NMAT Exam Pattern

NMAT exam has three sections, and candidates have to understand these three sections so that they understand the complete pattern of the exam. NMAT is a time-bound exam administered by GMAC. This is one of the most competitive MBA exams in India. In this exam, every candidate will have to boost their exam preparation by utilising the NMAT exam pattern and dedicating considerable effort to completing as many mock tests as possible. Each section has 36 questions, all equally important. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so you can guess without losing points. Scores range from 36 to 360.

Sr.No.	Section	No. of Questions	Time (Minutes)	Score Range
1	Language Skills	36	28	12-120
2	Quantitative Skills	36	52	12-120
3	Logical Reasoning	36	40	12-120
	Total	108	120	36-360

What is the NMAT Exam?

The NMAT is an entry-level test to business schools. It tests your English, Math, and logical reasoning skills. It is easy to schedule your test due to the flexibility in choosing a date and place. It is accepted in more than 85 leading schools in such countries as India, South Africa, Philippines, Nigeria, Hungary, and Morocco.

Syllabus: What’s in the Exam?

The exam tests three areas. Here’s what each section covers, explained in simple words with tables for clarity.

1. English (Language Skills)

This part tests your English skills, like reading, grammar, and vocabulary. It checks how fast you read, spot errors, and use words correctly.

Sr.No.	Topic	Sub Topics
1	Reading Comprehension	Passages, main idea, details, tone
2	Sentence Building	Jumbled sentences, sentence structure
3	Finding Grammar Errors	Verb forms, pronouns, subject-verb agreement
4	Prepositions	Correct usage of prepositions
5	Sentence Completion	Fill blanks, logical flow
6	Analogies	Word relationships
7	Vocabulary	Synonyms, antonyms, word meanings
8	Para Jumbles	Sentence arrangement, logical order

Tip: Read books, newspapers, or articles daily, practice grammar, and learn 5–10 new words each day to get faster and better.

2. Logical Thinking (Reasoning)

This section tests how you solve problems and think clearly. It has puzzles and logic questions to check your analytical skills.

Sr.No.	Topic	Sub Topics
1	Critical Thinking	Arguments, conclusions, assumptions
2	Analytical Puzzles	Puzzles, data arrangement
3	Deductions	Conditional statements, logical outcomes
4	Decision Making	Scenario-based options
5	Syllogisms	Premises, logical conclusions
6	Venn Diagrams	Overlapping groups, relationships
7	Blood Relations	Family relationships
8	Coding-Decoding	Codes, patterns

Tip: Practice puzzles, brain teasers, and logic games to spot patterns quickly.

3. Math (Quantitative Skills)

This part tests your math skills and ability to read data like charts or graphs. It checks how well you handle numbers.

Sr.No.	Topic	Sub Topics
1	Numbers	Fractions, decimals, powers
2	Arithmetic	Percentages, ratios, averages, profit/loss, interest
3	Algebra	Equations, inequalities, patterns
4	Probability	Chances of events, permutations
5	Data Sufficiency	Evaluating given data
6	Data Interpretation	Charts, graphs, tables
7	Geometry	Shapes, angles, areas
8	Time & Work	Task durations, work efficiency

Tip: Practice quick math, memorize formulas, and study charts to get comfortable with data.

Universities and Business Schools Accepting NMAT

The NMAT is accepted by over 58 top schools in India. You can send scores to 5 schools for free during registration. Check school websites for cutoffs (usually 200–250 for top ones) and deadlines.

Sr.No.	University/Business School	Key Programs	Location/Notes
1	SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	MBA, PGDM (all campuses)	Mumbai (main); top-ranked, multiple campuses
2	K J Somaiya Institute of Management	MBA	Mumbai; strong in experiential learning
3	SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR)	Global Management Programme, MBA	Mumbai; international focus
4	T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)	All MBA programmes	Manipal; good for analytics and finance
5	XIM University (XIMB)	MBA	Bhubaneswar; focuses on ethics and leadership
6	ICFAI Business School (IBS)	MBA	Multiple cities; case-based teaching
7	Amity University	MBA	Noida; industry-oriented programs
8	ISBR Business School	MBA, PGDM	Bangalore; focus on entrepreneurship
9	VIT University	MBA	Vellore; technology-driven management
10	Thapar School of Management	MBA	Patiala; emphasis on innovation
11	SRM University	MBA	Chennai; diverse specializations
12	Shiv Nadar University	MBA	Greater Noida; research-oriented programs

Tip: For India-specific cutoffs and more schools, visit mba.com/exams/nmat/nmat-accepting-mba-colleges-india-cutoff-scores.

How to Prepare

To score well, practice regularly, focus on weak areas, and manage time during the exam. Here’s a detailed plan for each section and general tips.

