NMAT Exam 2025 Explained: Registration Process, Syllabus Overview, & Preparation Strategy

NMAT Exam 2025 registration is expected to begin in the first week of August 2025. Based on previous years’ trends, the NMAT exam 2025 will likely be conducted from November 5 to December 20, 2025. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the NMAT exam 2025 is a national-level MBA entrance test accepted by 50+ leading B-schools such as NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, and KJ Somaiya. NMIMS Mumbai has significantly changed its MBA admission criteria this year by reducing the weightage and cut-offs for NMAT and introducing its own selection process.

Unlike CAT or XAT, the NMAT exam 2025 offers a 45-day testing window, multiple attempts, no negative marking, and quick result turnaround—making it one of the more flexible and student-friendly management exams. Read this article to learn everything about the NMAT registration process, exam pattern, preparation strategy, mock tests, and the full list of colleges accepting NMAT exam 2025 scores.

What is NMAT Exam 2025?

NMAT Exam 2025 (also known as NMAT by GMAC) is a prominent national-level MBA entrance test accepted by several top B-schools such as NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, and SDA Bocconi, among others. The exam is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the same organization that administers the GMAT exam globally. Although originally introduced by NMIMS University, the test is now officially managed by GMAC and is sometimes still referred to as NMAT 2025. For a quick overview of the key features and structure of the NMAT exam 2025, refer to the table below.

NMAT Exam 2025 Highlights

NMAT Exam 2025 Particulars	Key Information
Conducting Authority	Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Official Website	mba.com/nmat
Top MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores	NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, TAPMI, SDA Bocconi
Exam Schedule (Expected)	November 5 to December 20, 2025
Mode of Examination	Computer-based test at designated test centres
Duration of Exam	2 hours (120 minutes)
Total Number of Questions	108
Marking Scheme	+1 mark for each correct answer; no negative marking
Number of Sections	3 sections
Sectional Time Limit	Yes; varies for each section
Option to Choose Section Order	Yes, but only once per attempt
Difficulty Level	Moderate, easier compared to CAT or XAT
Admission Criteria in Top Colleges	Based on NMAT scaled scores; percentile not applicable
Application Fee	₹3,000

NMAT Exam 2025 Important Dates

The NMAT exam is conducted by GMAC within a defined test window. Candidates are given the flexibility to select their preferred exam date through the NMAT slot booking process, also referred to as the scheduling window. Below, you’ll find the complete timeline for the NMAT exam 2025, including key dates for registration, exam scheduling, and result announcement.

NMAT Events	Start Date	End Date
Registration	01-Aug-2025	10-Oct-2025
Scheduling	01-Aug-2025	17-Oct-2025
Re-scheduling	01-Aug-2025	17-Dec-2025
NMAT exam dates	05-Nov-2025	20-Dec-2025
Retake registration	06-Nov-2025	17-Dec-2025

NMAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria

NMAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria must be thoroughly reviewed by candidates before applying for the exam. These guidelines are set by GMAC and are followed by all NMAT-accepting institutes. Failing to meet the eligibility conditions may result in disqualification at later stages of the admission process. While specific requirements can slightly vary across institutions, the general NMAT 2025 eligibility criteria are as follows:

Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for NMAT by GMAC.
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks is typically required. However, this may differ from one participating college to another.
Work Experience: Candidates with work experience are also eligible and are often preferred by certain B-schools.

It is important to ensure you meet the complete NMAT 2025 eligibility criteria before starting your application.

