NMAT Exam 2026 — Eligibility, Syllabus & Cutoff for MBBS in Philippines
Everything Indian students need to know about the National Medical Admission Test — the mandatory entrance exam for medical schools in the Philippines.
What is the NMAT Exam?
The NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) is a standardized aptitude examination administered by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. It serves as the gateway to all medical schools across the country. Every student — whether Filipino or international — must pass the NMAT before enrolling in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
For Indian students pursuing MBBS in the Philippines, the NMAT is typically taken after completing the pre-medical bridge program (12-18 months). Unlike NEET, which tests science subject knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), the NMAT evaluates cognitive aptitude: mental ability, reasoning skills, and quantitative thinking. This makes it fundamentally different from Indian entrance exams.
The NMAT has been mandatory since its introduction by the Philippine government as a quality assurance measure for medical education. It is administered multiple times per year, giving students flexibility in scheduling. Importantly, a valid NMAT score is a prerequisite — no Philippine medical school can admit students without it, regardless of the student's other qualifications or the university's admission policies.
NMAT Eligibility Criteria
For Indian Students
- Must have completed pre-med/bridge program at a Philippine university
- Valid NEET UG qualifying score (NMC requirement for MBBS abroad)
- Minimum 50% aggregate in Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Must be enrolled or accepted at a CHED-recognized medical school
- Valid passport and student visa in the Philippines
General Requirements
- Completed a bachelor degree or pre-med program
- No age limit for taking the NMAT
- Can attempt NMAT up to 2 times per testing year
- Must register on the official CHED-NMAT portal
- Payment of NMAT examination fee (PHP 1,500-2,000)
Important for Indian students: You need BOTH a valid NEET score (for NMC eligibility) AND a passing NMAT score (for Philippine university admission). These are two separate requirements — NEET for Indian regulations, NMAT for Philippine regulations.
NMAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I: Mental Ability | 40 | 50 min | Logical reasoning, abstract thinking, analogies |
| Part II: Inductive Reasoning | 40 | 55 min | Pattern recognition, data interpretation, sequences |
| Part III: Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 55 min | Math basics, algebra, geometry, arithmetic |
| Total | 120 | 160 min | No negative marking. Percentile-based scoring. |
Note: The NMAT uses a percentile ranking system (1-99). Your raw score is converted to a percentile based on all test-takers. A 40th percentile means you scored higher than 40% of candidates.
NMAT Syllabus — Subject-wise Topics
Mental Ability
- •Abstract reasoning and pattern detection
- •Logical connectives and syllogisms
- •Analogies and classification
- •Series completion (number, letter, figure)
- •Venn diagrams and set theory basics
- •Statement and conclusion problems
Inductive Reasoning
- •Data sufficiency problems
- •Sequential pattern recognition
- •Figural series and matrices
- •Grouping and categorization
- •Data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts)
- •Spatial reasoning and visualization
Quantitative Reasoning
- •Basic arithmetic and number properties
- •Percentages, ratios, and proportions
- •Algebraic expressions and equations
- •Geometry (angles, areas, volumes)
- •Probability and statistics basics
- •Word problems and speed-distance-time
Good news for NEET students: The NMAT does not test Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. It focuses entirely on aptitude and reasoning. Indian students who have gone through NEET preparation generally find the quantitative section straightforward. The mental ability and inductive reasoning sections require separate preparation focused on pattern recognition and logical thinking.
NMAT Cutoff Scores — Year-wise Trends
| Year | Passing Percentile | Approx. Passing Score | Total Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMAT 2024 | 40th | 150+ | ~85,000 |
| NMAT 2023 | 40th | 148+ | ~80,000 |
| NMAT 2022 | 40th | 145+ | ~75,000 |
| NMAT 2021 | 40th | 140+ | ~70,000 |
Minimum Passing
40th percentile is the minimum to be eligible for any medical school. Scoring below this means you must retake the NMAT.
Competitive Score
While 40th percentile is the minimum, scoring above 55th-60th percentile makes your application stronger for top universities.
NMAT Registration Process
Create Account
Register on the CHED NMAT portal with a valid email address and personal details.
Fill Application Form
Complete the online application with educational qualifications, upload passport-size photo and signature.
Pay Examination Fee
Pay the NMAT fee (approx. PHP 1,500-2,000) via the designated payment channels.
Select Test Center
Choose your preferred test center from the available options across the Philippines.
Download Admit Card
Download and print the NMAT permit/admit card before the examination date.
Appear for Exam
Take the NMAT exam at the designated center with valid ID and admit card.
NMAT Important Dates 2026
| Event | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| NMAT Registration Opens | March-April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June-July 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 2 weeks before exam 2026 |
| NMAT Examination | July-September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 2-3 weeks after exam 2026 |
| Medical School Admission | August-November 2026 |
Dates are approximate and subject to change. Check the official CHED-NMAT portal for confirmed schedules.
Top Philippine Medical Universities for Indian Students
| University | NMAT Required | Min Cutoff | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Perpetual Help - DALTA | 40th percentile | ₹3-5L/yr | |
| Our Lady of Fatima University | 40th percentile | ₹3.5-5.5L/yr | |
| UV Gullas College of Medicine | 40th percentile | ₹3-4.5L/yr | |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | 40th percentile | ₹3-5L/yr | |
| AMA School of Medicine | 40th percentile | ₹3-4L/yr | |
| Lyceum Northwestern University | 40th percentile | ₹2.5-4L/yr |
Philippines vs Other MBBS Abroad Destinations
The Philippines is one of the best English-medium MBBS destinations but requires the additional NMAT exam. If you prefer destinations without a local entrance test, consider these NMC-approved alternatives: