NMAT 2026 is the NMAT by GMAC exam for the current testing cycle, and its exam window runs from 2 November to 20 December 2026. It is a 120-minute, computer-adaptive MBA entrance test with no negative marking. This guide covers who runs it, which schools accept it, the 2026 dates, format, fees, scores, how to apply and how to prepare, all checked against official GMAC and NMIMS pages.
Key takeaways
- NMAT by GMAC is run by GMAC. The official home is mba.com/exams/nmat. GMAC says it is trusted by 58+ leading B-schools.
- 2026 cycle: registration and scheduling closed on 31 October 2026. The exam window is 2 November to 20 December 2026.
- The test has 108 questions in 120 minutes across three sections. It is adaptive, and there is no negative marking.
- The fee is INR 3,000 + taxes for each attempt. You get up to three attempts per testing cycle.
- NMIMS only accepts the score of your first NMAT attempt, so treat attempt one as the real one.
What is NMAT 2026 and who runs it?
Quick answer: NMAT 2026 is the NMAT by GMAC exam in the 2026 testing cycle. GMAC, the body behind the GMAT, runs it. It tests Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning in 120 minutes. It is used for MBA and management admissions, mainly in India. The 2026 exam window is 2 November to 20 December 2026.
GMAC stands for the Graduate Management Admission Council. The NMAT is not run by NMIMS. NMIMS is one of the schools that uses the score. You register for the test with GMAC, and you apply to each school on its own website.
Which schools accept the NMAT?
GMAC says the NMAT is "trusted by 58 plus leading B-schools" in India. The official list of accepting schools includes:
- SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management
- ISB, for its Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics
- SPJIMR, for its Global Management Programme
- XIM University, Great Lakes (PGPM), TAPMI Manipal and FLAME University
Almost all listed schools are in India. The list also shows the University of Western Australia. Programmes and score rules change, so check each school's own admissions page before you apply.
When is NMAT 2026? Key dates for the 2026 cycle
All dates below are for the 2026 cycle, from GMAC's Important Dates & Fees page. Registration first ran to 10 October 2026 and was then extended to 31 October 2026.
NMAT by GMAC key dates for the 2026 cycle.
Registration and scheduling ran from 20 August to 31 October 2026 and are now closed.
Rescheduling is open from 20 August to 17 December 2026.
The exam window runs from 2 November to 20 December 2026.
Retake registration and scheduling run from 3 November to 17 December 2026. Your scorecard comes within 48 hours of each test.
| Event (2026 cycle) | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration | Thu 20 Aug to Sat 31 Oct 2026 (closed) |
| Scheduling | Thu 20 Aug to Sat 31 Oct 2026 (closed) |
| Rescheduling | Thu 20 Aug to Thu 17 Dec 2026 |
| Exam window | Mon 2 Nov to Sun 20 Dec 2026 |
| Retake registration and scheduling | Tue 3 Nov to Thu 17 Dec 2026 |
| Scorecard | Within 48 hours of your test |
There is no single "result day". You see an unofficial score on screen when you finish. The official scorecard comes within 48 hours. The NMAT FAQ says audited exams can take 5 to 7 working days.
The NMAT 2026 cycle at a glance.
Registration opened on 20 August 2026 and closed on 31 October 2026.
The exam window opened on 2 November 2026, and retake registration opened on 3 November.
17 December 2026 is the last day to reschedule or book a retake. The window closes on 20 December 2026.
Can I still register for NMAT 2026?
As of 4 November 2026, the official page shows first-time registration as closed. If you already took the test, you can book a retake until 17 December 2026. If you missed this cycle, watch mba.com for the next one.
Who is eligible for NMAT 2026?
GMAC does not set an age or degree rule for the test. The FAQ says anyone who registers, pays on time and follows the terms can sit the exam. It is your job to meet each school's eligibility rules. GMAC gives no refund if you later find you are not eligible for a programme.
Schools set their own rules. For example, the NMIMS NMAT 2026 admission handout (batch 2027) says:
- The core MBA needs a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks.
- MBA Business Analytics and MBA (Digital Transformation) need specific degrees, such as B.E., B.Tech, B.Sc. Maths, Statistics or Economics, with at least 50%.
- Final-year degree students can apply. Admission is then provisional until they pass.
- 30% of seats in NMIMS MBA programmes are offered to female candidates.
Can international candidates take the NMAT?
Yes, but the mode depends on where you live. GMAC's terms and conditions say candidates in India take the exam at a test centre. Candidates outside India take an online proctored exam at home. The FAQ says the same for candidates outside India.
The mba.com home page mentions test centres in 70+ cities in India. One GMAC article also mentions an online option in India, so the official pages are not fully in line. Check the official page for the mode offered in your country this cycle.
