NMAT 2026 Overview
NMAT by GMAC is a management entrance examination designed for graduate business and management admissions.
The exam provides flexibility because candidates can choose their exam date and, where available, the delivery mode and retake options.
NMAT registration and applications to individual B-schools are separate processes. Candidates should check each institution's admission requirements.
NMAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| Registration | Check official NMAT portal |
| Scheduling | Candidate selects available slot |
| Exam Window | Check current official schedule |
| Retake | Available subject to testing-cycle rules |
NMAT dates and available slots can change by testing cycle. Always check the official GMAC schedule before applying.
NMAT Eligibility
- Eligibility is determined by the individual business school.
- Candidates should hold or be completing an eligible bachelor's degree.
- Academic requirements can vary between participating institutes.
- Some programmes may have additional requirements.
Clearing NMAT does not by itself guarantee admission. Always verify programme-specific requirements with the B-school.
NMAT Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 |
| Total | 108 |
The NMAT structure is designed around three equally weighted sections. The current official GMAC site also highlights adaptive testing, section-order choice and the absence of negative marking.
NMAT 2026 Syllabus
Language Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles
Quantitative Skills
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Puzzles
- Arrangements
- Critical Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Series
NMAT Registration
- Create an NMAT account on mba.com.
- Complete the NMAT profile.
- Complete the application form.
- Select B-schools for score reporting.
- Upload the required photograph.
- Pay the examination fee.
- Book an available exam slot.
- Download the admit card.
NMAT Attempts
GMAC currently allows candidates to take the NMAT exam a maximum of three times in a testing cycle, including the first attempt and up to two retakes.
Use the first attempt as a serious attempt, analyse your performance, and use the retake opportunity only if it can materially improve your application.
Popular B-Schools Accepting NMAT
NMAT Cutoff
NMAT cutoff requirements vary by B-school, programme and admission cycle. There is no single universal cutoff for every institute.
| Institute | Cutoff |
|---|---|
| NMIMS | Programme-specific |
| TAPMI | Programme-specific |
| K J Somaiya | Programme-specific |
| Great Lakes | Programme-specific |
NMAT Admission Process
- Register for NMAT.
- Take the examination.
- Send scores to selected B-schools.
- Complete separate institute applications where required.
- Meet shortlist criteria.
- Participate in the institute selection process.
- Complete admission formalities.
How to Prepare for NMAT
Practise under time pressure
NMAT requires consistent speed because each section has a defined time limit.
Use adaptive-test strategy
Focus on accuracy and avoid spending excessive time on one question.
Practise all three sections
Do not neglect Language Skills, Quantitative Skills or Logical Reasoning.
Take official practice tests
GMAC provides official practice resources that can help candidates understand the test experience.
NMAT 2026 FAQs
Who conducts NMAT?
NMAT is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
How many questions are in NMAT?
The current structure contains 108 questions.
Can I take NMAT more than once?
Yes. GMAC currently permits up to three attempts in a testing cycle.
Is there negative marking?
The current NMAT information states that there is no negative marking.
Can NMAT be taken online?
NMAT is available at test centres and, subject to availability, online at home.