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NMAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme, Duration & More

Updated on 20 January, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Are you a dream chaser looking to enter the world of business excellence? Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is your gateway to leading graduate business programs. Passing this exam opens your doors to some of the world’s top B-colleges. You can study in the Philippines, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria or India. Let’s delve into the critical aspects of the NMAT exam pattern.

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: 120 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

Source: Official Website 

NMAT Exam Pattern 

NMAT is a computer-based exam that evaluates candidates on three crucial sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. It is used to assess the aspirants’ aptitude and readiness for the dynamic challenges of the business and management field. 

The NMAT exam pattern only includes objective questions (MCQs). Conducted online, this test allows candidates 2 hours 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 medium only. 

NMAT Sectional Weightage and Time Limit 

The exam pattern of the NMAT exam includes 3 sections. Each of them contains a distinctive number of questions and allows 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 marking scheme for the NMAT exam is important so that 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 includes the Quantitative, English and Logical Reasoning sections, encompassing various topics in these areas. A comprehensive understanding of this syllabus will allow candidates to prepare properly for the examination. 

The Quantitative Skills section of the NMAT syllabus encompasses questions from the below-listed five parts. 

Arithmetic

  • Ratio and proportions
  • Averages
  • Numbers
  • Percentages
  • Time, Work and Partnership
  • Highest common factor (HCF) and Lowest common multiple (LCM)
  • Simple and compound interest
  • Integers

Algebra

  • Absolute value
  • Equations
  • Inequalities
  • Quadratic equations
  • Logarithm
  • Linear equations

Modern Math

  • Set theory
  • Probability
  • Permutation and combination
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Progression arithmetic, Geometric, Harmonic, Relationship
  • Venn diagrams

Geometry & Mensuration

  • Square and rectangles
  • Circles
  • Quadrilaterals
  • Lines, angles, and triangles
  • Polygons
  • Rhombus
  • Trapezium
  • Cylinder, cones, and spheres
  • Cubes and cuboids
  • Parallelogram
  • 3D figures
  • Longest Side Theorem
  • Pythagoras Theorem
  • Base Angle Theorem

Data Interpretation

  • Pie charts
  • Line graphs
  • Bar charts
  • Tables

The Language Skills part of the NMAT Syllabus covers question from three parts: Comprehension, Vocabulary and Grammar.

Comprehension

  • Jumbled sentences
  • Paragraph summary
  • Para jumbles
  • Odd one out
  • RC Passages

Vocabulary

  • Synonyms
  • Analogies
  • Antonyms
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Idioms
  • Cloze test

Grammar

  • Parts of speech
  • Tenses
  • Sentence correction
  • Choose the correct preposition
  • Phrasal verbs
  • Identify the error

The Logical Reasoning part of the NMAT Syllabus is covered in two parts: Analytical and Verbal Reasoning.

Analytical Reasoning

  • Coding and decoding
  • Syllogisms
  • Symbol-based questions
  • Classification
  • Blood relation questions
  • Series and direction questions
  • Matrix type questions
  • Alphabet questions
  • Linear and circular arrangements
  • Other reasoning questions

Verbal Reasoning

  • Course of action
  • Critical reasoning
  • Statement and inference questions
  • Decision making
  • Statement and argument questions
  • Statement and assumption questions

NMAT Quick Preparation Tips 

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

  • You must dedicate 3 to 4 months to prepare for the exam and cover its entire syllabus.
  • You must practice and familiarize yourself with the question patterns while keeping track of the time limit.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Strategize for your exam day. You can get help from previous aspirants and experts to streamline your preparation.

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. 

Is there any fixed school that the 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 other. You can check the sites of your chosen colleges to understand the acceptance range. 

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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Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.