NMAT Syllabus 2026: Sections, Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

NMAT Syllabus 2026 covers three sections—Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning—across 108 questions in 120 minutes. NMAT registration opens in August 2026; the last day for registration is October, and the NMAT exam date window runs from November to December 2026. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by the NMAT exam datex. It is the gateway to top B-schools like NMIMS Mumbai, Xavier University Bhubaneswar, GITAM School of Business, and SRM University, among others. This guide breaks down the complete NMAT syllabus 2026 section by section — every topic, every question type, and where to focus your preparation time.

NMAT exam is conducted by GMAC across a 70–90 day testing window, with up to 3 attempts per cycle. Here's everything you need to know before you start preparing.

NMAT 2026 registration opens in August and the last day for registration closes in October, giving candidates a defined 3–4 month preparation window before the NMAT exam date in November–December 2026. Refer to the table below for all critical NMAT 2026 dates at a glance.

NMAT exam has 108 questions, 3 sections, and 120 minutes—with each section carrying a fixed time limit that cannot be carried over. Understanding the exam pattern is step one before diving into the NMAT syllabus. Check the table below for a detailed overview.

GMAC does not publish a fixed topic-wise NMAT syllabus — but based on the official exam structure and previous year papers, the pattern is consistent. All three sections of the NMAT exam carry equal weightage: 36 questions each.

Unlike most MBA entrance exams, NMAT exam carries zero negative marking.The final NMAT score is a scaled figure between 36 and 360, calculated individually for each section before combining into the total. Refer to the table below for a detailed overview.

NMAT cutoff varies by institution and program. Top colleges like NMIMS Mumbai typically set their NMAT cutoff in the range of 215–230+, depending on the programme and year.Here's a general benchmark:

Most NMAT toppers spend 3–4 months on structured preparation, with the last 4–6 weeks before the NMAT exam date dedicated entirely to mock tests and section-wise analysis. Candidates are advised to complete their NMAT registration early—preferred test center slots fill up fast, and an early exam date gives them time to use all three attempts if needed.