NMAT Registration 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Application Process & Fees

I f you are planning to write NMAT by GMAC, this year, keep reading — the window for registration is limited and unlikeCAT, NMAT does give you an option to choose the exam date-time-centre. That flexibility is a good thing, but that means those who register first have the best choice of slots. Here's everything that you need to ensure that you will secure your registration for NMAT 2026, without frantically rushing through at the last-minute.

The NMAT is conducted over a 45-day testing window and it is run by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) — which runs the GMAT as well. This is unlike one-day exams like CAT as you select your slot (within the testing window) at the time of registration.

Who Can Register for NMAT 2026?

Before you start the application, check that you meet the baseline eligibility: 

• A bachelor s degree of minimum 03 years or 10+2+3 pattern from recognised stream
• 50% aggregate marks in your final year (this is usually relaxed to 45% for SC / ST candidates, but this can vary from institute to institute)
• Even final year students awaiting results can apply — admission is provisional until you produce your final mark sheet and degree certificate

NMAT has no maximum age limit like many other MBA entrance exams, and there is also no stream restriction that tends to discriminate against arts students as you will see in the case of some other exams; here engineers, commerce and even graduates from any other field (science/arts/humanities) can apply.

Step-by-Step NMAT 2026 Registration Process

1. Visit the official NMAT by GMAC portal at mba.com/exams/nmat and click on "New Registration."
2. Sign-up using your genuine email ID and mobile number—this forms your permanent login for the NMAT cycle, including retake candidates.
3. Fill in Personal, Academic and Contact Details thoroughly NOTE: Your name and your photo ID should be exactly the same because otherwise it will lead to admit card issue at a later stage.
4. You can now add up to five B-schools or programmes that are free of charge and are not part of the programme later for a fee.
5. Upload the necessary documents, usually a photograph and signature in the required format.
6. Make the payment for registration through credit card, debit card, net banking or other similar means CASH, CHEQUES AND Demand Draft are not accepted.
7. Exam Scheduling — The Schedule Exam option on your dashboard will be activated once payment confirmation occurs. Choose the date and time, test centre (or select the online proctored mode).
8. After the completion of scheduling, download your admit card. And on the day of examination, you ought to preserve a hard copy.

NMAT 2026 Registration Fee

The NMAT 2026 registration fee is ₹3,000 plus 18% GST i.e. nearly ₹3,540 for your first attempt. The one-off payment is inclusive of a single attempt at the exam, along with score reports to up to five B-schools. Retakes are charged at ₹3000 plus GST per attempt, while you pay ₹1200 plus GST to reschedule your slot. Not a single fee waiver based on category, same amount for General, OBC SC, ST And EWS candidates.

How Many Times Can You Attempt NMAT 2026?

You have three tries in one testing cycle (one original attempt and two retakes) but you must wait 15 days between valid attempts. You get a free retry as GMAC sends only your best score across all attempts when reporting to the B-schools of your choice, so a bad first attempt need not dictate the quality of the application.

Documents You'll Need

Have these ready before you fill out the form:

• A passport size photograph in the format and dimension as mentioned above
• Scanned signature
• (One government photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or driving licence) — similar ID you will bring to the test centre
• While filling the education details, academic mark sheets

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

• Not registering in advance: Popular test centres and time slots get booked quickly, particularly in metro cities.
• Typos in your name: Even a mild spelling inconsistency between your registration as well as your ID proof may cause an inconvenience at the examination centre.
• Carelessly Choose B-schools: you receive five free score reports, so pick them judiciously instead of filling them out as an afterthought.
• Giving up on the scheduling step: remember that registration and scheduling are two separate actions; paying the fee does not secure your exam slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When does NMAT 2026 registration start? 

NMAT 2026 registration opens on August 20, 2026, and closes on October 10, 2026.

Q2: Is there an age limit for NMAT 2026?

 NMAT has no upper age limit either, so there is no restriction of age-wise registrations.

Q3: Are final-year students eligible to apply for NMAT 2026? 

 Yes, students in their final year of graduation can apply, but admission will be provisional until they provide final results and documents.

Q4: How many times can I attempt NMAT in 2026?

NMAT can be taken a maximum of three times in a testing window — one attempt, and two retakes.

Q5: What is the NMAT 2026 registration fee? 

Each registration fee is ₹3,000 + 18% G.S.T (around ₹3,540) and for every retake the same amount will be charged.

Q6: Does registering for NMAT automatically apply me to B-schools?

 No, NMAT registration is just booking your exam. You need to apply individually to each college you are considering through their own application portal.