000

Exam purpose

Admission into India's top business schools such as NMIMS, SPJIMR, ISB, XIMB, VIT, ICFAI, Shiv Nadar, SDA Bocconi, LM Thapar, etc.

Course offered

MBA/PGDM

Number of test centres and cities

79 test cities

Exam helpdesk number

0120 4397855

Exam website

mba.com

Also Read: Why NMAT by GMAC?

NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Registration Process

DeskCalendarRegistration: Aug ' 26 - Oct ' 26

GMAC administers admission process with the NMAT registration 2026. Candidates have to fill the NMAT application form before the last date. NMAT 2026 registration process is available online and candidates need to create a login ID and password to complete the online registration. Candidates must pay INR 3,000 (excluding GST) against the application fee and slot booking (scheduling) the exam. The fee can be paid online using Debit Card, Master Card, Mobile wallet and other options.

After NMAT registration, the test reschedule option is enabled in the student account. To reschedule the NMAT 2026 test, candidates have to apply for the NMAT exam reschedule option in less than 72 hours from the date and schedule of the test. NMAT rescheduling steps can also be completed through the same candidate dashboard.

NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates need to fulfil the eligibility requirements before NMAT registration as mentioned below

  1. Candidate must have completed graduation under 10+2+3 or four years of education pattern from any stream
  2. Secured not less than 50 per cent aggregate in the final year of graduation
  3. Candidates awaiting results or in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for NMAT 2026. Admission is granted on a provisional basis until the graduation mark sheet and certificate of the qualifying examination are submitted

Candidates must also check the eligibility criteria of NMAT-participating colleges individually before registering for the examination. Applicants need to select five institutes of their preference for admission while applying and those institutes may have different eligibility criteria for admission.

Also Read:

NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Exam Scheduling & Slot Booking

DeskCalendarSlot Booking: Aug ' 26 - Oct ' 26

NMAT registration and exam scheduling are two different events. During the registration process, NMAT aspirants need to complete the one-time registration followed by providing key information about them. During the registration process candidates need to choose the desired college where they wish to send their scores, any other MBA exam they appeared for, etc. On the other hand, NMAT exam scheduling is the facility to choose the exam date and exam city and slot preference. NMAT exam scheduling window is also known as NMAT slot booking.

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NMAT Preparation Tips 2026

NMAT, like any other MBA entrance exam, is a speed-based test. Thus, the entire preparation must be aligned with this thought. Candidates need to follow NMAT preparation strategies, which helps them build speed and the accuracy level to answer questions in the test. To build speed and accuracy, candidates need to catch hold of the best books for NMAT preparation, five years of NMAT sample papers and attempt the mock tests. Keep the following points in mind to prepare for the test:

  • Devote three to four months to build conceptual clarity on topics included in the NMAT syllabus
  • Analyse your preparation level by practising NMAT question papers
  • Create notes of each topic while studying and revise them from time to time
  • Discuss your doubts with peers and mentors to clear them

NMAT 2026: Guidelines & Facilities for Students with Disability

Test takers with disabilities will have access to special arrangements during NMAT by GMAC, including an accommodation facility. Such candidates should send a request to GMAC for the same while filling the NMAT application form.

Candidates with the following disabilities can avail this facility:

  • Mobility impairment
  • Learning disability
  • Blindness (low vision to no vision)
  • Leprosy
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Others

Other arrangements made by GMAC for disabled candidates are:

  • Reader
  • Extra time
  • Large fonts
  • Mobility help

Note: A scribe can assist applicants with vision impairment. Candidates are also allowed to bring their scribe; however, in this case, they need to seek approval by GMAC before taking the exam.

NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

NMAT 2026 is being conducted as the Computer-based Test (CBT). Test-takers need to solve 108 MCQs in 120 minutes. There is a sectional time limit in NMAT 2026 exam. The online exam has three sections:

  • Language Skills
  • Quantitative Skills
  • Logical Reasoning

GMAC does not release detailed syllabus for NMAT. Candidates can prepare for NMAT exam using the syllabus shared by different coaching institutes. NMAT syllabus remains in line with other MBA entrance exams.

