
The syllabus of NMAT exam 2025 comprises three sections namely, Quantitative Skills, Language Skills, and Logical Reasoning. It is a Computer Based Test (CBT) of MCQs and is conducted over three months, allowing candidates flexibility in choosing their preferred test date.
The NMAT 2025 exam was launched by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) – owners of the GMAT. It is an MBA entrance test for applicants in India, South Africa, Philippines, Nigeria, Hungary, and Morocco. It's a good option for many prospective MBA students as a large number of top business schools in these areas accept this exam as a means of gaining entry into their programs. They feel students with good scores demonstrate the necessary attributes for success.
Also Check:
1.1 What Is NMAT Syllabus For Language Skills?
1.2 What Is NMAT Syllabus For Logical Reasoning Skills?
1.3 What Is NMAT Syllabus For Quantitative Skills?
3.1 Exam Duration: Changes Over the years
3.2 What Is NMAT Marking Scheme?
3.3 What NMAT 2025 Exam Analysis?
4.1 Which Are The Best NMAT Books For Preparation?
The GMAC designs the syllabus for the exam each year. The syllabus remains the same as the previous year and consists of 108 questions divided into three sections, Language skills, Quantitative skills, and Logical Reasoning skills.
To succeed in the exam, one must have a strong grasp of all three sections and give equal attention to each. The exam assesses your aptitude in various areas, so it's important to thoroughly understand the syllabus, practice regularly, and stay updated to increase your chances of success.
The Language Skills section assesses a candidate's proficiency in the English language and comprehension. There are 36 questions in this section, which you must complete within 28 minutes.
| Language Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Grammar | Comprehension |
| Synonyms | Identify the Error | RC Passages |
| Antonyms | Sentence Correction | Jumbled Sentences |
| Analogies | Parts of Speech | Para Jumbles |
| Fill in the Blanks | Tenses | Odd one Out |
| Idioms | - | Paragraph Summary |
The Logical Reasoning section evaluates a candidate’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills. There will be 36 questions in this section that a candidate has to complete within 40 minutes.
| Logical Reasoning Skills | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Reasoning | Deductions | Analytical Puzzles | Other Reasoning |
| Conclusion based questions | Statement-Conclusion | Input-Output | Missing value in figures |
| Inference based questions | Statement-Assumption | Analytical Puzzles | Set Theory |
| Assumption based questions | Statement-Course of Action | - | Decision Making |
| Strengthening/Weakening | Fact analysis | - | Ranking Test |
| - | Statement-Argument | - | Venn Diagrams |
| - | - | - | Syllogism |
The Quantitative Skills assesses a candidate’s mathematical abilities, quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills. The quant section consists of 36 questions and the time frame allotted to a candidate is 52 minutes.
| Quantitative Skills | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Algebra | Modern Maths | Data Interpretation | Number Theory |
| Time and Work | Surds & Indices | Set Theory | Line Chart | LCM & HCF |
| Simple & Compound Interest | Inequalities | Probability | Pie Chart | Factors & Multiples |
| Ratio-Proportions | Logarithms | Permutations & Combinations | Bar Graph | Remainders |
| Percentages | Linear Equations | - | Tabular Graphs | Divisibility Rules |
| Averages | Quadratic Equations | - | Mixed Combinations | Unit/Last Two Digits |
| Time, Speed & Distance | AP/GP | - | - | - |
| Partnerships | Functions | - | - | - |
| Profit and Loss | Absolute Value | - | - | - |
| Others | - | - | - | |
Each section has an equal number of questions. Additionally, marks allotted to these topics are also the same.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Weightage | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 33.33% | 28 Minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 33.33% | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 36 | 33.33% | 52 Minutes |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Test Duration | Language Skills - 28 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning - 52 minutes | |
| Quantitative Skills - 40 minutes | |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type Questions |
| Number of Sections | Language Skills |
| Logical Reasoning | |
| Quantitative Skills | |
| Total Questions | Language Skills - 36 |
| Logical Reasoning - 36 | |
| Quantitative Skills - 36 | |
| Total Marks | Language Skills - 120 |
| Logical Reasoning - 120 | |
| Quantitative Skills - 120 |
The exam time duration changed in 2020. After that, there are no specific changes made to the duration of the exam. However, students can have a look at the changes made in the exam duration.
| Sections | 2022/2021/2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 28 minutes | 22 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes | 38 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 52 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Response | Marks Awarded/Deducted |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | No negative marking |
| Unattempted Question | No addition or deduction |
Given below is the Exam Analysis of difficulty level and number of ideal attempts based on previous year’s paper analysis.
| Section | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Skills | Moderate | 24-27 |
| Language Skills | Easy-Moderate | 25-28 |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate | 22-25 |
| Total | Moderate | 75-84 |
Like any other admissions examination, the best way to prepare is through regular revision and exam practice. Your revision should focus on each of the sections and the topics tested within them. Try to separate the syllabus into strong and weak topics to prioritize your time. Once you've gained a good understanding of the syllabus, you must undertake practice tests to hone your exam strategy and ability to work under the time limit for each section.
GMAC offers the official guide to help candidates enhance their preparation. Besides referring to the official guidebook, candidates must also cover MBA entrance exam books that align with the syllabus.
Given below are the recommended NMAT books to enhance exam preparation.
| Books | Author/Publishers |
|---|---|
| Official Guide | Offered by GMAC (Online) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
| VARC for CAT | Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma |
Ques. How many days are required to complete the syllabus?
Ans. It may take more than 150 days to complete the syllabus properly. The syllabus normally includes a variety of topics divided into areas such as Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The time necessary to finish the syllabus is determined by various factors, including your skill in these areas, the amount of time available each day for study, and the study schedule.
Additionally, applicants who have prepared for the CAT test or any other MBA admission exam may require fewer days to finish the topics.
Ques. Is it advisable to refer to CAT books for NMAT preparation?
Ans. Yes, one can use CAT books to prepare for the preparation as the NMAT and CAT are both business entrance tests for MBA programs. They share significant exam elements such as numeric aptitude, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning abilities. However, the two tests have some small changes in terms of pattern.
Ques. How many attempts are allowed?
Ans. GMAC permits students to take the exam thrice, with one attempt and two retakes. Candidates can schedule a retake with a 15-day interval from their last attempt. A retake fee must also be paid for each retake attempt.
Ques. What are the passing marks for NMAT?
Ans. The passing marks depend on the cutoff. Candidates need to qualify for the cutoff score to be eligible for the WAT/PI round. The expected cutoff ranges between 210-250.
Ques. Is the syllabus for NMAT, SNAP, and CAT similar?
Ans. NMAT and SNAP share a similar syllabus but differ in difficulty level, with SNAP slightly on the difficult side. On the other hand, CAT calls for greater aptitude-based understanding. It is one of the most challenging Aptitude tests that also comes with pre-determined eligibility criteria; while NMAT is a moderate-level examination in terms of syllabus, exam pattern, and eligibility.
Ques. Who releases the Syllabus?
Ans. The syllabus is released by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) on its official website.
Ques. Are the syllabus topics updated annually by GMAC?
Ans. Major sections of the syllabus generally remain unchanged from one year to the next. However, GMAC may make minor modifications to the syllabus topics. Therefore, candidates are advised to refer to the official website to learn about the revised syllabus.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.