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When Will NMAT 2026 Registration Start?
NMAT 2026 registration is expected to open in early August 2026 on the official NMAT website mba.com/exams/nmat, with the last date expected in mid-October 2026.
This follows a consistent pattern across the last three cycles. The NMAT 2025 registration window started on August 1, 2025. The NMAT 2025 notification was released by GMAC on July 30, 2025, a day before registration opened. In 2024 and 2023, the same August 1 pattern held.
The NMAT 2026 official notification is expected to be released by GMAC in July 2026, based on the NMAT 2025 release pattern. The notification will be published on the official NMAT by GMAC website mba.com/exams/nmat and will confirm all key dates, including the registration window, exam window, rescheduling dates, retake schedule, and the Additional Phase dates if applicable.
Until the official notification goes live, bookmark mba.com/exams/nmat and check it from the last week of July 2026.
Read Also, How to Prepare for NMAT 2026 in 3 Months, Study Plan PDF
NMAT 2026 Registration Starting Date
Based on the previous year's dates, the NMAT 2026 registration window is expected to open on August 1, 2026, and close in mid-October 2026.
Here is how registration start dates have tracked across recent cycles:
| Exam Year | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date |
|---|---|---|
| NMAT 2023 | August 1, 2023 | October 2023 |
| NMAT 2024 | August 1, 2024 | November 2024 |
| NMAT 2025 | August 1, 2025 | October 18, 2025 (Extended) |
| NMAT 2026 | August 1, 2026 (Expected) | Mid-October 2026 (Expected) |
One critical distinction between NMAT and other MBA entrance exams: registration and exam scheduling happen together. Unlike CAT or XAT where you register first and get a centre assigned later, GMAC allows candidates to choose the NMAT exam date, time, and location as per their convenience during registration itself. Exam slot allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis and preferred test centres fill up quickly. This makes early registration not just advisable but genuinely consequential.
Read Also, NMAT Score vs Percentile 2026, Check Previous Year Analysis
NMAT 2026 Registration Schedule
The NMAT testing cycle has several distinct windows, each with its own deadline. Understanding the full schedule is important because missing the retake registration window is a common mistake that costs candidates a second or third attempt.
| Event | Expected Dates (2026) |
|---|---|
| NMAT 2026 Official Notification | Late July 2026 (Tentative) |
| NMAT 2026 Registration Opens | August 1, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window | August 1 to October 25, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Registration Last Date | October 10 to 18, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Exam Window (Test 1) | November 5 to December 19, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Retake Registration Opens | November 6, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Rescheduling Last Date | December 16, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Retake Last Date | December 16, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Additional Phase | Late December 2026 or January 2027 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Result | Within 48 hours of each attempt |
An Additional Phase registration window, typically 5 to 7 days, is expected in late December 2026 or early January 2027 for candidates who missed the main window.
All dates are based on NMAT 2025 trends and will be confirmed by the official notification.
Read Also, NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Duration, Reservation
NMAT 2026 Registration Date (Expected)
The two most critical dates for every NMAT 2026 aspirant at a glance:
| Key Date | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NMAT 2026 Registration Start Date | August 1, 2026 (Expected) |
| NMAT 2026 Registration Last Date | October 10 to 18, 2026 (Expected) |
NMAT 2025 registration was originally scheduled to close on October 10, 2025, but GMAC extended the deadline to October 18, 2025. A similar extension is possible in 2026, but relying on it is risky for the same reason it always is: early registrants get first pick of test dates, times, and centres, while late registrants find preferred slots already filled.
NMAT will allow candidates to appear for the test three times in the testing window of approximately 70 days. There must be a gap of at least 15 days between two consecutive attempts. Registering early means you can plan all three attempts strategically across the November-December window, rather than scrambling for whatever slots remain.
How to Apply for NMAT 2026 Online
NMAT registration is a two-step process: first, you register for the exam itself on GMAC's portal; second, you apply to individual B-schools through the same portal. The NMAT by GMAC exam registration and school application is a two-step process.
Here is the complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Create Your GMAC Account
Visit register.nmat.org and create an account by providing your name, email ID, mobile number, and the country where you will take the test. Click "Create an Account." A verification email will be sent to your registered email address. Access your dashboard using the verification link.
Step 2: Fill the NMAT Application Form
Log in to your dashboard and click "Register Now." Fill in your personal details (name as on government ID, date of birth, nationality), academic details (Class 10, Class 12, graduation scores and institution), and work experience details. Enter only full-time work experience after graduation. Part-time, project-based, internship, articleship, or pre-graduation work experience should not be entered and will not be counted.
Step 3: Select Your B-School Preferences
Select up to 5 B-school preferences during registration at no extra charge. For sending score reports to more than 5 participating B-schools, an additional fee applies per school. Shortlist your target colleges before you begin the form so you can make this selection without rushing.
Step 4: Schedule Your Exam
Unlike other MBA exams, NMAT lets you self-schedule your exam date, time, and test centre right during registration. Retake scheduling follows the same process. The retake exam can only be taken after a gap of 15 days from the previous attempt. Choose your first attempt date keeping your preparation timeline in mind, and leave enough gap to improve your score across attempts.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the NMAT 2026 registration fee online using a debit card, credit card, or internet banking. The fee covers your first attempt only. Retakes require a separate payment.
