NMAT Exam: Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Colleges, Fees & Preparation Tips
The NMAT by GMAC is one of the most popular and student-friendly MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), NMAT is widely accepted by top business schools like NMIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya, XIM University, IFMR, ISB (for specialized programs) and several international universities. The exam is known for its flexibility, moderate difficulty level, multiple attempts, and unique adaptive pattern.
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This detailed 2000-word, simple, and SEO-optimized guide covers everything about the NMAT exam—its eligibility criteria, registration process, syllabus, exam pattern, participating colleges, fees, preparation strategy, and more.
What is NMAT?
The NMAT (NMAT by GMAC) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into MBA and other management programs across India and abroad. NMAT focuses on evaluating a candidate’s ability in Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
What makes NMAT different from other MBA entrance exams is:
- Multiple attempts allowed (up to 3 times)
- No negative marking
- Flexible scheduling
- Adaptive testing system
- Instant score preview
These features make NMAT a highly preferred exam for MBA aspirants.
NMAT Exam Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NMAT by GMAC |
| Exam Level | National & International |
| Conducting Body | GMAC |
| Mode of Exam | Online CBT (at exam center) |
| Attempts Allowed | Up to 3 |
| Exam Sections | 3 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Accepting Colleges | 30+ in India, 10+ abroad |
| Negative Marking | No |
Courses Offered Through NMAT
NMAT scores are accepted for multiple management programs:
- MBA (General)
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Business Analytics
- MBA in Human Resources
- MBA in Operations
- Postgraduate Management Programs
- PGDM Courses
- Specialized Business Analytics & Leadership programs
Some universities even accept NMAT for Executive MBA.
Eligibility Criteria for NMAT
Before applying for NMAT, candidates must meet minimum eligibility requirements.
1. Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% marks (varies by college)
- Final-year graduation students can also apply
2. Age Limit
- No age limit for appearing in NMAT
3. Work Experience
- Not mandatory
- Recommended for Executive MBA programs
4. Nationality
- Indian and International students can apply
NMAT Exam Pattern
The NMAT exam consists of 3 sections with a total duration of 120 minutes.
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 28 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 52 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 40 minutes |
Total Questions: 108
Total Time: 120 minutes
Marking Scheme: No negative marking
Key Features of NMAT Pattern
1. Adaptive Testing
The exam adapts to your performance.
If you answer correctly, the next question is slightly harder.
2. Sectional Order
You can choose the sequence of sections.
3. No Negative Marking
This encourages students to attempt all questions.
4. Multiple Attempts
You can take NMAT up to 3 times within the test window.
5. Best Score Considered
The highest score from all attempts counts.
NMAT Syllabus (Detailed)
The NMAT syllabus is divided into 3 major sections. Below is a simple and structured breakdown.
1. Language Skills
This section checks your English and verbal ability.
Important Topics:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Analogy
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
2. Quantitative Skills
This section focuses on mathematics and data interpretation.
Important Topics:
- Number System
- Arithmetic (Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss)
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Data Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
3. Logical Reasoning
Analytical and logical thinking abilities are tested here.
Important Topics:
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Series & Patterns
- Syllogisms
- Critical Reasoning
- Puzzles
- Statements & Assumptions
NMAT Registration Process
NMAT registration happens online on the official MBA.com portal.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official NMAT by GMAC website
- Create an account
- Fill out the application form
- Upload documents & photograph
- Pay the exam fee
- Choose your exam date & center
- Download the admit card
NMAT Application Fee
- Registration Fee: Around ₹2,800 – ₹3,000
- Retake Fee: Around ₹2,500 – ₹3,000
- Rescheduling Fee: Extra charges apply
(Fee varies each year.)
NMAT Exam Window (Tentative Schedule)
While dates change each year, NMAT follows a predictable timeline.
- Registration Starts: August
- Exam Window: October to December
- Result: Within 48–72 hours
- Retake Scheduling: Available after first attempt
Colleges Accepting NMAT Scores
NMAT is accepted in 30+ top colleges across India and several international universities.
