Which Colleges Accept NMAT Scores in 2025?

Over 50 business schools in India are recognized to take their MBA and PGDM programs using NMAT scores. The NMAT exam, administered by GMAC, is considered a reputable entrance exam, and several colleges give admission according to the NMAT scores. Although the leaders of some colleges accept only the NMAT scores, the participants can have an opportunity to present the results of other exams, including CAT, XAT, or GMAT. This provides broad opportunities to students who want to undertake management studies in good institutes without necessarily going through many examinations.

This blog will provide information in detail about the colleges that accept the NMAT, how NMAT scores can be used in getting admissions, comparing it with other common exams, and what can be done to increase your chances of admission.

Top MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores

These are some of the best MBA colleges in India that accept NMAT scores, with their locations and important notes:

Does Welingkar Accept NMAT Score?

No, the Welingkar Institute of Management Mumbai does not use NMAT scores in admitting MBA and PGDM. Rather, it takes test results, such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, and GMAT. To join the programs of Welingkar, the candidates will have to appear in one of these examinations to get admission. So, in case one has an NMAT score only, he or she cannot consider Welingkar as a college choice to pursue his management studies.

Does XIMB accept NMAT scores?

Yes, Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB) does accept NMAT scores in its admissions to MBA and special HR programs. The anticipated cutoff is on average in the 90th percentile range in NMAT. 

Candidates who have scored above this will have an option of taking up additional selection rounds, which include group discussions and personal interviews at XIMB. In addition to NMAT, XIMB also accepts CAT, XAT, and GMAT scores, which gives the applicants a wide range of choices to be eligible.

Does ISB Accept NMAT scores?

ISB Hyderabad and Mohali do accept NMAT; however, mostly in their Advanced Management Programs, such as AMPBA. 

The acceptance requirements are that the applicants need competitive marks, which are usually above 140 marks in the NMAT scale. ISB accepts GMAT, GRE, and NMAT scores equally during the selection. Prospective students who have a good NMAT score can be shortlisted to go through additional rounds, like interviews or essays, to be admitted to the programs of ISB.

How to Use NMAT Scores for MBA Admission?

Admission to the individual colleges that take part in NMAT uses NMAT scores:

• Upon passing the NMAT exam, the candidates are issued a scoring card in terms of percentile marks.
• They can use this score to apply to several colleges that accept NMAT.
• Colleges usually set cutoff percentiles or marks required to be eligible.
• Individuals who pass the cutoffs are invited to such selection rounds as group discussions or personal interviews.
• Admission is finally subjected to total performance, such as NMAT scores, academic history, interview, and, in some cases, work experience.

Therefore, a single NMAT score provides the option to apply to a variety of colleges, which will save time and effort.

Selection Process for NMAT Colleges

The average college admission rate for those who receive NMAT scores is as follows:

NMAT Score Evaluation: The initial one is a filter on the performance of the candidate in the test.

Group Discussion (GD): To assess communication, groupwork, and problem-solving.

Personal Interview (PI): To test motivation, goal clarity, and personality.

Written Ability Test (WAT): Some colleges have a written essay that evaluates writing skills.

Final Merit List: It is based on the combined scores of NMAT, GD, PI, academic scores, and experience.

Certain colleges might slightly differ in some aspects, but the majority of colleges usually apply this pattern to select the most suitable candidates.

Fee Structure of NMAT-Accepting Colleges

The fee structure varies widely depending on the college, program, and location. Here is a general idea of approximate fees for some popular NMAT colleges:

Fee varies based on scholarships, campus facilities, and programs offered. Candidates should check official college sites for exact details.

Advantages of NMAT Participating Colleges

NMAT colleges enjoy several advantages that make them the best bets among MBA aspirants:

Wide Recognition: These are colleges with good education and that are usually ranked among the best MBA schools in India.

Flexible Admission: There are many offers that these colleges accept NMAT scores on top of other examinations, such as CAT, XAT, or GMAT, and this has been able to offer students a variety of options to be admitted by the colleges.

Strong Curriculum: NMAT colleges provide a wide range of MBA specializations, such as Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, among others, to suit a wide range of careers based on individual career ambitions.

Qualified Faculty: The level of faculty in these colleges is normally well qualified in making quality learning because most of them have had a good academic background and experience in the industry.

Good Industry contacts: NMAT colleges have strong industry contacts, which facilitate internships, live projects, and campus placements.

Good Placement Records: A significant number of colleges that accept NMAT have a good percentage of placements and attractive average salary packages.

Scholarships & Financial Aid: Colleges can also offer scholarships depending on NMAT scores and academic excellence, which would help to decrease the tuition fees.

Various Campuses and locations: Campuses in cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad give students a convenient choice.

All-round Personality Development: In addition to academics, these colleges emphasize soft skills, leadership, and communication improvement courses.

All in all, NMAT colleges have a combination of academic excellence, flexibility, and career opportunities that assist aspirants in starting good management careers.

Tips to Prepare for NMAT Exam and Selection Rounds

Proper preparation for the NMAT exam and the selection rounds that follow can greatly increase your chances of getting admission. Here are some useful tips:

Familiarize yourself with Exam Pattern: NMAT consists of three parts, namely Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Become conversant with the types of questions and time management.

Practice Mock Tests: Full-length mock tests can also be taken regularly to enhance time management, accuracy, and speed of taking the tests.

Target Strength Areas: Find out what your strong areas are and strive to get the highest scores in them as you seek to work on your weak areas.

Rewrite Fundamentals: Grammar, arithmetic, and logical thinking are the strong fundamentals in NMAT.

Be Consistent- Have a studying routine you stick to and ensure that you balance every part depending on the level of preparation.

Get ready for Group Discussions: Train to speak and listen well and confidently express ideas because GD is often included in selection rounds.

Polish Interview skills: You should prepare to respond to personal interview questions regarding your background, goals, strengths, and weaknesses.

Write Effectively: There are colleges where the Written Ability Tests (WAT) are conducted. Write essays understandably and logically.

Keep On Track: Be informed of new developments in the world of affairs and new developments in the MBA program, to be able to cope with the interviews and group discussions.

Overcome Stress: Make sure you are focused and remain calm, do not cram at the last moment, and get some rest before the exam or rounds.

With the help of these tips, the candidates would be able to improve their results in the exams and their profile in general in the process of college admission.