NMAT Registration 2025

NMAT Registration 2025 is expected to begin in the first week of August 2025. Candidates can register for the exam from August 1 to October 10, 2025, through the official NMAT website. The registration process for NMAT 2025 is completely online and involves a few simple steps. Applicants must fill in personal details, choose preferred colleges, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee. To ensure a hassle-free process, follow the step-by-step guide below:

Visit the official NMAT website at nmat.org.
Click on the ‘Register Now’ link available under quick links.
Fill in your name, valid email ID, mobile number, and password to create an account. After submitting, you’ll receive an email with your login credentials.
Log in to access the NMAT by GMAC 2025 registration form and fill in all required information accurately.
Under the “School Preference” section, select the NMAT-accepting colleges you wish to apply for. You can choose up to 5 programs at no extra cost, with an option to add more for an additional fee.
Upload a scanned passport-size photograph and digital signature, ensuring the file size does not exceed 1 MB.
Click on “Submit” to generate your unique NMAT Exam Registration Number.
Complete the registration by paying the applicable NMAT registration fee.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully complete the NMAT registration 2025 process.

NMAT Exam Fees 2025

NMAT Exam Fee 2025 is among the highest compared to other management entrance exams. Check the NMAT exam fees below (excluding applicable taxes).

Nmat Test Service	NMAT Fees
CAT 2025 Notification	Rs. 3000
NMAT Retake Registration	Rs. 3000
Additional Score Reports (Beyond 5)	Rs. 400 per report
Rescheduling NMAT exam	Rs. 1200

NMAT Exam Scheduling and Rescheduling

GMAC offers flexibility to NMAT aspirants by allowing them to choose the exam date, time, and location as per their convenience. You can self-schedule, reschedule, and take the NMAT exam at a designated test centre, with the entire process being online and completed during application submission.

NMAT also provides the option to retake the exam to improve your score or reschedule it in case of any unforeseen situation. If you’re unable to appear on your originally scheduled date, you can reschedule your exam within the testing window. However, the retake and rescheduling options are available only up to 72 hours before your scheduled test, and a separate fee is applicable for rescheduling.

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025 question paper consists of three sections: Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. While the NMAT exam pattern is similar to other popular MBA entrance exams like CAT and XAT, it is considered less difficult and has the added advantage of no negative marking. Here’s the NMAT exam marking scheme:

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

Exam Sections	Number of Questions	Allotted time in Minutes
Language Skills	36	28
Quantitative Skills	36	52
Logical Reasoning	36	40
Total	108	120

NMAT Exam Syllabus 2025

NMAT exam syllabus 2025 is divided into three key sections: Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. The detailed syllabus and important topics for NMAT 2025 are as follows:

Language Skills: This section evaluates vocabulary and grammar through questions on synonyms, antonyms, analogies, fill-in-the-blanks, cloze tests, reading comprehension, para jumbles, and sentence correction.

Logical Reasoning: It is split into two parts—Verbal Reasoning, which includes statement-argument, statement-assumption, decision-making, and critical reasoning; and Analytical Reasoning, which features topics like arrangements, syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, series, directions, input-output, and matrix or symbol-based questions.

Quantitative Skills: This section covers Arithmetic (time & work, interest, percentages, ratio, HCF-LCM), Algebra (equations, inequalities, logarithms), Geometry & Mensuration (triangles, circles, 3D figures), Modern Math (permutation & combination, probability, set theory), and Data Interpretation (tables, graphs, and charts).

NMAT Preparation 2025

NMAT Preparation 2025 requires a structured strategy, consistent practice, and a balanced approach across all sections—Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills. A strong grasp of the exam pattern, a well-planned study schedule, and regular practice can significantly boost your chances of success. Here are some effective preparation tips for NMAT 2025:

Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Get familiar with the NMAT exam format, including the number of questions, time limits for each section, and the marking scheme. Focus on thoroughly covering Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills.
Create a Smart Study Plan
Design a study timetable that suits your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate time wisely between learning concepts, practicing questions, and revising regularly.
Strengthen Your Basics
Build conceptual clarity in grammar, vocabulary, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and reasoning. Use standard study resources and books to lay a strong foundation.
Practice Consistently
Work on previous year questions and sample papers to understand the exam pattern. Take section-wise and full-length mock tests to boost your speed and accuracy.
Improve Time Management
Practice solving questions within the given time frame. Focus on maximizing accuracy without compromising on speed.
Analyze and Improve
Review your mock test performance to pinpoint weak areas. Focus on refining your problem-solving skills and reducing errors.
Stay Consistent and Positive
Follow your study plan diligently and maintain a balanced approach. Keep yourself motivated, and stay calm and confident throughout your preparation journey.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT 2025 Score with Cut Offs

