One of the most sought-after MBA entrance exams in India is the NMAT by GMAC, providing admission to top management courses in institutes like NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR (PGMPW), ISB (Advanced Management Programme), XIMB, and others. With a lenient test-taking window, retake facility, and test-taker-friendly format, NMAT is the first choice of many MBA aspirants.
The NMAT 2026 Notification is highly anticipated by management candidates nationwide. Below is an in-depth guide on NMAT 2026that includes its notification date, registration dates, exam pattern, eligibility, crucial dates, and tips for preparation.
Why Use NMAT for MBA?
- Accepted by more than 40 top B-Schools in India and overseas.
- Allowed to take the test multiple times (up to 3).
- Equal marks for each of the three sections—no negative marking.
- Freedom to select the test date and slot.
NMAT 2026 Notification Release
Expected Release Date:
- The official NMAT 2026 notification is anticipated to be released in the third week of July 2025, as per past trends.
Conducting Body
- Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Exam Window
- Expected from October to December 2025
NMAT 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 3rd week of July 2025 |
| Registration Start | 1st week of August 2025 |
| Scheduling Begins | 2nd week of August 2025 |
| Exam Window | October to December 2025 |
| Result Declaration | Within 48 hours of the exam |
NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 108 | 120 minutes |
Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Minimum Marks: Typically 50% aggregate; varies by institute.
- Age Limit: No age limit.
Top B-Schools Accepting NMAT 2026 scores
- NMIMS Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad
- XIMB
- ISB (for Advanced Management Programs)
- SPJIMR (PGMPW)
- SDA Bocconi Asia Center
- Shiv Nadar University
- Jindal Global Business School
Application Fees
| Type | Fee |
| NMAT Registration | ₹2,800 + taxes |
| Retake Fee | ₹2,800 + taxes |
| Rescheduling Fee | ₹1,200 + taxes (approx.) |
My Career Mantra
Be regular with your preparation, keep practicing with mock tests, and use NMAT’s flexibility to your benefit. A properly thought out strategy, particularly time management, can increase your probability by a large margin.
FAQs
Q1. When will NMAT 2025 registration open?
A: Most likely in the first week of August 2026.
Q2. How many attempts am I allowed for the NMAT exam?
A: 3 attempts (1 initial + 2 retakes).
Q3. Is NMAT accepted at international institutes?
A: Yes, South African schools, Philippines schools, Nigerian schools, and Moroccan schools accept NMAT scores.
Q4. Am I able to select my test date for NMAT?
A: Yes, NMAT enables you to take your test as per your convenience during the test window.
Q5. How early do NMAT results announce?
A: Usually within 48 hours of taking the test.
Conclusion
NMAT 2026 presents candidates with a rare opportunity to sit for the best B-schools with the advantage of optionality in selecting exam time slots and appearing for the examination multiple times. Monitor the official notification later in July 2025, and plan a strategy that suits your strengths. Concentration and preparation will go a long way in cracking NMAT, thereby ushering in several top management courses.
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