NMAT 2025: Exam(Begins), Question Paper, Exam Analysis, Syllabus, Top Colleges & Preparation Strategy

Senior Content Strategist | MBA Professional | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

NMAT 2026 registration for the additional phase will start on 5^th January 2026 and will remain open till 10^th January 2026. NMAT Exam 2026 will take place from January 13th to January 17th, 2026.

The NMAT Score is accepted by top institutes like NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI and SDA Bocconi Asia Centre.

The NMAT Registration includes creating an account, filling the application form, selecting 5 B-Schools, scheduling the exam and paying the exam fees.
The NMAT Exam includes 108 Questions, divided into 3 sections: Language skills, Quantitative skills & Logical Reasoning and with a time duration of 120 Minutes.
The NMAT Results will be released within 48 hours of the exam attempt. The NMAT Cutoff for top B-Schools are generally between 150 to 200 marks, according to the institute and program type.

The NMAT Exam will be conducted in a CBT Mode. For the latest updates regarding scheduling, rescheduling and scores, you can visit the NMAT by GMAC Official website, mba.com/exams/nmat.

Check:

Table of Contents

What is the NMAT 2026 Exam?
NMAT 2026 Dates
NMAT 2026 Registration
NMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
NMAT 2026 Scheduling
NMAT 2026: Rescheduling & Retake
Courses offered by NMAT 2026
NMAT Exam Pattern 2026
NMAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus
NMAT vs CAT vs XAT vs SNAP
Books Recommended by Toppers For NMAT 2026
NMAT 2026 Cutoff
NMAT Result 2026
Colleges Accepting NMAT 2026
NMAT 2026 Exam FAQs

What is the NMAT 2026 Exam?

The NMAT Exam is a national-level MBA Exam and is conducted by GMAC. The NMAT will be conducted in a CBT Mode and will be accepted by top B-Schools like NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, KJ Somaiya and TAPMI.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	NMAT by GMAC 2026
Conducting Body	Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Exam Level	National
Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT) at Test Centres
Exam Dates (Additional phase)	January 13th to January 17th, 2026
Registration Dates (Additional phase)	January 5th to January 10th, 2026
Attempts Allowed	Maximum 3 (best score considered)
Exam Duration	120 minutes (2 hours)
Total Questions	108 (MCQs)
Sections	Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning
Marking Scheme	+3 for each correct answer, no negative marking
Score Range	36 – 360
Top Institutes Accepting	NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, SDA Bocconi Asia Centre

Check:

NMAT Syllabus vs SNAP Syllabus

NMAT 2026 Dates for Additional Phase

The GMAC has officially released the NMAT Schedule 2026 for the additional phase. The NMAT Registration will close on 10th January 2026, and the exam will be conducted from 13th January to 17th January 2026.

Dates (2026)	Event
January 13th - January 17th, 2026	NMAT 2026 Exam Window
January 5th - January 10th, 2026	Retake Registration
January 5th - January 10th, 2026	Retake Scheduling
Within 48 hours of the exam	Scorecard Release
January 10th, 2026	Registration Last Date

Check:

NMAT Dates

Ques. What are the Changes in NMAT 2026?

Ans. The NMAT Exam is conducted in a proper structure and is similar to the previous year, with certain changes in the dates and scheduling. The NMAT Exam will be conducted in CBT Mode with 3 attempts allowed.

Feature	NMAT 2024	NMAT 2026	Change
Registration Start	August 1, 2024	August 1, 2026	No change
Registration Last Date	October 12, 2024	October 18, 2026	Slightly later closure
Exam Window	Oct 10 – Dec 19, 2024	Nov 5 – Dec 19, 2026	Later start in 2026
Mode of Exam	Computer-based (Test Centres)	Computer-based (Test Centres)	Same
Attempts Allowed	Max 3	Max 3	No change

Ques. How Many Times Does NMAT Happen in a Year?

Ans. The NMAT Exam is conducted 1 once a year, but it gives candidates the flexibility of 3 attempts in the exam window. By this, candidates can improve their score and get chances to get a seat in top B-Schools.

Aspect	Details
Frequency	Once a year
Exam Window 2026	November 5 – December 19, 2025
Maximum Attempts	3 (1 main attempt + 2 retakes)
Best Score Considered	Yes, the highest score across attempts
Mode	Computer-based at test centres

NMAT 2026 Registration

The NMAT Registration process will be conducted online by the NMAT Official website, mba.com/exams/nmat.

