NMAT Exam 2026: Important Dates, Notification, Registration, Eligibility, Pattern, & Preparation

Updated on 28th January 2026 | 3:31 pm | #NMAT2026

NMAT 2026, or Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test/NMIMS Management Aptitude Test, is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The exam conducting body usually releases the official NMAT notification on its official website at the beginning of August.

The official dates for the NMAT 2026 exam will be announced by the GMAC once they release the official announcement.

The NMAT exam assesses candidates' skills, knowledge, and comprehension of management concepts and skills, and the results are used to admit students into some of the country's top management programs. Aspiring students must visit the official website to learn all the crucial details and updates regarding the exam and prepare accordingly. The same has been discussed thoroughly here.

The NMAT 2026 exam is important for aspirants aiming to pursue an MBA from NMIMS and several other B-schools accepting NMAT 2026 scores, like KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, SPJIMR, and more. With around 76 centres in 73 cities, including remote areas, it provides easy access.

Need Assistance With Your NMAT Prep? Speak to our counselor today!


About NMAT 2026 Exam

The NMIMS Management Aptitude Test, or NMAT Exam, is a university or college-level exam conducted by NMIMS University for its MBA admissions. The NMAT score is not only limited to India but is also valid abroad. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is the body responsible for scheduling and conducting the NMAT exam. It is said to be the most student-friendly exam, and it is exclusively designed from a student's comfort point of view.

It provides NMAT takers a 45-day exam window, allowing them to attempt the test up to three times, with a gap of 15 -16 days between each attempt to improve their scores. It provides easy access to 76 centres in 73 cities, including remote areas. Also, candidates are given the privilege to choose the exam date and venue preference during the exam window using the NMAT scheduling option. They are also given the leverage of selecting their preferred slot, making it easier for them to take the exam.

NMAT aspirants should keep in mind that NMAT 2026 is a highly adaptive management entrance exam, where the level of difficulty and the weightage of the questions in each section, as well as overall, depend solely on their previous attempts at the questions. It is worth noting that the NMAT score is based on the performance of candidates in three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.


NMAT 2026 Exam Dates

The registrations for the NMAT 2026 exam are live now and will remain open till October 10, 2026. The table below showcases the important dates for the NMAT exam for the academic year 2026 for your reference:

NMAT Events

Start Date

Registration

August 1, 2026 (tentative)

Scheduling

August 1, 2026 (tentative)

NMAT exam dates

First Week of November, 2026

Retake registration

First week of November 2026

Release of NMAT unofficial scorecard

Immediately after submitting test responses

Release of NMAT official scorecard

Within 48 hours of the exam slot

To not miss out on any of the latest updates on NMAT 2026, one must check: NMAT Notification 2026


NMAT 2026: Exam Highlights

NMAT 2026 will allow students to apply for admission to NMIMS and other top institutes for the batch of 2026-28. Here are the relevant details about the exam:

NMAT Exam Highlights 2026

Highlight

Details

Exam Name

Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test/ NMIMS Management Aptitude Test

NMAT Official Website

https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat 

NMAT Conducting Body

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Frequency

Annually

NMAT 2026 Registration Mode

Online

NMAT Exam Mode

Computer-based

Medium of Exam

English

Total time

2 hours

Total Questions

108

NMAT Sections

  • Language skills
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Aptitude

NMAT Marking Scheme

  • +3 for every correct answer
  • No Negative Marking for any wrong answer

NMAT Exam Centres

79 exam centres in 70+ cities

NMAT helpdesk number

0120 4397855


NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Only the candidates who comply with the policies of GMAC and register on time for NMAT 2026 will be allowed to take the exam. In case you register for NMAT 2026 and change your mind afterwards, the application fees will not be refunded.

Also note that if any information provided by you is determined to be frivolous or fraudulent or you fail to meet the NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, GMAC reserves the right to invalidate your exam and cancel your candidature.

To register for the NMAT 2026, candidates must meet the qualifying conditions listed below.

NMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

A 3 or 4-year Bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, BCom, BE, BTech, etc.) from an AICTE/UGC recognised university.

