The NMIMS admission process has changed after the University Grants Commission (UGC) imposed and later withdrew a ban on some of its distance and online education courses. If you are planning to pursue an online MBA program from NMIMS, you need to understand these changes because they influence how you should prepare and apply. Read below to learn about the key modifications in the NMIMS admission process following the UGC ban and other important instructions to assist you in the admission journey.
Also Read: Will Traditional MBA Degrees Lose Their Value in 2026?
What Happened with NMIMS UGC Ban?
NMIMS was banned by UGC in 2023 to provide distance learning and online courses. NMIMS's failure to fully adhere to UGC's stringent standards for quality assurance, program delivery transparency, and examination procedures was the primary cause of this ban. For students who were already enrolled in those programs and those who intended to enrol, the ban created a great deal of uncertainty. During this ban period, many were concerned about the worth and recognition of their degrees.
After NMIMS Mumbai resolved these compliance concerns, UGC later lifted the ban in late 2024. With new quality standards in place, this lifting gave NMIMS a new beginning and allowed it to resume offering online programs.
Key Changes in NMIMS Selection Process Post UGC Ban
After the UGC ban was lifted in 2024, the NMIMS admission process underwent key changes as mentioned below:
#1 Emphasis on Regular and Offline Courses
The UGC ban was generally effective for online and distance learning. NMIMS's regular full-time courses and offline courses were unaffected by this ban. Therefore, if you are aiming for a full-time MBA course or other standard courses, the admission process remains as stable and trustworthy as ever.
#2 Better Organised and Clearer Online Admissions
Post the ban was removed, NMIMS reformed the admission process for its online courses to align with UGC standards and policies. Online and distance admissions are now better regulated to ensure quality and credibility. There should be more transparency in entrance exams, assessments, and course delivery for these courses.
#3 NMAT and Entrance Exams Remain Central
The NMAT by GMAC remains the major entrance test for taking admission to the NMIMS MBA and other management courses. Nevertheless, the weightage and pattern of evaluation have been revised, which is also highlighted below in this article.
#4 New Competency Assessment Added
NMIMS has implemented a "Competency Assessment" test, which carries about 50% weightage in the MBA admission process. It has replaced older tests such as WATSON and WAT tests. It is aimed at assessing your managerial and analytical abilities better.
#5 Decreased Weightage of NMAT Scores
Unlike earlier, when the score of NMAT carried a very high weightage, it now accounts for only around 20% of the overall selection process. This means you will need to give equal importance to the competency test and the personal interviews.
#6 AI-Assisted Personal Interview
NMIMS has also included an AI-assisted PI (personal interview) for MBA candidates. This is a new addition in the selection process that helps evaluate your personality and soft skills more objectively.
#7 Additional Fees for Selection Process
Once preliminary exam phases have been cleared, shortlisted contenders need to enrol and pay a minimal fee of approximately INR 1,100 to attend final selection processes. This helps maintain a formal scheduling procedure for personal interviews and proficiency tests.
New Changes in NMIMS MBA Selection Criteria
Post the UGC ban, the final merit list for the NMIMS MBA program will be prepared based on a composite score calculated with the following weightages:
Admission Component | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
NMAT Scores | 20% |
Competency Assessment | 50% |
Personal Interview (AI-assisted) | 10% |
Work Experience | 10% |
Academic Record (12th grade) | 5% |
Graduation (pre-final year GPA) | 5% |
Total | 100% |
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The purpose of this change at NMIMS is to guarantee high-quality admissions, particularly for distance and online learning programs. You can confidently secure your spot at NMIMS by staying up to date with official notifications and carefully preparing for every step, including the new tests and interviews. This strategy complies with the most recent requirements and trends for admission in 2025.
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