The NMAT 2026 registration deadline has been extended to October 25, 2026, according to the updated schedule published by GMAC. Registration and exam scheduling opened on August 20, 2026. The NMAT 2026 exam window will run from November 2 to December 20, 2026, allowing candidates to select their preferred exam date and test centre based on slot availability.

Candidates should complete registration and schedule their exam before the revised deadline. NMAT permits up to three attempts per testing cycle, subject to GMAC's applicable rules.

  • Registration: August 20 to October 25, 2026: GMAC opened NMAT 2026 registration on August 20. Candidates can register and schedule their preferred exam slot, subject to availability, until October 25, 2026.
  • Exam window: November 2 to December 20, 2026: NMAT 2026 will be conducted over this testing period at authorised test centres and through other available delivery options, subject to GMAC's rules. Candidates can attempt the exam up to three times per testing cycle.
  • No fixed single exam date: Candidates select their preferred exam date, time and test centre through the NMAT dashboard. Slot availability may vary depending on demand.
  • Admit card on the dashboard: Candidates should download their admit card from the NMAT dashboard and check the reporting time, exam venue and other instructions before the scheduled test.
  • Score available after the exam: Candidates receive an unofficial score immediately after completing the test. The official scorecard is generally available within 48 hours. The exam has 108 questions, a 120-minute duration and a scaled score range of 36-360, with no negative marking.
  • No centralised counselling: Candidates must apply separately to NMAT-accepting business schools. Each institute determines its own admission requirements, shortlisting criteria and selection rounds.
  • NMIMS Mumbai score policy: Candidates should check the current NMIMS admission brochure for its applicable NMAT attempt and score-acceptance rules. Policies may differ across participating business schools.

For all the current updates, you should regularly visit the official website mba.com/exams/nmat, for official information regarding final dates and schedule.

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Key Summary

In this Article, we have discussed about NMAT 2026 Important Dates, Event-wise Exam Schedule, and Year-wise Date Trends.

  • NMAT 2026 registration opened on August 20 and closes on October 25, 2026, according to the updated schedule.
  • The testing window runs from November 2 to December 20, 2026. Candidates can self-schedule their preferred slots.
  • Candidates can attempt NMAT up to three times per cycle, subject to GMAC rules and separate retake fees.
  • Official scorecards are generally available within 48 hours. Candidates must apply separately to participating B-schools.
  • Check the NMAT website for the latest schedule and admission guidelines.

NMAT 2026 Exam Dates: From Registration to Result

GMAC's NMAT 2026 registration is currently ongoing, with the last date extended to October 25, 2026. The exam window is scheduled from November 2 to December 20, 2026, allowing candidates to select their preferred exam date and test centre, subject to slot availability. Candidates can attempt NMAT up to three times per testing cycle, subject to GMAC's rules.

Candidates targeting NMIMS, SPJIMR, XIM University and other NMAT-accepting B-schools should complete registration before the extended deadline and check individual institutes' eligibility and admission requirements.

Note: All dates on this page reflect the officially confirmed NMAT 2026 schedule as announced by GMAC. Dates for post-exam events (score release, B-school shortlisting) are estimated based on previous year patterns and GMAC’s standard timelines. Bookmark this page for live updates as the cycle progresses.

Check NMAT Exam Dates 2026

Event

Updated Date / Timeline

Data Insight

Registration Begins

August 20, 2026

Registration is open; candidates can schedule their preferred slots subject to availability.

Scheduling / Slot Booking Opens

August 20, 2026

Candidates select their exam date, time and test centre through the GMAC dashboard.

Registration Last Date

October 25, 2026 (extended)

Candidates should complete registration before the revised deadline.

Scheduling / Slot Booking Deadline

October 25, 2026 (as per the updated schedule provided)

Check slot availability on the official dashboard before scheduling.

Exam Window Opens

November 2, 2026

Candidates take the computer-based exam on their selected date.

Exam Window Closes

December 20, 2026

The final date of the NMAT 2026 testing window.

Retake Registration and Scheduling

November 3–December 17, 2026

Retakes are subject to GMAC eligibility, scheduling rules and fees.

Rescheduling Deadline

December 17, 2026

Check the applicable rescheduling conditions and fees.