Candidates awaiting final year results are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation during admission  

Minimum Aggregate

Candidates should have scored at least 50% in their graduation

Nationality

There are no nationality criteria for NMAT 2026

Age Limit

There is no age limit barrier for NMAT 2026

Professional Qualification

Work Experience is not mandatory when considering based on NMAT scores

Maximum Attempts

Candidates can take the NMAT exam up to 3 times, including your first try and two more attempts, even if you missed the exam before.

Related Questions -

Yes, final-year undergraduate students can apply for NMAT by GMAC, provided they complete their degree requirements before the admission process of the participating B-schools.

NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS Mumbai and its campuses, along with several other B-schools such as TAPMI, Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XIMB), K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and other participating institutes.

Candidates can create their NMAT login by registering on the official NMAT by GMAC website using a valid email ID and mobile number. Login credentials are generated during the registration process.

NMAT Registration 2026

The NMAT 2026 admission process is conducted mainly in six stages, including filling out the NMAT application form, issuing the NMAT admit card, the NMAT 2026 exam, the declaration of the NMAT 2026 result, and the NMAT 2026 selection process (Group Discussion and Personal Interview) for the shortlisted candidates. We have explained each stage in brief below for your reference:

NMAT 2026 Registration Process

The exam is usually conducted during a 45-60 day window. To gain admission to NMIMS or any other top B-school accepting NMAT scores, the first step in the admission process is to fill out the NMAT 2026 application form. Candidates can complete the NMAT exam registration within the stipulated time. Only candidates who submit the application form and schedule the exam will be issued the NMAT admit card.

Students must understand the levels of NMAT Registration 2026 before applying for the examination. To register for NMAT 2026, follow the steps given below:

NMAT Registration Procedure 2026

NMAT Registration Steps

Steps to fill out the NMAT Application Form 2026

Step 1

Visit the official NMAT website and click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account using a valid email ID and other personal credentials.

Step 2

Open your email account, click on the verification link received by GMAC and sign up successfully for NMAT 2026.

Step 3

Type in your personal information, academic background, work experience, the names of the MBA programs you are interested in, up to five business schools where you plan to apply, your choice of test cities, and a valid ID number such as Aadhaar, PAN, or Driving License.

Step 4

Scan and upload your photograph and digital signature according to the specifications provided by GMAC, ensuring that the file is in the designated format (JPG/JPEG, PNG, GIF) and does not exceed 1 MB in size. If the document is provided outside the specified format, GMAC will not allow it to be uploaded.

Step 5

Save and submit all the above-entered information and proceed to payment. After remitting the fees, you will get your "NMAT ID" provided by GMAC. Take a printout for future reference. Now, you will be notified by GMAC to schedule your exam, book your slot and download your hall ticket. The same will be reflected on your NMAT dashboard.

Note: The NMAT registration fees depend on the number of schools selected for each test category and the total retakes. Once the fee is paid, candidates can schedule their test dates and retakes. One main and two retakes for each of the categories are permitted. Candidates should not register multiple times or be in the same exam category; otherwise, it will block the candidate from admission.


NMAT 2026 Registration Process: Points To Remember

Here are some important points that you must make a note of during NMAT 2026 registration.


Required Documents For NMAT Application Form 2026

The candidates must upload the following documents in the application form:

The format, size, and dimensions of the documents are given below

Scanned Images

Size

Dimension

Format

Photograph

20KB - 50KB

200 x 230

JPG or JPEG

Signature

10KB - 20KB

140 x 60

JPG or JPEG

Note: The dimensions given above are subject to changes as notified by GMAC. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for any changes. These dimensions are based on the previous year.


NMAT Exam 2026: Registration Fees

The NMAT 2026 application fee will be the same for everyone. Payment must be made online. Given below is the NMAT application fee 2026:

NMAT Registration Type

NMAT Application Fee Amount

NMAT form fee for registration

INR 3000 + applicable taxes

NMAT Fee to Reschedule

INR 1,200 + applicable taxes

NMAT Fee to Retake Exam

INR 3000 + applicable taxes

Additional Score Report Fee (above 5)

INR 400 + applicable taxes per report


NMAT 2026 Scheduling & NMAT Slot Booking

Candidates can schedule the exam after creating their NMAT account during the scheduling period, which will be announced by GMAC once they release their official notification. Here are the essential steps to schedule your NMAT exam:

Difference Between NMAT Registration & NMAT Scheduling

NMAT Registration

NMAT Scheduling/NMAT Slot Booking

NMAT registration is conducted to complete a one-time registration and provide personal information.

