NMAT 2026 | About NMAT | Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test

Table of Contents

What is NMAT?
What is the structure of NMAT?
NMAT Exam Pattern 2026
Syllabus for NMAT 2026
When is NMAT conducted?
Who can appear in NMAT?
Which Institutes accept NMAT scores?
Admission Process of NMAT-accepting Institutes
ROI of Programmes offered by NMAT-accepting Institutes
Preparation Tips for NMAT 2026
FAQs Regarding NMAT

What is NMAT?

NMAT (NMAT by GMAC) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to various management programs. It is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is widely accepted by top management institutes in India and abroad. The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s Language skills, Logical reasoning, and Quantitative skills. NMAT is conducted once a year.

NMAT is a computer-adaptive test that has been designed to assess the skills and knowledge required for management education. The exam has a flexible test window, which allows students to schedule their exam based on their convenience within the given time period.

What is the structure of NMAT?

NMAT is a computer-adaptive test consisting of three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The test is designed to evaluate your skills in various management-related subjects. The exam is conducted in a time limit of 120 minutes.

NMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Sections	Number of questions	Marks
Language Skills	36	108
Quantitative Skills	36	108
Logical Reasoning	36	108
Total	108	324

As illustrated above, NMAT consists of three key sections that are important for management aspirants. It is an essential exam for pursuing MBA in India and abroad. The marking scheme and structure are consistent every year.

All questions in NMAT are multiple-choice type, with five answer choices each.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
No negative marking for incorrect answers or unattempted questions.
Candidates can choose the order of sections.

Suggested Action:

Get CAT-MBA Free 20+ Tests & 100+ Videos, eBooks & more to boost your prep.
Sign Up Now

Syllabus for NMAT 2026

The NMAT syllabus is important for candidates. This syllabus outlines the key topics from which the exam questions are derived. These topics are important for candidates' exam preparation. A detailed NMAT syllabus is given below.

Section	Description	Key Topics	Tip
1. Language Skills	Evaluates your command of English, including reading comprehension and grammar.	- Reading comprehension - Sentence formation (short and long) - Error identification (e.g., verb forms) - Prepositions and sentence completion - Analogies	Practice timed reading and grammar drills to improve accuracy under pressure.
2. Logical Reasoning	Tests your ability to interpret and evaluate information.	- Critical reasoning (conclusions, assumptions, inferences) - Analytics reasoning (puzzles, input-output, set theory) - Deductions (statement-based reasoning) - Decision making, syllogisms, Venn diagrams	Familiarity with common logical patterns will speed up your reasoning and help avoid traps.
3. Quantitative Skills	Focuses on numbers, data interpretation, and analytical thinking.	- Number properties (fractions, logarithms) - Arithmetic (percentages, interest, ratios, averages) - Algebra and probability (equations, sequences, combinations) - Data sufficiency and data interpretation (graphs, tables, charts)

When is NMAT conducted?

As of now, there is no official announcement for NMAT 2026 dates. The exam is tentatively expected to be conducted in a 75-day window from November to December 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website www.mba.com/exams/nmat for updates on registration, scheduling, exam window, and results.

Event	Tentative Timeline
Registration Start	August 2026
Registration End	October 2026
Exam Window	November to December 2026

Suggested Action:

Download FREE Strategy E-Books and Question Banks to boost your prep for MBA Entrance Exams
Download Now

Who can appear in NMAT?

The eligibility criteria for NMAT have remained the same over the years. Given below are the major eligibility conditions for NMAT 2026:

Candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university.
Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply for NMAT.

NMAT can also be taken by final-year graduation students. Nationals of other countries are also eligible to take the NMAT, provided they meet the specific criteria. The institutions that accept NMAT might also possess certain eligibility conditions and thus the candidates are required to scrutinize the requirements of individual institutions.

Which Institutes accept NMAT scores?

Several top management institutes in India and abroad accept NMAT scores for admission to their MBA programs. Some of the prominent institutes include:

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
NMIMS University, Mumbai
ISB, Hyderabad (for specific programs)
Alliance University, Bangalore
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
TAPMI, Manipal

Make sure to check the individual institutes for their specific admission requirements and deadlines.

Admission Process of NMAT-accepting Institutes

The shortlisting of candidates is based on their scores in the NMAT exam. Personal interviews (PIs) or group exercises (GEs) can also be conducted in institutes as part of the selection process. The last criteria of selection differ depending on the institute and the program. Ensure that you research the admission process for each institute.

ROI of Programmes offered by NMAT-accepting Institutes

Accepting institutes offer various types of MBA/PGDM programs with different fee structures and placement options. There are also the best institutes that are rated with high Return on Investment (ROI) and good placement. As an illustration, NMIMS Mumbai is characterised by a high placement rate where the best recruiters are willing to pay attractive packages.

Preparation Tips for NMAT 2026

To perform well in NMAT, focus on improving speed and accuracy. Start with understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, then create a study plan that includes regular practice. Here are some tips:

Concentrate on taking mock tests on a regular basis.
Improve time management skills and be able to respond to questions within the provided time.
Enhance your fundamental ideas in mathematics, logical reasoning and verbal ability.

FAQs Regarding NMAT

Is NMAT exam easy?
NMAT is considered moderately difficult. With proper preparation, candidates can score well.
What is the full form of NMAT?
NMAT stands for NMAT by GMAC (previously Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test).
How many attempts can I make in NMAT?
You can attempt NMAT up to three times in a year (including no-shows); the best score is considered.

Must Read NMAT Articles