Status right now: NMAT 2026 registration is expected to open in the first week of August 2026, based on GMAC's consistent schedule in recent years. The 2025 test window ran 5 November–20 December, with a retake window in mid-January — expect a similar shape for 2026. All dates below are expected until GMAC publishes the official calendar.
What is NMAT?
NMAT by GMAC (the Graduate Management Admission Council, which also owns the GMAT) is the most candidate-friendly of India's major MBA exams. Its score is the primary route into NMIMS Mumbai — one of India's top private B-schools — and is accepted by 50+ schools in India and abroad, including SPJIMR (for some programmes), TAPMI, K J Somaiya, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, IBS campuses, and schools in South Africa and the Philippines.
Three design choices set it apart: you can self-schedule your slot within a ~45–50-day window, take the exam up to three times (best score counts), and there is no negative marking — so you always answer every question.
NMAT 2026 expected dates
| Event | Timing | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Registration opens | Early Aug 2026 | Expected |
| Registration closes | ~Oct 2026 | Expected |
| Test window | ~Nov – Dec 2026 | Expected |
| Retake window | ~Jan 2027 | Expected |
| Results | ~48 hrs after each attempt (official scorecard later) | Typical |
Exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 min |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 min |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 min |
| Total | 108 | 120 min |
- Computer-adaptive: question difficulty adjusts to your performance.
- No negative marking — never leave a question blank.
- You choose the order of sections at the start of the test.
- Scaled score range: roughly 36–360 total. A ~250+ score has recently been the safe zone for NMIMS Mumbai's flagship MBA (sectional cutoffs also apply).
The 3-attempt strategy
- Attempt 1 (early window): take it seriously but treat it as a calibrated benchmark. You see your scaled score immediately.
- Attempt 2 (15+ days later, as required): your main attempt — you now know the interface, timing pressure and your weak section.
- Attempt 3: insurance only. Diminishing returns are real; most score gains come between attempts 1 and 2.
- Schools see your best score, so an extra attempt can only help — but each attempt carries a separate fee, so budget accordingly.
Eligibility and fees
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline; NMIMS asks for 50%+ in graduation for its flagship programme (check each school's own criteria).
- Final-year students may apply.
- Registration fee has recently been in the ₹3,000–3,600 range (plus GST) per attempt; retakes and additional score sends are charged separately. GMAC confirms exact 2026 fees at registration launch.
NMAT 2026 FAQs
When does NMAT 2026 registration start?
GMAC is expected to open registration in the first week of August 2026, consistent with recent years. The official calendar will appear on mba.com/nmat.
How many times can I take NMAT?
Up to three times in one cycle — one first attempt plus two retakes, with a mandatory gap (recently 15 days) between attempts. Your best score is used by schools.
Is NMAT easier than CAT?
Question-for-question, yes — NMAT's difficulty is moderate and there's no negative marking. But it's a speed test (108 questions in 120 minutes) and the adaptive engine punishes careless streaks, so it rewards accuracy under pace rather than depth.
Which colleges accept NMAT scores?
NMIMS (all campuses) is the anchor. Other notable acceptors include TAPMI Manipal, K J Somaiya, SPJIMR (select programmes), XIM University, IBS campuses, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, and schools in South Africa and the Philippines — 50+ in total.
Sources & verification
This page was last verified on 2 July 2026 against:
- mba.com/nmat — official NMAT by GMAC page (registration status, exam structure)
- NMAT 2025 official calendar (5 Nov–20 Dec window, mid-Jan retake window) as the baseline for expected 2026 dates
- NMIMS admissions notifications (score expectations, eligibility)
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