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NMAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Duration & More

Updated on 16 August, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring management students aiming for top B-schools globally. The NMAT syllabus and exam pattern provide a comprehensive evaluation of candidates and help both the management schools and the prospective candidates in the overall admission process.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the NMAT exam pattern in detail, uncovering tips and insights to help you confidently approach the test and achieve your academic and professional aspirations. Let's unravel the NMAT exam pattern together and pave the way for your success.  

Key Highlights 

Let’s check out the key highlights of the NMAT exam to help you prepare.

Aspect

Details

Exam Conducting Body

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Sections

Language Skills, Quantitative Skills & Logical Reasoning

Number of Questions

Total: 108 questions

Duration

Total: 130 minutes

Marking Scheme

3 marks are awarded for each correct answer. There is no negative marking.

Question Types

Multiple-choice questions

Exam Mode

Computer-based

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Test Centers

Designated centers across various cities in India

NMAT Exam Pattern 

NMAT is a computer-based exam that evaluates candidates in three crucial sections: Language skills, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning. It assesses the aspirants’ aptitude and readiness for the dynamic challenges of the business and management fields. 

The NMAT exam pattern only includes objective questions (MCQs). Conducted online, this test allows candidates 2 hours and 10 minutes to answer the questions. All three sections have a dedicated time, which varies. The entire NMAT pattern includes 108 questions. Aspirants are required to take the exam in English only. 

NMAT Sectional Weightage & Time Limit 

Achieving a high score in the NMAT can significantly enhance your opportunities of an abroad education, making it a vital part of your academic and professional journey. The NMAT consists of three sections and each one of them contains a distinctive number of questions and allows for a specific time slot. 

You must answer all the questions in a specified time, or your test will move on to another section. The time slots and number of questions for each section are given below:

Section 

No. of Questions 

Duration 

Language Skills

36

28 Minutes

Quantitative Skills

36

52 Minutes

Logical Reasoning

36

40 Minutes

NMAT Marking Scheme 

Understanding the NMAT exam's marking scheme is important so you can prioritize accordingly. 

Quantitative Skills Section:

  • Marks per Question: 3
  • Scaled Score Range: 12–120
  • Negative Marking: No

Language Skills Section:

  • Marks per Question: 3
  • Scaled Score Range: 12–120
  • Negative Marking: No

Logical Reasoning Section:

  • Marks per Question: 3
  • Scaled Score Range: 12–120
  • Negative Marking: No

A candidate can achieve a total scaled score ranging from 36 to 360. This scaled range is determined depending on the difficulty level of each question to ensure fairness. The total marks are calculated based on the cumulative marks acquired across all three sections. 

NMAT Syllabus 

The NMAT exam syllabus comprises three sections: Quantitative skills, Language skills, and Logical Reasoning sections, each encompassing various topics and subtopics. The NMAT syllabus for 2024 is the same as the previous year, comprising 108 questions and three sections. A comprehensive understanding of this syllabus will allow candidates to prepare properly for the examination. 

NMAT Section Topics & Subtopics
Quantitative Skills

Number Properties

  • Logarithm
  • Basics of Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals
  • Factors, Multiples, Least Common Multiples (LCM) and Highest Common Factors (HCF)
  • Divisibility of Numbers and Finding Unit Digit

Number Properties

  • Percentages
  •  Time and Work and Partnership
  • Simple and Compound Interest
  • Ratio, Proportion, and Averages
  • Profit, Loss, and Discount

Algebra and Probability

  • Sequences and Series
  • Equations and Inequalities
  • Probability
  • Permutations and Combinations

DI-Caselets and Tables

DI-Graphs and Charts

Logical Reasoning 

Critical Reasoning

  • Strengthening/Weakening
  • Conclusion-Based Questions
  • Assumption-Based Questions
  • Inference-Based Questions

Deductions

  • Statement-Conclusion
  • Statement-Assumption
  • Statement-Course of Action
  • Fact Analysis
  • Statement-Argument

Analytical Puzzles

  • Analytical Puzzles
  • Input-Output

Other Reasoning

  • Missing Value in Figures
  • Set Theory
  • Decision Making
  • Ranking Test
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Syllogism
Language Skills

Reading Comprehension

Para Forming

Error Identification

Prepositions

Sentence Completion

Analogies

5 NMAT Quick Preparation Tips 

Now that you know the NMAT exam pattern, here are some quick tips to help with exam preparation.

  1. You must dedicate 3 to 4 months to prepare for the exam and cover its entire syllabus.
  2. You must practice and familiarize yourself with the question patterns while keeping track of the time limit.
  3. To thoroughly understand the exam, you can read the NMAT by GMAC™ Exam Official Guide Ninth Edition. It is the official information source for the test, containing a structured study plan. It also includes several questions, answers and explanations for hands-on practice.
  4. The NMAT by GMAC™ Exam Official Prep will help you with practice questions. It follows the exact structure and time limit of the actual exam. These mock tests will help you significantly improve your chances of getting into top B-schools. 
  5. Strategize for your exam day. You can get help from previous aspirants and experts to streamline your preparation.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is indicative. While all care has been taken to ensure accuracy, visit the official examination website for further details. 

FAQs

Can I attempt the test more than once?

Yes, the NMAT exam allows flexibility. You can take the exam three times to improve your score. 

How soon can I get the results of the NMAT exam?

You can preview your scores immediately after taking the exam. The entire scorecard can be downloaded within 48 hours of the examination. You will receive an email notification when your scorecard is ready for download.

Is there any fixed school that NMAT exam aspirants can get into?

You get the liberty to choose your preferred schools where NMAT exam scores are accepted. The cut-off marks will vary from one institution to the next. You can check the sites of your chosen colleges to understand the acceptance range. 

How many marks are there on the NMAT exam?

The NMAT exam consists of 108 questions divided into three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Each section contains 36 questions, and the total score ranges from 36 to 360 marks, with each section scoring from 12 to 120 marks. 

What is a good score in the NMAT?

A good score in the NMAT exam typically ranges between 200 and 250. However, a score above 220 is generally considered competitive and can enhance the chances of admission into top business schools and other prestigious institutions. A score of 240+ is often seen as excellent.

Do I need to pay the exam fee again for the NMAT retake?

Yes, you need to pay the exam fee again if you decide to retake the NMAT exam. Each retake requires a separate registration and payment, allowing candidates to attempt the exam up to three times within the testing window. This policy ensures fairness and equal opportunity for all test-takers.

What is the mode of the NMAT 2024 exam?

The NMAT 2024 exam is conducted in two modes: an online proctored test at home and a computer-based test at designated test centers. Candidates can choose their preferred mode of examination while registering for the test, ensuring flexibility and convenience for test-takers across different regions.

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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