Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Cut-Off and All You Need to Know

Looking for the top 10 MBA colleges accepting NMAT scores 2026? Check the list of leading NMAT colleges in India, including NMIMS, K J Somaiya, XIM University and TAPMI. Explore expected NMAT cut-offs, MBA fees, eligibility criteria, admission process, colleges accepting 190 marks and other important details before applying.
Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores 2026
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Updated Sep 11, 2026 | 12:21 PM IST

NMAT by GMAC is one of the popular management entrance examinations for candidates seeking admission to MBA and PGDM programmes in India. Several leading business schools accept NMAT scores for their management programmes, making the examination an important option for MBA aspirants.
Candidates searching for the top colleges accepting NMAT score in India can choose from institutions such as NMIMS, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, XIM University, TAPMI and several other participating business schools.
This article provides a detailed list of the top 10 MBA colleges accepting NMAT scores 2026, including their expected cut-offs, fees, eligibility criteria, admission process and other important details.
According to the official NMAT by GMAC list, dozens of business schools in India accept NMAT scores. However, candidates should note that registering for the NMAT examination and applying to a business school are separate steps. Each institution may have its own eligibility criteria, selection process and programme-specific requirements.

Top 10 MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores 2026: Overview

College/InstituteExpected/Indicative NMAT ScoreApproximate Programme Fees*
NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai230+₹25 lakh+
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai220+₹23.87 lakh
XIM University, Bhubaneswar200–220+₹20–25 lakh approx.
TAPMI, ManipalProgramme-specific₹18–25 lakh approx.
Great Lakes Institute of Management200+₹20 lakh+
SDA Bocconi Asia Center200+₹20 lakh+
IFMR Graduate School of Business180–200+₹15–20 lakh approx.
ICFAI Business School150–180+₹15–20 lakh approx.
SOIL Institute of Management180–200+₹15–20 lakh approx.
BML Munjal University160–190+₹15–20 lakh approx.
*Fees and score requirements may vary depending on the programme, campus, admission category and academic year. Candidates should verify the latest fee structure and admission criteria on the respective institute's official website before applying.

1. NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai

NMIMS is among the most popular institutions for candidates appearing for NMAT. The NMIMS MBA admission process is closely associated with NMAT by GMAC, and NMAT scores are an important requirement for admission to its management programmes.
NMIMS offers MBA programmes across multiple campuses, including Mumbai and other locations. The programmes are designed to provide students with exposure to areas such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources and analytics.
NMIMS MBA Eligibility Criteria
Candidates generally need to fulfil the following requirements:
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Minimum aggregate marks as specified by NMIMS for the programme
  • A valid NMAT by GMAC score
  • Compliance with programme-specific admission requirements
The NMIMS MBA admissions information states that candidates for the MBA programme require a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks.
Expected NMAT Cut-Off
The NMIMS Mumbai MBA cut-off is generally among the highest among top NMAT colleges in India. A score of around 230 or above may be considered competitive, although the final cut-off can change every year.
Approximate Fees
The total MBA fee may be ₹25 lakh or more, depending on the programme and applicable charges.
Why Choose NMIMS?
  • Strong brand recognition
  • Multiple MBA specialisations
  • Corporate exposure
  • Large alumni network
  • Mumbai location

2. K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

K J Somaiya Institute of Management is another popular name in the list of colleges accepting NMAT score. Candidates can apply through NMAT along with other accepted management entrance examinations, depending on the admission policy for the relevant programme.
K J Somaiya MBA Eligibility
Candidates are generally required to:
  • Hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Meet the institute's academic requirements
  • Submit a valid NMAT score or another accepted entrance examination score
  • Participate in further selection rounds, if shortlisted
The institute's MBA admission process for the 2026 cycle includes applications through CAT, XAT, NMAT and GMAT, followed by profile submission and selection stages such as written assessment and interview processes.
Expected NMAT Cut-Off
A score of around 220 or above may be competitive for candidates targeting K J Somaiya. However, the actual score required for shortlisting can vary.
K J Somaiya MBA Fees 2026
For the MBA batch 2026–28, the published total academic fee is:
  • MBA Year I: ₹11.52 lakh
  • MBA Year II: ₹12.36 lakh approximately
The total programme cost is therefore approximately ₹23.87 lakh, excluding hostel and other optional expenses where applicable.

