Students targeting the MBA program at SBM NMIMS Hyderabad should aim for an NMAT 2026 score of 200–215 out of 360 to meet the expected cutoff for shortlisting to the next admission round.

The School of Business Management (SBM) at NMIMS Hyderabad is among the most sought-after MBA destinations in South India. NMAT by GMAC is the sole gateway to all NMIMS campuses, and the Hyderabad campus typically posts a lower cutoff than the flagship Mumbai campus, making it a strong target for students scoring in the 200–215 range. The official cutoff is announced by NMIMS after the NMAT testing window closes each cycle.

  • NMAT total score range: 0–360 (three sections of 120 marks each).
  • Expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for SBM NMIMS Hyderabad: 200–215 (based on 2024–25 trends).
  • Shortlisted students proceed to GD, WAT, and PI rounds before the final merit list.
  • SBM NMIMS Hyderabad offers a 2-year full-time MBA with an intake of approximately 120 seats.
  • Students can attempt NMAT up to three times per cycle; NMIMS considers the best valid score.
Direct Link to NMAT 2026 Official Portal (Active)

NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff for SBM NMIMS Hyderabad

The expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for SBM NMIMS Hyderabad is 200–215 out of 360, based on previous admission cycles and seat intake data. This is the minimum overall score that typically earns a shortlisting call for the GD-WAT-PI round. The table below compares the expected cutoff across NMIMS campuses to help you benchmark your target score.

NMIMS Campus Expected NMAT 2026 Cutoff (out of 360) Remarks
SBM NMIMS Hyderabad 200–215 Expected; based on 2024–25 trends
NMIMS Mumbai 225–235 Flagship campus; higher competition
NMIMS Bangalore 205–218 Expected; based on 2024–25 trends
NMIMS Navi Mumbai 200–215 Expected; based on 2024–25 trends
NMIMS Indore 195–210 Expected; based on 2024–25 trends

A score of 210 or above significantly improves your chance of receiving a shortlisting call from SBM NMIMS Hyderabad. Students scoring between 200 and 210 should target a strong showing in GD, WAT, and PI to strengthen their overall candidacy.


Reviewing historical NMAT cutoffs for NMIMS Hyderabad helps students set realistic targets. The data below reflects observed cutoff ranges from recent admission cycles.

Year Observed NMAT Cutoff — General Category Status
2025 205–215 Reported by students; official cutoff declared by NMIMS
2024 200–212 Reported
2023 198–210 Reported
2022 195–208 Reported

The data shows a gradual upward trend in the cutoff, reflecting growing competition for seats. Students targeting 2026 admission should aim for at least 210 to account for this trajectory and leave a safe margin.


Section-wise NMAT Score Requirements for NMIMS Hyderabad

NMAT by GMAC tests three sections, each scored out of 120. While NMIMS does not publish official section-wise cutoffs, a balanced performance across all sections strengthens your shortlisting chances. The recommended targets below are based on observed student data from recent cycles.

Section Total Marks Number of Questions Recommended Target Score
Language Skills 120 36 65–75
Quantitative Skills 120 36 68–78
Logical Reasoning 120 36 68–75
Total 360 108 200–215 (overall)

A very low score in any one section can weaken your overall shortlisting chances even if the total appears sufficient. Target at least 65 in each section to present a well-rounded aptitude profile to the admissions committee.


SBM NMIMS Hyderabad MBA Admission Criteria 2026

NMAT score is the initial filter for MBA admission at SBM NMIMS Hyderabad, but the final offer is based on a composite evaluation. The key eligibility and admission parameters are listed below.

Criteria Details
Qualifying Exam NMAT by GMAC
Minimum NMAT Score (Expected) 200–215 out of 360
Academic Eligibility Graduation with at least 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Work Experience Preferred but not mandatory; fresh graduates are eligible
Selection Rounds Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI)
Seat Intake (MBA) Approximately 120 seats
Registration Separate NMIMS application required in addition to NMAT registration

Students with strong academics and relevant work experience have a clear advantage during the GD-PI-WAT rounds. Even a score at the lower end of the cutoff range can result in an admission offer if subsequent rounds are handled well.


Selection Process After NMAT Cutoff at NMIMS Hyderabad

Students who clear the NMAT cutoff for NMIMS Hyderabad proceed through a structured multi-stage selection process before a final merit list is prepared.

  1. NMAT Score Shortlisting: NMIMS releases the shortlist of students who meet or exceed the cutoff. You must apply to NMIMS separately through the NMIMS admissions portal — NMAT registration alone does not constitute an application to NMIMS Hyderabad.
  2. Written Ability Test (WAT): A timed written exercise assessing communication clarity and analytical thinking on a given topic.
  3. Group Discussion (GD): A moderated group discussion evaluating communication skills, leadership, and awareness of current affairs and business issues.
  4. Personal Interview (PI): A one-on-one interview with an admissions panel assessing academic background, work experience, career goals, and overall fit for the program.
  5. Final Merit List: NMIMS prepares the final merit list using a composite score that includes NMAT performance, WAT, GD, and PI results along with the academic profile.

Apply to NMIMS Hyderabad directly through the NMIMS admissions portal after registering for NMAT by GMAC — the two registrations are independent and both are required.

NMAT 2026 SBM NMIMS Hyderabad FAQs

Ques. What is the expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for SBM NMIMS Hyderabad?

Ans. The expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for SBM NMIMS Hyderabad is 200–215 out of 360, based on observed trends from 2022 to 2025. This is a projected range; the official cutoff will be declared by NMIMS after the NMAT testing window closes.

Ques. Is there a section-wise cutoff for NMAT at NMIMS Hyderabad?

Ans. NMIMS does not publicly announce section-wise cutoffs. However, a balanced score across Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning is strongly recommended. Aim for at least 65 marks in each section to avoid a weak-section penalty on your overall profile.

Ques. How many times can I attempt NMAT 2026?

Ans. You can attempt NMAT up to three times per testing cycle. NMIMS considers your best valid NMAT score when processing shortlisting for NMIMS Hyderabad admission.

Ques. What is the total marks for NMAT by GMAC?

Ans. NMAT by GMAC is scored on a scale of 0 to 360. It has three sections — Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning — each carrying 120 marks across 36 questions.

Ques. Is work experience mandatory for MBA admission at SBM NMIMS Hyderabad?

Ans. Work experience is not mandatory for the MBA program at SBM NMIMS Hyderabad. Fresh graduates are eligible to apply. However, relevant work experience strengthens your profile during the WAT, GD, and PI rounds.

Ques. Does an NMAT score of 210 guarantee admission to NMIMS Hyderabad?

Ans. An NMAT score of 210 improves your chances of receiving a shortlisting call for NMIMS Hyderabad but does not guarantee admission. The final offer also depends on your performance in the WAT, GD, and PI rounds and your overall academic and professional profile.