More than 63,000 candidates appeared for the 2025 CMAT exam and the number is expected to cross 70,000 for the 2026 attempt. For MBA aspirants who appear in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT 2026), NBS CMAT Admission 2026 offers an accessible and credible pathway into MBA/PGDM programs. CMAT is a widely recognised national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and accepted by all reputed AICTE-approved institutions across India, almost 1300, making it a valuable score for students targeting reputable B-schools.
For aspirants desiring admissions in Ahmedabad, Narayana Business School is considered one of the best colleges from admissions via CMAT scores in Ahmedabad.
Our team has put together a guide which will guide the aspirants through what CMAT is, why it matters, how it works for NBS admissions, the required CMAT cutoff and eligibility, the selection process, and scholarship opportunities for students using CMAT scores.
What Is CMAT and Its Importance for MBA Admission
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam designed to evaluate candidates on key management aptitude areas such as Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. It is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode by the National Testing Agency (NTA) with 100 questions across 5 sections each year for admissions into MBA/PGDM programs across India.
CMAT is especially useful for students who are seeking admission into multiple AICTE-approved colleges without appearing only in exams like CAT or XAT. Its broad acceptance, reasonable exam pattern, and accessibility make it an attractive option for many MBA aspirants.
Eligibility Criteria for NBS Admission Through CMAT 2026
To be considered for NBS admission through CMAT 2026, candidates must fulfil the basic eligibility criteria set by Narayana Business School:
- Educational qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA). Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible.
- Age limit: An upper age limit of 28 years is applicable for admission.
- Accepted exams: NBS accepts scores from multiple national exams including CMAT, CAT, XAT, NMAT, and its own in-house MBA entrance exam NBSAT.
CMAT Cutoff and Exemption from NBSAT
Narayana Business School allows exemption from its in-house entrance test (NBSAT) for candidates who meet the required CMAT cutoff:
- Candidates scoring CMAT ≥ 80 percentile are exempted from taking NBSAT and can proceed directly to the next stages of the selection process.
- Aspirants below this percentile will need to appear for NBSAT to remain eligible for admission.
This system gives CMAT candidates a streamlined route into NBS, cutting out the extra exam stage if the percentile requirement is achieved. Even high achievers with CMAT scores more than 90 percentile prefer Narayana Business School and Ahmedabad as their educational destination as compared to go-to cities like Delhi and Pune. The reason aspirants prefer NBS Ahmedabad over cities like Delhi and Pune is the industry relevant curriculum and ROI.
The NBS MBA program fees is 9.8 L approx. while the average MBA package is 8.4 L making the ROI one of the best in the industry. This coupled with global exposure, 3 layer mentorships and specialized programs, makes NBS a top choice for students in 2026.
Selection Process After CMAT Shortlist
Even after meeting the CMAT eligibility and cutoff, final admission to Narayana Business School involves a holistic evaluation:
- Psychometric profiling – To assess behavioural traits, leadership potential, and personality fit.
- Personal interview (PI) – To understand communication skills, motivation, career vision, and overall suitability.
- Academic record and overall profile – Performance in graduation and previous academic history also plays a role.
NBS does not measure a candidates performance based on scores alone as the B school believes that talent and ambition go a long way than just exam scores. This is an extensive of the same ideology which the B school follows in its programsThis ensures that NBS admits students who not only have good entrance exam performance but are also ready for business leadership.
Scholarships and Financial Support Offered By NBS Ahmedabad
NBS offers a structured scholarship framework that rewards excellence, encourages diversity, and supports students with financial needs:
- Merit-based scholarships are available for students based on composite performance (entrance scores plus academic history).
- Scholarship slabs include significant fee waivers for top performers:
- Above 95th percentile → ₹4,00,000 waiver
- Above 90th percentile → ₹3,00,000 waiver
- Above 85th percentile → ₹2,00,000 waiver
- Above 80th percentile → ₹1,00,000 waiver
These scholarships apply to students admitted through all accepted test scores including CMAT, helping reduce the cost of MBA/PGDM education.
What This Means for CMAT 2026 Aspirants
- CMAT 2026 offers a valuable chance to enter NBS Ahmedabad if you score above the required percentile and meet eligibility criteria.
- CMAT allows you to bypass the NBSAT if your score meets the cutoff, saving time and focusing your selection efforts on profile-based rounds.
- Scholarships enhance the value of admission for high-performing students.
- A well-balanced selection process makes sure admissions are based on aptitude, personality, and potential.
Conclusion: Apply At NBS Ahmedabad With CMAT Scores 2026
For MBA and PGDM aspirants aiming at NBS CMAT Admission 2026, CMAT 2026 presents a credible and effective entry point into Narayana Business School’s management programs. With over 670 recruiters the highest Narayana Business School MBA package crossed 20 LPA. By understanding the exam’s structure, meeting the CMAT cutoff (≥ 80 percentile), and preparing for the subsequent stages of evaluation, students can position themselves strongly for admission and scholarship opportunities.
With CMAT acceptance, NBS Ahmedabad opens a flexible and rewarding admission pathway for aspirants across India.