What ID do I need?
For candidates in India, the ID requirements page accepts one original, valid photo ID:
- Aadhaar card
- Passport issued by the Government of India
- PAN card
- Voter ID card
- Driving licence (not a learner's licence)
Photocopies and IDs with old photos are not accepted. Your name and date of birth must match your ID exactly. If they do not, you will not be let in and the fee is not refunded. International candidates should check the official page for their ID rules.
What is the NMAT exam pattern?
The NMAT has three sections with 36 questions each. Each section has its own timer, and you pick the order at the start. The About the NMAT page gives this format.
NMAT by GMAC exam format.
Language Skills has 36 questions in 28 minutes.
Quantitative Skills has 36 questions in 52 minutes.
Logical Reasoning has 36 questions in 40 minutes.
In total you answer 108 questions in 120 minutes. Each section is scored 12-120, for a total of 36-360.
| Section | Questions | Time | Time per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 min | about 47 seconds |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 min | about 87 seconds |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 min | about 67 seconds |
| Total | 108 | 120 min |
The last column is our own maths. Speed is the real challenge.
What topics does each section cover?
The official page lists these question types:
- Language Skills: reading comprehension, para forming, error identification, prepositions, sentence completion and analogies.
- Quantitative Skills: number properties, arithmetic, algebra and probability, data caselets and tables, graphs and charts, and data sufficiency.
- Logical Reasoning: critical reasoning, analytical puzzles, deductions and other reasoning.
Is there negative marking in NMAT?
No. GMAC states there is no negative marking. A wrong answer costs you nothing extra, so never leave a question blank.
Is the NMAT adaptive?
Yes. The NMAT is computer adaptive. The next question depends on how you did on earlier ones. Stronger answers lead to harder questions.
The FAQ adds two rules. You cannot go back to review questions, and unused time does not carry over.
How many times can I take the NMAT?
You can take it up to three times in a testing cycle: one first attempt plus two retakes. No-shows count as attempts. The testing cycle runs from 1 July to 30 June.
The gap between attempts is not stated the same way everywhere. The Register & Schedule page says your next attempt must be at least 7 days after a valid score. The FAQ and the terms say 15 days. Check your NMAT dashboard before you book.
How much is the NMAT 2026 fee?
From the official 2026 dates and fees page:
| Item | Fee (India) |
|---|---|
| Test registration | INR 3,000 + applicable taxes |
| Retake | INR 3,000 + applicable taxes |
| Rescheduling | INR 1,200 + applicable taxes |
| Extra score report (beyond five) | INR 400 + applicable taxes, each |
GMAC's NMAT 2026-27 article lists international fees of USD 65 for registration, USD 65 for a retake, USD 30 for rescheduling and USD 5 per extra score report, before taxes.
Schools may charge their own fee. NMIMS charges Rs 3,000 (non-refundable) to apply.
How is the NMAT scored?
Each section gets a scaled score from 12 to 120. Your total is 36 to 360. The three sections carry equal weight. Scores are scaled from a final estimate of your ability, so they are not a plain count of right answers.
The scores page says a score is valid for one year, within the testing cycle. Your fee includes five score reports to schools.
What is the NMAT cut-off for NMIMS?
There is no official published cut-off. GMAC does not set cut-offs. The NMIMS handout says the cut-off for the merit list is "solely at the discretion of NMIMS". NMIMS shortlists on both sectional and total scores, so a weak section can hurt. Ignore "expected cut-off" claims that are not on an official page.
How do I apply for NMAT and NMIMS step by step?
Here is the path from the official pages, for the next window or a retake.
- Create an account at mba.com/exams/nmat with a valid email, and verify it.
- Fill the application form. Your name and date of birth must match your photo ID.
- Upload a photo taken in the last six months.
- Pick score-recipient schools. Five are included in the fee.
- Pay the fee by card, debit card or internet banking.
- Book your slot. Click "Book Exam Slot", then pick country, city, centre, date and time. Slots are first come, first served.
- Apply to each school. For NMIMS, enter your GMAC registration number on nmat.nmims.edu. Finish this before the day of your NMAT exam.
- Download your admit card 7 days before the test. Arrive at the centre at least 45 minutes early.
NMIMS then shortlists for an in-person second stage, which may include a competency test and/or interview. The merit list also weighs academics and work experience.
Book a free demo class to plan your NMAT Quant and Logical Reasoning prep with a mentor, or see our plans and fees.
How should I prepare for NMAT 2026?
Speed and accuracy both matter. You have under a minute and a half per Quant question and under a minute per Language question. GMAC's official prep page offers the NMAT Official Guide (Eleventh Edition) with a 6-week study plan, one free practice exam and two paid practice exams.