Sr.No.	Section	How to Get Ready
1	English	Read books, newspapers, or articles (e.g., The Hindu or BBC) to improve speed. Practice grammar with apps like Grammarly or quizzes. Learn 5–10 new words daily using flashcards or apps like Vocabulary.com. Solve sample questions for para jumbles and sentence completion.
2	Logical Thinking	Solve puzzles like Sudoku or brain teasers. Practice reasoning questions from books like RS Aggarwal’s Logical Reasoning. Work on 10–15 questions daily for syllogisms, blood relations, or coding-decoding. Use online platforms like IndiaBIX.
3	Math	Practice quick calculations without a calculator (e.g., percentages, ratios). Memorize formulas for algebra, geometry, and time/work. Study charts, graphs, or tables from sample papers. Solve 20–30 math problems daily to build speed.
4	Overall	Take full-length practice tests (available on the NMAT website or coaching platforms) to get used to the 2-hour limit. Time yourself to spend about 40 minutes per section. Review mistakes to avoid repeating them. Set a daily study schedule (e.g., 2–3 hours).

Extra Tips:

Start preparation 2–3 months early to cover all topics.
Make a study plan: 1 hour for English, 1 hour for Math, 1 hour for Reasoning daily.
Practice with NMAT mock tests online to mimic real exam conditions.
Focus on speed—aim to answer each question in about 1 minute.
Stay healthy: sleep well and take short breaks to avoid burnout.

How to Register

Registering for the NMAT is simple and done online through the official NMAT website (mba.com). You’ll create an account, fill in details, pick a test date and center, and pay the fee.

Sr.No.	Step	Details
1	Visit the Website	Go to the official website and find the NMAT section. Click “Register” to start.
2	Create an Account	Sign up with your email and a password. You’ll get a user ID to log in. Keep this safe!
3	Fill Personal Details	Enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and address. Have an ID (like Aadhaar or passport) ready.
4	Upload Documents	Upload a recent photo (passport-size, clear background) and a scanned ID. Files should be JPG or PNG.
5	Choose Test Date	Pick a date from the testing window (usually July to October; check exact dates on the site).
6	Select Test Center	Choose a test center near you (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore).
7	Select Schools	Pick up to 5 schools to send your scores for free. Add more later for a fee.
8	Pay the Fee	Pay online using a debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Check mba.com for the amount.
9	Confirm and Download	Get a confirmation email with test details. Download your admit card from the portal.

Extra Tips for Registration:

Register 1–2 months early to get your preferred slot.
Ensure your photo and ID meet the website’s rules (e.g., file size under 1 MB).
Use a stable internet connection to avoid errors.
Contact NMAT support via the website if you face issues (e.g., payment failure).
Save your user ID, password, and confirmation email.

Retaking the Exam

If your NMAT score isn’t good enough, you can take the exam again to improve it. You’re allowed up to 3 attempts in one testing period.

Sr.No.	Step	Details
1	Check Your Score	Check your score on mba.com (available within 48 hours). Compare with school cutoffs (e.g., 200–250).
2	Log In to Your Account	Use your NMAT user ID and password to log in to mba.com. Go to the “Retake” or “Schedule Exam” section.
3	Choose a New Test Date	Pick a date in the testing window (usually July to October). Ensure it’s at least 15 days after your last attempt.
4	Select Test Center	Choose the same or a different test center (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi).
5	Pay Retake Fee	Pay the retake fee online (card, net banking, or UPI). Check mba.com for the amount.
6	Confirm Booking	Get a confirmation email with new test details. Download the updated admit card.
7	Prepare Again	Practice weak areas (e.g., Math or English). Review mistakes from your last attempt.
8	Score Reporting	Your highest score is sent to schools. Update your school list if needed (extra fees may apply).

Extra Tips for Retaking:

Space out attempts (e.g., 3–4 weeks apart) to prepare better.
Check school application deadlines to ensure your retake counts.
Budget for retake fees, as each attempt costs extra.
Contact NMAT support if you face booking issues.
Use your first attempt’s experience to improve time management.

Who Can Take the Exam?

You need a basic qualification to take the NMAT, but it’s easy to meet. Schools may have extra rules, so check with them.

Sr.No.	Step	Details
1	Check Education	You need a bachelor’s degree (any field) or must be in your final year of college.
2	Verify with Schools	Check school websites (e.g., NMIMS, XIMB) for specific rules like minimum marks or work experience.
3	Prepare Documents	Keep your degree certificate or final-year marksheet ready (PDF or JPG, under 1 MB).
4	International Students	Check visa or language requirements (e.g., English proficiency) for schools abroad.
6	Contact Support if Needed	Email or call NMAT support via mba.com if you’re unsure about eligibility.

Extra Tips for Eligibility:

Confirm eligibility 1–2 months before registering.
Research school-specific rules (e.g., NMIMS may require essays).
Save digital copies of your degree or marksheet.
International applicants: check for extra documents like passports.
Check school websites for updated eligibility rules.

NMAT FAQs

NMAT FAQs

Why should I take the NMAT?

The NMAT tests essential skills required for business school, such as quick thinking and problem-solving, preparing you for the academic challenges of management studies.

How should I manage my time during the NMAT?

You have 120 minutes to complete all sections of the NMAT. Practice dividing your time effectively across sections to ensure you can address all questions within the allotted time.

Can I use external resources during the NMAT?

No, the NMAT is likely proctored, meaning no books, internet, or other outside help is allowed during the exam.

What is the format of the NMAT questions?

The NMAT consists primarily of multiple-choice questions designed to test your understanding and speed.

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