NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Time Limit

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Time Limit

Edited By Malvika Chawla | Updated on Jun 24, 2025 02:50 PM IST | #NMAT

NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Every year, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) releases the NMAT exam pattern, which helps the candidate get a rough idea of what the paper will look like. The NMAT 2025 exam pattern includes details on number of sections, number of questions, types of questions, marking scheme, exam duration, and more. Going by last year’s trends, it is expected that the NMAT 2025 question paper will have 108 questions from three sections, namely, Quantitative Skills, Language Skills and Logical Reasoning. NMAT exam duration 2025 will be 120 minutes. Continue reading this article on the NMAT exam pattern 2025, to get more information on exam pattern, marking scheme, sectional weightage and more.

This Story also Contains
  1. NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
  2. NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  3. NMAT Marking Scheme 2025
  4. Does NMAT have Negative Marking?
  5. NMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Time Limit
NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Time Limit

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Take a look at the following NMAT 2025 exam highlights table, which will give you an idea about the exam.

NMAT Full Form

NMAT by GMAC

NMAT Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Total Number of Questions

108 questions

Sections

Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.

Exam Duration

120 minutes (2 hours)

Sections in Exam

  • Language Skills: 28 minutes.

  • Quantitative Skills: 52 minutes.

  • Logical Reasoning: 40 minutes.

Marking Scheme

+3 marks for each correct answer

No Negative Marking

Incorrect or unattempted questions will not result in a deduction of marks.

NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern

NMAT 2025 exam pattern will comprise of as many as 108 questions, totalling for the three sections. Each section will have equal questions and mark weightage. Additionally, all three sections of the NMAT 2025 exam will also have a sectional time limit. Below, we have provided you with a detailed breakdown of the NMAT 2025 exam pattern:


NMAT Exam Pattern 2025 (Tentative)

NMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

About these sections

Number of Questions

Time Allotted to each Section

Score Range

Logical Reasoning

Will test your ability to solve logic-based problems, such as analytical and critical reasoning.

36

40 minutes

12-120

Language Skills

This section will assess your proficiency in English, language usage, including reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.

36

52 minutes

12-120

Quantitative Skills

Will focus on mathematical skills such as arithmetic, algebra and data interpretation

36

28 minutes

12-120

Total


108 Questions

120 Minutes

36-360


*Note that the above-mentioned NMAT exam pattern for 2025 has been based on last year’s exam pattern

Also Read: How to Book Slot for NMAT Exam: Rescheduling NMAT Exam

NMAT Marking Scheme 2025

An idea about the NMAT marking scheme helps the candidates draw an exam-day plan in terms of negative marking, how many marks will be deducted if questions are left unanswered, how many marks will be given for the questions that are attempted, etc. Let us look at the NMAT marking scheme 2025 below.

  • Correct Answer: +3 marks

  • Incorrect Answer: 0 marks (no deduction)

  • Unattempted Questions: 0 marks (no deduction)

  • Scaled Score Range: 12-360

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The final score will be calculated by summing up the marks from all sections, which are evaluated on a scaled score ranging from 12 to 360.

Question: How is score calculated in NMAT?

Answer: The NMAT exam has three sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. Each section is scored independently, and the final score is the sum of the scores for these sections. The scoring for each section ranges between 12-120, with the total score range of 36-360.

Question: Are all questions in NMAT exam similar in terms of marking scheme?
Answer: Yes, all questions in the NMAT exam have a similar marking scheme. This means that every correct answer will be awarded +3 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect or unattempted questions. All 3 sections of the NMAT exam will carry equal weightage.

Question: What is the most important section in NMAT exam?
Answer: The Quantitative Skills section in the NMAT exam is often cited as the most challenging and important section in the NMAT exam. Many candidates find the questions in this section to be lengthy and difficult, requiring strong numerical and mathematical skills.

Check Out: NMAT Exam Centres

Does NMAT have Negative Marking?

The answer to this question is: NO. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or unattempted questions. This means that you won’t face a deduction of marks if you answer a question incorrectly or if you leave a question blank. Instead, here are some essential points that a candidate should keep in his/her mind:

  • Since there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, it is advised that a candidate must attempt all questions in the NMAT exam.

  • The NMAT 2025 exam will be a computer-based test, meaning the difficulty level of the questions will adjust based on your performance.

