NMAT 2025: Exam Dates, Registration, Pattern, Preparation, Colleges

NMAT (NMAT by GMAC) is an important national level MBA entrance test leading to admission in many top MBA colleges including NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya and SDA Bocconi amongst others. NMAT exam is conducted by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the body that also conducts GMAT Exam across the world. Check key highlights of NMAT Exam in table below. 

NMAT Exam Highlights

Based on previous year’s trends, NMAT 2025 exam will be held from November 5 till December 20, 2025. Check complete dates below.

Before applying for the exam, you should know NMAT eligibility criteria. If you don’t meet the NMAT eligibility criteria, you will face rejections in later stages of the admission process. Check NMAT eligibility requirements below:

• Academic qualification: Graduate degree with 50 percent marks is required by NMAT participating colleges.
• Age limit: There is no age limit to appear for NMAT exam.
• Work Experience: There is no minimum work experience requirement for NMAT exam. If you don’t have any work experience, you can appear in the exam. 

The NMAT registration process is simple and can be completed online through the official NMAT website. Candidates need to provide personal details, select their preferred colleges, upload necessary documents, and complete the payment process. Follow the step-by-step guide below to ensure a smooth registration experience.

• Visit the NMAT Official Website at nmat.org.
• Click on 'Register Now' under the quick links.
• Register by filling in details like your name, valid email ID, phone number, and password. After submitting, you will receive an email with login details.
• Sign in to access the NMAT by GMAC 2024 registration form and fill in the required details accurately.
• Select the NMAT-affiliated colleges you wish to apply for under the "Schools Preference" section. You can choose up to 5 programs or schools, with an option to add more for an additional fee.
• Upload a scanned photograph and digital signature, ensuring the file size does not exceed 1 MB.
• Click on "Submit" to receive a unique NMAT Exam Registration Number.
• Complete the process by paying the NMAT registration fee.

NMAT Exam Fees is one of the highest across different exams. Check NMAT exam fees below (taxes are extra).  

GMAC allows the candidates to choose the NMAT exam date, time and location of the exam as per the candidates’ convenience. You can self-schedule, reschedule and take NMAT exam on any date at a Test Centre. The entire process is online and can be completed with your application submission.

You can also NMAT test takers have the facility to retake the exam to improve the score as well as reschedule the exam in case of any exigency. In case you do not wish or cannot appear in NMAT on the original self-scheduled date, you may reschedule your NMAT exam date during the testing period. The NMAT retake and rescheduling process is available upto 72 hours prior to your original NMAT exam date. But remember, there is a separate rescheduling fee. 

NMAT Exam Marking Scheme is as follows:

• Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Incorrect Answer: No negative marking
• Un-attempted Question: No penalty

NMAT Question Paper has 3 sections covering Language Skills, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Skills. NMAT exam pattern is similar to other exams like CAT and XAT, but NMAT has a lower difficulty level and does not have negative marking.

NMAT exam syllabus can be divided into three sections: Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. Syllabus and topics for each of these sections is given below. 

• Language Skills: Tests vocabulary, grammar, synonyms, antonyms, analogies, fill-in-the-blanks, cloze tests, reading comprehension, Para jumbles, and sentence correction.
• Logical Reasoning: Divided into Verbal Reasoning (statement-argument, statement-assumption, decision-making, critical reasoning) and Analytical Reasoning (arrangements, syllogisms, blood relations, coding, series, directions, input-output, matrix-based and symbol-based questions).
• Quantitative Skills: Covers Arithmetic (time & work, interest, percentages, ratio, HCF-LCM), Algebra (equations, inequalities, logs), Geometry & Mensuration (triangles, circles, 3D shapes), Modern Math (permutation, probability, set theory), and Data Interpretation (tables, charts, graphs).

Preparing for the NMAT 2025 exam requires a well-structured strategy and consistent effort. The NMAT exam assesses candidates on language skills, logical reasoning, and quantitative skills, making it essential to have a balanced approach to cover all sections effectively. A clear understanding of the exam pattern, focused study plan, and regular practice are key to performing well. Here are some essential strategies to help you prepare efficiently for NMAT 2025.

• Understand The Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the NMAT exam structure, including the number of questions, time limits, and scoring pattern. Focus on the three sections: Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills.
• Develop A Study Plan: Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Divide preparation time between concept learning, practice, and revision.
• Focus On Conceptual Clarity: Strengthen your basics in grammar, vocabulary, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and reasoning. Use reference books and study materials to build a solid foundation.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and sample questions to identify question patterns. Take sectional and full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
• Work On Time Management: Practice solving questions within the time limit. Focus on improving accuracy while maintaining speed.
• Review And Improve: Analyze your mock test performance to identify weak areas. Focus on improving problem-solving techniques and reducing mistakes.
• Stay Consistent and Motivated: Stick to your study schedule and maintain a balanced approach. Stay calm and confident during the preparation phase.

To help test takers to become familiar and prepare as per the changed NMAT pattern, question topics and type, difficulty level, MBAUniverse.com has prepared section wise and full length NMAT Mock Test. The Answer Keys for each test are also available. Take NMAT Mock Test Now. 

Top MBA colleges accepting NMAT scores include NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, IFMR Chennai and SDA Bocconi. NMAT Cut Off Scores 2025 for top MBA colleges are given below. It must be noted here that NMIMS Mumbai reduced their NMAT Cut Off 2025 drastically from about 230 to 209 for call campuses. 

The NMAT 2025 exam is also accepted for MBA program by VIT University, Shiv Nadar University, MIT University, SRM University, Thapar School of Management, GITAM University, Bennett University and University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES). In addition, some top B-schools accept NMAT exam for specialized courses such as ISB Hyderabad for Advance Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA), S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research for Global Management Programme (GMP) and Great Lakes Institute of Management for PGPM. 

The NMAT admit card is released seven days before the scheduled exam date. Candidates select their exam date, slot, and venue during the scheduling process. The NMAT 2025 admit card reflects these details and can be accessed through the NMAT login dashboard. A printed copy of the admit card is mandatory at the exam centre. A separate admit card is required for each NMAT exam attempt.

NMAT 2025 exam will be held as a computer based test in more than 80 cities at 90 test centres in India. 

NMAT 2025 Test Cities by State

NMAT result will be declared within 72 hours of appearing in the exam. After the exam, it takes only 2 days for the test taker to get the NMAT score card. You will receive your score card with scaled score section wise and total score for your NMAT by GMAC exam. Your NMAT Score card is published on the offiicial NMAT by GMAC exam website Mba.com. Your score card will be updated with scaled scores for all the attempts. After receiving an email from the official website of the NMAT alerting you that your NMAT score card is ready, you will need your personal login details to download the exam score card directly on the official website.

NMAT by GMAC exam pattern and CAT have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their sectional and overall exam preparation. Still NMAT pattern has a few dissimilarities as compared to CAT:

The NMAT selection process for MBA admission 2025 in NMAT score-accepting colleges is determined by each individual institute and varies from college to college. For instance, MBA admission 2025 in NMIMS Mumbai is based on the NMAT 2025 score, Case Discussion, and Personal Interview. Similarly, MBA admission 2025 at K J Somaiya considers the NMAT 2025 score along with Case Analysis and Personal Interview. However, the NMAT 2025 selection process at other universities and B-schools, such as VIT Vellore, may include Group Discussion and Interview but exclude Case Analysis. Some institutes may also conduct only Personal Interviews without a Group Discussion round.