Comprehensive NMAT 2025 Breakdown: Exam Overview, Dates & Key Details for MBA Aspirants

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Synopsis: The NMAT 2025 — conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) — was held in a flexible test window from 5 November to 19 December 2025, with options for candidates to choose their preferred exam day across this period. An additional phase was also announced for candidates who still had attempts available, with registrations from 5 to 10 January 2026 and exams from 13 to 17 January 2026. NMAT scores are accepted by more than 50 business schools in India and abroad, and candidates can take the test up to three times in one cycle to improve their best score.

The NMAT 2025 — a prominent MBA entrance exam administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) — has concluded its main test window, offering aspirants multiple opportunities to take the exam during the cycle. Candidates appeared for the computer-based test between 5 November and 19 December 2025, with scores issued promptly after each attempt. 

NMAT is recognised by more than 50 business schools within India as well as institutions in the Philippines, South Africa, Hungary, Nigeria and Morocco, supporting admissions into MBA and related postgraduate management programmes. 

Exam Schedule & Additional Phase for NMAT 2025

The 2025 test cycle provided a 44-day testing window, allowing candidates to choose dates and slots within that period to suit their schedules. GMAC’s flexible structure enabled candidates to appear for NMAT multiple times — up to three attempts per cycle — with the best score typically sent to participating institutes for admissions. 

Recognising the need for extended access, GMAC also introduced an additional exam phase:

• Registration: 5 – 10 January 2026
• Exam delivery window: 13 – 17 January 2026
  This phase is available for candidates who have not exhausted their three allowed attempts and want another chance to improve their performance. 

Eligibility & Acceptance for NMAT 2025

NMAT 2025 is open to candidates with an undergraduate degree, typically a bachelor’s in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year degree students awaiting results are also eligible under standard norms. Participation in the NMAT gives candidates access to scores accepted by a wide range of schools for MBA/PGDM admissions.

Exam Structure

NMAT assesses candidates across three key areas:

• Language Skills
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Skills
  Each section is thoughtfully weighted and timed to evaluate analytical and problem-solving capabilities crucial for management programmes. 

What Students Should Do

• Ensure NMAT scorecards from all attempts are downloaded and saved once available.
• Compare best scores across attempts before applying to participating institutes.
• Prepare supporting documents and application materials for shortlisting based on NMAT results.

With the 2025 cycle now complete and the additional phase offering extra flexibility for late registrants or repeat takers, NMAT remains a key pathway for MBA hopefuls seeking admission to quality business schools in India and overseas.

Also Read: Choosing between NMAT & SNAP: Which MBA Exam Is Tougher?