NMAT Score Report

Generally within 48 hours of the exam

Candidates can access their official scorecard through the NMAT dashboard.

B-School Shortlisting

January–March 2027 (expected)

Participating institutes announce their own shortlists and admission schedules.

NMAT Previous Year Exam Dates 2021-2025

NMAT by GMAC has followed a remarkably stable schedule across the last five testing cycles. The data below confirms that GMAC has locked the registration opening to August 1 (since 2024) and the exam start to November 5 (since 2024), making the 2026 dates a predictable continuation of this pattern rather than a surprise announcement.

Year Registration Opens Registration Closes Exam Window Testing Days (Approx.)
2025 August 1, 2025 October 10, 2025 November 5 – December 19, 2025 ~45 days
2024 August 1, 2024 October 10, 2024 November 5 – December 20, 2024 ~46 days
2023 August 1, 2023 October 2023 November – December 2023 ~45 days
2022 August 2022 October 2022 October – December 2022 ~50 days
2021 August 2021 October 2021 October – December 2021 ~50 days

The five-year data shows two clear shifts: GMAC trimmed the exam window from ~50 days (2021–2022) to a stable ~45 days (2023 onwards), and the exam start date moved from October into November. The registration opening has been fixed at August 1 since 2024 and the October 10 closing date has held across two consecutive cycles — both repeated identically in 2026. Students planning to take three attempts in NMAT 2026 should schedule their first slot no later than the second week of November to ensure at least 15 days between each retake before the December 19 window close.

Note: NMAT 2026 registration has been open since 1st Aug. The registration and slot-booking window opens on August 1, 2026. Do not attempt to register or make payments on any third-party site claiming to accept NMAT 2026 applications before that date.

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What are the NMAT 2026 Exam Dates?

NMAT by GMAC 2026 is a self-paced, multi-window management entrance exam for admission to MBA and equivalent programmes at NMIMS University campuses, SPJIMR, XIM University, ISB (CoPGP), Alliance University, SRM University, and several other participating B-schools. The sub-sections below walk through each event in the NMAT 2026 lifecycle in chronological order — from registration opening to institute-wise shortlisting rounds.

NMAT 2026 registration opened on August 20, 2026, and the deadline has been extended to October 25, 2026, according to the updated schedule provided. Candidates must register online through the official NMAT website. They need to create or log in to their GMAC account, complete the application form, provide the required details and pay the registration fee.

  • Registration Opened: August 20, 2026
  • Registration Last Date: October 25, 2026 (extended)
  • Registration Fee: Check the latest fee and applicable taxes on the official website.
  • Official Portal: mba.com/exams/nmat
  • Action Required: Complete registration before the extended deadline and schedule your preferred exam slot, subject to availability.

Note: The October 25 deadline should be verified against the latest official GMAC announcement before publication.

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Ques. When does NMAT 2026 registration open and close?

Ans. NMAT 2026 registration opened on August 1, 2026 and closes on October 25, 2026, a window of approximately 70 days. Slot booking opens simultaneously on August 1, so students can register and schedule their preferred exam date on the same day. Registering early gives students access to the widest range of available test dates and centres within the November 5 - December 19, 2026 exam window.

NMAT 2026 scheduling opened on August 20, 2026, alongside registration. According to the updated schedule provided, the registration and scheduling deadline has been extended to October 25, 2026. Candidates can select their preferred exam date, time and test centre through the official NMAT portal, subject to slot availability.

  • Scheduling Opens: August 20, 2026
  • Scheduling Deadline: October 25, 2026 (as per the updated schedule provided)
  • How to Book: Log in to the GMAC dashboard, select an available date and time, and choose an available test centre or delivery option.
  • Rescheduling: Check the latest GMAC rules for the applicable deadline and fees before changing your appointment.
  • Action Required: Register and schedule your preferred slot before the deadline, as availability may vary by date and test centre.

Note: Verify the October 25 scheduling deadline against the official NMAT website before publishing, as the live GMAC schedule may differ.

Ques. Can I choose my own exam date for NMAT 2026?

