As of January 24, 2026, the NMAT 2025–26 admission cycle has transitioned into the second stage of selection. Premier institutes like NMIMS Mumbai, XIMB, and VIT University are finalizing shortlists for upcoming interview rounds. This report details the expected cutoffs, sectional weightages, and the schedule for the mandatory competency tests and personal interviews across major Indian campuses.

The admission cycle for the 2026-28 MBA batch has reached a critical phase as the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) concludes the main testing window. SVKM’s NMIMS and other affiliated business schools have begun processing candidate scores to initiate the next round of evaluations. Unlike previous years, several institutes are adopting a more holistic approach, moving beyond standardized scores to assess managerial potential through specialized assessments.

• Rolling Results: Candidates who appeared for the NMAT in the latter half of December 2025 have now received their final scaled scorecards via the official portal.
• Call Letter Status: NMIMS Mumbai is expected to release its formal shortlist for the Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad campuses within the coming week, following the verification of first-attempt scores.
• Retake Policy Clarification: While many partner schools accept the best of three attempts, NMIMS continues its strict policy of considering only the first attempt for its flagship MBA programs.
• Diversity Benchmarks: This year, a 30% reservation for female candidates remains a key feature of the selection criteria at the NMIMS Mumbai campus.

Analyzing Cutoff Trends and Weightage for 2026 Admissions

The selection landscape for this year suggests that while the overall difficulty of the exam was moderate, the high volume of applicants has kept the competitive bar high. Data from early shortlists at partner institutes indicate that the NMAT total score will carry a weightage ranging from 20% to 70%, depending on the specific program’s requirements.

• Sectional Performance: Top-tier programs are emphasizing balanced performance, often requiring a minimum of 70+ marks in each of the three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
• Campus Consistency: There is a growing trend toward a "common cutoff" for all NMIMS campuses, aimed at streamlining the selection process for the 2026 academic session.
• Composite Scoring: In the final merit list, the NMAT score is supplemented by academic history, work experience, and performance in the secondary rounds.

Projected NMAT 2025-26 Score Requirements

Conclusion

As the first month of 2026 draws to a close, the focus for management aspirants has shifted entirely to the post-exam round of assessments. The transition from a computer-based attempt to face-to-face or virtual interviews represents a significant shift in the evaluation methodology. Institutes are increasingly utilizing a "Competency Test" or "WATSON" round to judge analytical and communication skills before the final personal interview. With the final merit lists expected to be publicized by April 2026, the current window remains the most vital period for candidates to prove their readiness for a rigorous MBA curriculum.