For the NMAT Registration Process, candidates have to register, fill in the academic and personal details, along with the top B-schools, schedule the exam, and pay the application fee.

The NMAT Registration Window for the additional phase is open from 5^th January to 10^th January, 2026.

NMAT Application Fees

The NMAT Application fees include Registration fees, retake fees, and fees for rescheduling as well.

Particulars	Fee (₹)
Registration Fee	3,000
Retake Fee	3,000
Rescheduling Fee	1,200

Check:

NMAT Registration Process

Ques. Can I Join NMIMS Without NMAT?

Ans. No, NMIMS accepts only NMAT Scores to get admission in MBA/PGDM Programs. Other that top B-Schools that accepts CAT, XAT, CMAT or NMIMS.

Aspect	Details
Admission Mode	Through NMAT only
Other Exams Accepted	Not applicable for MBA/PGDM
Applicable Campuses	Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, Indore
Programs	MBA Core, MBA HR, MBA Pharma, Business Analytics, etc.

Ques. What are the Fees of the NMAT Form?

Ans. The NMAT Application fee differs according to the fresh registration, rescheduling and retake of the exam.

Process	Fee (₹)
Registration Fee	₹3,000 + taxes
Rescheduling Fee	₹1,200 + taxes
Retake Fee	₹3,000 + taxes (per retake)
Additional Score Report (per B-school beyond 5)	₹300 + taxes

NMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The NMAT Eligibility criteria are set by the GMAC and are similar for all candidates. There is no age limit, and you can attempt the exam up to 3 times in the exam window.

For NMAT, the basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a top university.

NMAT Eligibility 2026

Criteria	Details
Nationality	It is open to all Indian Citizens and foreign candidates.
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a top university.
Minimum Marks	50% marks in graduation are required.
Final Year Students	They are eligible to apply if they complete their graduation before admission.
Age Limit	There are no age restrictions
Number of Attempts	Maximum 3 attempts within the exam window (best score considered)
Other Requirements	Candidates should meet the individual institute-wise eligibility to get admission.

Check:

NMAT Eligibility Criteria

Ques. Does SP Jain Accept NMAT?

Ans. No, SPJIMR does not accept the NMAT Scores. It considers the scores of CAT, XAT and GMAT for admission to MBA/PGDM Courses.

Institute	Exams Accepted for MBA/PGDM
SP Jain Institute of Management (SPJIMR), Mumbai	CAT, XAT, GMAT
NMAT Accepted?	No
NMIMS (Different Institute)	Yes, accepts NMAT only

NMAT 2026 Scheduling for Additional phase

The NMAT Scheduling Process allows candidates to book their preferred exam date, time and exam centre on the official website.

The NMAT Scheduling will be done after the registration process is completed, along with the payment.
Candidates can reschedule and retake their exam in the given time duration.

Feature	Details
Scheduling Date	January 5 to January 10, 2026
Mode of Scheduling	Online on the NMAT Official website.
Exam Window	January 13 to January 17, 2026
Slot Booking	First-come and first-served basis
Options Available	Choose date, time, and test centre / Online proctored exam
Rescheduling Option	Yes, available by paying a fee (subject to slot availability)

NMAT 2026: Rescheduling & Retake

The NMAT allows the candidates to reschedule their exam or retake within the exam window. The Candidates can appear around 3 times, with the best score will be considered for admission.

Feature	Details
Maximum Attempts	3 (1 main attempt + 2 retakes)
Rescheduling Allowed	Yes, available before 72 hours of the scheduled exam
Rescheduling Fee	₹1,200 + taxes
Retake Allowed	Up to 2 additional attempts within the same testing window
Retake Fee	₹3,000 per retake
Process	Log in to the NMAT dashboard Choose a new date/time/centre pay the applicable fee
Best Score Considered	Yes, GMAC considers the highest score across all attempts for admission

Check:

NMAT Scheduling

Ques. Does NMIMS Accept Retake NMAT Score?

Ans. Yes, NMIMS accepts the NMAT Retake Score, but only the best score among all three 3 attempts will be considered for admission. The Candidates can retake the NMAT Exam twice after the first attempt in the exam window, and NMIMS will receive the highest score.

Aspect	Details
Maximum Attempts	3 (1 main + 2 retakes)
Score Considered	Best score among all attempts
Applicable for NMIMS?	Yes
Score Reporting	Sent directly to NMIMS from GMAC
Advantage	Improves chances of clearing NMIMS cutoff (230+)

Ques. Which College Accepts NMAT Retake?