Ans. Yes. NMAT is unique among MBA entrance exams in allowing students to self-schedule their exam date, time, and test centre. Scheduling opens on August 1, 2026 and students can pick any available slot within the November 5 – December 19, 2026 exam window through the GMAC candidate portal. Early scheduling is strongly recommended — preferred dates (early November) and morning sessions fill quickly, especially at major city centres.

NMAT 2026 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

Paper/ Subject Question Paper PDF Solution PDF
NMAT 2026 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions

NMAT 2025 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

Paper/ Subject Question Paper PDF Solution PDF
NMAT 2025 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions

NMAT 2024 Question Paper with Solutions PDF

Paper/ Subject Question Paper PDF Solution PDF
NMAT 2024 Question Paper Download PDF Check Solutions

NMAT 2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket: November – December 2026 (Expected)

NMAT does not release a single admit card on a fixed date. Instead, the hall ticket is made available on each student’s individual GMAC dashboard within 24 hours of scheduling the exam, and is formally accessible 7 days before the student’s selected exam date. Students must download and print the admit card and carry it alongside a valid government-issued photo ID to the test centre on their exam day.

  • Availability: Within 24 hours of scheduling (preview access); formally 7 days before the chosen exam date
  • Access: GMAC candidate dashboard at mba.com — no physical dispatch or courier by GMAC
  • Documents to Carry: Printed admit card + original valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / Driving Licence / Voter ID)
  • Action Required: Download your hall ticket as soon as it becomes available; verify all details (name, photo, centre address, exam date/time) and report any discrepancy to GMAC immediately before exam day

Note: Report to the NMAT 2026 test centre at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam start time. GMAC test centres do not permit late entry — even if you hold a valid admit card, late arrivals will not be admitted under any circumstances.

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Ques. When will the NMAT 2026 admit card be released?

Ans. NMAT 2026 does not have a single admit card release date. The hall ticket becomes available on the student’s GMAC dashboard within 24 hours of scheduling the exam, and is formally accessible 7 days before the student’s selected exam date. Students who schedule an early-November exam date can expect their hall ticket by late October 2026, while those with a December slot will receive it by mid-to-late November 2026. Always check the GMAC dashboard rather than waiting for an email or SMS notification.

NMAT 2026 Exam Date and Testing Window: November 5 – December 19, 2026

The NMAT 2026 exam will be conducted from November 2 to December 20, 2026, according to GMAC's official schedule. Candidates can select their preferred exam date and time, subject to slot availability. The computer-based test comprises 108 questions across three sections, with a total duration of 120 minutes and no negative marking.

  • Exam Window: November 2–December 20, 2026.
  • Mode: Computer-based test at authorised test centres. Check GMAC for current delivery options.
  • Duration: 120 minutes across three individually timed sections.
  • Sections and Questions: Language Skills (36), Quantitative Skills (36) and Logical Reasoning (36): 108 questions in total.
  • Negative Marking: No negative marking.
  • Scoring: Section scores range from 12-120; the total scaled score ranges from 36-360.
  • Attempts: Up to three attempts per testing cycle. A valid-score retake must be scheduled at least seven days after the previous attempt

NMAT 2026 Exam Day Schedule

NMAT is conducted in multiple slots across the day at GMAC test centres. The schedule below reflects the standard test-centre timeline from the 2025 cycle, expected to continue in 2026.

Activity

Duration / Timing

Report to test centre

At least 45 minutes before the scheduled time

Identity verification and check-in

Before the exam, as directed by test-centre staff

Exam

120 minutes across three timed sections

Unofficial score

Displayed after completing the exam

Official scorecard

Generally available within 48 hours

Note: Personal items including mobile phones, bags, wristwatches, and all electronic devices are not permitted inside the NMAT 2026 test centre. GMAC test centres provide rough paper and pencils for use during the exam. Students are not permitted to leave the exam room during the test.

Ques. How long is the NMAT 2026 exam?

Ans. The NMAT 2026 exam is 120 minutes (2 hours) long, covering 108 questions across three sections — Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning (36 questions each). There are no section-wise time limits; students can allocate the 120 minutes as they choose across sections. A 5-minute pre-exam tutorial precedes the actual test. The exam is conducted in a computer-based format at GMAC-authorised test centres.