Top MBA colleges accepting NMAT 2025 scores include renowned institutes like NMIMS Mumbai, TAPMI, XIMB, KJ Somaiya, IFMR Chennai, and SDA Bocconi. The NMAT 2025 cut-off scores for these B-schools vary, with NMIMS Mumbai notably reducing its cut-off from around 230 to 209 for all its campuses this year.

Apart from these, several other universities also accept NMAT scores for their MBA programs. These include VIT University, Shiv Nadar University, MIT University, SRM University, Thapar School of Management, GITAM University, Bennett University, and the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES).

Additionally, some prestigious institutions use NMAT scores for admission into specialized programs. For instance, ISB Hyderabad accepts NMAT for its Advanced Management Programme in Business Analytics (AMPBA), S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research considers it for its Global Management Programme (GMP), and Great Lakes Institute of Management for its PGPM course.

Institute	Expected NMAT Cut-Off Score	APPLY NOW
NMIMS Mumbai	209	Apply Now
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)	220–230	Apply Now
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai	215–225	Apply Now
TAPMI Manipal	215–225	Apply Now
SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai	205–210	Apply Now
Woxsen School of Business, Hyderabad	180–200	Apply Now

NMAT Cut Off 2025

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) introduced significant changes in the MBA admission process for 2025 across its Mumbai and other campuses. The weightage of the NMAT 2024 exam was substantially reduced, and a new component called the “NMIMS Competency Assessment” was introduced, carrying a high weightage of 50%. Additionally, an AI-assisted Personal Interview was implemented as part of the selection process. The NMAT 2025 cut-off score for all NMIMS campuses was set at 209. The admission criteria and cut-offs for the 2026 intake are yet to be announced.

NMAT Admit Card 2025

NMAT admit card 2025 is released seven days prior to the scheduled exam date. Candidates choose their exam date, time slot, and test centre during the scheduling process, and these details are mentioned on the NMAT 2025 admit card. The admit card can be downloaded from the NMAT login dashboard. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card to the exam centre. Please note, a separate admit card is required for each attempt of the NMAT exam.

NMAT Result 2025

The NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) is one of the most widely recognized entrance exams for admission to various postgraduate management programs in India and abroad. The NMAT result 2025 will be highly anticipated by thousands of candidates who have appeared for the exam, as it plays a vital role in determining their chances of getting into prestigious institutions like NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), Xavier University, and other participating schools.

The result will typically feature the overall score, sectional scores, and percentile ranks, which will give candidates a comprehensive understanding of their performance. For many aspirants, the NMAT result 2025 will serve as a gateway to further rounds of selection, including group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests, marking the beginning of their academic journey toward an MBA degree.

How to Check NMAT Result 2025

Once the NMAT 2025 exam is concluded, candidates can easily check their results online through the official NMAT website. To access the scorecard, candidates must log in with their registered credentials (username and password) to view their performance. The result will include individual scores for each section—Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning—along with the overall score that aggregates the performance across all sections.

For candidates who have taken the NMAT in multiple attempts, the official result will reflect their highest score from the various attempts, ensuring a fair representation of their best performance. This flexibility allows candidates to improve their chances by taking the exam up to three times within a given testing window. The immediate availability of results allows candidates to quickly assess their performance and decide on their next steps.

NMAT 2025 Result: Scoring Pattern and Interpretation

You can access your NMAT scorecard on the official NMAT by GMAC website. The scorecard will display the scaled scores for each attempt you’ve taken. Once your score is ready, you will receive an email notification from the official NMAT website.

