Overview of NMAT
NMAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by GMAC, the organization that owns the GMAT exam. Its scores are accepted by leading business schools in India and a few other countries. NMAT is held within a test window, typically from November to December. More than 50,000 aspirants take the exam every session, aiming to gain admission to a reputable management institute.
NMAT Exam Details
NMAT is an objective test of two hours, conducted in two modes:
- Computer-based (at test centres)
- Online proctored (at home)
NMAT is a computer-adaptive format. Additionally, you can reschedule your test if you want to change your slot later. Students preparing for NMAT should note important dates, including registration deadlines, testing window dates, and other relevant information. The following tables display the essential facts and tentative dates for NMAT 2026.
NMAT Important Facts
Here’s a quick overview of important facts about NMAT:
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NMAT Exam Conducting Body
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Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
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NMAT-accepting Institutes
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60+ in India and abroad
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NMAT Testing Window
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November to December
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Mode of NMAT Entrance Exam
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Computer-Adaptive Online Exam
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Number of Attempts in a year
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3
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NMAT Application Fees
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Rs. 3000/- (approx)
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Number of Questions in NMAT Exam
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108
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Sectional Division of the Exam
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3 Sections
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Sectional Time Limit
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Different for each section
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NMAT Exam Application Process
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Online
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Official Website
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mba.com
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NMAT 2026: Important Dates (Tentative)
As there is no official announcement yet, the following are tentative timelines based on previous years. Candidates are advised to check www.mba.com/exams/nmat regularly for updates.
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Event
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Tentative Start Date
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Tentative End Date
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Registration and Application Process
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August 2026
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October 2026
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Scheduling
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August 2026
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October 2026
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Registration - Retake
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November 2026
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December 2026
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Exam Re-scheduling
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August 2026
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December 2026
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NMAT Exam Dates
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November 2026
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December 2026
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NOTE: You will receive your NMAT scorecard within 48 hours of the test. Candidates generally receive an email containing their NMAT result, including overall and sectional scaled scores.
NMAT: Number of Attempts
In a particular testing year, a candidate can appear for the NMAT exam three times. However, there must be a gap of at least 15 days between two attempts. Additionally, you can register for a retake only after completing the scheduled previous attempt.
Top Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores
NMAT by GMAC is a gateway to many prestigious colleges such as:
- NMIMS
- Xavier University
- K J Somaiya Institute of Management
- ICFAI Business School
Renowned institutes like S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (Global Management Programme), T.A. Pai Management Institute (All MBA programmes), Flame University (MBA, MBA in Communication Management), and Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab (MBA) have also announced that they will be accepting the NMAT by GMAC score for admission to their respective programmes.
Make sure to fill out the NMAT form on time and book your slot to make your MBA dream come true!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the NMAT exam for?
NMAT by GMAC is used in the admissions process for MBA and graduate business programs at NMIMS and 20 or more business schools worldwide.
2. Is NMAT easy or SNAP?
NMAT is not very difficult compared to SNAP because it does not have negative marking and the format is adaptive.
3. What are the fees for the NMAT exam?
The registration fee for NMAT is INR 3000 (approx), inclusive of taxes, and additional expenses apply for retakes.
4. How is it possible to attempt NMAT many times?
There are three attempts in one testing cycle, with the first attempt and two retakes available for candidates to take the NMAT exam.
5. Would it be possible to switch the NMAT centre after booking?
Yes, until a specified date, candidates are allowed to change their exam centre, provided they follow the official guidelines of the NMAT and there is availability.