3. XIM University, Bhubaneswar

XIM University is another recognised institution among the top colleges accepting NMAT score with cut off. The university offers management programmes through its different schools and programmes.
Candidates should carefully check which specific programme accepts NMAT scores, as entrance examination requirements may differ.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria generally include:
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Required minimum academic performance
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Participation in the institute's selection process
Expected NMAT Score
An NMAT score in the range of approximately 200 to 220+ may be considered competitive for eligible programmes, depending on the number and quality of applicants.
Approximate Fees
The programme fee may vary from approximately ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh, depending on the course.

4. T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal

TAPMI is one of the recognised management institutes that accepts NMAT scores for selected programmes. Candidates should note that NMAT acceptance can be programme-specific.
TAPMI's MBA admissions information states that applicants generally need a recognised graduate degree with at least 60% marks. The institute also specifies different accepted entrance examinations for different programmes. For example, NMAT is accepted for certain sectoral or specialised programmes such as MBA Technology Management, subject to the admission requirements applicable for the cycle.
TAPMI MBA Eligibility
Candidates generally require:
  • A recognised graduate degree
  • At least 60% marks, subject to programme requirements
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Performance in the selection process
NMAT Cut-Off
There may not be one common NMAT cut-off for all TAPMI MBA programmes. Candidates should check the programme-specific requirements.
Approximate Fees
The total programme fee can vary approximately between ₹18 lakh and ₹25 lakh, depending on the programme.
Important Note
Candidates should not assume that every TAPMI MBA programme accepts NMAT. Always verify the entrance examination requirements for the specific course.

5. Great Lakes Institute of Management

Great Lakes Institute of Management is among the management institutions that accept NMAT scores for selected management programmes.
The institute is known for its management education and industry-oriented approach. Candidates should check whether NMAT is accepted for the specific programme they wish to apply for.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility generally includes:
  • A recognised bachelor's degree
  • Minimum academic performance as prescribed by the programme
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Additional requirements such as work experience for certain programmes
Expected NMAT Score
Candidates with an NMAT score of around 200 or above may have better prospects, depending on the programme and applicant profile.
Approximate Fees
The fee for management programmes can be approximately ₹20 lakh or more, depending on the programme.

6. SDA Bocconi Asia Center

SDA Bocconi Asia Center is among the institutions accepting NMAT by GMAC scores. It offers management education with an international academic orientation.
Eligibility
Candidates generally need:
  • A bachelor's degree
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Required academic profile
  • Participation in the institute's admission process
Expected NMAT Score
A score of approximately 200 or above may be useful for applicants, although there may not be a fixed publicly applicable score requirement.
Approximate Fees
The programme fee may be approximately ₹20 lakh or more, depending on the course and applicable charges.

7. IFMR Graduate School of Business

IFMR Graduate School of Business is another option for candidates looking for NMAT accepting colleges with their cut off and fees.
The institute accepts multiple management entrance examination scores, subject to programme-specific requirements.
Eligibility
Candidates generally require:
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Minimum required marks
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Participation in the selection process
Expected NMAT Score
An NMAT score in the range of approximately 180 to 200+ may be considered by candidates while planning their applications.
Approximate Fees
The management programme fee may be approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on the course and applicable charges.

8. ICFAI Business School

ICFAI Business School is another institution included in the list of colleges accepting NMAT score.
IBS offers management programmes at different locations, and admission requirements may vary depending on the campus and programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates generally need:
  • A bachelor's degree
  • Required minimum academic marks
  • A valid entrance examination score such as NMAT, where accepted
  • Participation in further admission stages
NMAT Score Requirement
Candidates scoring around 150 to 180 or above may explore available programmes, depending on the campus and admission policy.
Approximate Fees
The programme fee can vary and may be approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on the selected campus.

9. SOIL Institute of Management

SOIL Institute of Management also appears among the institutions accepting NMAT scores.
The institute offers management programmes with an emphasis on leadership and industry exposure.
Eligibility
Candidates generally require:
  • A recognised bachelor's degree
  • Valid entrance examination score
  • Required academic performance
  • Completion of the institute's admission process
Expected NMAT Score
Candidates with scores in the range of 180 to 200+ may consider applying, subject to programme-specific selection requirements.
Approximate Fees
The total programme fee may be approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh.

10. BML Munjal University

BML Munjal University is another option for students searching for top colleges accepting NMAT score in India.
The university considers different management entrance examinations, including NMAT for applicable programmes.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates generally need:
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Required minimum academic marks
  • A valid NMAT or other accepted examination score
  • Participation in the admission process
Expected NMAT Score
An NMAT score of approximately 160 to 190+ may be considered suitable for exploring admission opportunities, depending on the applicant profile.
Approximate Fees
The MBA programme fee may range from approximately ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depending on the course and applicable charges.

