91- 6303239042
Group
Preferred Source
Google Discover
Is 220 a Good Score in NMAT 2026
Yes, 220 is good for most mid-to-high NMAT-accepting B-schools. 220 is not, however, a sure shot for the very top but it positions as top 8% to 11% of all test-takers nationally.
The NMAT score is scaled from 36 to 360. Your scaled score is a sum of your scores from three sections of the test. The three sections comprise Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning, and each section is marked from 12 to 120. There's no penalty for incorrect answers. 220 is approximately 73 per section - a good overall score. This article gives an in-depth breakdown of score dynamics, percentiles, college shortlists, sectional benchmarks, and guidance on whether to book a retake slot.
What Percentile Is 220 Marks in NMAT 2026?
GMAC provides NMAT scaled scores on the scorecard immediately following the test and percentile ranks will be calculated after the entire pool of test takers has tested. According to historical data and statistical criteria for normalization across recent testing windows:
Estimated Percentile for 220 Marks: 89.00 th to 92.50 th percentile.
Can You Get NMIMS Mumbai With a 220 NMAT Score?
SBM (School of Business Management), Mumbai is still the most preferred business school for almost every candidate appearing for the NMAT exam. Whether or not a 220 score is a good score at all, it all depends on the course you are applying for:
1. Flagship MBA (Core) & MBA HR
- Historical Benchmark: The cut-off for NMIMS Mumbai MBA Core was in the range of 232-236+.
- Shortlisting Recent changes: NMIMS has had multi-stage shortlisting systems over the last few years, where they may screen students through CAT/PI and then may raise the CAT score / scaled scores to 215-225+ from the initial shortlist before considering WAT/PI/profile score.
- The Bottom Line: If the MBA Core NMIMS Mumbai Cutoff remains near past years' highs (232+), then 220 doesn't seem enough. However, if the call pool expands, then 220 can get you a short-list place, but you will need to ace the WAT/PI round to convert.
2. Specialized Mumbai Campus Programs
With a 220 score, your standing for Mumbai campus Programmes will be more solid:
- MBA Business Analytics / MBA Digital Transformation: Cutoffs usually range from 215 to 224. You are within the range for a 220.
- MBA Pharmaceutical Management: Usually the aggregate mark of 190 to 205. A score of 220 easily crosses the exam hurdle (subject to bachelor's degree pass marks in science/pharmacy).
Read More: NMAT Accepting Colleges 2026, Cutoffs, Fees, Placements
Which MBA Colleges Accept 220 Marks in NMAT 2026?
A scaled score of 220 can qualify you for many esteemed management colleges of India. Here is the list of some of the best business schools of India for 215-230 scaled score:
Outlook at 220 | Colleges (examples) | Expected score range reported |
Strong | NMIMS Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore | Published cutoff of 209 |
Strong | SDA Bocconi Asia Center | Roughly 200 to 215 |
Strong | IFMR Graduate School of Business | Roughly 200 to 215+ |
Very comfortable | ISBR Bangalore, SOIL Gurgaon, IBS Hyderabad | Roughly 150 to 190+ |
Competitive | NMIMS Mumbai | 209 to qualify; 220 to 230+ often advised |
Borderline | XIMB (MBA-HRM and others) | Roughly 210 to 225+ |
Borderline | TAPMI Manipal | Roughly 220 to 225+ |
Borderline | KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | Roughly 220 to 230+ |
NMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile: 200, 210, 220, 230 and 240
Since GMAC scores are scaled instead of reported as raw percentages, it can be useful to compare scaled points to percentiles and tiers of programs:
Scaled Score Band | Estimated Percentile | Profile Competitiveness | Primary B-School Match List |
240+ | 98.5+ to 99.5%ile | Top 1.5% (Elite) | Definite shortlist call for NMIMS Mumbai (MBA Core/HR), assuming sectional cutoffs are cleared. |
230 - 239 | 94.0 to 98.0%ile | Top 6% (Very High) | Strong prospects for NMIMS Mumbai, XIM University, and top-tier private choices. |
220 | 89.0 to 92.5%ile | Top 11% (High) | NMIMS Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, K J Somaiya, TAPMI, GLIM. |
210 | 83.0 to 88.0%ile | Top 17% (Moderate) | NMIMS Hyderabad, NMIMS Indore, Welingkar (WeSchool), SDA Bocconi. |
200 | 76.0 to 82.0%ile | Top 24% (Baseline) | Alliance University, UPES Dehradun, Amity, NMIMS Pharma MBA. |
Read More: NMAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Documents, Rules & Tips
Should You Retake NMAT 2026 After Scoring 220?
Unique to the NMAT by GMAC is the retake policy: candidates are permitted up to three attempts within the active testing cycle (that's an initial attempt plus two retakes), with at least a 15-day waiting period between attempts.
Considering sitting for a retake comes down to your goals, whether they be:
When You MUST Retake:
NMIMS Mumbai MBA Core Is Your Non-Negotiable Goal: If you have decided to stay simple with the flagship campus in Mumbai, then a 220 is vulnerable to cutoff fluctuations. The safety margin is added by second attempts with 232-238+ scores.
You Had an Off Section: If your 220 shows an aggregate score, but multiple sections are strong (say 88 in Language Skills, 84 in Reasoning, and only 48 in Quantitative Skills), even most colleges with sectional cutoffs will easily eliminate your application. You must retake to bring the section with the low score above the 65-70 mark.
Unforced Errors on Test Day: If you kept scoring roughly 235 – 245 on your practice exams, or you lost points due to time mismanagement in one section in particular, scheduling a retake is a very low-risk, high-reward decision.
When You Should HOLD and Skip the Retake:
You Are Happy With Other Leading Programs: If you would gladly join NMIMS Bengaluru, TAPMI, or XIM University, your 220 is good enough.
Your Sectional Distribution Is Balanced: Logic is a reasonable, defensible profile for within institutes that adhere to a per-section cut-off.
Conflicting With Other Exams (CAT, XAT, or SNAP): If you are preparing for other national exams like CAT, XAT or SNAP, then dedicating additional efforts to NMAT for a second attempt may not be wise. You may end up losing out on preparing for other national exam.
Is 220 a Good Score in NMAT 2026? : Conclusion
A score of 220 in NMAT 2026 is a good score for candidates targeting several reputed MBA colleges in India. Based on historical trends, it is estimated to be around the 90th percentile. With this score, candidates can explore admission opportunities at NMIMS Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, TAPMI and KJ Somaiya. However, admission depends on individual college cutoffs, sectional scores and selection criteria.
Students aiming for NMIMS Mumbai's flagship MBA programme may find 220 insufficient, depending on the official cutoff. Before making an admission decision, candidates should compare their scores with previous years' cutoffs and shortlist suitable colleges. Those considering a retake should first check whether their preferred colleges accept retake scores.