NMAT scheduling is conducted to choose the preferred exam date, city, and time slot.

The candidate must fill in key personal information and desired colleges for score reporting.

It requires the candidate to select the exam date, exam city, and time slot preferences.

NMAT registration must be completed before scheduling your NMAT exam.

NMAT scheduling takes place once after the successful registration.


NMAT 2026 Exam: Retake & Reschedule

Candidates get the option to reschedule their NMAT exam, though a fee must be paid for the same. In NMAT 2026, a candidate is allowed 2 retakes i.e. you can make up to three attempts in the NMAT exam.

How To Retake NMAT

Candidates have an opportunity to retake the test twice after the first attempt. After completing the NMAT once, the option to retake the test will become available on the student dashboard. Candidates are required to pay retake fees for each attempt.

How To Reschedule NMAT

NMAT candidates have the option to reschedule their examination under urgent circumstances, subject to a fee. If candidates are unable to adhere to the original schedule, they may postpone the exam to a later date. Once the exam date has been rescheduled, it cannot be reverted to the original date.

Related Questions -

Candidates can register for NMAT by GMAC by visiting the official NMAT website, creating a login using a valid email ID, and completing the online application form. After filling in personal, academic, and work-experience details, candidates must pay the registration fee and schedule their exam.

NMAT registration typically begins in August and remains open for several weeks. The exact start and end dates of the registration window vary each year and are announced by GMAC through the official NMAT notification.

Yes, candidates can edit certain details in the NMAT registration form after submission by logging into their NMAT account. However, key fields such as name, date of birth, and exam attempt details may not be editable, so candidates are advised to verify all information carefully before final submission.

NMAT 2026: Exam Pattern

NMAT 2026 is an extremely student-friendly computer-based test and an adaptive exam. The NMAT exam pattern 2026 is similar to that of the CAT. Below, you will find all the information regarding the sections, marking scheme, time, and more.

NMAT Paper Pattern 2026

Particulars

Details

Sections

  • Language Skills
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Skills

Medium

English

No of questions

108 (36 questions each)

Total marks

360 marks 

Negative marking

No negative marketing

Total time

120 minutes

Sectional Time Limit

  • Language Skills - 28 Minutes
  • Logical Reasoning - 40 Minutes
  • Quantitative Skills - 52 Minutes

Question pattern

Computer-based objective-type MCQ questions

NMAT 2026 Exam: Marking Scheme

NMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Points To Remember

The NMAT exam serves as the gateway for aspiring management students seeking admission to prestigious B-schools in India, particularly the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and various other institutions. Here are some essential key points to remember while preparing for NMAT 2026:


NMAT 2026: Syllabus

The NMAT, similar to other MBA entrance exams, does not adhere to a specific syllabus. However, our experts have compiled a comprehensive list of topics based on previous NMAT exams for your reference.

Based on the analysis of the past two years, the most dominant areas in the NMAT Syllabus 2026 have been:

NMAT Exam Syllabus For Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

This section of the NMAT entrance exam is very important as it covers the basic math concepts taught in 8th to 10th grade. Aligning with the syllabus and exam format for NMAT 2026, this section will not only include mathematics-based questions but also encompass data interpretation and data sufficiency. The quant section comprises 36 questions, and candidates are allotted 52 minutes to complete it.

Here is an overview of the NMAT 2026 Quantitative Skills syllabus:

NMAT Exam Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

Arithmetic

Algebra

Geometry & Mensuration

Modern Math

Data Interpretation

Time & Work

Equations

Lines, Angles and Triangles

Permutation & Combination

Line Graphs

Simple & Compound Interest

Inequalities

Polygons

Probability

Pie Chart

Ratio-Proportions

Logarithm

Circles

Coordinate Geometry

Bar Chart

Percentages

Linear Equations

Square & Rectangles

A.P, G.P and H.P

Tabular Graphs

Integers

Quadratic Equations

3 Dimensional Figures

Set Theory

-

HCF-LCM

Absolute Value

Cylinder, cones and spheres

Venn Diagrams

-

Others

Others

Quadrilaterals

-

-

NMAT Syllabus For Language Skills & & Reading Comprehension

The language skills section of the NMAT 2026 syllabus includes topics to evaluate reading comprehension, verbal ability, and English language skills. This section is expected to contain 36 questions, and candidates will have 28 minutes to complete it. According to the NMAT syllabus, this section will assess the candidate on vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

Refer to the table below for a comprehensive overview of the NMAT Verbal Section syllabus.