Top NMAT Colleges in India: Expected Cut-Off and Fees Comparison

The following table provides an overview for candidates searching for colleges accepting NMAT scores and their cutoff.
CollegeExpected/Indicative NMAT ScoreApproximate MBA Fees
NMIMS Mumbai230+₹25 lakh+
K J Somaiya Institute of Management220+₹23.87 lakh
XIM University200–220+₹20–25 lakh
TAPMIProgramme-specific₹18–25 lakh
Great Lakes Institute of Management200+₹20 lakh+
SDA Bocconi Asia Center200+₹20 lakh+
IFMR GSB180–200+₹15–20 lakh
ICFAI Business School150–180+₹15–20 lakh
SOIL Institute of Management180–200+₹15–20 lakh
BML Munjal University160–190+₹15–20 lakh
Note: The scores mentioned above are indicative ranges and should not be treated as official cut-offs. Final shortlisting depends on factors such as the programme, applicant profile, academic performance, work experience and selection process.

NMAT Colleges Accepting 190 Marks

Candidates scoring around 190 marks in NMAT may have several options depending on the programme and admission cycle.
Some of the institutions that candidates may explore include:
  • IFMR Graduate School of Business
  • SOIL Institute of Management
  • BML Munjal University
  • Selected programmes at ICFAI Business School
  • Other private universities and management institutes accepting NMAT scores
A score of 190 may not be competitive for highly competitive programmes such as the flagship MBA at NMIMS Mumbai, where the required score is generally significantly higher.
Therefore, candidates should not apply based only on their NMAT score. They should also consider:
  • Academic profile
  • Work experience
  • Programme eligibility
  • Selection process
  • Fees
  • Career goals

Is 190 a Good Score in NMAT?

A score of 190 can be considered a moderate NMAT score and may provide admission opportunities at several management institutes.
Whether 190 is a good score depends on the college a candidate is targeting.
Score Around 230+
Suitable for targeting highly competitive programmes such as NMIMS Mumbai.
Score Between 200 and 220
May provide opportunities at several established management institutes, depending on the programme and applicant profile.
Score Around 190
Candidates may explore several private business schools and selected programmes accepting NMAT scores.
Score Below 180
Candidates may still have admission options at several NMAT participating institutions, but they should carefully evaluate programme quality, fees and career outcomes.

NMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

The NMAT examination itself generally has broad eligibility requirements. However, individual MBA colleges may have different admission criteria.
For MBA admission, most institutions require candidates to have:
  • A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
  • Minimum aggregate marks as prescribed by the institute
  • A valid NMAT by GMAC score
  • Compliance with programme-specific eligibility requirements
Some MBA programmes may also consider:
  • Work experience
  • Academic profile
  • Personal interview performance
  • Group discussion or written assessment
  • Statement of purpose
  • Extra-curricular achievements
Candidates should therefore check both the NMAT eligibility criteria and the eligibility requirements of their preferred business school.

NMAT 2026 Important Dates

According to the NMAT by GMAC official schedule available for the 2026 examination cycle:
EventDate
Registration StartsAugust 20, 2026
Registration EndsOctober 10, 2026
Exam SchedulingAugust 20 to October 22, 2026
NMAT Exam WindowNovember 2 to December 20, 2026
Retake RegistrationNovember 3 to December 17, 2026
Retake SchedulingNovember 3 to December 17, 2026
The NMAT registration fee for the 2026 cycle is listed as ₹3,000 plus applicable taxes. Candidates can take the examination multiple times within the rules applicable for the cycle, subject to NMAT policies.

NMAT 2026 Admission Process

The admission process for NMAT accepting colleges generally involves multiple stages.
Step 1: Register for NMAT by GMAC
Candidates need to register for the NMAT examination and complete the test registration process.
Step 2: Select Business Schools
Candidates can select eligible institutions for score reporting according to NMAT rules.
However, candidates should remember that NMAT registration alone does not complete the college application process.
Step 3: Apply Separately to Colleges
Most business schools require candidates to submit a separate application through their own admission portal.
The official NMAT website also states that NMAT registration and business school applications are separate parts of the admission process.
Step 4: Take the NMAT Examination
Candidates appear for the examination during the official test window.
Step 5: Shortlisting
Business schools shortlist candidates based on factors such as:
  • NMAT score
  • Academic performance
  • Work experience
  • Candidate profile
  • Programme requirements
Step 6: Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in:
  • Personal Interview
  • Group Discussion
  • Written Ability Test
  • Case Discussion
  • Other institute-specific assessments
Step 7: Final Admission Offer
The final selection may depend on the overall performance of the candidate.

