NMAT Marking Scheme: Section-Wise Marks, Total Marks, & Negative Marking
The NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) for admission into MBA and other management programs offered by NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) and several other B-schools in India. In this article, we explore the NMAT marking scheme in detail, highlighting the types of questions asked, the sectional distribution of marks, and the essential topics aspirants should prioritise during their preparation. By understanding these facts, candidates can confidently approach the NMAT and optimise their chances of securing admission to premier management institutes.
It is a computer-based test to assess candidates’ language skills, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning. Understanding the NMAT marking scheme is crucial for aspirants preparing for the exam. It provides insights into the types of questions, sectional distribution of marks, and important topics within each section. This knowledge empowers candidates to structure their preparation effectively, focusing on key areas that carry significant weightage and aligning their study strategy with the exam’s requirements.
NMAT 2025: Overview
| NMAT Exam Particulars | Key Details |
| NMAT 2025 Exam Conducting Body | Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) |
| NMAT Official Website | mba.com/exams/nmat |
| Top MBA colleges under NMAT 2024 | NMIMS, XIMB, VIT, TAPMI, ICFAI, Shiv Nadar, SDA Bocconi,
L M Thapar |
| NMAT 2025 Exam Dates | From November to December 2025 |
| NMAT 2025 Testing Mode | 1. Online Exam at Test Centre
2. Online proctored exam from home |
| NMAT Exam Time Duration | 2 hours |
| Total Questions in NMAT Exam 2024 | 108 |
| NMAT Marking Scheme | 12-120 points per section (36-360 total marks) |
| Sectional Division of the NMAT Exam | 3 Sections |
| Does NMAT have a Sectional Time Limit? | Yes, and it is different for each section |
| Choice of determining the order of sections | Yes, available only once |
| Exam Difficulty Level | Moderate as compared to CAT, XAT, SNAP |
| Required NMAT exam Percentile for MBA admission in Top Colleges | Based on the NMAT Scaled Score (NMAT Cutoff 2025) |
| Importance of Taking the NMAT 2025 exam | Offers opportunity to improve rank & score with two retakes |
| Exam application process | Online |
| How to Register for the Exam? | Visit the NMAT official website and complete the registration |
| NMAT 2025 Exam Application Fee | Rs.3000/- ++ |
| Number of Times you can Take the NMAT exam 2025 | Three |
| NMAT 2025 Preparation Strategy and Books | The best way to prepare is through dedicated prep for NMAT with a reputed coaching institute like IMS |
NMAT Marking Scheme
GMAC designs the NMAT Exam marking scheme and syllabus each year. The syllabus comprises 108 questions and three sections. The NMAT exam is a computer-based test that you can complete online. It is tested in English via a series of multiple-choice and objective questions.
You receive no marks for unanswered questions, and with no negative marking in the exam, there is no punishment for a wrong answer. Since it is an adaptive test, the more correct answers you give, the harder your subsequent questions get. And the more harder questions you answer accurately, the higher your overall score.
The exam lasts two hours (120 minutes); you can choose the section in order. Each section of NMAT contains several topics and subtopics that you must prepare for.
| Section | No. of Questions | Scaled Score Range |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 12-120 |
| Language Skills | 36 | 12-120 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 12-120 |
| Total | 108 | 36-360 |
NMAT selection criteria and composite score breakdown 2024 (updated)
| Program | LR | LS | QS | NMAT Cutoff 2024 |
| MBA Mumbai | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA HR | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Business Analytics | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Digital Transformation | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Pharmaceutical Management | 50 | 50 | 50 | 190 |
| MBA Bangalore | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Navi Mumbai | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Hyderabad | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
| MBA Indore | 62 | 62 | 62 | 209 |
Unlike previous years, NMIMS has entirely overhauled its selection criteria and composite score breakdown to better reflect the industry’s demands. They’ve reduced the NMAT cutoff to just 209, with a common cutoff for all campuses. A new Competency Test has also been introduced as part of the post-NMAT selection process apart from the existing personal interview. While there is no official syllabus for the competency test, we’ve compiled some first-hand experiences here to give you a better idea of what to expect.
