October 29, 2025
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:
Read the blog to know more about the 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.
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.
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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 |
The GMAC NMAT exam format follows the NMAT marking scheme to evaluate the candidate's performance in the test:
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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| 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 |
Understanding the NMAT exam pattern is just the first step. Here's a section-wise strategy for tackling NMAT efficiently:
As all sections carry equal weightage, candidates must prepare holistically. Ignoring any section could severely impact the final score.
NMAT’s time constraints require extensive practice under timed conditions. Attempt full-length NMAT mocks to build stamina and develop strategies.
Work on pacing per question. For example, with 36 questions in 28 minutes in Language Skills, you get less than 47 seconds per question.
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.
After every mock, identify weak spots. NMAT allows reattempts; use this wisely by improving in subsequent tries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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