  • Each section of the NMAT exam will carry equal weightage, and there will be no particular section considered more important than others.

NMAT Preparation Tips
Download NMAT preparation tips eBook to know the best strategy to crack the exam which cover exam pattern, previous year's analysis, syllabus, best books, mock test & more.
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NMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025

NMAT paper pattern and NMAT syllabus go hand in hand. NMAT syllabus lists down all the NMAT important topics which must be prepared by the candidates to score good marks in the exam. The NMAT exam syllabus will comprise a wide range of topics, testing the candidate’s aptitude in various areas. Below are some of the important topics from the NMAT 2025 syllabus that must be taken note of by the candidates.

NMAT Syllabus 2025 for 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

NMAT 2025 Paper Pattern: Important Topics for Logical Reasoning

Analogy

Figure-based Reasoning

Statement and Assumption-based Question

Blood Relations

Decision Making

Coding and Decoding

Calendars

Direction Sense

Clocks

Verbal Reasoning

Puzzles

Input-Output Questions

NMAT 2025 Paper Pattern: Important Topics for Quantitative Skills

Arithmetic

Algebra

Modern Maths

Data Interpretation

Number Theory

Time and Work

Surds and Indices

Set Theory

Line Chart

LCM & HCF

Simple and Compound Interest

Inequalities

Probability

Pie Chart

Factors & Multiples

Ratio-Propotions

Logarithms

Permutations & Combinations

Bar Graph

Remainders

Averages

Quadratic Equations

Tabular Graphs

Divisibility Rules

Question: Does the NMAT exam syllabus change every year?

Answer: No, as per the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the NMAT syllabus does not change every year. However, in case they make any minor changes, we will update this page with the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the pattern of NMAT 2025?

The NMAT 2025 exam will consist of 108 questions. There will be no negative marking applicable in the NMAT exam 2025. All candidates will be allowed to take the NMAT 2025 exam three times, in case they are unsatisfied with their initial scores. 

2. Has NMAT 2025 registration started?

No, the NMAT 2025 registration will start in the first week of August 2025. GMAC will host the NMAT 2025 exam within a test window. 

3. How to prepare for NMAT 2025?

To prepare for the NMAT 2025 exam, the aspirant must have a strong hold over their language skills, quantitative skills and logical reasoning skills. It is crucial that the candidate devotes time to every section, which will help them to develop confidence for the exam. 

4. Is NMAT tougher than CAT?

No, the CAT exam is generally considered to be tougher than the NMAT exam.

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Questions related to NMAT

Have a question related to NMAT ?

dear aditi,

lsit of college known accepting NMAT score"-

1. XIM University, Bhubaneshwar

2. SPJIMR, Mumbai

3. IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University

4. Woxsen University, Hyderabad

5. VIT, Vellore

6. SRM University, Chennai

more..

thanks

Hello Ishita,

With an NMAT score of 180 and 55 percentile, you can target tier-2 and tier-3 management colleges. Here are some options with decent average placements:

  • IBS Hyderabad – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA

  • IFMR Graduate School of Business, Chennai – Average package: Rs. 11–13 LPA

  • Woxsen University, Hyderabad – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA
  • JAGSOM (Bangalore) – Average package: Rs. 11–12 LPA
  • Alliance University, Bangalore – Average package: Rs. 8–10 LPA
  • Amity University, Noida – Average package: Rs. 6–8 LPA

Consider applying to colleges with good industry exposure and placement records.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello aspirant,

It is anticipated that the Shiv Nadar NMAT cutoff score for the MBA program will be higher than 200.  Applicants at Shiv Nadar University who have an NMAT score of 200 or higher (after normalization) should anticipate receiving an invitation to the Personal Interview phase.

So with 182 marks in NMAT, it is very difficult to get a call from Shiv Nadar University.

Thank you

Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.

Hi,

Based on the previous year analysis, According to your NMAT score some of the colleges in which you have chances to get admission are the following

  • BSE Institute, Ahmedabad
  • Woxen University, Hyderabad
  • LM Thapar School of Management
  • ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad
  • School of Management, BML Munjal University
  • ITM Business School
  • School of Business, UPES, Dehradun
  • GITAM School of Business, Dehradun

With your NMAT score you can predict the colleges in which you can get a seat using the NMAT college predictor tool

Hope this information will help you

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