NMAT 2026 Score Report and Result: Within 48 Hours of Each Exam

NMAT 2026 does not have a single centralised result date. GMAC releases each student’s official score report on their GMAC dashboard within 48 hours of completing each attempt. This is one of the fastest score turnarounds of any MBA entrance exam in India — students who appear in early November can receive their scores by mid-November, giving them time to assess performance, plan retakes if needed, and begin applying to B-schools well before the exam window closes.

  • Score Availability: Within 48 hours of each attempt (per student, not on a centralised date)
  • Score Range: 36–360 overall; 12-120 per section
  • No Negative Marking: Only correct answers contribute to the score
  • Best Score Policy: Most participating B-schools consider the best score across all attempts; NMIMS Mumbai accepts only the first-attempt score
  • Score Validity: NMAT scores are valid for 5 years from the exam date
  • Action Required: Students targeting NMIMS Mumbai must treat the first attempt as the definitive one — prepare accordingly and do not rely on a retake to improve that application

Ques. When will NMAT 2026 results be declared?

Ans. NMAT 2026 results are not declared on a single centralised date. The official scorecard is available on each student’s GMAC dashboard within 48 hours of completing their exam. Since students appear on individually chosen dates within November 5 – December 19, 2026, result availability varies accordingly. A student appearing on November 5 can expect their score by November 7; a student appearing on December 19 will receive their scorecard by December 21, 2026. Scores are valid for 5 years.

NMAT 2026 B-School Application and GD/WAT/PI: January – March 2027 (Expected)

NMAT by GMAC does not conduct centralised counselling or a common seat-allotment process. After receiving their NMAT 2026 score, students must apply individually to each participating B-school. Every institute sets its own NMAT cutoff, shortlists students for Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, and announces final merit lists independently through its own portal.

  • NMIMS Mumbai NMAT Cutoff 2025 (Indicative for 2026): ~209 out of 360 (common cutoff across NMIMS campuses as of 2025)
  • Top NMAT-Accepting B-Schools: NMIMS Mumbai, NMIMS Bengaluru, NMIMS Hyderabad, NMIMS Navi Mumbai, NMIMS Indore, SPJIMR Mumbai (PGPM), XIM University, ISB (CoPGP), Alliance University, SRM University, Amrita School of Business
  • GD/WAT/PI Window (Expected): January – March 2027
  • Application Process: Apply to each B-school separately through its own admissions portal using your NMAT 2026 score as one of the eligibility inputs
  • Action Required: Research B-school application deadlines before the NMAT exam window opens; some institutes have early-deadline rounds that close before December 2026

Note: NMIMS University requires students to apply directly through the NMIMS admissions portal at nmims.edu — not through GMAC or any third-party platform. Completing NMAT registration on mba.com does NOT automatically apply you to NMIMS. Both steps — NMAT registration and NMIMS application — must be completed separately.

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Ques. Is there centralised counselling for NMAT 2026?

Ans. No. NMAT by GMAC does not conduct centralised counselling or seat allotment. After receiving their NMAT 2026 score, students must apply to each participating B-school individually — NMIMS University campuses, SPJIMR, XIM University, ISB (CoPGP), and others each run their own selection process. GD/WAT/PI shortlisting and final merit lists are announced by each institute on their respective official websites, typically between January and March 2027.

Year-wise NMAT Exam Dates and Trends

NMAT by GMAC has established one of the most predictable exam schedules in the Indian MBA entrance space. The table below maps the registration window and exam delivery window for the past five cycles, charting a pattern that has crystallised sharply since 2024 and validates the reliability of the 2026 dates.

Year Registration Opens Registration Closes Exam Window Testing Days (Approx.)
2025 August 1, 2025 October 10, 2025 November 5 – December 19, 2025 ~45 days
2024 August 1, 2024 October 10, 2024 November 5 – December 20, 2024 ~46 days
2023 August 1, 2023 October 2023 November – December 2023 ~45 days
2022 August 2022 October 2022 October – December 2022 ~50 days
2021 August 2021 October 2021 October – December 2021 ~50 days

Trend interpretation: Three patterns stand out across the five-year dataset. First, GMAC has progressively compressed the exam window from ~50 days (2021–2022) to a stable ~45 days (2023 onwards). Second, the exam start date migrated from October into November — with 2024 and 2025 both starting precisely on November 5, a date now confirmed again for 2026. Third, registration has been anchored to August 1 as the opening date for two consecutive cycles (2024, 2025) with 2026 repeating it exactly. For students who begin planning in July each year, these patterns mean NMAT prep can start with near-perfect schedule certainty — no waiting for an "expected notification" that may shift by weeks.

