NMAT 2025–26: Score-Based Admissions Ongoig at Top B-Schools

Premier management institutes across India are actively processing admissions based on NMAT 2025–26 scores. Following the primary testing window, leading B-schools such as NMIMS, KJ Somaiya, and SDA Bocconi have entered the critical shortlisting phase for the upcoming academic session. Aspirants are currently utilizing the 48-hour scorecard release to finalize their applications for various MBA and PGDM programs. With several institutions having specific deadlines in late January, candidates are encouraged to verify their scaled scores and update their individual college profiles.

The management education landscape is focused on the post-examination phase of the NMAT 2025–26 cycle. While the main testing window concluded in late December, several institutes are currently in the midst of an additional testing phase or are processing the scores of the thousands who have already appeared. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) continues to release scaled scores within 48 hours of each attempt, allowing aspirants to immediately assess their eligibility for top-tier MBA programs.

Leading the intake process, the School of Business Management at NMIMS has alreadystarted the initial verification of data for its Mumbai and regional campuses. Meanwhile, other participating B-schools are finalizing their internal cutoffs to begin the next round of their respective admission cycles.

1. Rolling Scorecard Downloads and Technical Support

A unique feature of the current admission season is the rolling release of results. Unlike other national exams that wait for a single date, the NMAT portal provides persistent access to scorecards throughout the month of January.

Scorecard Retrieval: Aspirants are currently logging into the official portal to download their PDF scorecards, which contain section-wise scaled scores for Language Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Skills.

• Reporting to Colleges: The system allows for the immediate transmission of these scores to up to five pre-selected institutes as part of the standard registration fee.
• Additional Reporting: For those aiming for a wider range of B-schools, the portal remains open for sending score reports to additional institutions for a nominal processing charge.

2. Shortlisting Benchmarks and Campus Deadlines

As the January 21 milestone passes, several institutes have reached critical deadlines for their independent application forms. While the entrance score is a prerequisite, many B-schools require a separate filing to be considered for the final merit list.

• NMIMS Shortlisting: The university is expected to announce its formal shortlist for the Personal Interview (PI) and Competency Test by the end of this month, following the conclusion of all test retakes.
• KJ Somaiya and SDA Bocconi: These institutes have active application windows closing in late January, with SDA Bocconi’s Round 2 deadline specifically set for tomorrow, January 22.
• Eligibility Checks: Aspirants are verifying that they meet the minimum 50% aggregate graduation requirement, which remains a standard criterion across all participating campuses for the 2026 intake.

3. Conclusion

The 2026-27 admission cycle for NMAT-vaccepting institutes is transitioning from the testing phase to the personality-based evaluation stage. With the scorecards readily available, aspirants are now focusing on the specific requirements of their target B-schools, ranging from written analytical tests to group exercises. The administrative focus remains on the integrity of the scores and the timely communication of interview schedules. As the final January deadlines approach, the transparency of the rolling score system continues to provide a clear roadmap for the next generation of management professionals aiming for India’s premier private universities.