Ans. The NMAT Colleges accept NMAT Scores for the retake as GMAC follows the best score policy.

Major Colleges Accepting NMAT Retake Scores (2026)

Institute / B-School	Location	Retake Score Accepted?	Notes
NMIMS University (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai)	Multiple Cities	Yes	Only best score considered; NMIMS cutoff is highest (230+)
Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB)	Bhubaneswar	Yes	Accepts the best retake score
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	Mumbai	Yes	Retake allowed, best score sent
SDA Bocconi Asia Centre	Mumbai	Yes	International B-school in India
IFMR GSB (Krea University)	Sri City	Yes	Considers retake score
Alliance School of Business	Bengaluru	Yes	Accepts best attempt
Jindal Global Business School (JGBS)	Sonipat	Yes	Flexible admission process
Athena School of Management	Mumbai	Yes	Accepts retakes
Bennett University	Greater Noida	Yes	Retake scores valid

Courses offered by NMAT 2026

The NMAT 2026 Exam is conducted for admission in MBA/PGDM Programs in top B-Schools of India.

The Top participating institutes accept the NMAT Scores for different specialisations in management, including finance, marketing, operations and HR.

Institute / B-School	Programs Offered (MBA/PGDM Specialisations)
NMIMS Mumbai	MBA in Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, IT & Business Analytics
XIMB Bhubaneswar	MBA in General Management, Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations
KJ Somaiya Institute	MBA / PGDM in Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, Analytics
TAPMI Manipal	PGDM in Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Business Analytics
SDA Bocconi Asia Center	MBA / Executive MBA in General Management, Strategy, Finance, Marketing

Check:

Top Colleges in India Accepting NMAT Score

NMAT Exam Pattern 2026

The NMAT 2026 Exam is conducted in CBT Mode at the allotted centres. The NMAT Exam includes 3 sections: Language skills, quantitative skills and logical reasoning, with a total of 108 questions.

Check:

NMAT Exam Pattern

Ques. Is NMAT Easier than CAT?

Ans. Yes, NMAT is comparatively easier than CAT because of its moderate difficulty level, without any negative marking and flexible attempts. Whereas, CAT is more competitive and has more sectional difficulty.

Feature	NMAT	CAT
Difficulty Level	Moderate	High
Negative Marking	No	Yes (-1 per wrong answer)
Attempts Allowed	Up to 3 per year	1 per year
Exam Mode	Computer-based (test centres)	Computer-based (test centres)
Competition Level	70,000–80,000 candidates	3+ lakh candidates

NMAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus

The NMAT Syllabus will test the candidates understanding and skills in language, quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning.

In NMAT, each section will focus on the important MBA Topics, and by understanding the subtopics, candidates can prepare in an effective manner along with proper time management.

NMAT Syllabus: Language Skills

Topics	Subtopics
Reading Comprehension	Passage-based questions, inference, main idea, tone
Para Jumbles / Paragraph Formation	Sentence rearrangement, logical flow
Sentence Completion	Fill in the blanks, vocabulary usage
Grammar / Error Spotting	Correct grammar, punctuation, sentence correction
Vocabulary / Analogies	Synonyms, Antonyms, Word analogies

… Read More Read Less

NMAT Syllabus: Quantitative Skills

Topics	Subtopics
Arithmetic	Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest
Algebra	Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Polynomials
Number Properties	Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Prime Numbers, Odd/Even Numbers
Probability & Permutations & Combinations	Basic probability, counting principles, arrangement problems
Data Interpretation (DI)	Tables, Graphs, Charts, Caselets
Sequences & Series	Arithmetic Progression (AP), Geometric Progression (GP)

NMAT Syllabus: Logical Reasoning

Topics	Subtopics
Critical Reasoning	Assumptions, Conclusions, Strengthen / Weaken Arguments
Analytical Puzzles	Arrangement, Scheduling, Circular, Matrix, Binary puzzles
Series / Pattern Recognition	Number series, Letter series, Coding-decoding
Deductions / Syllogisms	Logical deductions, Venn diagrams, Statement-conclusion

Check:

NMAT Syllabus

What is the Topic-wise weightage for NMAT 2026?

The NMAT is made up of three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. Each consists of 36 questions and is scored from 12 to 120. You can choose your own section order.

