The NMAT by GMAC exam 2025 offers candidates a flexible and streamlined route into top MBA/PGDM programmes, allowing up to three attempts (one initial attempt plus two retakes) within the official exam window. Registration opened on August 1, 2025 and closes in October, while the exam delivery window runs roughly from November 5 to December 19, 2025. The computer-based, adaptive test covers Quantitative Skills, Language Skills and Logical Reasoning, and candidates may schedule their own date, time and centre (or opt for an online proctored mode) and select their preferred section order. There is no negative marking, and results are typically available within 48 hours. With the NMAT exam pattern and timeline updated, aspirants should register early, book their preferred slot and align their preparation accordingly.
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GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) conducts NMAT. The NMAT exam aspirants can apply to top B-schools. For instance, NMIMS, SPJIMR, GMP, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, SDA Bocconi Asia center, and many more top B-schools. NMAT registration will start on 1st August. The NMAT Exam will be conducted only at the center; the option to take the exam at home will not be available this year.
The NMAT exam, managed by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), is a national-level entrance examination aimed at facilitating admission to MBA programs at NMIMS and various esteemed business schools in India and internationally. It is recognized for its rigorous assessment of candidates' aptitude in quantitative skills, language skills, and logical reasoning, essential for success in MBA studies.
The exam's structure and format are designed to evaluate candidates' readiness for academic rigor and leadership roles in the business world, making it a pivotal step in the journey toward advanced management education and career development. Importance of NMAT for MBA Aspirants NMAT holds significant importance for MBA aspirants due to its flexible exam dates and multiple attempts, enabling candidates to present their optimal performance.
Serving as a gateway to a wide array of MBA programs both in India and abroad, NMAT opens doors to opportunities for career advancement and personal growth. Its recognition among top business schools emphasizes its role in facilitating access to quality education and professional networking, making it a preferred choice for candidates aiming to pursue a dynamic and impactful MBA journey.
| Features | Details |
| Exam name | NMAT by GMAC |
| Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| Exam Level | National level for PG admission |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Syllabus | Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning |
| Pattern | 108 Questions |
| Language | English |
| Fees | INR 3000 + applicable taxes |
| Exam purpose | Admission into India's top business schools such as NMIMS, SPJIMR, GMP, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, SDA Bocconi Asia center, and many more top B-schools |
| Course offered | MBA/PGDM |
| Exam helpdesk number | 0120 4397855 |
| Registration |
NMAT Registrations Start from the first week of August 2025 |
| Exam website | https://bit.ly/4dhh8dF |
NMAT Eligibility criteria
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has established baseline eligibility standards for NMAT applicants. To submit an NMAT by GMAC application for , candidates must fulfill specific requirements regarding academic background, previous attempts, and other factors.
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Age Requirements | There is no upper age limit; candidates of any age can apply. |
| Academic Prerequisites |
|
| Professional Background | Not mandatory, but 2-3 years of relevant work experience may be advantageous. |
| Attempt Limitations | Up to three attempts per year, including the initial exam, retakes, and no-shows. The highest score will be considered. |
| Program-Specific Requirements | NMAT scores are accepted by NMIMS University, over 35 Indian business schools, and approximately 25 international universities. Specific programs may have additional criteria. |
NMAT Cut-off
Top B-schools that accept NMAT exam scores will establish their separate cut-off scores for MBA/PGDM admission. The expected NMAT cut-off is expected to range between 150 to 200 overall scores for the -25 academic session.
