The NMAT by GMAC 2026 is a computer-adaptive MBA entrance test accepted by leading business schools like NMIMS Mumbai, K J Somaiya, XIM Bhubaneswar, SDA Bocconi, SPJIMR (PGMPW), ISB (Advantage Program) and 40+ others in India and overseas. What is unique to NMAT is its flexibility — giving candidates the option to pick the test date, sit for it any number of times, and choose their section sequence.
This handbook gives all the necessary information regarding the NMAT 2026 exam such as syllabus, exam pattern, fees, eligibility, and preparation strategy.
NMAT 2026 OVERVIEW
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
| EXAM NAME | NMAT BY GMAC 2025 |
| CONDUCTING BODY | GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION COUNCIL (GMAC) |
| MODE OF EXAMINATION | COMPUTER-BASED TEST (CBT) |
| FREQUENCY | ONCE A YEAR (WITH 3 ATTEMPTS ALLOWED) |
| EXAM DURATION | 120 MINUTES (2 HOURS) |
| EXAM WINDOW (TENTATIVE) | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2025 |
| NUMBER OF QUESTIONS | 108 |
| SECTIONS | LANGUAGE SKILLS, QUANTITATIVE SKILLS, LOGICAL REASONING |
| SCORE RANGE | 36 TO 360 |
NMAT 2026 SYLLABUS
NMAT focuses on aptitude-based questions across 3 main sections. The exam does not have negative marking.
1. LANGUAGE SKILLS
- READING COMPREHENSION
- PARA JUMBLES
- ERROR SPOTTING
- ANTONYMS & SYNONYMS
- FILL IN THE BLANKS
- ANALOGIES
Tip: Focus on vocabulary, grammar basics, and RC speed reading.
- QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
- ARITHMETIC (TSD, PERCENTAGES, RATIO, PROFIT & LOSS)
- ALGEBRA (LINEAR & QUADRATIC EQUATIONS)
- NUMBER SYSTEMS
- GEOMETRY & MENSURATION
- DI (GRAPHS, TABLES, CHARTS)
- MODERN MATH (P&C, PROBABILITY)
Tip: Emphasize calculation speed and DI accuracy.
- LOGICAL REASONING
- DEDUCTIVE LOGIC
- SEQUENCING
- ARRANGEMENTS (LINEAR & CIRCULAR)
- BLOOD RELATIONS
- STATEMENTS & ASSUMPTIONS
- NUMBER SERIES
- CODING-DECODING
Tip: Practice puzzles, pattern recognition, and abstract logic daily.
NMAT 2026 EXAM PATTERN
| SECTION | NO. OF QUESTIONS | TIME ALLOTTED |
| LANGUAGE SKILLS | 36 | 28 MINUTES |
| QUANTITATIVE SKILLS | 36 | 52 MINUTES |
| LOGICAL REASONING | 36 | 40 MINUTES |
| TOTAL | 108 | 120 MINUTES |
- Each correct answer: +1 mark
- No negative marking
- Questions are adaptive in nature
NMAT 2026 FEES
| COMPONENT | FEE AMOUNT |
| REGISTRATION FEE | ₹2,800 + GST |
| RE-TAKE FEE (PER ATTEMPT) | ₹2,800 + GST |
| RESCHEDULING FEE (BEFORE 72 HRS) | ₹1,200 + GST |
| ADDITIONAL SCORE REPORTS | ₹300 + GST (per B-school) |
NMAT 2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- QUALIFICATION: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university
- FINAL YEAR STUDENTS: Eligible to apply
- MINIMUM MARKS: No minimum % required (college-specific criteria may apply)
- AGE LIMIT: No upper age limit
- ATTEMPTS: Up to 3 attempts (1 main + 2 re-takes)
BEST BOOKS FOR NMAT 2026 PREPARATION
| SECTION | RECOMMENDED BOOKS |
| LANGUAGE SKILLS | Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Wren & Martin Grammar |
| QUANTITATIVE SKILLS | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (Arun Sharma), RS Aggarwal |
| LOGICAL REASONING | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (RS Aggarwal) |
| MOCK TESTS | NMAT Official Guide by GMAC, Practice Sets by Arihant |
FINAL THOUGHTS
NMAT 2026 provides flexibility, multiple attempts, and choice of sections — making it perfect for aspirants who are gunning for top Indian and global B-schools. Its no negative marking scheme and moderate difficulty level make it a strategic and out-of-the-box exam.
- Prepare early with section-wise preparation
- Practice adaptive tests to simulate real-time exam
- Take a minimum of 5–6 mocks prior to the actual exam
- Practice time management and accuracy
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