Quantitative Skills: Topic-wise Weightage

Total Questions: 36

Time Allotted: 52 minutes

Topics	Expected Number of Questions
Modern Math	7 questions
Algebra	3 questions
Arithmetic	8 questions
Numbers	2 questions
Data Interpretation	12 questions
Data Sufficiency	4 questions

Logical Reasoning: Topic-wise Weightage

Total Questions: 36

Time Allotted: 40 minutes

Topics	Expected Number of Questions
Sequential Output	8-10 questions
Syllogisms	3-4 questions
Ranking	1-2 questions
Venn Diagram	2-3 questions
Grouping	4-5 questions
Statement, Assumption and Conclusion	2-3 questions
Critical Reasoning	4-5 questions
Puzzle	2-3 questions
Course of Action	4-5 questions
Arguments	2-3 questions

Language Skills: Topic-wise Weightage

Total Questions: 36

Time Allotted: 28 minutes

Topics	Expected Number of Questions
Reading Comprehension Passages (3-4 sets)	12-14 questions
Error Detection	4-5 questions
Para Jumbles	4-5 questions
Fill in the Blanks (Grammar Usage & Vocabulary)	5-6 questions
Analogies	5-6 questions

Ques. How to Manage Time in NMAT 2026?

Ans. Time management plays a huge role in scoring well in the NMAT 2026 exam. Since each section is timed separately, your strategy must be smart and focused. Here’s how you can manage time effectively in the exam:

Choose the Right Section Order

A candidate must start with his/her strongest section. This can help one gain momentum and build confidence right from the start.
Attempt your weakest section next. After building some confidence, move on to the toughest section. That way, you’ll still have energy and time left to focus on it.
End with a comfortable section. Finish with the section you’re fairly comfortable with. It gives you a positive end and ensures a balanced overall performance.

Smart Time Handling During the Exam

Always keep an eye on the timer. Each section has its own time limit, so stay alert and manage time for every question wisely.
Don’t stick to tough questions. If a question seems too difficult or time-consuming, skip it and come back later if time allows.
Use the 15-second rule: If you can’t understand a question within 15 seconds, move on. It helps avoid getting stuck and wasting time.
Improve your speed in calculations. Brush up on basic multiplication tables, squares, cubes, and common fractions. It saves valuable time in the Quant and Reasoning sections.

Practice With a Purpose

One should take regular mock tests. Practice full-length as well as sectional mocks to get familiar with the format, timing, and pressure.
Always review your performance after each mock and analyse your results. Identify which sections or question types need more work and adjust your prep accordingly.
Balance speed with accuracy. Don’t rush through questions. Focus on getting answers right while still moving quickly.
Prepare all sections equally. Even if you’re strong in one area, don’t ignore the others. All three sections matter equally.
Use mental math and elimination. Practice doing quick calculations in your head. Also, use elimination strategies to narrow down answer options and save time.

NMAT vs CAT vs XAT vs SNAP

It is important to understand the different entrance exams to choose which one is fit for you and your academic and career goals.

Here is the detailed comparison between NMAT, CAT, XAT and SNAP.

Exam	Pros	Cons
NMAT	Multiple attempts allowed No negative marking Flexible test scheduling Balanced focus on language, quant and reasoning section.	Fewer top schools accept NMAT Not accepted IIMs Expensive to retake the exam
CAT	Accepted by IIMs and by the most of B schools Most prestigious MBA entrance exam Computer based standardized format	Extremely difficult and highly competitive Unpredictable question pattern Conducted only once a year Time management is difficult.
XAT	Accepted by top schools like XLRI, XIMB and SPJIMR Broader skills assessment Comprehensive test of aptitude, logic and awareness	Slightly complex paper structure General knowledge is not counted in the percentile calculation Can only be attempted once a year
SNAP	Moderately difficulty level Single application covers all SIU colleges Candidates can attempt multiple slots	Accepted only by SIU institutes Less time to solve each questions Conducted only once a year

… Read More Read Less

NMAT vs CAT vs XAT vs SNAP: Overview

NMAT is conducted by GMAC and accepted by colleges such as NMIMS and K J Somaiya. These colleges cost about 22-25 lakh per program and mainly focus on finance and marketing.
CAT is a prestigious exam conducted by IIMs and accepted by IIMs and by most B schools in India. New IIMs will cost around 17 lakhs per programme, while old IIMs have the fee around 25-26 lakhs.
XLRI conducts the XAT exam and is accepted by top tier MBA colleges such as XLRI, XIMB, etc. The primary focus of the courses are mainly human resource management and business management. And their PGDM and MBA courses cost around 30 - 32 lakhs.
SNAP exam is for MBA programs in Symbiosis Institutes.The programmes cost around 20 - 25 lakhs.

