NMAT 2026 registration begins August 20, exam runs Nov 2–Dec 20. Get dates, fees, eligibility, and a step-by-step

Introduction

If you’re planning an MBA at NMIMS, TAPMI, XIMB, or one of the 50+ other business schools that accept NMAT scores, tomorrow matters. NMAT 2026 registration opens on August 20, 2026, and the exam window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026.

That’s a tight but manageable runway, and how you use the next few weeks — from registering early to picking the right test slot — can genuinely affect your score and your admission chances. This guide walks you through everything: exact dates, fees, eligibility, the registration process, common mistakes candidates make, and practical tips to help you plan smart from day one.

Table of Contents

1. What Is NMAT by GMAC?
2. NMAT 2026 Important Dates
3. Why NMAT 2026 Registration Timing Matters
4. Eligibility Criteria
5. Step-by-Step Registration Guide
6. NMAT 2026 Fees
7. Exam Pattern at a Glance
8. Tips and Best Practices
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Latest Updates and Trends
11. Key Takeaways
12. Conclusion
13. FAQs

 What Is NMAT by GMAC?

NMAT (originally the NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) — the same organization behind the GMAT. It’s the primary entrance test for admission to NMIMS Mumbai and its other campuses, and its scores are also accepted by institutes like TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, SP Jain, and SDA Bocconi.

What sets NMAT apart from exams like CAT or XAT is its candidate-driven scheduling. Instead of one fixed exam day, you choose your own test date, time, and center within a long testing window — and you can retake it up to twice if your first score isn’t where you want it.

NMAT 2026 Important Dates

Keep in mind: exam dates within the window are self-selected on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration genuinely improves your chances of getting your preferred slot and center.

Why NMAT 2026 Registration Timing Matters

A lot of candidates treat the registration window casually, assuming they can register any time before October 10 and still get a good slot. In practice, popular centers and convenient time slots — especially weekend mornings in metro cities — fill up fast once the window opens.

Registering in the first two weeks (say, by early September) gives you:

• A better shot at your preferred test center location
• More flexibility to choose a date that fits your prep schedule
• Extra buffer time to plan a retake if needed, since retakes need at least a 15-day gap from your first attempt

Eligibility Criteria

NMAT eligibility is fairly open, which is one reason it draws a large pool of applicants every year.

• Academic qualification: A graduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks (from a recognized university)
• Age limit: None — there’s no upper age cap
• Work experience: Not mandatory; freshers can apply
• Final-year students: Eligible to apply, subject to individual B-school conditions on submitting proof of graduation later

Individual participating institutes may layer on their own admission criteria beyond the baseline NMAT eligibility, so it’s worth checking the specific program you’re targeting.

Registration Guide

Here’s how the NMAT 2026 registration process works, from start to finish.

1. Create an account: Visit the official portal (register.nmat.org) and sign up with your name, email ID, mobile number, and country.
2. Verify your email: Click the verification link sent to your inbox to activate your dashboard.
3. Fill the application form: Enter your academic, personal, and contact details accurately.
4. Upload documents: Add your photograph and signature as per the specified format and size.
5. Select B-schools: Choose up to five institutes to receive your score report at no extra cost (additional schools cost extra).
6. Pay the registration fee: Complete payment online via card, net banking, or UPI.
7. Book your exam slot: Once registered, log back in to select your test date, time, and center — do this early since slots are limited.
8. Download your admit card: This becomes available closer to your chosen exam date.

NMAT 2026 Fees

• Base registration fee: ₹3,000 + 18% GST (approximately ₹3,540)
• This covers score reports sent to up to five B-schools
• Additional B-school selection: ₹400 + tax per extra institute
• Retake fee: Same as the base fee — ₹3,000 + tax per additional attempt
• Rescheduling fee: ₹1,200 if you need to change your booked date

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Understanding the format helps you plan your prep more efficiently.

• Total questions: 108
• Duration: 120 minutes, with each section separately timed
• Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning
• Marking: +3 for a correct answer, no negative marking
• Scoring: Computer-adaptive, scaled score range of 36–360
• Attempts allowed: Up to 3 per testing cycle (1 attempt + 2 retakes), with the best score used for admission

The absence of negative marking is a meaningful strategic difference from CAT — it rewards attempting every question rather than leaving doubtful ones blank.

Tips and Best Practices

• Register in the first week to secure a convenient slot before popular centers fill up.
• Book your slot strategically — many toppers recommend a mid-to-late November date, giving extra prep time without leaving retakes too tight against the December 20 close.
• Use the no-negative-marking rule to your advantage: attempt every question, even if it means an educated guess.
• Plan for a retake from day one. Since retakes are allowed and only add cost (not risk), treat your first attempt as a benchmark rather than a make-or-break moment.
• Practice under real time pressure, since each section is individually timed and you can’t borrow time from one section to another.
• Double-check your document uploads during registration — mismatched photo/signature formats are a common cause of last-minute rejection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the last week of September or October to register, only to find your preferred center is full.
• Choosing an exam date too close to the registration deadline, leaving no buffer for a retake if your score falls short.
• Selecting more than five B-schools without realizing the extra cost per additional institute.
• Ignoring the 15-day gap rule between attempts when planning a retake schedule.
• Underestimating the Quantitative or Logical Reasoning section because the exam has no negative marking — accuracy still matters for a strong scaled score.

Latest Updates and Trends

For the 2026 cycle, GMAC has kept the exam structure — 108 questions, three sections, 120 minutes — largely consistent with previous years, which is good news if you’ve been using older NMAT mock tests for practice. The registration-to-exam gap (August 20 to November 2) is also broadly similar to 2025’s pattern, giving candidates roughly ten weeks to prepare after registering.

One trend worth noting: GMAC typically runs an Additional Phase in January, offering a second window for candidates who miss the main cycle or want another attempt outside the usual retake period. While this hasn’t been officially confirmed for 2026 yet, it’s followed the same pattern for several years running, so it’s reasonable to keep it in mind as a fallback rather than a primary plan.

Key Takeaways

• NMAT 2026 registration opens August 20, 2026, and closes October 10, 2026.
• The exam window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026.
• Registering early improves your chances of getting a preferred test date and center.
• The exam has no negative marking, so attempt every question.
• You get up to three attempts, so treat the first one as a benchmark, not a final verdict.

Conclusion

NMAT 2026 rewards candidates who plan ahead. With registration opening tomorrow, the smartest move is to create your account early, lock in a test slot before the rush, and build a prep timeline around your chosen date — with a retake built into the plan from the start. The exam itself is straightforward in structure, but slot availability and last-minute document errors are where most avoidable stress comes from. Get the administrative side sorted early, and you can focus your energy where it counts: preparation.

FAQs

1. When does NMAT 2026 registration start? NMAT 2026 registration begins on August 20, 2026, and closes on October 10, 2026.

2. What are the NMAT 2026 exam dates? The exam window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026, with candidates choosing their own test date and slot.

3. How many times can I take the NMAT exam? Up to three times per cycle — one initial attempt plus two retakes — with your best score used for admission.

4. Is there negative marking in NMAT? No. NMAT awards +3 marks for a correct answer and has no penalty for wrong or unattempted questions.

5. What is the NMAT 2026 registration fee? The base fee is ₹3,000 plus 18% GST (around ₹3,540), covering score reports to up to five B-schools.

6. Which colleges accept NMAT scores? Over 50 institutes accept NMAT, including NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, SP Jain, and SDA Bocconi.

7. How soon will I get my NMAT scorecard? Scorecards are released within 48 hours of your exam attempt.