The NMAT by GMAC is one of India’s most sought-after MBA entrance exams, providing candidates with an entry into some of the best B-schools in India and overseas. With a convenient testing window, more attempts, and a candidate-centric strategy, NMAT has emerged as a favourite exam among management aspirants. Several top institutions accept NMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions, each with its own cutoff criteria, programmes on offer, and admissions process.
This handbook provides an overall overview of the best NMAT-accepting colleges of 2025, including anticipated cutoffs, course fees, placement data, and admission processes.
Why to Choose NMAT-Accepting Colleges?
- NMAT acceptable score saves you from rigorous competition in CAT/XAT.
- Flexibility: Attempt the test maximum 3 times.
- Courses on contemporary needs of business: digital, finance, analytics, etc.
- Leading global and Indian B-schools accept NMAT.
Top NMAT Colleges List with Cutoff 2026
NMIMS Mumbai (School of Business Management)
- Cutoff: 235–250+
- Fees: ₹22.84 lakh (Total)
- Average Package: ₹13.4 LPA
- Top Recruiters: EY, KPMG, Deloitte, Accenture
Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XAHR)
- Cutoff: 200–210
- Fees: ₹12 lakh
- Average Package: ₹8.6 LPA
- Top Recruiters: Infosys, IBM, HCL, TCS
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- Cutoff: 220–230
- Fees: ₹18.78 lakh
- Average Package: ₹12.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: HSBC, Amazon, PwC, Deloitte
SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai
- Cutoff: 200–210
- Fees: ₹20.6 lakh
- Average Package: ₹11.2 LPA
- Top Recruiters: ICICI, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Cipla
ISB Hyderabad (Advanced Management Programme)
- Cutoff: 230+ (estimated)
- Fees: ₹39 lakh
- Average Package: ₹25 LPA+
- Top Recruiters: McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs
NMAT-Accepting Colleges – At a Glance
College Name | Cutoff (Expected) | Average Package | Fees |
NMIMS Mumbai | 235–250 | ₹13.4 LPA | ₹22.84L |
KJ Somaiya | 220–230 | ₹12.2 LPA | ₹18.78L |
XAHR Bhubaneswar | 200–210 | ₹8.6 LPA | ₹12L |
SDA Bocconi | 200–210 | ₹11.2 LPA | ₹20.6L |
ISB Hyderabad | 230+ | ₹25 LPA+ | ₹39L |
MBA Specializations Offered
Specialization | Colleges Offering |
Finance | NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, SDA |
Business Analytics | NMIMS, ISB |
HR Management | XAHR |
Marketing & Brand Strategy | NMIMS, KJ Somaiya |
International Business | SDA Bocconi |
- Admission Process
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50%
- Exam: NMAT by GMAC
- Selection Stages: NMAT score → WAT/GD-PI rounds → Final merit list
- Retakes Permitted: Yes, a maximum of 3 times
NMAT Exam Pattern (2026)
Section | No. of Questions | Time (Minutes) |
Language Skills | 36 | 28 |
Quant Skills | 36 | 52 |
Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 |
Total | 108 | 120 |
Average Fees at Top NMAT Colleges
College Name | Total Fees |
NMIMS Mumbai | ₹22.84 lakh |
KJ Somaiya | ₹18.78 lakh |
SDA Bocconi | ₹20.6 lakh |
XAHR | ₹12 lakh |
ISB Hyderabad | ₹39 lakh |
Average Salary Package Trends
College | Average Package | Highest Package |
NMIMS Mumbai | ₹13.4 LPA | ₹38 LPA |
KJ Somaiya | ₹12.2 LPA | ₹28 LPA |
SDA Bocconi | ₹11.2 LPA | ₹25 LPA |
XAHR | ₹8.6 LPA | ₹21 LPA |
ISB Hyderabad | ₹25 LPA+ | ₹72 LPA+ |
Top Recruiters at NMAT Colleges
Recruiter Name | Roles Offered |
Deloitte | Business Analyst, Consultant |
Amazon | Area Manager, Operations |
PwC | Risk Advisory, Tax |
ICICI Bank | Product Management |
Infosys | Associate Consultant |
Popular Alternative Exams
Exam | Commonly Accepted At |
CAT | IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR |
XAT | XLRI, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB |
SNAP | Symbiosis Institutes |
CMAT | JBIMS, GIM, K J Somaiya |
FAQs
Q1. What is a good NMAT score for top colleges?
A: 230+ is competitive for NMIMS Mumbai.
Q2. Can I retake the NMAT exam?
A: Yes, maximum two retakes are permitted (total three attempts).
Q3. Does NMIMS accept sectional scores?
A: Yes, candidates have to clear sectional cutoffs too.
Q4. Are work experience and profile significant?
A: For a few colleges such as ISB or SDA, they make you more probable but not required at NMIMS.
Q5. Is it possible to take one score and apply to several NMIMS campuses?
A: Yes, NMAT enables multiple program choices using one score.
Q6. Which NMAT college will give me the best ROI?
A: KJ Somaiya and XAHR are renowned for better ROI than fee-intensive programs.
Q7. Are there scholarships available for NMAT-based admissions?
A: Yes, numerous colleges provide merit or need-based scholarships.
Conclusion
NMAT is a promising pathway for students looking for flexible test options and entry into premier MBA colleges. Through adequate preparation, a reasonable score, and effective application, contenders can gain admissions in renowned B-schools providing competitive packages and healthy learning environments.
My Career Mantra:
Remain focused, study wisely, and leverage NMAT’s flexibility. Strategically apply, and factor in your ROI as well as college brand value and specialization strengths.
Related Posts You May Enjoy:
- Best MBA Colleges in India Accepting NMAT
- NMAT 2026 Exam Dates, Registration & Syllabus
- CAT vs NMAT: Which Exam to Take?
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