As the new year begins, MBA aspirants targeting top business schools in India have some critical deadlines approaching in January 2026. If you’re eyeing programs at institutions like NMIMS University (including Bangalore campus), TAPMI Manipal, JAGSOM, or XIME Bangalore, now is the time to act. Here’s a quick roundup of the upcoming opportunities through NMAT and CMAT.
NMAT 2025 Additional Phase: Last Chance for NMIMS, TAPMI, and More
The main NMAT 2025 testing window (November–December 2025) has concluded, but there’s good news for those who haven’t exhausted their attempts or need another shot. An additional phase for NMAT by GMAC is opening soon, specifically tailored for admissions to select institutes.
- Registration and Scheduling Window: January 4–9, 2026
- Exam Dates: Likely mid-January 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed upon registration)
This phase is particularly important for:
- NMIMS University campuses (Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.)
- TAPMI Manipal
If you’ve already taken NMAT earlier and have attempts left, or if you missed the main window, this is your opportunity to secure a score for these prestigious programs. NMAT allows up to three attempts, and your best score will be considered.
Action Tip: Visit the official NMAT by GMAC website (mba.com/nmat) immediately after January 4 to register and schedule. Slots fill up quickly!
CMAT 2026: Gateway to JAGSOM, XIME Bangalore, and Other Top B-Schools
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is another major entrance exam accepted by over 1,300 AICTE-approved institutions.
- Exam Date: January 24, 2026 (some sources indicate January 25—confirm on the official site)
CMAT is a key exam for institutes such as:
- JAGSOM (formerly IFIM Business School)
- XIME Bangalore
With sections on Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, CMAT is known for its moderate difficulty level and is a great option for aspirants seeking strong ROI programs.
Preparation Tip: If you’re registered (applications closed in November 2025), focus on mock tests and current affairs in these final weeks. Admit cards are expected soon.
Why These Dates Matter Now
January 2026 is a pivotal month for Round 2 or late admissions cycles. Missing these windows could limit your options for the 2026–28 MBA batch. Many top schools finalize shortlists based on these scores combined with profiles, GD/PI, and other criteria.
Stay updated via official portals:
- NMAT: mba.com/nmat
- CMAT: cmat.nta.nic.in
- Individual institute websites for application deadlines
Good luck, aspirants! Gear up, stay focused, and make 2026 your year for a transformative MBA journey. If you have questions about preparation strategies or college shortlists, feel free to ask in the comments.
Key MBA Admission Updates: NMAT Additional Phase and CMAT 2026 Dates added by admin on
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