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NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Marking Scheme & Weightage Distribution Structure

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

October 29, 2025

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Overview: Understanding the NMAT exam pattern helps you understand the exam structure and difficulty level. NMAT is a national-level entrance test conducted by GMAC three times a year. Read on to know more about the NMAT 2025 exam pattern here!

Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) is a Computer-Based Test conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

The NMAT 2025 exam pattern will be similar to the previous year's papers, and there are no changes as of now.

The NMAT test consists of 108 questions to be answered in 120 minutes. The questions were asked in three sections:

  • Language skills
  • Quantitative skills
  • Logical Reasoning

Read the blog to know more about the NMAT exam pattern 2025!

What is NMAT Exam Pattern 2025?

The NMAT exam pattern consists of three sections —Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning —each with 36 questions. The total duration is 120 minutes, and each section has a specific time limit.

There is no negative marking, and the total score ranges from 36 to 360.

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

The language of the NMAT by GMAC™ exam is English. The NMAT exam has a sectional time limit for each section. Unlike other management exams, the NMAT has different time limits for each section.

Each candidate has to answer the questions within the time limit. The NMAT paper pattern allows candidates to choose the sequence of the test sections at the beginning of the exam.

The NMAT exam questions are randomly selected from a pool. 

The number of questions and the difficulty levels are predetermined and the same for each section, regardless of when and where the test is taken.

Read More | MBA at Mumbai NMIMS

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NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Sections, Duration & Marks

The Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test is a two-hour exam that tests a candidate's aptitude and analytical skills through 108 questions.  Following is the detailed section-wise NMAT exam pattern 2025.

NMAT Sections Number of Questions Time to Attempt NMAT Score Range
Language Skills Section 36 questions 28 minutes Score range 12-120
Quantitative Skills Section 36 questions 52 minutes Score range 12-120
Logical Reasoning Section 36 questions 40 minutes Score range 12-120
Total 108 questions 120 minutes Score range 36-360

NMAT 2025 Marking Scheme

The GMAC NMAT exam format follows the NMAT marking scheme to evaluate the candidate's performance in the test:

  • Every question carries three marks. For every correct answer, a candidate gets +3.
  • The NMAT exam does not have any negative markings.
  • Unattempted/unanswered questions lead to zero marks. 
  • After the candidate finishes a particular section, all answers are considered final.

Know More | NMAT Exam 2025 Dates

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Important Section-wise Topics for NMAT Exam Pattern 2025

Section 1: Language Skills 

The Language Skills section of the NMAT exam pattern tests the candidate's language and comprehension abilities through questions on Reading Comprehension, Paraforming, Error Identification, Prepositions, Sentence Completion, and Analogies, all of which candidates should be prepared for once they download their NMAT admit card and begin final preparations.

Vocabulary Comprehension Grammar
Analogies Paragraph summary Tenses
Synonyms Para jumbles Sentence correction
Antonyms Jumbled sentences Parts of speech
Fill in the blanks RC Passages Phrasal verbs
Cloze test Odd one out Choose the correct preposition
Idioms Identify the error

Read More | List of NMAT Colleges

Section 2: Quantitative Aptitude

This section has NMAT questions based on broad topics  like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, and data sufficiency, as follows:

Arithmetic Algebra Modern Math Data Interpretation
Simple Interest Equations Permutation and Combination Line Graphs
Compound Interest Inequalities Probability Bar Chart
Integers Linear Equations Set Theory Pie Chart
Percentages Quadratic Equations HCF and LCM Tabular Graphs
Ratio-Proportions Lines, Angles, and Triangles
Average Polygons
Circles
Coordinate Geometry

Check | Is NMAT Easier than CAT exam

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Section 3: Logical Reasoning

This section of the NMAT Exam paper pattern includes questions on verbal reasoning, logical arrangements, and critical reasoning as follows:

Verbal Reasoning Analytical Reasoning
Statement and Argument-based Questions Linear and Circular Arrangements
Statement and Assumption-based Questions Classification and Syllogisms
Statement and Inference-based Questions Blood Relation
Critical Reasoning Coding and Decoding
Course of Action
Series and Direction

Read More | How to fill NMAT Application Form

NMAT Exam Pattern 2025 Question Type and Format

Exam Mode Computer-based Online Test
Total Sections 3 (Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning)
Total Questions 108
Total Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Options 4 options per question
Marking Scheme 1 mark per correct answer
Negative Marking None
Sectional Time Limit Flexible; total time for all sections combined
Calculator Use No external calculators allowed; on-screen calculator (if any)
Adaptive Nature Not fully adaptive, but flexible time allocation between sections
Answering Format Select one correct option per question

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Preparation Strategy for NMAT Exam Pattern 2025

Understanding the NMAT exam pattern is just the first step. Here's a section-wise strategy for tackling NMAT efficiently:

1. Balanced Preparation for All Sections

As all sections carry equal weightage, candidates must prepare holistically. Ignoring any section could severely impact the final score.

2. Mock Test Practice with Timer

NMAT’s time constraints require extensive practice under timed conditions. Attempt full-length NMAT mocks to build stamina and develop strategies.

3. Section-Wise Time Management

Work on pacing per question. For example, with 36 questions in 28 minutes in Language Skills, you get less than 47 seconds per question.

4. Work on Accuracy with Speed

Since there's no negative marking, you should attempt all questions. But don’t compromise accuracy, especially in adaptive formats where difficulty rises with correct answers.

5. Analyzing Mocks & Retakes

After every mock, identify weak spots. NMAT allows reattempts; use this wisely by improving in subsequent tries.

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Conclusion

  • Understanding the NMAT exam pattern is key to a practical exam preparation strategy and to achieving success in MBA admissions.
  • Candidates are advised to delve into the exam structure, sectional weightage, marking scheme, and NMAT syllabus to develop a comprehensive preparation strategy.

Read More | NMAT Selection Process

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Format of the NMAT exam?

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How does the NMAT scoring system work?

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Is it possible to retake the NMAT exam, and how is the final score determined?

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How are the questions distributed in the NMAT exam?

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What is the NMAT Exam Pattern 2025?

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Is the NMAT Exam Pattern adaptive?

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About the Author

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Lalita Vishwakarma

Content Writer

Lalita Vishwakarma is a professional content writer with 3 years of experience, distinguished by her ability to transform raw ideas into polished, high-impact content. She masterfully combines creative storytelling with strategic execution, ensuring that her work not only captures attention but also drives desired outcomes.... more