NMAT Language Skills Syllabus

Vocabulary

Grammar

Comprehension

Synonyms

Identify the Error

RC Passages

Antonyms

Choose the Correct Preposition

Jumbled Sentences

Analogies

Sentence correction

Para Jumbles

Fill in the Blanks

Tenses


Odd one out

Cloze Test

Parts of speech

Paragraph Summary

Idioms

Phrasal verbs

NMAT 2026 Syllabus: Logical Reasoning & Critical Thinking

This section thoroughly tests candidates' ability to think critically and solve problems logically. There will be 36 questions in this section, and candidates have 40 minutes to answer them.

Here are the topics that can be covered under the logical reasoning section in the NMAT exam:

NMAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

Verbal Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning

Statement and Argument-based Questions

Linear and Circular Arrangements

Statement and Assumption-based Questions

Classification and syllogisms

Statement and Inference-based Questions

Blood Relation Questions

Decision making

Coding and Decoding

Course of Action

Series and direction questions

Critical Reasoning

Matrix Type Questions

Blood Relation

Input-Output Questions

Related Questions -

The NMAT syllabus is divided into three sections, Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The syllabus focuses on topics such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, analytical reasoning, and logical problem-solving. The level of questions is generally moderate and tests speed and accuracy.

The NMAT syllabus is broadly similar to other MBA entrance exams like CAT and XAT; however, NMAT places greater emphasis on speed, time management, and accuracy. Unlike CAT, NMAT does not have negative marking and follows a fixed number of questions per section.

Yes, candidates are allowed to choose the order in which they attempt the three sections of the NMAT exam. Once a section is started, it must be completed within the allotted time and cannot be revisited.

NMAT Admit Card 2026

NMAT hall tickets will go live on the student dashboard within 24 hours of NMAT registration. Candidates can visit the NMAT dashboard through the official website. NMAT 2026 hall tickets can be downloaded online from the NMAT dashboard. Candidates must carry this hall ticket along with a govt. ID proof on the exam day.

Details Mentioned On The NMAT 2026 Admit Card

Here are the details which will be mentioned on the NMAT 2026 hall tickets.


NMAT 2026: Preparation Tips

We have curated a list of NMAT preparation tips by our top mentors on “How to prepare for NMAT 2026”. Try to emulate some tips mentioned below, and you’ll feel they impact your preparation.


NMIMS Cutoff 2026 For Stage 2 Selection

Candidates can refer to the tables below to find the overall and sectional cutoffs for the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies.

NMIMS Overall Cutoff

Program

Overall NMIMS Cutoff

MBA Program (All Campuses)

209

MBA Pharmaceutical Management

190

NMIMS Sectional Cutoff

Program

LR

LS

QS

MBA Program (All Campuses)

60

60

60

MBA Pharmaceutical Management

55

60

55

Check out CL’s NMIMS Competency Test and Interview Preparation 2026 module, where you’ll be provided with competency tests, AI interviews, and an interview with a CL CAT faculty member to boost your preparation in the final lap.


NMAT Exam Centers 2026

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) will hold the NMAT exam at 79 test centres in 70+ cities. When scheduling their NMAT 2026 exam, candidates can select five preferred cities where they would like to take the test. The specific address of the chosen NMAT test centre will be provided on the NMAT admit card.

NMAT Test Cities 2026

North

West

South

East

Central

Agra

Nagpur

Bengaluru

Bhubaneswar

Bhilai

Ludhiana

Nasik

Chennai

Brahmapur

Bhopal

Lucknow

Panjim

Vijayawada

Dhanbad

Bilaspur

Kanpur

Vadodara

Thiruvananthapuram

Durgapur

Indore

Alwar

Pune

Vizag

Ranchi

Jabalpur

Allahabad

Udaipur

Mysore

Rourkela

Raipur

Amritsar

Surat

Mangalore

Shillong

Gwalior

Bikaner

Mumbai

Madurai

Patna

Ujjain

Bareilly

Kolhapur

Kozhikode

Muzaffarpur

 

