The NMAT by GMAC 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance test held for admission to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and 40+ top B-schools in India and abroad. Meant to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude in Language, Quant, and Logical Reasoning, NMAT is famous for its flexibility of scheduling as well as for multiple attempts. This comprehensive guide encompasses the NMAT 2025 syllabus, exam pattern, fees, eligibility, and preparation strategy.
NMAT 2026 Overview
| Feature |
Details |
| Exam Name |
NMAT by GMAC 2026 |
| Conducting Body |
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Mode of Examination |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency |
3 attempts per year (1 main + 2 retakes) |
| Exam Duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Tentative Exam Window |
October to December 2025 |
NMAT 2026 Syllabus
NMAT has three core sections. There is no negative marking, and candidates can choose the order of sections.
1. Language Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Error Identification
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary and Grammar
2. Quantitative Skills
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, TSD, Percentages)
- Algebra
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Number Systems
- Data Interpretation
- Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Sets)
3. Logical Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Series & Puzzles
- Critical Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Syllogisms
- Input-Output
- Statements & Assumptions
NMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section |
No. of Questions |
Time Limit |
| Language Skills |
36 |
28 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills |
36 |
52 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning |
36 |
40 minutes |
| Total |
108 |
120 minutes |
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, no negative marking
- You can attempt the exam up to 3 times, including retakes.
- Each attempt is scored separately; best score is considered for admission.
NMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria |
Details |
| Education |
Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years) from a recognized university |
| Minimum Marks |
50% aggregate (for most institutes like NMIMS) |
| Final Year Students |
Eligible, subject to minimum qualifying marks by time of admission |
| Nationality |
Indian and foreign candidates eligible |
| Age Limit |
No age limit |
NMAT 2026 Exam Fees
| Type |
Fee (Approx.) |
| Registration Fee |
₹2,800 + taxes |
| Retake Exam Fee |
₹2,800 + taxes |
| Rescheduling Fee |
₹1,200 + taxes |
Best Books for NMAT 2026 Preparation
| Section |
Recommended Books |
| Language Skills |
Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Pearson English for NMAT |
| Quantitative Skills |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (Arun Sharma), NMAT Quant Guide (Disha) |
| Logical Reasoning |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal), NMAT LR by Arihant |
| Mocks & Practice |
Official NMAT Guide by GMAC, NMAT Prep Series by Career Launcher |
Top Colleges Accepting NMAT 2025 Score
- NMIMS Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
- Xavier University (XIM Bhubaneswar – for HRM)
- ICFAI Business School (IBS) – All campuses
- SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai
- Woxsen University
- BML Munjal University
Final Thoughts
NMAT 2025 is highly flexible with multiple attempts, section-wise time limits, and no negative marking. It is a wonderful choice for candidates who are aiming for NMIMS and other top private B-schools. It demands time-bound practice, strategy for mock tests, and proper understanding of concepts. Prepare early, give full-length mocks, and review your performance after every attempt.
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