Leading B-schools including NMIMS have commenced the shortlisting process based on NMAT 2025–26 scores as of late January. Shortlisted candidates are now being invited to register for the mandatory Stage 2 competency assessments and personal interviews Notably, NMIMS has revised its selection weightage for the 2026-28 batch, placing higher importance on the competency test over the raw NMAT score. Aspirants should check the official admission portals of participating institutes to verify their status and book their evaluation slots.

The management admission landscape is witnessing a flurry of activity as premier institutions across India begin releasing their shortlists for the 2026-28 MBA batch. Following the conclusion of the NMAT 2025–26 testing window in late December, schools like NMIMS, K J Somaiya, and TAPMI have transitioned from score collection to candidate evaluation. As of January 28, the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) has officially issued "calls" to thousands of aspirants who met the required percentile benchmarks. This year, the shortlisting process is more nuanced, as several institutes have shifted toward a holistic profile-based approach rather than relying solely on exam marks.

NMIMS Stage 2 Selection Criteria

The most significant update for the 2026 admission cycle comes from the flagship NMIMS Mumbai campus. The university has significantly altered its selection weightage, reducing the NMAT score's contribution to the final merit list.

• Revised Weightage: For the 2026-28 intake, the NMAT score now accounts for only 10% of the final selection. In contrast, the newly introduced Competency Assessment Test carries a massive 60% weightage.
• Competency Test: Shortlisted students must undergo this rigorous assessment, which evaluates situational judgment, analytical thinking, and managerial aptitude.
• Personal Interview (PI): The shortlisting status allows candidates to participate in the PI rounds, which are scheduled to be conducted between January 31 and February 26, 2026.
• First Attempt Policy: Candidates are reminded that while NMAT allows three attempts, NMIMS strictly considers only the first attempt for its shortlisting and final merit calculation.

Participation of Other Leading B-Schools

Beyond the flagship Symbiosis and Narsee Monjee campuses, more than 50 other management institutes are currently utilizing the 2025–26 scores to fill their seats. Unlike NMIMS, many of these private universities offer more flexibility regarding the number of attempts they accept.

• K J Somaiya Institute of Management: The institute is currently reviewing applications with a predicted cutoff range of 220–225. Their evaluation process emphasizes academic consistency and professional diversity.
• TAPMI Manipal: The shortlisting for specialized MBA programs at TAPMI is progressing, with the institute using NMAT scores alongside other national tests to identify high-potential students.
• XIM University: Xavier School of Human Resource Management (XAHR) has also initiated its second stage, focusing on candidates who scored between 200 and 210 in the recent testing window.
• Global Outreach: The NMAT score continues to gain traction internationally, with business schools in South Africa and the Philippines also in the midst of their 2026 intake processing.

Preparation for the Competency Assessment

With the shortlisting phase moving into high gear, candidates are shifting their focus to the non-exam components of the admission process. The "Stage 2" requirements at various institutes are designed to test real-world readiness.

• WAT and Case Discussions: Many institutes have replaced traditional Group Discussions with Case Discussions (CD) or Written Ability Tests (WAT) to better gauge a candidate's structured thinking.
• AI-Based Interviews: Some universities have introduced AI-proctored video interviews as a preliminary screening tool before the final face-to-face interaction.
• Intake Timeline: The first merit lists for these institutions are expected to be published in March 2026, with the academic session commencing in June.
• Scholarships: High-scoring students on the shortlisting lists are also being screened for merit-based scholarships, which can significantly reduce the tuition burden at premium private schools.

Conclusion

The current shortlisting progress across top B-schools highlights a clear shift in management admissions for 2026. The 2025–26 NMAT scores have served as a vital filter, but the heavy emphasis now lies on the subsequent competency tests and personal interviews. As the January 28 dateline marks the start of the final evaluation window, candidates must act swiftly to book their slots and refine their interview strategies. The 2026 intake will ultimately be defined not just by how well students performed in the exam hall, but by how effectively they demonstrate their leadership potential during these final selection rounds.