Step 6: Download Your Admit Card
NMAT 2026 admit card will be released immediately after successful fee payment and slot booking, which is different from CAT, XAT, or SNAP, which release admit cards on a fixed date. You can download a fresh admit card for each attempt from the official website.
Read Also, NMAT Colleges List 2026, Institute-wise Expected Cut-off
NMAT 2026 Registration Fees
NMAT has a unique fee structure where each attempt is paid for separately. Here is the complete breakdown:
The NMAT 2026 registration fee is expected to be Rs 3,000 plus applicable taxes. Additional charges apply: retake fee Rs 3,000 per retake, rescheduling fee Rs 1,200, and additional score reports Rs 400 per school beyond the first 5 free B-school preferences.
| Fee Component | Expected Amount |
|---|---|
| NMAT Exam Fee (First Attempt) | Rs 3,000 + 18% GST |
| Retake Fee (per retake, up to 2 retakes) | Rs 3,000 + 18% GST |
| Rescheduling Fee (per reschedule) | Rs 1,200 + 18% GST |
| Additional Score Report (beyond 5 schools) | Rs 400 per school |
Total cost examples:
| Scenario | Approximate Total |
|---|---|
| 1 attempt, 5 schools (included) | Rs 3,540 (with 18% GST) |
| 3 attempts, 5 schools | Rs 10,620 (with 18% GST) |
| 3 attempts + 2 additional schools | Rs 11,420 (with 18% GST) |
NMAT fees are the same across all categories of candidates. There is no concession for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD candidates.
Two important official policies: once the NMAT exam has been scheduled, it cannot be cancelled. However, you may reschedule your exam as per the reschedule policy by paying the applicable rescheduling fee. There is no refund policy in India, and this applies to all fees paid for the NMAT by GMAC exam and any associated services.
NMAT Registration Process
Understanding the distinction between registration, scheduling, retake, and rescheduling is essential before you begin. These are four separate actions in the NMAT process and each has its own window and fee.
| Action | What It Means | When |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Creating your GMAC account and paying for your first attempt | August to October 2026 |
| Scheduling | Booking your specific exam date, time, and centre | At the time of registration |
| Rescheduling | Changing your already-booked exam date or centre | Up to 72 hours before exam date |
| Retake | Registering and paying for a second or third attempt | From the day after your first attempt |
A test taker is allowed to take the NMAT by GMAC exam a maximum of three times, which includes the first attempt plus a maximum of two retake attempts. No-shows are considered attempts. Retake option will be enabled in the test taker's existing registration account after taking the first test, and a separate registration account is not required
Retake candidates do not need to reapply to NMIMS. However, NMIMS considers only the first NMAT score. Scores from retakes will not be used for the second stage of NMIMS selection. For other B-schools accepting NMAT scores, the best score across all attempts is typically considered. Check each institute's policy individually.
Registering for the retake is straightforward. The retake tab appears on your NMAT by GMAC dashboard after your exam date. Follow the same payment process and your retake is scheduled.
Documents Required for NMAT 2026 Registration?
NMAT has one of the lightest document requirements among all MBA entrance exams at the time of online registration. Most documents are needed later, at the college application and verification stages.
Document to Upload During Online Registration:
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passport-size Photograph | Recent colour photograph as per GMAC specifications |
Documents to Keep Ready While Filling the Form (Not Uploaded, But Needed for Accuracy):
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Class 10 Mark Sheet | Enter board name, year of passing, and percentage |
| Class 12 Mark Sheet | Enter board name, year of passing, and percentage |
| Graduation Mark Sheets | Enter university name, CGPA or percentage, year of passing |
| Valid Government Photo ID | Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, or Voter ID for personal details entry |
| Work Experience Certificate | For entering accurate work experience details (full-time post-graduation only) |
Documents Required at the Test Centre on Exam Day:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| NMAT Admit Card | Downloaded from NMAT dashboard, fresh copy required per attempt |
| Valid Government Photo ID | Aadhaar, Passport, PAN Card, or Driver's Licence (must match registration details) |
Documents Required at B-School GD-PI and Verification Stage:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| NMAT 2026 Scorecard | Available on dashboard within 48 hours of exam |
| Class 10 and 12 Originals and Photocopies | For academic verification |
| All Graduation Semester Mark Sheets | Originals and photocopies |
| Degree Certificate | Final degree certificate from your university |
| Work Experience Certificates | Original offer letter and relieving letter from all employers |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD certificate from competent authority |
| Passport-size Photographs | As specified by individual institutes |
One practical note specific to NMAT: since GMAC calculates work experience up to July 1 of the exam year, ensure you only enter full-time post-graduation experience in months. Do not include internships, part-time roles, or articleships, as these are excluded and can cause profile mismatches at the B-school verification stage.
When Will NMAT 2026 Registration Start: Conclusion
The NMAT 2026 Registration Start Date is expected to be August 1, 2026, following the registration pattern observed over the past few years. Since NMAT allows candidates to choose their preferred exam date, time, and test centre during registration, completing the application early increases the chances of securing convenient slots.
Candidates should regularly check the official GMAC website for the NMAT 2026 notification and keep all required documents ready before the registration window opens. Applying early also provides sufficient time to plan multiple attempts, making your overall NMAT preparation strategy more effective.
