As of January 27, 2026, the NMAT 2025–26 shortlisting process is actively moving forward at premier management institutes. Flagship campuses like NMIMS Mumbai have released their PI shortlists, with cutoffs for core programs stabilizing around the 232-235 marks range. Other participating colleges, including K J Somaiya and TAPMI, are currently reviewing candidate profiles for the next stage of assessments.

The post-exam phase for NMAT by GMAC has reached a critical juncture as of January 27, 2026. Leading business schools across the country have commenced their shortlisting process, transitioning from raw score evaluation to holistic profile screening. While the main testing window concluded in late December, the current week is marked by the release of interview calls from several top-tier institutes. The official NMAT portal has stabilized final scaled scores, allowing participating universities to confirm the validity of results for thousands of aspirants. This stage is vital for candidates who are now shifting their focus from competitive testing to personality-based assessments and competency trials.

NMIMS Mumbai and Regional Campus Updates

SVKM’s NMIMS, the primary stakeholder in the NMAT ecosystem, has recently updated its admission dashboard to reflect the current call status for its various MBA programs.

• Mumbai Campus: The flagship MBA Core and HR programs have maintained a high shortlisting threshold, with successful candidates typically scoring above 232.
• Bangalore & Hyderabad: These campuses are issuing calls for scores in the 220–225 range, focusing on a balance of sectional proficiency and academic consistency.
• Call Status: Applicants can now log in to check if they have received a call; however, the validity of these invites is contingent upon the successful verification of original documents.
• Competency Test: Shortlisted students at NMIMS are required to prepare for a 45-minute "Competency Assessment," which carries significantly more weightage this year than in previous cycles.

Evaluation Criteria at Participating B-Schools

Beyond NMIMS, several other prominent institutes are actively utilizing NMAT scores to filter their 2026-28 batch applicants. Each school follows a unique weightage system where the entrance score is just one component of the final merit list.

The Shift Toward Profile-Based Selection

A notable trend in this year's shortlisting cycle is the increased emphasis on a candidate's professional and academic background. Many institutes are issuing calls to applicants with slightly lower NMAT scores if they possess exceptional work experience or diverse academic credentials.

• Document Readiness: Candidates must ensure the validity of their category certificates and mark sheets, as these are scrutinized during the initial screening.
• Interview Booking: Once a student is added to the shortlisting list, they are typically given a 48-to-72-hour window to book their preferred interview slot.
• Video Resumes: Certain colleges have introduced a video resume requirement for every applicant to gauge communication skills before the formal interview.
• Final Merit Weightage: In most top-tier colleges, the NMAT score's contribution to the final offer has been adjusted to roughly 20-30%, making the interview stage the ultimate decider.

Conclusion

The ongoing shortlisting phase across NMAT-participating institutes highlights a move toward more comprehensive student selection for the 2026 academic year. As the validity of scores is confirmed, the focus now rests on the upcoming personal interaction rounds scheduled throughout February. Every applicant who has cleared the primary cutoffs must remain vigilant on university portals to ensure they do not miss the narrow windows for slot booking. With the final merit lists expected by April, the next few weeks will determine the placement of thousands of future managers in India's premier B-schools.