NMAT 2026 Registration Starts at mba.com: Direct Link, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Step-by-Step Application Guide

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has officially commenced online registration and test slot booking for the NMAT by GMAC 2026 examination. Candidates aspiring to pursue management education across top business schools in India and abroad can now apply and select their preferred exam slots directly through the official website at mba.com/exams/nmat.

The registration process began on August 20, 2026, and candidates will have until October 10, 2026, to submit their application forms. The exam scheduling window, which allows candidates to reserve their specific test date, venue, and time slot, will remain open through October 22, 2026. GMAC will deliver the computer-based exam across a 49-day testing window scheduled from November 2 to December 20, 2026.

NMAT 2026: Important Schedule and Fee Structure

Candidates planning to sit for the examination should keep track of the key administrative deadlines and associated fees:

• Online Registration Period: August 20, 2026 – October 10, 2026

• Exam Scheduling/Slot Booking: August 20, 2026 – October 22, 2026

• Testing Window: November 2, 2026 – December 20, 2026

• Retake Registration & Scheduling: November 3, 2026 – December 17, 2026

• Main Application Fee: ₹3,000 + applicable taxes (18% GST)

• Retake Fee: ₹3,000 + applicable taxes

• Rescheduling Fee: ₹1,200 + applicable taxes

• Official Website: mba.com/exams/nmat

Step-by-Step Registration and Slot Booking Process

The registration process for NMAT 2026 is conducted online. Applicants can complete their submission and book test appointments by following these steps:

1. Account Creation: Visit mba.com/exams/nmat and click on the registration link. Create a account using a valid email address, mobile number, and personal credentials.

2. Profile Completion: Log in to the candidate dashboard, complete the application form with accurate personal details, academic qualifications, and professional work experience (if any).

3. Document Upload: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background along with a clear scanned copy of your signature in the prescribed format.

4. B-School Preference Selection: Select up to 5 participating management programs or universities to receive your scorecards free of charge as part of the initial registration fee.

5. Fee Payment: Submit the registration fee of ₹3,000 plus applicable taxes through online payment gateways (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI).

6. Slot Scheduling: Once payment is processed, click “Book Exam” on the dashboard. Choose your preferred exam mode (In-person at a designated test center or Online Proctored at Home), select the test city, date, and preferred time slot.

7. Admit Card Download: Confirm the appointment details and download the official hall ticket, which will be available on the candidate dashboard.

Eligibility Criteria and Multiple Attempts Policy

To apply for NMAT 2026, applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 or 4-year undergraduate degree) from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. Candidates currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply on a provisional basis, provided they submit proof of completion during the final admission process. There is no upper age limit, and prior work experience is not mandatory.

A feature of the NMAT exam is its attempt structure. GMAC permits candidates to take the exam up to three times during a single testing cycle—comprising one main attempt and up to two retakes. Candidates must maintain a mandatory gap of at least 7 days between two consecutive attempts. The highest score secured across all attempts will automatically be reported to the candidate’s selected management institutes.

Exam Pattern, Structure, and Sectional Breakdown

The NMAT 2026 exam is a computer-based adaptive test (CBT) consisting of 108 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the test, which is divided into three timed sections. Test-takers can choose the order of sections before starting the test, but they must complete each section within its allotted time.

Section Name	Number of Questions	Sectional Time Limit	Score Range
Language Skills	36	28 Minutes	12 to 120
Quantitative Skills	36	52 Minutes	12 to 120
Logical Reasoning	36	40 Minutes	12 to 120
Total	108	120 Minutes	36 to 360

There is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Official scorecards are published on the candidate’s dashboard within 48 hours of completing the examination.

Top Business Schools Accepting NMAT 2026 Scores

NMAT scores are accepted by business schools across India and internationally. Prominent participating Indian institutes include:

• SVKM’s NMIMS University (Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Shirpur, Navi Mumbai, Indore)

• K J Somaiya Institute of Management (Mumbai)

• TAPMI – T. A. Pai Management Institute (Manipal)

• XIM University (Bhubaneswar)

• SDA Bocconi Asia Center (Mumbai)

• ISBR Business School (Bengaluru)

• Alliance University (Bengaluru)

Because exam slots, test center capacity, and preferred dates are allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, GMAC advises candidates to register early to secure their preferred testing locations and schedules