Also Read: NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern

NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Admit Card

DeskCalendarAdmit Card: Oct ' 26 - Dec ' 26

GMAC releases NMAT admit card for all candidates completing the registration and exam scheduling process. NMAT 2026 admit card is out seven days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates need to download and print the NMAT admit card. Hard copy of the NMAT admit card is to be carried to the test centre on the exam day. Along with the NMAT admit card, candidates are required to carry a valid photo ID proof to the test centre. Candidates find the exam slot time, test centre address, exam date, along with the NMAT exam day guidelines mentioned on the hall ticket.

NMAT Logo

NMAT Result 2026

DeskCalendarResult: Nov ' 26 - Dec ' 26

Candidates can check their NMAT 2026 scores immediately after they submit their test. GMAC issues NMAT official scorecard within 48 hours of the exam date. Candidates can download their NMAT scorecard using the mba.com login. Candidates must save the scorecard and take printout of the result. NMAT scorecard will be required at the time of MBA admissions through NMAT.

NMAT Score vs Percentile

Check NMAT score vs percentile statistics based on past exam sessions:

NMAT Exam Score

NMAT Percentile

233 - 234

90

235

91

236 - 237

92

238

93

239 - 240

94

241 - 242

95

243 - 245

96

246 - 248

97

249 - 253

98

254 - 263

99

264 - 360

100

NOTE: GMAC does not release NMAT percentile with the scorecard. NMAT percentile score can be calculated only when the NMAT test window concludes for one examination cycle.

Read more
NMAT Logo

NMAT 2026 Selection Process

Candidates who wish for admissions based on NMAT scores are required to fill the online application form for their desired participating institute. NMAT selection process for all participating colleges is conducted individually with various selection parameters. Some of the NMAT participating colleges administer Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD & PI) round to evaluate candidates for admissions.

NMAT participating institute may also decide to conduct a WAT (Writing Ability Test) or Case Discussion (CD) round instead of the conventional GD round. The final admission decision is based on the combined performance in NMAT online test and GD-PI round.

NMAT Colleges with Cutoff

More than 50 colleges accepting NMAT scores in India include NMIMS, SRMIST, SPJIMR, ISB, among others. Besides India, NMAT exam is also accepted by b-schools located in Nigeria, South Africa, Philippines, Hungary, and Morocco.

NMAT accepting colleges take into consideration both sectional and overall NMAT cutoff of the test takers. NMAT cut off is expected to be around 205-240. Find the cutoff scores for some of the NMAT colleges below:

College Name

Expected NMAT Cutoff Score

SVKMs NMIMS

208 - 210

SDA Bocconi Asia Center

200 - 210

SOIL Gurugram

190 - 210

IFMR GSB

200 - 222

Woxsen University

190 - 210

FLAME University

190+

KJ Somaiya (Mumbai)

210 - 220+

Alliance University

170 - 190

 Also Read:

Read more

NMAT Registration Application and payment related queries can be addressed to:

Email Support: nmatsupport@gmac.com

Helpdesk For NMAT Scheduling related queries

Phone: 0120 4397855 – Monday to Saturday (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST) (Except public holidays)

Email: nmatbygmacsupport@pearson.com

NMAT Logo

FAQs on NMAT Exam

Check some frequently asked questions related to NMAT exam below:

Q:   Is there any negative marking in NMAT?
A: 

No, there is no negative marking in NMAT exam. Candidates get marks for the correct answers. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions and incorrect responses in NMAT.

Q:   How can I get the NMAT Syllabus PDF?
A: 

The Graduate Management Admission Council notifies the sections under NMAT syllabus on the official exam website. Candidates can find NMAT syllabus PDF designed based on the past question papers.

