- NMAT by GMAC 2026 registration runs from August 20 to October 10, 2026, and the exam is delivered in a window from November 2 to December 20, 2026
- The computer-adaptive test has three sections and 108 questions across 120 minutes, with no negative marking
- Candidates may attempt the exam up to three times in a testing year, and the official scorecard is issued within 48 hours
- Registration and scheduling are now handled through the official GMAC portal on mba.com.
What Is the NMAT by GMAC Exam?
NMAT by GMAC is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council for admission to MBA and management programmes. Accepted by over 58 leading Indian business schools including NMIMS, it uses a computer-adaptive format and lets candidates choose their own section order, test date, and exam centre.
NMAT was originally the NMIMS Management Aptitude Test, but it is now owned and administered by GMAC, the same body that conducts the GMAT. The exam is designed around student convenience: candidates schedule the test at a date, time, and centre that suits them within the exam window, and can send their scores to their preferred schools during registration.
- Computer-adaptive format with equal weightage given to all three sections.
- No negative marking, so there is no penalty for a wrong answer.
- Candidates choose the order in which they attempt the three sections.
- Scores can be sent to preferred NMAT-accepting schools during the process.
- An instant score preview appears at the end, with the official scorecard within 48 hours.
When Are the NMAT 2026 Registration and Exam Dates?
NMAT 2026 registration opens on August 20 and closes on October 10, 2026, while exam scheduling remains open until October 22. The exam itself is delivered in a window from November 2 to December 20, 2026. Candidates select their own preferred test date, time slot, and centre within this window.
Because NMAT runs over a long delivery window, candidates control much of their own timeline. You can book an early slot to leave room for a retake, or a later slot to allow more preparation. The results and scorecards follow quickly, after which accepting institutes release their individual cut-offs and admission schedules.
| NMAT 2026 Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration window | August 20 to October 10, 2026 |
| Scheduling window | August 20 to October 22, 2026 |
| Exam delivery window | November 2 to December 20, 2026 |
| Official scorecard | Within 48 hours of the exam |
How Is the NMAT 2026 Exam Structured?
The NMAT 2026 has three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning, each carrying 36 questions for 108 in total. The full test runs 120 minutes on a scaled score from 36 to 360. There is no negative marking, so attempting every question is worthwhile within the sectional limits.
Each section has its own strictly enforced time limit, and once a section's time runs out you cannot return to it. Time saved in one section is not carried over to the next. Because the test is computer-adaptive, questions are drawn from a pool based on your responses, so every candidate effectively sees a unique paper.
| Section (2026) | Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 minutes | 12 to 120 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 minutes | 12 to 120 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 minutes | 12 to 120 |
| Total | 108 | 120 minutes | 36 to 360 |
How Does the NMAT Selection Process Work?
After taking NMAT, candidates receive an instant score preview and an official scorecard within 48 hours. Each accepting institute, such as NMIMS, releases its own cut-offs. Candidates who meet the cut-off are shortlisted for further rounds, which may include a written analytical test and a personal interview before final admission.
- Register for NMAT and appear for the computer-adaptive test within the exam window.
- Receive an instant score preview and the official scorecard within 48 hours.
- Apply to your chosen NMAT-accepting institutes, such as NMIMS, using your score.
- Meet the institute's published cut-off to be shortlisted for the next stage.
- Attend the further rounds, which may include a written analytical test and personal interview.
How Do You Register for NMAT 2026?
Registration is completed online through the official NMAT portal on mba.com. Candidates create an account, enter personal and academic details, select up to five preferred schools, upload a photograph, pay the test fee, and then schedule an exam slot. The admit card can be downloaded once the payment is confirmed.
- Visit the official NMAT by GMAC portal on mba.com and create an account.
- Complete your registration by entering personal and academic details, including date of birth.
- Select the schools you wish to apply to under the school-preferences section.
- Upload a scanned photograph that will appear on your admit card.
- Pay the applicable test fee to confirm your registration.
- Schedule your NMAT exam by choosing your date, slot, and centre.
- Download the admit card once the payment has been confirmed.