Here is the expected sectional cut-off for the NMAT exam according to previous years’ trends:
| College Name | Overall Cutoff |
| NMIMS, Mumbai (Core) | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Mumbai (BA) | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Mumbai (DT) | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Navi Mumbai | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Bangalore | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Hyderabad | 209+ |
| NMIMS, Indore | 209+ |
| SDA Bocconi | 220+ |
| XIMB, Bhubaneswar | 200+ |
| TAPMI | 200+ |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 200+ |
| Great Lakes, Gurgaon | 195 - 205+ |
| KJ Somaiya | 215+ |
Now, we see some Placement highlights of NMAT accepting colleges
| College Name | Safe Score | Average Placement | Median Placement | Highest Placements | Total Fees | Batch Size |
| NMIMS, Mumbai | 209 | ₹26.63L | ₹24L | ₹67.8L | ₹24L | 1020 |
| NMIMS, Bengaluru | 209 | ₹14L | ₹13L | ₹19.7L | ₹20L | 180 |
| NMIMS, Navi Mumbai | 209 | ₹13.6L | ₹13L | ₹25L | ₹20L | 120 |
| NMIMS, Hyderabad | 209 | ₹13.01L | ₹12.05L | ₹28.05L | ₹20L | 180 |
| NMIMS, Indore | 209 | ₹12.5L | ₹12.4L | ₹16.8L | ₹17L | 120 |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 200 | ₹14.6L | - | ₹24.8L | ₹17.34L | 660 |
| Great Lakes, Chennai | 200 | ₹17.3L | - | ₹39.3L | ₹20.8L | 345 |
| Great Lakes, Gurgaon | 195 - 205+ | ₹11.6L | - | ₹20.5L | ₹18.5L | 290 |
NMAT Syllabus
The NMAT exam syllabus includes multiple topics from sections such as Language, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Understanding the NMAT exam syllabus helps candidates enhance their preparation for the NMAT exam.
| Section | Syllabus |
| Language Skills |
|
| Quantitative Skills |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
Logical Reasoning
The Logical Reasoning section mainly focuses on syllogisms, puzzles, family relations, seating arrangement, direction, reasoning, and coding-decoding. The administration claims this section contains easy- moderate questions. A total of 36 questions are there to solve. There are 19 MCQ questions on verbal reasoning. And 17 MCQ questions of non-verbal reasoning.
There are two main components to ace the NMAT Logical Reasoning Section. To illustrate those are Analytical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning
|
Analytical Reasoning Related Topics |
Verbal Reasoning Related topics |
|
Blood Relation |
Critical Reasoning |
|
Coding and Decoding Questions |
Decision Making |
|
Series and Direction Questions |
Course of Action |
|
Matrix Type, Classification, and Syllogisms Questions |
Statement and Inference-Based Questions |
|
Linear and Circular Arrangements |
Statement and Assumption-Based Questions |
|
Input-Output Questions |
Statement and Argument-Based Questions |
Verbal Ability
The language skills section mainly focuses on comprehensive questions, grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and phrases. The Administration states that this section has a moderate difficulty level. There are a total of 36 questions in this section. 3 comprehensive questions are having 4 MCQs each. As well as 14 MCQ questions related to grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and phrases.
In this section, the aspirants have to attempt a total of 36 questions with a time limit of 28 minutes. The difficulty level of questions in the NMAT Verbal section is easy to moderate. Moreover, important topics included in this section are reading comprehension and para jumbles. Further para summary, sentence completion, grammar, and vocabulary.
The Administration states that this section has a moderate difficulty level. There are a total of 36 questions in the NMAT Verbal section. Meanwhile, the first few questions include 3 comprehensive questions having 4 MCQ questions each. As well as 14 MCQ questions related to grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and phrases.
Grammar questions are related to identifying errors, choosing correct questions, and sentence correction. Further tenses, part of speech, and phrasal verbs. Vocabulary questions contain Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze tests, and Idioms.
Quantitative
The Quants section mainly focuses on arithmetic, data interpretation, algebra, trigonometry, probability, and geometry. The Administration states that this section has a moderate difficulty level. There are a total of 36 questions in this section. There are 12 MCQ questions for arithmetic. 15-16 MCQ questions for data interpretation. And 7-8 MCQ questions for geometry and modern math.
Arithmetic questions are related to Number System, Ratio and Proportion, and Simplification. Further questions related to Percentage, Average, Age Calculation, Time, and Work questions. Number System questions are related to HCF, LCM, Product of Numbers, and BODMAS. Further questions from Simplification, Number of Zeroes, and Unit’s Digit Theorem.
Algebra questions are related to the topics of Quadratic Equations, Permutations, Combinations, Inequalities, Sequences and Series. Trigonometry questions are related to the topics. For instance Trigonometric Ratios, Heights, and Distances and Applications of Trigonometry. Further questions from Data Sufficiency questions related to the topic. 2-3 statements will be provided based on arithmetic applications. And based on which questions regarding the sufficiency of data will be asked.