Q:   How to prepare for NMAT?
A: 

Candidates preparing for NMAT exam must use the official test prep material to familiarise themselves with exam pattern and important topics

Preparation tools and resources  issued by GMAC to help candidates prepare are:

  • Exclusive Study Plan
  • NMAT Exam Official Guide
  • One Free Exam Prep - with two attempts
  • Two Paid Exam Prep - each with two attempts
Q:   Can I crack NMAT through self study?
A: 

Yes, cracking NMAT through self study is achievable. One must have a structured study plan, right set of study material, and must practice questions consistently to prepare for NMAT through self study.

Q:   When can I schedule a retake for the NMAT exam?
A: 

The retake scheduling window opens immediately after taking the exam. However, a retake exam can only be scheduled for a date that is at least 15 days after the previous attempt.

Q:   When do the admission processes for NMAT colleges start?
A: 

The MBA admission processes at NMAT participating colleges typically start in November. Some b-schools may also begin their selection processes in the month of February.

Q:   What are the documents required to fill NMAT application form?
A: 

To fill NMAT application form, candidates need a valid photo ID proof, graduation mark sheets, and a recent passport-size photograph. The photograph must be front-facing with a light background and uploaded in JPG, PNG, or JPEG format.

Q:   Can I fill the NMAT application form offline?
A: 

No, the NMAT application form cannot be filled offline. GMAC only accepts online registrations. Candidates must submit their application and pay the required fee before the last date.

Q:   What is a good score in the NMAT exam?
A: 

A good NMAT score is generally considered to be in the range of 215 to 230. Most of the top B-schools accepting NMAT scores will have their cutoff scores within this specific range or below for MBA admissions

Q:   Can I refer to CAT books for NMAT exam preparation?
A: 

Yes, candidates can efficiently prepare using the books recommended for CAT exam preparation or any other MBA entrance exam. The syllabus for these entrance exams is mostly similar, covering Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills.

Q:   Which section is difficult to prepare in NMAT?
A: 

The Quantitative Skills section is generally considered the most difficult to prepare during NMAT exam preparation. Quant is tough because its calculation-intensive nature and inclusion of complex Data Interpretation (DI) sets.

Q:   How much time is sufficient for NMAT preparation?
A: 

A total of 2-3 months of consistent and focused preparation is considered sufficient for NMAT. Many candidates may require more than three months if they are find the topics in NMAT syllabus on a tougher side.

Q:   What is the overall difficulty level of NMAT?
A: 

NMAT is expected to maintain a moderate overall difficulty level. NMAT exam focuses on speed, accuracy, and basic conceptual understanding. Candidates find NMAT exam easier than CAT.

Q:   Is NMAT exam easy or tough?
A: 

The NMAT exam is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty level. NMAT is a speed-based test which requires candidates to solve 108 questions within 120 minutes. Almost all test takers find NMAT easier than CAT.

Q:   Will I have to fill a separate application form for NMAT and participating institutes?
A: 
Yes. Candidates will have to fill the NMAT application form to appear for the exam. To apply for admission based on NMAT scores, candidates will have to fill the application form at desired college website. All NMAT participating institutes have a separate admission window. Therefore, candidates must be cautious of crucial deadlines to apply for admission based on NMAT exam scores. Besides a separate application form, several participating institutes have a criterion to only accept the NMAT score from the first attempt. Therefore, candidates must check the eligibility as well as the admission deadline of the desired college that accepts NMAT scores for MBA Admission.
Q:   What do scaled and percentile scores refer to in NMAT exam?
A: 
NMAT scorecard is compiled of scaled and percentile scores. Here is the basic difference between scaled scores and percentile scores in NMAT exam- Scaled Scores - The test forms are equated to account for any difference in the overall difficulty and the raw test scores are normalised on a common scale to arrive at scaled scores. Percentile Score - The percentile rank or score is an indicator of score/rank of the candidate as compared to the score/rank of all the other test-takers. NMAT participating institute may accept any of the scores for admission based on NMAT exam.
Q:   Can I fill the NMAT score accepting college form after getting the NMAT score?
A: 

Answer is yes, surely you will be eligible for NMAT based colleges for admissions, but you will have to apply on every college website one- by -one separately according to your subject preference and score card of NMAT.

