Likhith · November 23, 2025 
Introduction
As the competition intensifies for MBA aspirants in India, NMAT by GMAC emerges as a flexible and student-friendly entrance exam offering access to some premier management institutes. If you’re planning to crack NMAT in 2025, it’s essential to know which colleges offer the best programs, placement opportunities, and value for your effort and investment.
With many colleges accepting NMAT scores across India, choosing the right one can be a game-changer for your career trajectory. This blog presents a comprehensive list of the top 10 colleges via NMAT, helping you evaluate the best fit based on multiple factors that matter to MBA candidates.
What is NMAT and Why Choose It?
NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test), conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a computer-based, adaptive test that challenges candidates on language skills, quantitative ability, and logical reasoning.
What makes NMAT attractive is its flexibility—you can schedule your test anytime within the testing window, and retake it up to three times a year to improve your scores. Recognized by over 30 top B-schools including NMIMS and SPJIMR, NMAT continues to gain credibility as a reliable MBA entrance path with balanced difficulty and holistic assessment.
Criteria for Selecting Top NMAT Colleges
To help aspirants identify the best institutions accepting NMAT, key factors include:
- Accreditation & Rankings: Look for AACSB, NBA accreditations and national rankings.
- Placement Record & Packages: Average salary, recruiter diversity, and placement percentages.
- Faculty & Industry Interface: Quality teaching faculty, guest lectures, internships, and research opportunities.
- Infrastructure: Classrooms, libraries, hostel, and overall campus environment.
- Specializations: Availability of in-demand streams such as Finance, Marketing, Analytics, and HR.
Top 10 Colleges via NMAT
1. NMIMS Mumbai
A pioneer in NMAT acceptance, NMIMS offers flagship MBA programs with a strong brand name. With an average package crossing INR 20 LPA in certain streams, NMIMS stands tall for placements and global collaborations. The NMAT cutoff score usually ranges above 200 for competitive courses.
2. SPJIMR Mumbai
Among top B-schools, SPJIMR accepts NMAT for specific programs besides XAT and CAT. Known for its innovative pedagogy and emphasis on ethics and social sensitivity, SPJIMR provides a holistic management education with a strong alumni network.
3. TAPMI Manipal
TAPMI’s industry-focused curriculum encompasses leadership and entrepreneurship components. The college enjoys excellent placement records in sectors like consulting and BFSI. NMAT cutoffs here hover in the moderate range, making it accessible with consistent preparation.
4. ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad
IBS Hyderabad offers affordable MBA programs with scholarship opportunities, attracting budget-conscious aspirants. The college maintains decent placement averages and provides focused career development support.
5. Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
Specializing in analytics and one-year MBA programs, Great Lakes targets working professionals and freshers aiming for quick upskilling. Accepting NMAT scores facilitates quality cohort selection with rigorous academic standards.
6. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
Located in India’s financial hub, this institute leverages its location and industry connection for immersive learning experiences, internships, and placements. NMAT is a preferred entrance test here.
7. Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
XIME is noted for student-centric pedagogy, corporate tie-ups, and international student exchange programs. NMAT scores aid in selecting the right candidates aligned with the institute’s vibrant culture.
8. Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa
Known for its focus on sustainability, business ethics and responsible leadership, GIM accepts NMAT scores for admission into its flagship PGDM programs.
9. IFMR Graduate School of Business
IFMR emphasizes research and quantitative rigor with a growing reputation. NMAT acceptance allows access to quality candidates targeting a finance-focused curriculum.
10. Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai
Welingkar promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership with practical labs and industry projects. NMAT scores are integral to its admissions process for various specialized MBA programs.
Tips to Enhance Your Admission Chances at NMAT Colleges
- Aim to score consistently above each college’s cutoff—usually around 170-220 depending on the program.
- Strengthen your profile for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds through mock sessions and peer feedback.
- Start early with application preparation, keeping essays and recommendation details ready.
- Utilize mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy under exam conditions.
How Career Plan B Helps
Career Plan B specializes in guiding NMAT aspirants through:
- Personalized counselling to choose colleges aligned with profile and goals.
- Psycheintel assessments to identify strengths and stress management techniques.
- Admission guidance to craft compelling applications and ace interviews.
- Career roadmapping for planned growth post-MBA.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
- What is the average NMAT cutoff for top colleges?
Cutoffs typically range between 170-220, varying by college and program. - Can I apply to multiple NMAT accepting colleges with one score?
Yes, most colleges accept a single NMAT score within the testing window. - How many attempts should I take for NMAT?
Up to three attempts are allowed, and retakes can help improve scores. - Are NMAT scores accepted by IIMs?
No, IIMs conduct CAT exams; NMAT is accepted by other reputed B-schools. - What specializations are common in NMAT colleges?
Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, and Analytics are the common offerings.
Conclusion
NMAT is a flexible, student-focused MBA entrance exam opening doors to some of India’s leading management colleges. Knowing the top colleges via NMAT helps you target preparation and applications effectively.
To maximize your success, leverage expert coaching, tailored admission strategy, and continuous practice with Career Plan B.