Ques. When does NMAT registration typically open each year?

Ans. NMAT registration opened on August 1 in 2024 and 2025, and is confirmed to open on August 1, 2026 for the current cycle. Prior to 2024, registration opened in the first two weeks of August. The pattern is now stable enough that students can reliably plan to begin the NMAT process on the first day of August each year. Registration has closed on October 10 in both 2024 and 2025, with 2026 matching that date exactly.

How Many Times Can You Appear for NMAT 2026?

NMAT by GMAC 2026 allows students to attempt the exam up to three times within the single testing cycle — one original attempt plus two retakes. This attempt policy is one of NMAT’s most strategically significant features and directly affects how students should plan their slot booking in August.

  • Maximum Attempts: 3 per testing cycle (1 original + 2 retakes)
  • Mandatory Gap: At least 15 calendar days must elapse between two consecutive NMAT attempts
  • Score Policy (Most B-Schools): Best score across all attempts is sent to participating institutes
  • NMIMS Mumbai Exception: Accepts only the first-attempt score — the first attempt is the only one that counts for NMIMS Mumbai shortlisting
  • Retake Fee: Each retake requires a separate NMAT registration and fee payment on the GMAC portal
  • Strategic Scheduling: Students targeting 3 attempts should book their first slot on or as close to November 5 as possible to leave room for two retakes before December 19

Note: The 15-day mandatory gap means: first attempt on November 5 → earliest retake on November 20 → earliest second retake on December 5. All three attempts can be completed before the December 19 window close, but only if the first slot is booked in the first week of November. Students who schedule their first attempt in late November will not have time for two retakes.

Ques. Can I retake NMAT 2026 if I am not satisfied with my score?

Ans. Yes. NMAT 2026 allows up to 3 attempts per testing cycle — the original attempt plus two retakes. A minimum gap of 15 calendar days is required between two consecutive attempts, and each retake requires separate registration and fee payment on the GMAC portal. Most participating B-schools (NMIMS campuses other than Mumbai, SPJIMR, XIM, ISB, etc.) consider the best score across all attempts. NMIMS Mumbai, however, uses only the first-attempt score — so students applying to NMIMS Mumbai should treat their first attempt as their definitive one.

  • Maximum: 3 attempts per cycle (first attempt + 2 retakes)
  • Mandatory 15-day gap between consecutive attempts
  • Separate retake registration and fee required for each additional attempt
  • Score sharing: best score sent to most B-schools; first score only sent to NMIMS Mumbai

Countdown to NMAT 2026 Exam Date

The table below shows the number of days remaining from today (July 14, 2026) to each key milestone in the NMAT 2026 cycle. Use this as a preparation and registration planning tool.

Source: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat/about/important-dates-fees

Milestone

Updated Date

Days Remaining (from October 12, 2026)

Registration and Slot Booking Opens

August 20, 2026

Passed

Registration Deadline (Extended)

October 25, 2026

13 days

Scheduling Deadline

October 25, 2026*

13 days

Exam Window Opens

November 2, 2026

21 days

Exam Window Closes

December 20, 2026

69 days

FAQs

Ques. When is the NMAT 2026 exam date?

Ans. NMAT 2026 will be conducted from November 5 to December 19, 2026 — a 45-day testing window during which students self-schedule their preferred exam date and test centre. Unlike most MBA entrance exams, there is no single exam date; different students appear on different dates within this window based on when they book their slot. Students may take the exam up to three times within this cycle, with a mandatory 15-day gap between attempts.

Ques. When will NMAT 2026 registration start?

Ans. NMAT 2026 registration already started on August 1, 2026. Registration closes on October 25, 2026, giving students a 70-day window to register. Slot booking opens simultaneously on August 1, so students can register and schedule their preferred exam date on the same day. Early registration is strongly recommended as preferred test centre slots, especially for early November dates, fill quickly.