Geometry questions are related to the topics mentioned below:
-
In Circles, questions are of Concentric Circles, Circumscribed. Further Circle, Inscribed Circle, Semicircle, Sector, and Theorems.
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In Lines, questions are about Parallel Lines, Transversal, and Perpendicular Lines. Further Types of Angles and their properties.
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In Triangles, questions are about Theorems, Right angle triangles, and Equilateral triangles. Further questions from Median Centroid, Congruent Triangles, Similar Triangles, and Perpendicular Bisector.
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In polygons, questions are about quadrilaterals, parallelograms, and squares. Further on Rectangle, Rhombus, Trapezium, Angles, and Diagonals of Polygons.
NMAT Registration
NMAT registration will start in the first week of August 2025. The NMAT Exam will be conducted only at the center; the option to take the exam at home will not be available this year. Candidates aiming to participate in NMAT must submit the application form on the official website, nmat.org.
Registering for the NMAT by GMAC exam is simple and convenient. Get started with these easy-to-follow steps:
- Visit the official website
- Start by clicking on 'Register for NMAT by GMAC™' on the website and create an account. Be sure to use a valid email address.
- Fill remaining details under 'Manage NMAT Profile'
- Check your mailbox for a verification email and follow the steps it mentioned to verify your account. Be sure to check your junk or spam email folders or if needed, click the “Resend Email Verification” button shown on the website.
- Click the “NMAT by GMAC™ Dashboard” button on the website and access the Candidate Dashboard.
- Complete the application form on the Candidate Dashboard. Note: Your name and date of birth must exactly match your Photo ID.
- Select the schools to which you would like to send your scores in the School Preferences section. Score sending to 5 schools is included in your registration fee. You can send additional score reports by paying INR 400 + applicable taxes for every school selected beyond 5.
- You must upload a photograph (not more than 6 months old) that bears a likeness to you and the photograph on your Photo ID. This photograph will be included on the admit card that you must show to the test center administrator at the test center.
- Pay the exam fee.
| Feature | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Exam Registration |
1 August 2025 - 10 October 2025 |
1 Aug - 10 Oct | 1 Aug - 12 Oct |
| Scheduling | 01 August 2025 - 14 October 2025 | 1 Aug - 14 Oct | 1 Aug - 12 Oct |
| Rescheduling |
01 August 2025 - 17 December 2025 |
1 Aug - 17 Dec | 1 Aug - 16 Dec |
| Retake Registration | 6 November 2025 - 17 December 2025 | 6 Nov - 17 Dec | 11 Oct - 16 Dec |
| Retake Scheduling |
6 November 2025 - 17 December 2025 |
6 Nov - 17 Dec | 11 Oct - 16 Dec |
| Exam Date |
5 November 2025 - 19 December 2025 |
5 Nov - 20 Dec | 10 Oct - 19 Dec |
| Result | Immediately after the exam | Immediately after the Exam | Immediately after the Exam |
NMAT Registration Fees
The table below presents the NMAT registration fee amount according to NMAT application type:
| NMAT Registration Fees | |
| NMAT Application Type | NMAT Fee |
| Test Registration (regular fee) | INR 3000 + applicable taxes |
| NMAT exam retake fee | INR 3000 + applicable taxes |
| NMAT reschedule fee | Rs 1,200 |
| Additional Score Reports Fee | INR 400 per Score Report + applicable taxes |
| Payment Methods | Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, Mobile Wallets, UPI |
*Additional Score Reports will be charged beyond 5 reports
WAT-PI process!
1.Book your slots
2.Each session has limited seats.
3.You should book another slot if your first preference is not available.
4.No rescheduling requests will be entertained.
Written Ability Test (WAT)
- 2 questions are given to each student.
- Each question has to be written of 100-200 words.
- Total time given 5-10 mins.
Personal Interview (PI)
- It is an in person interaction with the panel of the college the student is applying for
NMAT Selection Process
After taking the NMAT 2024 exam, candidates who meet the required score thresholds will move forward in the admissions process. Each school that accepts NMAT scores will set its cutoff, determining which applicants advance to the next stage.
If you achieve the necessary score, you'll receive an invitation for an interview from NMIMS or other participating institutions. This interview is a crucial part of the final selection process.
