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NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-Wise Paper Structure, Marking Scheme & Time Limit
Ongoing Event
NMAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 10 Oct' 25
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
- NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
- NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- NMAT Marking Scheme 2025
- Does NMAT have Negative Marking?
- NMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
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 |
|
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
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.
Download EBookNMAT 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)
Q: Is NMAT tougher than CAT?
A:
No, the CAT exam is generally considered to be tougher than the NMAT exam.
Q: How to prepare for NMAT 2025?
A:
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.
Q: Has NMAT 2025 registration started?
A:
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.
Q: What is the pattern of NMAT 2025?
A:
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.
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Have a question related to NMAT ?
Hello,
The application dates for MBA (Law) 2026–28 batch are not announced yet.
Since you are appearing for NMAT, you can expect the forms to be released around the time of NMAT registrations , which usually begin in August. Most likely, the applications will open by August or September 2025.
You should keep checking the official admission website of the college for exact updates.
Hope it helps !
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.
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