Ques. How many times can I appear for NMAT 2026?

Ans. Students can appear for NMAT 2026 a maximum of three times in the testing cycle — one original attempt plus two retakes. A mandatory gap of at least 15 calendar days is required between consecutive attempts. Each retake requires separate registration and fee payment. Most B-schools consider the best score; NMIMS Mumbai uses only the first-attempt score.

Ques. What is the NMAT 2026 exam pattern?

Ans. NMAT 2026 will be a computer-based test with 108 questions in 120 minutes across three sections:

  • Language Skills: 36 questions
  • Quantitative Skills: 36 questions
  • Logical Reasoning: 36 questions

There is no negative marking. No section-wise time limits apply — students allocate the 120 minutes freely. The exam uses adaptive scaled scoring with section scores of 12–120 each and a total score of 36–360.

Ques. When will the NMAT 2026 admit card be released?

Ans. NMAT 2026 does not have a single admit card release date. The hall ticket becomes available on the student’s GMAC dashboard within 24 hours of scheduling the exam and is formally accessible 7 days before the selected exam date. Students appearing in November 2026 can expect their hall ticket by late October; those with a December slot will receive it by late November or early December. Always download and print the admit card in advance and carry it with a valid photo ID on exam day.

Ques. When will NMAT 2026 results be declared?

Ans. NMAT 2026 results are not declared on a single date. The official scorecard is available on the student’s GMAC dashboard within 48 hours of completing each attempt. Since students appear on individually chosen dates within November 5 – December 19, 2026, result availability varies accordingly. A student appearing on November 5 can expect their score by November 7; a student appearing on December 19 will receive their scorecard by December 21, 2026. Scores are valid for 5 years.

Ques. Is there centralised counselling for NMAT 2026?

Ans. No. NMAT by GMAC does not conduct centralised counselling or seat allotment. After receiving their NMAT 2026 score, students must apply to each participating B-school individually. NMIMS University, SPJIMR, XIM University, ISB (CoPGP), and other institutes run their own GD/WAT/PI shortlisting and merit list processes, with results typically announced between January and March 2027. Students must track application deadlines for each B-school separately.

Ques. What is the NMAT cutoff for NMIMS Mumbai 2026?

Ans. NMIMS Mumbai has not announced an official NMAT 2026 cutoff yet. Based on the 2025 cycle, the NMIMS NMAT cutoff was approximately 209 out of 360 — applicable across NMIMS campuses. Additionally, NMIMS Mumbai accepts only the first-attempt NMAT score. Students targeting NMIMS Mumbai should aim to score 215+ in their first attempt to build a competitive buffer above the cutoff.

Ques. Where can I check the official NMAT 2026 exam dates?

Ans. The official NMAT 2026 exam dates are published by GMAC at mba.com/exams/nmat/about/important-dates-fees. This is the sole authoritative source for registration deadlines, exam window dates, and fee structures. Always verify any date found on coaching websites or prep portals against the official GMAC page before making scheduling decisions.

Ques. Has the NMAT 2026 exam date been postponed?

Ans. No. As of July 14, 2026, the officially confirmed NMAT 2026 exam window of November 5 – December 19, 2026 stands unchanged. GMAC announced the schedule in July 2026 and there are no reports of any postponement or revision. Students should proceed with preparation based on the confirmed dates and plan to register on August 1, 2026.

Ques. Are the NMAT 2026 dates confirmed or tentative?

Ans. The core NMAT 2026 dates: registration August 1 to October 10, 2026, and exam window November 5 to December 19, 2026, are officially confirmed by GMAC. Dates for post-exam events such as B-school GD/WAT/PI rounds and final merit lists are estimated based on previous year patterns and may vary by institute. Students should verify post-exam timelines directly with each B-school’s admissions office.

Ques. What happens if I miss the NMAT 2026 registration deadline?

Ans. If you miss the October 10, 2026 registration deadline, a late registration window (expected October 11–17, 2026) may be available with an additional late fee — but this window is not guaranteed every cycle. Missing even the late window means you cannot appear for NMAT 2026. The next opportunity would be the NMAT 2027 cycle, with registration expected to open in August 2027. To avoid this risk entirely, register as early as possible after August 1, 2026.