Thereafter, all colleges will provide their merit list of selected students.

Go to college and complete your procedure of admission.

Q:   What is the qualifying NMIMS Mumbai cutoff for admission to MBA course?
A: 

NMIMS offers admission to MBA course (Part-time) on the basis of NMAT scores. Candidates seeking admission to NMIMS Mumbai must appear for the NMAT exam and qualify for the same. Tabulated below is the NMIMS Mumbai NMAT cutoff 2023:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Part Time) - NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai : NMAT score Cutoff (General-All India)
Section2022
Overall212

 

Q:   Which colleges accept NMAT scores?
A: 

More than 50 colleges accept NMAT scores. Some NMAT colleges are:

  • SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
  • K J Somaiya Institute of Management
  • Indian School of Business (ISB) (Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA)
  • SPJIMR (For PGMPW and GMP) 
  • SDA Bocconi Asia Center (formerly MISB Bocconi)
  • XIM University
  • T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), A Constituent Unit of MAHE, Manipal All MBA Programs, India
  • ICFAI Business School
  • SOIL Institute of Management
  • FLAME University 
  • Stoa School
  • Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab
  • ISBR Business School
  • Athena School of Management, Mumbai
  • School of Business, Woxsen University
  • IFMR Graduate School of Business
  • Thapar School of Management
  • SRM University, Delhi NCR, Sonepat
  • Shiv nadar Institute of Management Studies
  • School of Petroleum Management, PDPU
  • Jain University
  • CMS Business School
  • ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai
  • GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam
  • BML Munjal University
  • Bennett University
  • Universal Business School
  • Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore
  • SRM University, Chennai 
  • Chitkara university
  • Alliance University
  • Amrut Mody School of Management, Ahmedabad University
  • MIT World Peace University, Pune
  • BSE Institute Limited
  • Amity University
  • Jindal Global Business School, Delhi/NCR
  • VIT University
  • University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES)
  • IILM University
  • Myra School of Business
  • Mody University
  • Hyderabad Business School, GITAM University
  • Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab
  • IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
  • IFIM College
  • Jagdish Sheth School of Management
  • ATLAS SkillTech University
  • ISME School of Management and Entrepreneurship
  • iMET Global
  • Ansal University, Gurgaon
  • Rishihood University
Q:   How tough is the NMAT exam? Which universities accept NMAT scores in Delhi NCR?
A: 

NMAT, like any other Amity exam, is a speed-based test. Thus, the entire preparation must be aligned with this thought. Candidates need to follow NMAT preparation strategies, which helps them build speed and the accuracy level to answer questions in the test. To build speed and accuracy, candidates need to catch hold of the best books for NMAT preparation, five years of NMAT sample papers and attempt the mock tests. Keep the following points in mind to prepare for the test:

  • Devote three to four months to build conceptual clarity on topics included in the Galgotias syllabus
  • Analyse your preparation level by practising NMAT question papers
  • Create notes of each topic while studying and revise them from time to time
  • Discuss your doubts with peers and mentors to clear them

The table below shows some of the top NMAT accepting MBA colleges in Delhi NCR along with their NIRF ranking:

College Name

NIRF 2023

Amity University, Noida

28

Amity University Gurugram

81

Galgotias University

91

178 Institutes accepting NMAT

Global Management Programme (GMP)
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  • |
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NMIMS, Mumbai

Vile Parle West, Mumbai Private

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NMIMS, Mum
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  • 10.00 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
MBA in Agriculture and Food Business
    • 7.80 Lakh
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
    • 19.39 Lakh
    • 1 years
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