Top Indian Colleges Accepting NMAT
- NMIMS Mumbai & other campuses
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management
- XIM University Bhubaneswar
- IFMR Graduate School of Business
- SRM University
- Bennett University
- Alliance University
- Thapar School of Management
- Jain University
Top International Institutes Accepting NMAT
- Gordon Institute of Business Science (South Africa)
- University of South Africa
- Philippines School of Business
- Ateneo Graduate School of Business
- Asian Institute of Management
NMAT Cutoff
Every institute has its own cutoff score.
Average Expected Cutoffs:
- NMIMS Mumbai: 225+
- KJ Somaiya: 215+
- XIM University: 200+
- IFMR: 195+
Cutoffs vary each year based on difficulty level and student performance.
NMAT Preparation Tips
Preparing for NMAT becomes easy with the right strategy.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
Before starting preparation, understand question types & sectional rules.
2. Make NCERT Your Base
For quantitative topics, NCERT Class 8–10 basics are useful.
3. Improve Vocabulary Daily
Reading newspapers and practicing vocabulary apps helps a lot.
4. Solve Mock Tests
Since NMAT is speed-based, full-length mock tests are essential.
5. Practice Sectional Tests
Prioritize sections based on your strengths.
6. Work on Timing
Each question has limited time—speed is key in NMAT.
7. Analyze Every Mock
Identify weak areas and improve them.
8. Focus on Accuracy
Since there is NO negative marking, attempt all questions.
9. Practice Reading Speed
Language Skills requires quick reading for RC questions.
10. Keep Calm on Exam Day
Flexibility in schedule means no pressure—stay relaxed.
Best Books for NMAT Preparation
Quantitative Skills
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- Arun Sharma Quant Book
- NMAT Official Guide by GMAC
Language Skills
- Word Power Made Easy
- Norman Lewis Vocabulary
- NMAT Official Guide
Logical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
- Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
NMAT Admit Card
After scheduling your exam, the admit card becomes available for download.
Admit card includes:
- Name & photo
- Exam date
- Test center
- Registration ID
- Exam time
Without the admit card, candidates cannot appear for the exam.
NMAT Result & Scorecard
Results are usually available within 48 to 72 hours.
The scorecard displays:
- Sectional scores
- Total score
- Percentile
Candidates can choose to send their scores to selected universities.
NMAT Counselling Process
Different colleges have different admission processes.
Most include:
- Application to college
- Shortlisting based on NMAT score
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Final merit list
Some colleges may conduct Written Ability Test (WAT).
NMAT Exam Advantages
NMAT stands out from other MBA entrance exams due to:
1. No Negative Marking
Reduces stress and improves attempts.
2. Multiple Attempts
Gives candidates a chance to improve.
3. Flexible Scheduling
Choose date, time, and test center.
4. Instant Score Preview
Allows quick decision-making for retakes.
5. Student-Friendly Format
Moderate difficulty ensures fair selection.
NMAT Exam Difficulty Level
Section-Wise Difficulty
- Language Skills: Moderate
- Quantitative Skills: Moderate to Difficult
- Logical Reasoning: Moderate
NMAT is usually easier than CAT and XAT.
Tips for High Score in NMAT
Before Exam
- Practice 40+ mocks
- Strengthen weak topics
- Revise formulas daily
- Improve calculation speed
During Exam
- Attempt easy questions first
- Manage sectional time strictly
- Avoid spending more than 40 seconds per question
- Stay calm during adaptive testing
Conclusion
The NMAT exam is one of the most flexible and student-friendly entrance tests for MBA aspirants. With its unique features like multiple attempts, no negative marking, adaptive pattern, and easy scheduling, it provides a fair opportunity for every student to perform well.
Whether you wish to join NMIMS Mumbai, KJ Somaiya, XIM University, or any top business school in India or abroad, NMAT is a great pathway to build your management career. With the right preparation strategy, consistent practice, and strong understanding of the syllabus, you can easily score well and secure admission to your dream MBA program.