To ensure a smooth experience on interview day, remember to bring all required documents. This includes your NMAT admit card and any other paperwork specified by the school.
The exact steps for the final selection may vary depending on the institute. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of each school you're applying to.
Keep in mind that meeting the cutoff score doesn't guarantee admission - it's just the first step in a more comprehensive evaluation process. Schools will consider your NMAT performance alongside other factors to make their final decisions.
NMAT 2024 Selection Events NMAT Process Dates NMAT Result 2024
Within 48 hours of exam delivery
Release of NMAT Cut off
Jan 2025
Registration of GD/PI Process
Feb 2025
GD/PI Rounds
March 2025
NMAT Exam Pattern
NMAT is a computer-based exam. NMAT will be conducted only at the center; the option to take the exam at home will not be available this year. GMAC will define the NMAT exam pattern. According to the exam pattern, the paper will consist of three sections: Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills. Additionally, candidates will get 120 minutes to answer 108 MCQs across all sections. NMAT Registrations Start from 1st Aug, Know More- https://bit.ly/4dhh8dF
NMAT is an adaptive exam that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your performance as you proceed. Here's how it works:
● Initial Questions: You start with questions of moderate difficulty. If you answer these correctly, the exam will present you with progressively harder questions.
● Difficulty Adjustment: Should you struggle with tougher questions, the difficulty level will adjust accordingly, offering easier questions to match your capability. This dynamic approach ensures that the exam accurately reflects your proficiency level
The details of the NMAT exam pattern are provided below:
| NMAT Exam Pattern | |||
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | Score Range |
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 minutes | 12-120 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 minutes | 12-120 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 minutes | 12-120 |
| Total | 108 questions | 120 minutes | 36-360 |
The NMAT by GMAC™ exam is comprised of three sections – Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
- The exam sections are individually timed and candidates must answer the questions in each section within the allotted time.
- Questions are delivered one at a time and are randomly selected from a pool of questions.
- The number of questions, difficulty levels, and time limit for each of the sections is predetermined and, under normal administration conditions, are the same regardless of when and where the test is administered.
- Candidates can choose the order/sequence of the test sections at the beginning of the exam.
Exam Center
NMAT by GMAC is held at the following test centers:
Domestic Centers:
North: Allahabad, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Jammu, Jhansi, Panipat, Delhi, Gurugram, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Varanasi, Noida, Patiala
East: Jamshedpur, Guwahati, Patna, Kolkata, Shillong, Siliguri, Rourkela, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar, Durgapur, Dhanbad.
South: Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Mangalore, Madurai, Vizag, Kochi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Mysore, Manipal, Vijaywada, Tuvananthapuram and Tiruchirapalli
West: Aurangabad, Ajmer Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jodhpur, Jalgaon, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kota, Kolhapur Nasik, Nagpur, Udaipur, Pune, Vadodara and Surat
Central: Bhopal, Bhilai, Jabalpur, Raipur, Gwalior, Ujjain, Bilaspur, and Indore
International Centers:
- Nepal (Kathmandu)
- Bangladesh (Dhaka)
- Sri Lanka (Colombo)
- Bhutan (Thimphu)
Check out CATKing NMAT Courses
Preparing for NMAT
Preparing for the NMAT exam requires the right mix of resources, smart planning, and consistent practice. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you prepare effectively:
Step 1: Collect the Right Study Materials
- Use NMAT-specific books for Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills.
- Refer to online resources like practice quizzes, e-books, and video lectures.
- Join coaching programs or online courses (like CATKing Educare’s NMAT course) for guided learning.
Step 2: Build a Strong Study Schedule
- Divide your time equally across Quant, Verbal, and Logical Reasoning.
- Set daily study targets (e.g., 2–3 hours focused study + 30 minutes revision).
- Keep a weekly plan to track progress and adjust as needed.
Step 3: Focus on Section-Wise Strategies
- Quantitative Skills – Revise basics, practice speed math, and solve topic-wise questions.
- Language Skills – Improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar.
- Logical Reasoning – Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, and critical reasoning regularly.
Step 4: Practice Time Management
- Remember, NMAT is a speed-driven exam.
- Practice solving questions with a timer to improve accuracy under pressure.
- Learn to skip tough questions quickly and return later if time permits.