A simple 6-week plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take the free official practice exam. Find your weakest section. |
| 2 | Quant basics: percentages, ratios, number properties. |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning: puzzles, arrangements, critical reasoning. |
| 4 | Data integration (tables, charts) and data sufficiency. Daily reading for Language Skills. |
| 5 | Timed section drills. Fix your error log. |
| 6 | Paid official practice exams, full length. Rest before the test. |
Short on time? Squeeze the plan and focus on your weakest section, since NMIMS looks at sectional scores.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving blanks. There is no negative marking, so always answer.
- Getting stuck. You cannot go back, and time does not carry over. Make a smart guess and move on.
- Ignoring section order. Try different orders in practice and pick the one that works for you.
- Using a retake as a plan B for NMIMS. NMIMS only uses your first attempt.
- Skipping data sufficiency. Many students find it new. Practise it early.
Worked example 1: markup and discount
A shop marks an item 25% above its cost price. It then gives a 10% discount. What is the profit percent?
Worked example: 25% markup, then 10% discount.
Let the cost price be 100.
The marked price is 100 + 25% = 125.
A 10% discount on 125 is 12.5, so the selling price is 112.5.
Profit is 12.5 on a cost of 100, so the answer is 12.5%.
Shortcut: multiply the factors. 1.25 x 0.9 = 1.125, which means a 12.5% profit. The trap answer is 15% (25 - 10). Percentages do not just subtract.
Worked example 2: probability with two dice
Two fair dice are rolled. What is the probability that the sum is 8?
- Total outcomes: 6 x 6 = 36.
- Pairs that add to 8: (2,6), (3,5), (4,4), (5,3), (6,2). That is 5 pairs.
- Probability = 5/36.
Listing pairs in order is faster and safer than guessing.
How does NMAT compare with CAT and XAT?
GMAC's own article notes two big differences from the CAT. You can take the NMAT up to three times in a testing year, but the CAT only once. The CAT has negative marking, and the NMAT does not. NMAT also lets you pick your date and section order.
Many students take more than one exam. See our CAT 2026 exam guide, XAT 2027 guide, CAT vs XAT comparison and SNAP 2026 guide. Aiming abroad? Read our GRE General Test guide.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with NMAT
At Asymptode, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning are our core strength. For Language Skills, your mentor helps with planning and method, not as a language teacher.
- One dedicated mentor, live online and 1-on-1. Your mentor follows your NMAT exam date and builds the plan around your weakest section and the time you have left.
- Method-first Quant and Logical Reasoning. The mentor watches each step of your working on arithmetic, data sufficiency and puzzles. They fix the exact step where you lose time or marks.
- Personalised homework with feedback. You get timed sets matched to the NMAT pattern, with feedback on your errors. Short parent updates keep the family in the loop if you want that.
- Every class recorded. Rewatch tricky methods before your test. Start with a free demo class to see if it fits.
Facts checked against official sources on 4 November 2026.
FAQ
Is NMAT 2026 registration still open?
No. Per the official dates page, first-time registration and scheduling for the 2026 cycle closed on 31 October 2026. If you have already tested, retake registration is open from 3 November to 17 December 2026. Check mba.com for any update.
Is NMAT tough compared with CAT?
It is different rather than simply easier or harder. NMAT has no negative marking and allows up to three attempts. But time is tight, with 108 questions in 120 minutes and no going back. Pick the exam that matches your target schools.
Does NMIMS take my best NMAT score?
No. The NMIMS NMAT 2026 handout says NMIMS only accepts the score of your first NMAT attempt. Other schools may have different rules, so check each school's policy. Prepare fully before attempt one.
What is a good NMAT score?
There is no official "good score". Section scores run from 12 to 120, and the total from 36 to 360. Schools set their own cut-offs, and NMIMS does not publish one. Compare your score with each school's official admissions page.
Can I use a calculator in NMAT?
The official pages we checked do not say a calculator is allowed. Practise mental maths and quick estimation for Quant. Check the official exam-day rules before your test.
How long is the NMAT score valid?
GMAC's scores page says your NMAT score is valid for one year, within the testing cycle. You can send it to five schools for free. Each extra school costs INR 400 + taxes.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- NMAT by GMAC Exam (mba.com)
- NMAT 2026 Important Dates & Fees
- NMAT Register & Schedule
- About the NMAT Exam
- NMAT Scores
- NMAT Accepting Schools
- NMAT ID Requirements
- NMAT Test Centre Exam
- NMAT by GMAC FAQ
- NMAT by GMAC Terms and Conditions
- NMAT 2026-27: Key info (GMAC)
- NMAT Official Prep
- NMIMS Admission Handout NMAT 2026
- NMIMS MBA Admissions 2027 portal