Jammu

Jodhpur

Hyderabad

Jamshedpur

 

Gorakhpur

Jaipur

Kochi (Ernakulam)

Kolkata

 

Ghaziabad

Kota

Guntur

Guwahati

 

Faridabad

Rajkot

Coimbatore

Siliguri

 

Panipat

Ahmedabad

 

 

 

Jhansi

Amravati

 

 

 

Meerut

Aurangabad

 

 

 

Gurugram

Ajmer

 

 

 

Delhi

 

 

 

 

Varanasi

 

 

 

 

Noida

 

 

 

 

Chandigarh

 

 

 

 

Dehradun

 

 

 

 


Top Colleges Accepting NMAT 2026 Scores

Presently, the NMAT is a widely accepted and adaptive exam. It is known to be a student-friendly exam, which is why more than 50 colleges are accepting NMAT scores in and outside India. Getting into one of these institutions can help facilitate your dreams of pursuing your management degree as a lifetime experience.

Top NMAT Accepting Colleges In India

SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies

Indian School of Business (ISB)

S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research.

SDA Bocconi Asia Center

Xavier University

IMT Ghaziabad

K J Somaiya Institute of Management

SDA Bocconi Asia Center

T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

ICFAI Business School

Shiv Nadar Institute of Management Studies

SOIL Institute of Management

BML Munjal University

Bennett University

Alliance University

SRM University Chennai

Chitkara University


NMAT Exam Day Guidelines & Facilities For PWD Students

Candidates who fall under the PwD category can ask for special accommodations and other facilities by GMAC during the NMAT exam. However, candidates requiring these arrangements should raise a request for them in advance while filling out the NMAT application form.

Candidates with the following disabilities can avail these special benefits:

Other accommodations provided by GMAC for candidates with disabilities include:

Note: A scribe is allowed to assist candidates with vision impairment during the exam. Candidates are permitted to bring their own scribe, but they must get approval from GMAC before the exam.


NMAT 2026: Helpdesk Information

Candidates having any trouble completing the NMAT registration process, filling out the NMAT application form, or addressing any other payment-related queries can reach out to:

Helpdesk for NMAT Scheduling-related queries


Revised NMIMS MBA Selection Process 2026

This year, there has been a significant change in the NMIMS MBA selection process, where the majority of the weightage has been given to the Competency Test along with an AI Interview, which is a wholly new addition to the process.

Below is the revised NMIMS MBA Selection Process for 2026, along with the weightage assigned to each selection parameter for your reference:

Revised NMIMS MBA Selection Process 2026

Sr. No.

Components

Weightage

1

NMAT By GMAC

10%

2

Competency Test

60%

3

Personal Interview

15%

4

Work Experience

15%

Total

100%


NMAT Result 2026

Once a candidate completes their NMAT exam and submits their answers, GMAC immediately shows the score on the screen. This score is considered unofficial. Candidates will receive their official NMAT scorecard within 48 hours after taking the exam. This official scorecard will include the scaled scores, which are adjusted to account for the different levels of difficulty across the NMAT tests.

GMAC will send the NMAT scores to the business schools that candidates select while filling out their application forms. Additionally, candidates must also complete the admission applications available on the websites of the NMAT colleges they are interested in. Acceptance into these colleges will depend on their specific admission policies and the cutoff scores for NMAT 2026.


Conclusion

NMAT by GMAC is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in the country, and it is accepted by prestigious B-schools like NMIMS. Preparation involves dedicated study, mock exams, and getting familiar with the exam pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

NMAT is usually conducted in a 45-60 day window starting from October-November every year. Candidates can appear for the exam 3 times, i.e. 1 attempt and 2 retakes.

The registration window for NMAT 2026 will start from the first week of August 2026. Candidates who complete the application can schedule their exam as per their choice.

The time limit of the exam is 2 hours. It is divided into three sections: Quantitative, Language, and Logical Reasoning. There will be a total of 108 questions in the exam.

Candidates can take the NMAT exam up to three times, comprising one initial attempt and two retakes. A retake can be scheduled with a 15-day gap from the previous attempt, and a retake fee must be paid for each additional attempt.

Every year, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT), a national-level MBA entrance examination. The test opens admission to top B-schools including NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI and Xavier University.