NMAT composite score breakdown (Updated)
| S.No. | Composite Score Breakdown | Weightage in % |
| 1. | NMAT by GMAC | 20% |
| 2. | Competency Assessment Test | 50% |
| 3. | AI-based personal interview | 10% |
| 4. | Work experience | 10% |
| 5. | Past academics | 12th – 5%
Graduation – 5% |
| 6. | Total | 100% |
As you can see, the weightage for the NMAT exam has been dropped significantly, with a much greater importance being placed on the Competency Test.
We’ll be releasing detailed blogs on the new, updated NMAT selection process and the competency test.
NMIMS Competency Assessment Test marking scheme
Based on firsthand accounts, we’ve concluded that the NMIMS competency test is a 45-minute test with three sections: Verbal Ability, Mental Ability, and Managerial Ability.
| Section Name | Total Number of Questions |
| 1. Verbal Ability | 9 |
| 2. Mental Ability | 6 |
| 3. Managerial Ability | 5 |
| Total | 20 |
Shuffling between sections and within sections was allowed. According to the students who took the test, the questions were of a level lower than that of the CAT.
| NMIMS Competency Test Section | Types of Questions |
| 1. Verbal Ability | 1. Fit in the Sentence in the Passage (Like CAT Verbal Question)
2. Summary of Passage (Like CAT Verbal Question) 3. Inference based questions. 4. Reading Comprehension (3 Questions) |
| 2. Mental Ability | 1. One LR set with 4 questions (Arrangement type)
2. Critical reasoning questions on Assumption, Reasoning |
| 3. Managerial Ability | 1. Question on problem faced in Management
2. Most of the other questions in the section were inference-type questions. |
| Total | 20 |
NMAT 2025 Syllabus
Besides the NMAT Exam Pattern 2025, candidates are strongly recommended to review the NMAT syllabus. This will help them cover all the sections based on which questions will be framed.
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Language Skills | Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Idioms & Phrases, Antonyms & Synonyms, Reading Comprehension, Error Identification, Preposition use in sentences |
| Quantitative Skills | Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Caselets, Tabular DI, Number Properties, Probability, Algebra, Data Sufficiency, Data Interpretation based on Charts and Graphs, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Geometry |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Puzzles, Critical Reasoning, Logical Deductions, Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Statement & Assumption, Inference, Arrangement, Ranking, Direction sense |
NMAT marking scheme – Key sectional topics
| Section | Time Allotted | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Important Topics |
| Language Skills | 28 minutes | 36 | MCQs | Fill in the blanks, Para Jumbles, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Para Completion, RC Passages |
| Quantitative Skills | 52 minutes | 36 | MCQs | Mensuration, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation (DI) |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes | 36 | MCQs | Statements-Assumptions-Arguments, Critical Reasoning, Puzzles, Ranking, Seating Arrangement, Syllogisms, Blood Relations |
How many questions to attempt in NMAT?
In the NMAT exam, candidates must attempt 108 questions within the stipulated duration. NMAT Question Paper is categorised into three sections- Quantitative Skills, Language Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Each section has 36 questions. It is advised that you attempt all the questions since there is no negative marking. Moreover, the more questions you skip, the lesser your overall score.
NMAT Total Marks
The NMAT exam is conducted for 360 marks. Each section, Quantitative Skills, Language Skills, and Logical Reasoning, consists of 36 questions, each worth 120 marks. Students must qualify for the sectional and overall cutoff to be eligible for the WAT/PI round.
NMAT Exam Time Duration
NMAT by GMAC has a sectional time limit. Candidates must complete each section within the given time.
| NMAT Sections | NMAT Time 2024 |
| Language Skills | 28 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 52 minutes |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes |
Conclusion
The NMAT Marking Scheme 2025 is a systematic and comprehensive approach to evaluating the performance of every student who appears for the NMAT exam. Students can identify their strengths and weaknesses by analysing their performance against the NMAT Marking Scheme 2025 and take appropriate measures to improve their overall scores.