How to Choose the Best College Accepting NMAT Score?

Candidates should not select a college based only on the NMAT cut-off. The following factors should also be considered.
1. Check the Programme
Make sure the specific MBA or PGDM programme accepts NMAT scores.
2. Compare Fees
Compare the total programme fee, including:
  • Tuition fee
  • Development charges
  • Examination fee
  • Hostel fee
  • Other charges
3. Check Placement Records
Candidates should review the latest placement information available from the institution.
4. Consider Location
The location of the institute can influence:
  • Internship opportunities
  • Corporate exposure
  • Industry networking
5. Evaluate Specialisations
Students should choose a programme according to their career goals, such as:
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Operations
  • Business Analytics
  • Technology Management
  • International Business

List of Colleges Accepting NMAT Score in India

Apart from the institutions mentioned above, the official NMAT participating school list includes several other business schools and universities.
Some of the institutions listed as NMAT accepting schools include:
  • NMIMS
  • K J Somaiya Institute of Management
  • XIM University
  • TAPMI
  • Great Lakes Institute of Management
  • SDA Bocconi Asia Center
  • ICFAI Business School
  • SOIL Institute of Management
  • FLAME University
  • Alliance University
  • BML Munjal University
  • IFMR Graduate School of Business
  • Jindal Global Business School
  • ITM Business School
  • Shiv Nadar Institute of Management Studies
  • Thapar School of Management
  • Bennett University
  • UPES
  • MIT World Peace University
  • Amity University
The official list of accepting institutions can change over time, and candidates should check the NMAT by GMAC website before submitting applications.

Top 10 NMAT Colleges in India: Key Takeaway

NMAT provides MBA aspirants with access to a wide range of business schools across India. Candidates with high scores may target highly competitive institutions such as NMIMS and K J Somaiya, while those with scores around 190 or lower can explore several other recognised NMAT participating institutions.
The best college depends on several factors, including NMAT score, academic profile, preferred MBA specialisation, budget and career goals.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the latest:
  • NMAT cut-off
  • Programme eligibility
  • Application deadline
  • Selection process
  • Fee structure
  • Placement information

FAQs

Q1. Which are the top colleges accepting NMAT scores in India?
Some of the top colleges accepting NMAT scores in India include NMIMS, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, XIM University, TAPMI for selected programmes, Great Lakes Institute of Management, SDA Bocconi Asia Center, IFMR Graduate School of Business and other participating institutions.
Q2. What is the NMAT cut-off for top colleges?
The NMAT cut-off varies by institute and programme. Highly competitive programmes may require scores above 220 or 230, while several other colleges may consider candidates with scores between 180 and 200.
Q3. Which NMAT colleges accept 190 marks?
Candidates with an NMAT score of 190 may explore institutions such as IFMR Graduate School of Business, SOIL Institute of Management, BML Munjal University and selected programmes at other NMAT accepting colleges. Final admission depends on programme-specific criteria and the candidate's overall profile.
Q4. Is 190 a good score in NMAT?
A score of 190 can provide admission opportunities at several NMAT participating colleges. However, it may not be sufficient for some of the most competitive MBA programmes. Candidates should apply strategically based on their score and preferred institutions.
Q5. What are the eligibility criteria for MBA admission through NMAT?
Most MBA colleges require candidates to have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The minimum marks requirement varies by institute. Candidates must also meet programme-specific requirements and submit a valid NMAT score where applicable.
Q6. Do all colleges accepting NMAT have the same cut-off?
No. Every college has its own admission process and score requirements. Some institutions also consider academic performance, work experience, interviews and other profile factors.
Q7. Is a separate application required after NMAT registration?
Yes. In most cases, candidates must register for NMAT and also submit a separate application to the business school they wish to join. NMAT registration and college applications are separate processes.
Q8. How many colleges accept NMAT scores in India?
The NMAT by GMAC examination is accepted by a large number of participating business schools in India. The official list should be checked for the latest admission cycle because participating institutions and programmes may change.
Q9. What is the NMAT registration fee for 2026?
The NMAT by GMAC registration fee for the 2026 cycle is listed as ₹3,000 plus applicable taxes.
Q10. Which NMAT score is best for top MBA colleges?
A score above 230 may be competitive for some of the most selective NMAT-based MBA programmes. Scores between 200 and 220 can provide opportunities at several established institutions, while candidates scoring around 180 to 200 can explore a wider range of participating colleges.

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