The NMAT 2026 expected cut off is likely to be around 210 for NMIMS Mumbai MBA programmes.
However, the actual cutoff will depend on the exam format followed, programme requirements and the overall performance of candidates.
For institutes such as K J Somaiya and TAPMI, the expected NMAT cutoff may range between 220 and 230 and 220 and 225, respectively.
The NMAT 2026 exam window is scheduled from November 2 to December 20, 2026. The first slot, conducted on November 2, was moderately difficult overall.
While Language Skills was relatively easy, Logical Reasoning was difficult and Quantitative Skills required lengthy calculations. These variations in section-wise difficulty may influence the overall score distribution.
This article covers the NMAT 2026 expected cut off for NMIMS Mumbai, Bangalore and other participating colleges, previous-year NMIMS cutoffs, the impact of exam format and the expected score requirements for different MBA programmes.
NMAT 2026 Expected Cut Off: College-Wise
The NMAT 2026 cutoff is expected to vary across colleges and MBA specialisations. NMIMS Mumbai is likely to maintain a higher overall score requirement for its core MBA and other programmes.
Other participating institutes may consider scores in the range of 180-230, depending on their admission criteria.
The following table provides the expected NMAT 2026 Exam cutoff for different colleges based on the new exam format.
NMAT Expected Cutoff 2026 for Top Colleges
| College | NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff (New Format) |
| NMIMS Mumbai (Core MBA + HR) | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Mumbai Business Analytics | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Mumbai Digital Transformation | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Bangalore | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Navi Mumbai | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Hyderabad | Around 210 |
| NMIMS Indore | Around 210 |
| XIM Bhubaneswar (HR) | 230+ |
| K J Somaiya, Mumbai | 220-230 |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 220-225 |
| SDA Bocconi, Mumbai | 190-210 |
| NMIMS MBA Pharmaceutical Management | 185-190 |
| ISBR Bangalore | 180-200 |
| FLAME University | 180-200 |
| IBS | 180-200 |
Note: These are estimated score ranges, not officially announced NMAT 2026 cutoffs. The final requirements may change depending on the admission cycle and selection criteria of individual institutes.
NMIMS NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff: New Format vs Old Format
The NMAT cutoff for NMIMS depends on the examination format being considered. Candidates must understand this difference before comparing their scores with previous-year cutoff trends.
Under the competency-based test format, the expected NMIMS Mumbai cutoff is around 210 for its core MBA programmes. This estimate is based on the NMIMS NMAT 2025 cutoff pattern.
However, if the examination returns to the older format used until 2023, candidates may expect the NMIMS Mumbai cutoff to be around 230-235. This is an indicative estimate based on the earlier scoring pattern and should not be treated as a confirmed cutoff.
The two formats have different score benchmarks, so candidates should avoid directly comparing their scores without considering the examination pattern.
NMAT Expected Cutoff 2026 Under Different Exam Formats
| Exam Format | NMIMS Mumbai Expected Cutoff |
| New Competency-Based Format | Around 210 |
| Old Exam Format (If Reintroduced) | 230-235 |
The cutoff estimate under the old format is less certain. The actual score requirement will depend on the format adopted for the 2026 admission process.
NMIMS NMAT Previous Year Cutoff 2025
The NMIMS NMAT 2025 cutoff provides a useful reference for estimating the 2026 admission requirements under the new exam format.
NMIMS considered both the overall score and sectional scores for its MBA programmes.
For the core MBA programme, the overall cutoff was 209, with a minimum sectional score of 60 in each section. The Pharmaceutical Management programme had a lower overall cutoff of 190.
NMIMS NMAT 2025 Section-Wise and Overall Cutoff
| Programme | Logical Reasoning (LR) | Language Skills (LS) | Quantitative Skills (QS) | Overall Cutoff |
| MBA | 60 | 60 | 60 | 209 |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management | 55 | 60 | 55 | 190 |
The previous-year cutoff indicates that meeting the overall score alone may not be sufficient for NMIMS admission. Candidates also need to meet the sectional requirements applicable to their selected programme.
