How To Crack NMAT 2025?
Crack the NMAT exam for MBA 2025 admissions! Get key insights on unique exam features, scoring, and How To Crack NMAT with expert tips to boost your performance and secure seats at top institutes like NMIMS.
NMAT requires a specific preparation plan, and this blog will help you with a comprehensive understanding of the exam’s format, scoring system, and successful study techniques, so that candidates can feel ready to succeed. Whether you are an experienced CAT test-taker or just starting out with MBA entrance exams, this guide covers all the essentials you need to ace the NMAT.
NMAT Exam Overview – Key Features Every Aspirant Must Know
- The NMAT, organized by GMAC, is a key entrance exam for management programs at NMIMS and several top business schools across India.
- Candidates have the option to take the NMAT up to three times, but keep in mind that NMIMS will only look at the score from your first attempt.
- This exam is conducted at designated test centers, as there is no option for remote proctoring, and it features adaptive difficulty levels to tailor the assessment to each individual.
NMAT Eligibility Criteria & Attempt Rules
- Candidates applying for NMAT should have an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks.
- Each candidate is allowed 3 attempts, with a minimum gap of 15 days between each attempt.
- NMIMS only accepts first-attempt scores for admission to the MBA program.
- NMAT registration is separate from the institute-specific application.
NMAT Registration Process 2025– Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Description | Notes |
| Register | Create a profile & register for NMAT via GMAC | Mandatory for exam slot booking |
| Apply | Register for preferred MBA colleges (e.g., NMIMS) | Separate application via the institute |
| Confirm | Book a test slot and make a payment | Independent of institute deadlines |
NMAT Exam Pattern & Sectional Structure 2025
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 mins |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 mins |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 mins |
| Total | 108 | 120 mins |
- Section Order: Decide your preferred sequence of the three sections:
- Language Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Logical Reasoning
- Question Distribution: The distribution varies based on performance; the adaptive nature influences question difficulty.
- Score Reporting: After submission, you will receive an instantaneous on-screen score; the official scorecard will be sent via email within 1-2 hours (up to 48 hours).
Read More: NMAT Exam Pattern
Scoring, Result & Cutoffs
| Aspect | Details |
| Score Range (Sectional) | 12 to 120 per section |
| Overall Score Range | 36 to 360 |
| Cutoff (Last Year) | Sectional: 62+; Overall: 209+ |
| Previous Years’ Cutoffs | Higher (around 230-235 overall) before process changes |
Note: Recent changes have lowered cutoffs due to a shift in the admission process, emphasizing a broader candidate pool.
Unique NMAT Features – Adaptive Testing & Navigation
Performance-Based Difficulty: The test adjusts according to how many answers you get right or wrong.
Question Pool: There’s a large back-end question bank, which means you’ll face a mix of easy and hard ones.
Impact on Scores: If you manage to correctly answer the tougher questions, your score boosts significantly
No Negative Marking: This setup encourages you to tackle all the questions without any hesitation.