Step 5: Take Regular Mock Tests
- Attempt full-length NMAT mocks every week.
- Analyze your performance – check accuracy, speed, and weak areas.
- Adjust your preparation based on mock test feedback
Step 6: Revise Smartly
- Make short notes or flashcards for formulas, vocabulary, and shortcuts.
- Revise these quick pointers daily before practice sessions.
- Focus more on weak areas while maintaining strengths.
Step 7: Stay Consistent & Motivated
- Study regularly instead of cramming at the last minute.
- Maintain a healthy routine with proper rest and breaks.
- Stay positive – confidence plays a huge role in cracking NMAT.
Before 15 days of NMAT:-
1. Start giving all the sectional mocks after the CAT
2. Daily give MOCKS and work on the weak areas.
3. Additionally, give 2 mocks provided by GMAC
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NMAT Exam 2025
1. What is the NMAT exam?
The NMAT by GMAC is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It is accepted by top B-schools like NMIMS, SPJIMR (PGMPW), K J Somaiya, XIMB, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, and several international universities. The exam evaluates a candidate’s skills in Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills.
2. Who conducts the NMAT exam?
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts the NMAT exam every year. It is the same global body that manages the GMAT exam, ensuring standardized and transparent testing for management aspirants.
3. When will NMAT 2025 registration start?
The NMAT 2025 registration process will begin on 1st August 2025 and continue till 10th October 2025. Candidates can register and schedule their exam dates through the official NMAT website (nmat.org).
4. What is the eligibility criteria for NMAT 2025?
To apply for the NMAT exam, candidates must:
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Hold a Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4) with at least 50% marks from a recognized university.
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Be in the final year of graduation (provisional admission allowed).
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There is no upper age limit to appear for NMAT.
Work experience of 2–3 years can add value but is not mandatory.
5. How many times can a candidate appear for NMAT in a year?
A candidate can take the NMAT up to three times in a year — the main attempt plus two retakes. The best score out of all attempts is considered for admission.
6. What is the exam pattern of NMAT 2025?
The NMAT exam pattern consists of three sections:
-
Language Skills: 36 questions (28 minutes)
-
Quantitative Skills: 36 questions (52 minutes)
-
Logical Reasoning: 36 questions (40 minutes)
A total of 108 questions must be completed in 120 minutes. The score range is 36–360.
7. What is the mode of the NMAT exam in 2025?
The NMAT 2025 exam will be conducted only at designated test centers across India and abroad. The home-based online mode (from 2020–2023) will not be available this year.
8. What is a good NMAT score for top B-schools like NMIMS or K J Somaiya?
The expected NMAT cutoffs for top colleges are as follows:
-
NMIMS Mumbai: 209+
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K J Somaiya: 215+
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XIMB Bhubaneswar: 200+
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SDA Bocconi Asia Center: 220+
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TAPMI, Manipal: 200+
A score above 210 is generally considered competitive for top-tier colleges.
9. How is the NMAT exam different from CAT or SNAP?
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NMAT offers multiple attempts and a flexible schedule, unlike CAT or SNAP.
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NMAT questions are moderate in difficulty, focusing more on speed and accuracy.
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CAT tests higher analytical skills, while NMAT is sectional time-bound and adaptive, adjusting question difficulty based on performance.
10. What is the NMAT exam fee for 2025?
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Registration fee: ₹3,000 + taxes
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Retake fee: ₹3,000 + taxes
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Reschedule fee: ₹1,200
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Additional score report fee: ₹400 per school beyond the first five
Payment can be made via credit card, debit card, net banking, wallets, or UPI.
11. How should I prepare for NMAT 2025 effectively?
Follow a structured preparation plan:
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Build concepts from NMAT-specific books and online resources.
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Practice sectional tests for speed and accuracy.
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Take mock tests regularly to analyze performance.
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Focus on time management and question selection strategies.
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Enroll in NMAT coaching programs like CATKing for guided learning.
12. What happens after the NMAT exam results are declared?
Within 48 hours of taking the exam, candidates receive their official NMAT scorecard. Based on the cutoffs, shortlisted candidates are invited by participating B-schools for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds. Final admissions are based on overall performance in all stages.
Check out CATKing NMAT Courses