For example, a candidate scoring 210 overall but falling below the required sectional score may not meet the cutoff requirements.
Therefore, preparation should focus on all three sections rather than maximising the overall score through just one or two sections.
How Does NMAT 2026 Exam Difficulty Affect the Expected Cutoff?
The difficulty level of the November 2 NMAT 2026 slot provides an initial reference for understanding the expected score requirements.
As per the NMAT Exam Analysis 2026, the paper had different difficulty levels across Language Skills, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Skills.
| NMAT Section | Difficulty Level | Key Observation |
| Language Skills | Easy | Direct questions from RC, grammar and vocabulary |
| Logical Reasoning | Difficult | Lengthier than last year, with multiple reasoning-based questions |
| Quantitative Skills | Challenging | Calculation-intensive questions and lengthy DI sets |
The overall paper was moderately difficult. However, the difference in section-wise difficulty could affect how candidates perform across the three sections.
- Language Skills: This section was relatively easy, with three Reading Comprehension passages and questions from grammar and vocabulary. Candidates with good reading speed and language fundamentals could manage this section more comfortably.
- Logical Reasoning: This section was difficult and lengthier than the previous year. Questions from puzzles, assumptions, arguments and course of action required careful analysis.
- Quantitative Skills: The section was challenging because of lengthy calculations, Data Interpretation sets and questions from different mathematical topics.
The difficulty level of the first slot alone cannot establish the final NMAT 2026 cutoff.
Scores and performance across subsequent exam slots will also be relevant when institutes determine their admission requirements.
How to Score Well in NMAT 2026 to Meet the Expected Cutoff?
Candidates appearing for the remaining NMAT 2026 exam slots can use the November 2 analysis to identify areas that require more practice. A balanced preparation strategy is important because the exam assesses three different skill areas.
- For Language Skills: Practise Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Error Spotting, Sentence Fillers and vocabulary questions. Focus on maintaining reading speed without compromising accuracy.
- For Logical Reasoning: Solve Grid Puzzles, Input-Output, Syllogisms, Arrangements and Critical Reasoning questions. Give additional time to assumptions, arguments and course of action.
- For Quantitative Skills: Revise Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Maths and Number Systems. Practise table-based and graph-based DI sets with a time limit.
- For overall score improvement: Attempt full-length NMAT mock tests to understand the exam interface, manage sectional time and identify weak topics.
- For sectional performance: Track individual scores in LR, LS and QS. Do not focus only on the overall score, particularly if targeting NMIMS programmes with sectional cutoff requirements.
Conclusion
Candidates appearing for the upcoming NMAT 2026 slots need to prepare for all three sections while keeping the expected cutoff of their target college in mind.
The November 2 paper highlighted the importance of calculation speed in Quantitative Skills and question selection in Logical Reasoning.
The MBA Karo NMAT Course can help candidates strengthen their preparation through structured learning and practice.
Candidates can also use NMAT mock tests to practise exam-level questions, assess their sectional performance and identify areas that need improvement.
With the exam window continuing until December 20, 2026, candidates can use the remaining preparation time to work on weaker topics, improve time management and build consistency across all three sections.
NMAT 2026 Expected Cutoff: FAQs
Q. What is the expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for NMIMS Mumbai?
A. The expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for NMIMS Mumbai MBA programmes is around 210 under the new competency-based exam format. Candidates may also need to meet the minimum sectional score requirements.
Q. What is a good score in NMAT 2026 for top MBA colleges?
A. A score of 220-230 may be competitive for institutes such as K J Somaiya, while TAPMI may have an expected cutoff of 220-225. NMIMS Mumbai is expected to require around 210.
Q. What is the expected NMAT 2026 cutoff for NMIMS Pharmaceutical Management?
A. The NMAT expected cutoff 2026 for NMIMS MBA Pharmaceutical Management is around 185-190 under the new exam format.
Q. Does NMIMS consider sectional cutoffs in NMAT 2026?
A. Yes. NMIMS has considered both sectional and overall cutoffs in its previous admission cycle. In 2025, the MBA programme had a sectional cutoff of 60 in each section and an overall cutoff of 209.