NMAT Section-Wise Syllabus & Preparation Tips
1. Language Skills- (36 Q, 28 mins)
| Question Type | Preparation Tips |
| Reading Comprehension (RCs) | Read newspapers, editorials, and journals extensively to improve comprehension; practice multiple RC sets under time constraints. |
| Parajumbles | Solve previous year parajumbles daily; focus on logical connectors, pronouns, and sequence flow. |
| Fill in the Blanks | Build a strong vocabulary and grammar; practice context-based questions regularly. |
| Grammar (Error Spotting, Prepositions) | Revise grammar rules (tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions); identify common error patterns through practice. |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms) | Memorize high-frequency words; revise daily using flashcards or apps. |
| Sentence Completion | Practice questions with tricky contexts; improve reading speed to interpret sentence flow accurately. |
Read More: NMAT Syllabus
2. Quantitative Skills- (36 Q, 52 mins)
| Question Type | Preparation Tips |
| Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, SI & CI, time & work) | Strengthen the fundamentals of arithmetic as it forms the base for many QA questions. |
| Modern Math (progressions, probability, set theory, logarithms) | Focus on commonly asked concepts; practice formula-based questions regularly. |
| Algebra (quadratic equations, algebraic formulas) | Revise algebraic identities and solve quadratic equations efficiently. |
| Data Interpretation (bar charts, tables) | Practice fast calculations and approximation techniques to improve speed. |
| Data Sufficiency (high weightage) | Understand statement sufficiency logic and practice extensively from previous years’ papers. |
| General Prep | Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve pacing. |
3. Logical Reasoning- (36 Q, 40 mins)
| Question Type | Preparation Tips |
| Arrangement Puzzles (linear, matrix) | Develop systematic solving strategies; use diagrams or tables to avoid confusion. |
| Input-Output (sequential output) | Practice step-by-step tracing; identify common patterns quickly. |
| Puzzles (logical, numerical) | Solve a variety of puzzles to improve logical thinking and adaptability. |
| Verbal Reasoning (arguments, assumptions, inference) | Practice critical reasoning daily; focus on strengthening inference skills. |
| Syllogisms | Use Venn diagrams or standard rules to solve quickly and accurately. |
| General Prep | Manage time effectively; LR can be lengthy, so practice under timed conditions. |
How To Crack NMAT: Special Topics and Areas to Focus
| Topic | Importance | Preparation Tip |
| Data Sufficiency | High | Practice regularly; expect 6 Qs |
| Verbal Reasoning | Increasing | Focus on Critical Reasoning, parajumbles, and vocab |
| Modern Math | Significant | Practise progressions, set theory |
| Data Interpretation | Calculation-heavy | Quick calculations |
| Grammar & Vocab | Essential | Daily reading, word lists |
NMAT Preparation Strategies for Success
- Focus on topics that do not appear on CAT: Spend time on Data Sufficiency, Verbal Reasoning, and modern math concepts. People often do not focus on these as much when getting ready for the CAT. Since they’re a bit different, use different ways to learn, like online classes or study groups, to really get them down and feel sure of yourself.
- Take at least 10 Full-Length NMAT Mocks: To get used to the test and how long it takes, take 10 official NMAT mock exams. This will feel like the real exam scenario and let you work on your timing. That way, you can see what you still need to study.
- Watch your speed, especially in math and logic: It is crucial to handle your time well if you want to perform well. Pay attention to how fast you are going in the math and logic sections, since they can be tough. Come up with ways to guess since you won’t lose points for wrong answers. Practice with a timer to get quicker and more accurate.
- Make study plans for each section: Plan out how you will study each section so you cover everything. Check your practice test scores often to find your weak spots. Then, change your study plan to improve and prepare for the exam.
Read More: NMAT Cutoff
NMAT Resource Support by IMS
| Resource / Students | Details |
| IMS CAT students | Module 5 of CAT Courseware |
| IMS NMAT-SNAP-CET students | Courseware |
| ADMAT | Masterclasses |
| Grammar | Prepare > Modules > Grammar Module |
| NMAT | 10 full-length tests (to be released) |
Tip: You must regularly review mock performance to identify your weak areas and refine strategies.
Final Tips for How To Crack NMAT
* Practice with mock tests and review them to improve.
* Time management and smart guessing can help boost your score.
* Stay calm and don’t get thrown off by hard questions.
* Keep a balance between sections and quick transitions to get a better score.
Frequently Asked Questions (NMAT FAQs)
How many attempts are allowed for NMAT?
A: Maximum three; NMIMS considers only the first attempt.
What is NMAT’s scoring range and cutoff?
A: Sectional score: 12-120; Overall: 36-360. Recent cutoff: 209+.
Is NMAT available online?
A: Only at authorized test centers, no home or remote proctored mode.
What is the test mode for NMAT 2025?
A: Computer-based exam at test centers across India.
How adaptive is NMAT?
A: Difficulty adjusts per performance; question navigation is sequential, with no negative marking.
How To Crack NMAT Exam 2025: Conclusion
Prep Smarter to Get into NMIMS…
To do well in the NMAT exam, you need a strategic plan that considers its adaptive difficulty, flexible sections, and the fact that you don’t lose points for wrong answers. Getting ready, handling your time well, and taking practice tests often are key. Keep in mind that doing well on the test means being quick, correct, and choosing questions wisely. If you get how the test works, practice a lot, and use proper strategies, you can get a high score and get into the B-school you want.