After receiving the alert, you can log in using your personal credentials to download your scorecard directly from the portal.

Importance of NMAT Result 2025 for Admission Process

The NMAT result 2025 plays a pivotal role in the selection process for numerous B-schools, particularly those that consider NMAT scores as a significant component of their admission criteria. Institutions like NMIMS, Xavier University, and others use the scores to shortlist candidates for subsequent rounds such as group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. However, the NMAT result is not the only factor considered; other aspects, such as academic background, work experience, and extracurricular activities, are also taken into account.

The NMAT exam allows for multiple attempts, so candidates who are not satisfied with their initial scores can retake the exam within a given testing window. This flexibility enables aspirants to refine their performance and improve their prospects of gaining admission to some of the most prestigious management programs in India and around the world. Ultimately, the NMAT result 2025 is a crucial step toward a successful career in business management.

NMAT V/s CAT Exam Pattern

The NMAT by GMAC exam pattern shares several similarities with the CAT exam, allowing candidates to align their preparation for both tests—especially in terms of section-wise focus and overall strategy. However, there are also some key differences between NMAT and CAT that aspirants should be aware of:

No Negative Marking in NMAT, unlike CAT which penalizes incorrect answers.
Equal weightage is given to all three sections in NMAT, whereas CAT has varying weightage across sections.
Fixed time for each section in NMAT, and candidates cannot switch between sections, while CAT also has sectional time limits but with a different structure.
NMAT allows multiple attempts, giving candidates the chance to improve scores, while CAT can be attempted only once a year.
Adaptive format in NMAT, meaning the difficulty level can adjust based on the candidate’s responses (in some modes), whereas CAT is a fixed paper for all candidates.

Understanding these differences can help you tailor your preparation strategy more effectively for each exam.

Component	NMAT Eam Pattern 2024	CAT 2024
Total questions	108	68
Overall time limit to attempt the exam	2 hours	2 hours
Type of Questions	All MCQs	48 questions are MCQs, Rest 18 Non-MCQs
Answer options for MCQs	5	4
Marks awarded for each correct answer	1	3
Negative marking	No negative marking	MCQs with 1/3 negative marking; No negative marking for Non-MCQs
Name of section-1 with number of questions	Language Skills (36 Questions)	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24 Questions)
Name of Section-2 with number of questions	Logical Reasoning (36 Questions)	Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (20 Questions)
Name of Section-3 with number of questions	Quantitative Skills (36 Questions)	Quantitative Ability (22 Questions)
Facility to choose order of sections	Yes, but once chosen has to follow	No choice
Individual Sectional time limit	Yes, varying time limit of 28 minutes to 52 minutes	Each section with 40 minutes time limit

MBA Selection Process through NMAT 2025 Exam

The NMAT selection process for MBA admission 2025 varies across institutes that accept NMAT scores. Each college sets its own admission criteria based on NMAT 2025 scores along with additional evaluation stages.

For example, NMIMS Mumbai considers the NMAT 2025 score, followed by a Case Discussion and an AI-assisted Personal Interview as part of its selection process. Similarly, K J Somaiya Institute of Management shortlists candidates based on their NMAT score and evaluates them through Case Analysis and a Personal Interview.

On the other hand, some universities and B-schools such as VIT Vellore may include a Group Discussion and Personal Interview, but may not have a Case Analysis round. Additionally, certain institutes might opt for only a Personal Interview without any GD or case-based rounds.

Therefore, candidates should check the specific admission process of each NMAT score-accepting institute before applying.

FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for NMAT 2025?

To be eligible for NMAT 2025, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Final-year students can apply. There is no age limit for NMAT exam eligibility.

What is the pattern of NMAT 2025?

NMAT 2025 is a computer-based test with 108 questions divided into 3 sections—Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The total duration is 120 minutes, with sectional time limits. Each correct answer gives +3 marks, and there’s no negative marking. The test is adaptive and allows you to choose the order of sections.