Here is the detailed comparison between the exams and the colleges with focus on cost and the primary focus of courses offered by the colleges.

Exam	Conducted by	Top colleges	College fees	Primary focus
NMAT	GMAC	NMIMS, KJ Somaiya	22 lakh - 25 lakh	Finance, Marketing,Corporate exposure
CAT	IIMs	IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, etc	17 lakhs - 27 lakhs	General management.Consulting. Finance.
XAT	XLRI	XLRI, XIMB, etc	30 lakh - 32 lakh	Human resource Management.Business Management.
SNAP	Symbiosis International	Symbiosis Institutes	20 lakhs - 25 lakhs	MarketingOperationsEntrepreneurship

Books Recommended by Toppers For NMAT 2026

Books are a key resource when it comes to NMAT exam preparation. To get started, here are some of the best books for NMAT 2026 recommended by toppers:

Book Name	Author/Publication
NMAT by GMAC Official Guide	GMAC
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT	Arun Sharma
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	Ajay Singh

Check:

NMAT 2026 Cutoff

The NMAT Cutoff refers to the minimum score that is required by top B-Schools for shortlisting candidates.

The NMAT Score is accepted by various top institutes like NMIMS, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, and others. The cutoff differs for different colleges and courses.

NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff (Top Colleges)

The NMIMS Mumbai has the highest cutoff of 230+ marks, whereas the other universities accept scores around 200 to 210 marks.
Some Colleges like SDA Bocconi & IFMR have flexible cutoffs and accept around 200+ scores.
The NMAT allows candidates to give 3+ attempts. Candidates who want to get admission in top B-Schools should score more than 230 marks in at least one attempt.

Institute / B-School	Expected NMAT 2026 Cutoff (Score Range)
NMIMS Mumbai (MBA Core)	230 – 235+
NMIMS Bengaluru / Hyderabad	210 – 220
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	215 – 220
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)	220 – 225
SDA Bocconi Asia Center	200 – 210
Alliance University	200 – 205
IFMR Graduate School of Business	200 – 210
Jindal Global Business School	195 – 200

Check: NMAT Cutoff

NMAT Result 2026

The NMAT Result will be declared in 48 hours after the exam on the official NMAT Website. The Candidates can view their scaled score, percentile and overall performance as well by logging in with their registered credentials.

The Score will be calculated on the basis of sections, and the overall score by the candidates should be between 36 to 360 marks.
The Score will be valid for the current admission year from 2026 to 2026.
The Candidates can download the Scorecard in the form of a PDF from the NMAT Official Website.

Colleges Accepting NMAT 2026

The Score of NMAT by GMAC is accepted by more than 40 top B-Schools in India and other international universities in the Philippines, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Major Colleges Accepting NMAT 2026 in India

Institute / B-School	Location	Programs Offered (via NMAT)
NMIMS University (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai)	Multiple Cities	MBA, MBA HR, MBA Pharmaceutical, MBA in Business Analytics
Xavier University (XIMB)	Bhubaneswar	MBA in Business Management
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	Mumbai	MBA, MBA Healthcare Management
SDA Bocconi Asia Centre	Mumbai	International Master in Business (IMB)
IFMR Graduate School of Business (Krea University)	Sri City	MBA
Alliance School of Business	Bengaluru	MBA
Jindal Global Business School (JGBS)	Sonipat	MBA
Athena School of Management	Mumbai	PGPM
Bennett University	Greater Noida	MBA

NMAT 2026 Exam FAQs

Ques. Is there a negative marking in the NMAT exam?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the NMAT exam. As per the marking scheme of NMAT each correct answer is awarded +3 mark, and no marks will be deducted for the wrong answer.

Ques. Is an online screen calculator available for the NMAT exam?

Ans. No, an online screen calculator is not provided in the NMAT exam. Students need to do calculations manually.

Ques. Do I need to apply separately for NMIMS after registering for NMAT?

Ans. Yes, candidates must register for NMIMS through the official website of NMIMS after registering for NMAT. NMIMS will begin the registration process on their official website.

Ques. What is the usual NMAT cutoff score for NMIMS Mumbai?

Ans. The cutoff for NMIMS changes every year. Usually NMIMS requires a top score of 235+ due to high competition. This score is a high bar among other colleges.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.