NMAT-Based Selection Rounds Begin at Several MBA and PGDM Institutes

With the NMAT 2025 testing window concluding on December 20, top MBA and PGDM institutes have officially commenced their secondary selection rounds. This comprehensive guide details the critical next steps for aspirants, including expected cut-offs, the new NMIMS Competency Test, and essential documentation. Stay ahead of the competition by tracking institute-specific deadlines and preparing for upcoming GD-PI rounds to secure your seat for the 2026–28 batch.

As the NMAT 2025 testing window closed on December 20, the focus for thousands of management aspirants has shifted from aptitude testing to the rigorous secondary selection process. Leading B-schools such as NMIMS, K J Somaiya, and XIM University are now moving into the shortlisting phase.

• Scorecard Availability: Official scorecards are typically released within 48 hours of the exam, allowing candidates to immediately assess their standing against historical cut-offs.
• Institute-Specific Shortlisting: Unlike other national exams, NMAT-accepting colleges release individual cut-offs. Aspirants must monitor the portals of schools they selected during registration.
• Diverse Evaluation Formats: Depending on the institute, the next stage may involve Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), or the newly integrated Written Ability Test (WAT).

Analyzing Top Institute Cut-offs and Deadlines

For the 2025–26 admission cycle, several premier institutes have adjusted their entry barriers. Notably, NMIMS has maintained a common cut-off across most campuses to streamline its intake for the 2026–28 batch.

Key Institute Selection Metrics

• NMIMS Mumbai: Expected overall cut-off remains near 209 marks, with a strict sectional requirement of 62 marks across all three modules.
• K J Somaiya: Applications remain open until January 20, 2026, with an expected cut-off hovering around the 222-mark range.
• Xavier University (XIMB): While the application deadline is December 22, shortlisting for HR and Rural Management programs will commence in early January.

Selection Timeline and Fees

Mastering the New Selection Criteria

For aspirants eyeing NMIMS, the selection process has undergone a significant shift. The institute now places 50% weightage on a "Competency Assessment," which tests managerial ability and situational judgment.

• Composite Scoring: Final merit lists are no longer based solely on NMAT scores. Elements like academic consistency (10th, 12th, and Graduation) and work experience now hold substantial weight.
• Personal Interview (PI) Focus: Interviews are designed to assess leadership potential and current affairs knowledge; many institutes are now utilizing AI-assisted or virtual platforms for these rounds.
• Document Readiness: Aspirants should organize their provisional degrees, caste certificates (if applicable), and detailed work experience letters immediately to avoid last-minute disqualification.

In conclusion, the journey to a premier B-school post-NMAT requires a strategic shift from calculation to communication. It is imperative that candidates regularly monitor the official admission portals of their preferred institutes and complete any pending supplementary applications before the January deadlines.