NMAT 2025 Score-Based Shortlisting Continues at Participating Institutes
Stay updated with the latest NMAT 2025 shortlisting status across top B-schools like NMIMS and KJ Somaiya. The main exam window has closed, and institutes are now transitioning to the next phase of admissions. Discover expected cutoffs, sectional requirements, and the weightage of competency tests in final selections. Aspirants must prepare for CD/PI rounds as merit lists are expected in early 2024.Stay informed on documentation and official portal updates to secure your MBA seat.

The primary focus for many remains the NMIMS Mumbai campus, which has historically maintained a high bar for entry. However, the current cycle shows a continuation of the streamlined admission process introduced recently, favoring a holistic competency-based evaluation.
- Flagship Programs: Flagship MBA and MBA HR programs at the Mumbai campus are expected to maintain an overall cutoff of approximately 209–215.
- Specialized Tracks: Programs such as Digital Transformation and Business Analytics typically see slightly lower cutoffs, often hovering around the 190–200 mark.
- Regional Campuses: Campuses in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Indore are increasingly popular for their ROI, with cutoffs expected to stabilize near 200.
The Shift Toward Competency-Based Evaluation
One of the most significant shifts for the 2025-26 admission cycle is the reduced weightage of the NMAT score itself. While a qualifying score is mandatory for a call, the final merit list now relies heavily on a candidate's overall profile.
Evaluation Component | Weightage (%) |
NMAT by GMAC Score | 20% |
Competency Assessment | 50% |
Personal Interview (PI) | 10% |
Academic Record (10th/12th/Grad) | 10% |
Work Experience | 10% |
- Competency Tests: This 50% weightage means candidates must focus on behavioral traits and situational judgment rather than just numerical aptitude.
- The First-Attempt Rule: Aspirants are reminded that NMIMS primarily considers the first attempt score for shortlisting, unlike other institutes that may accept retakes.
- Sectional Consistency: Maintaining a balance across Language, Logical, and Quantitative sections remains vital, as many Tier-1 institutes still enforce sectional cutoffs.
Timeline for Final Selection Rounds
With the shortlisting phase currently active, the window for Case Discussions (CD) and Personal Interviews (PI) is fast approaching. Aspirants should expect official call letters to be dispatched in the coming weeks.
- January 2026: Most Tier-1 and Tier-2 institutes will open their windows for registration for the subsequent selection rounds.
- February 2026: Conduct of the NMIMS Aptitude Test and PI rounds for the Mumbai and HR programs.
- Document Readiness: Ensure all semester mark sheets, work experience certificates, and category documents are verified and ready for upload.
In conclusion, while the exam results provided the initial gateway, the journey to a premier B-school is now about demonstrating managerial potential through the competency rounds. Aspirants are advised to regularly monitor the official admission portals and their registered email IDs for call letters to ensure no deadlines are missed.
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