Complete Guide to NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) Preparation

📌 Introduction to NMAT

The NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) for admission into NMIMS (Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) and 40+ other top B-Schools, including XIMB, VIT, ISB (Certificate Program), and ICFAI Business School.

🛑 What Makes NMAT Different from CAT/XAT/SNAP?

✅ 3 Attempts Allowed – Best Score Considered
✅ No Negative Marking
✅ Equal Weightage to All 3 Sections
✅ Adaptive Test (Questions Adjust Based on Performance)

📌 NMAT Exam Pattern

✔ Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT)
✔ Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
✔ Marking Scheme: +1 for Correct Answer, No Negative Marking
✔ Question Selection: Adaptive (You cannot return to previous questions)

📌 NMAT Syllabus & Important Topics

📌 1. Language Skills (VARC)

🔹 Reading Comprehension (RC) (Less Weightage than CAT)

• Short Passages (200-400 words)
• Direct Fact-Based & Inference-Based Questions

🔹 Grammar & Vocabulary

• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Sentence Correction
• Fill in the Blanks
• Idioms & Phrases
• Para Jumbles

👉 Tip: NMAT focuses more on vocabulary and grammar rather than complex RCs.

📌 2. Quantitative Skills (QA + DI-DS)

🔹 Arithmetic (Highest Weightage)

• Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio-Proportion
• Time & Work, Time & Distance

🔹 Algebra

• Quadratic & Linear Equations

🔹 Geometry & Mensuration

• Circles, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry

🔹 Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DI-DS)

• Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts
• Caselets & Logical DI

👉 Tip: NMAT QA is easier than CAT but time-consuming, so speed is crucial.

📌 3. Logical Reasoning (LR)

🔹 Logical Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal)

• Seating Arrangement
• Blood Relations
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogisms
• Clocks & Calendars

🔹 Critical & Analytical Reasoning

• Statement-Assumption
• Strong-Weak Arguments
• Course of Action

👉 Tip: NMAT LR is easier than CAT/XAT but speed-based.

📌 Best Books for NMAT Preparation 📚

Language Skills (VARC)

✅ Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
✅ How to Prepare for Verbal Ability – Arun Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude (QA + DI-DS)

✅ How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude – Arun Sharma
✅ NCERT Mathematics (Class 9-10) (For Basics)

Logical Reasoning (LR)

✅ Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
✅ How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning – Arun Sharma

👉 Pro Tip: Practice NMAT Official Guide, as NMAT has a predictable pattern.

📌 Preparation Strategy & Study Plan

📌 Ideal 3-Month Study Plan

✔ 4-5 hours of study daily
✔ Daily Target – 1 Topic from QA, 1 Set from LR, 1 RC from VARC
✔ Regular Mock Tests & Analysis

📅 Sample Weekly Schedule

📌 High-Weightage Topics for NMAT

Language Skills (VARC)

✔ Vocabulary-Based Questions
✔ Grammar-Based Sentence Correction

Quantitative Skills (QA + DI-DS)

✔ Arithmetic (50% of QA)
✔ Algebra
✔ Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning (LR)

✔ Seating Arrangement
✔ Coding-Decoding
✔ Blood Relations

👉 Pro Tip: Master LR, Arithmetic, and Grammar for maximum score.

📌 Time Management in NMAT Exam

✔ Start with Easy Questions First
✔ Use 50-50 Elimination in MCQs
✔ Skip Time-Consuming Questions (Return Later)

🔹 Ideal Time Allocation:
1️⃣ VARC – 28 min (Grammar-Based First)
2️⃣ QA – 52 min (Start with Arithmetic)
3️⃣ LR – 40 min (Solve Logical First)

📌 Tips from NMAT Toppers 🏆

✔ Read Newspapers (The Hindu, TOI) for VARC.
✔ Solve 5 DI/LR Sets Every Day.
✔ Practice 200-300 QA Questions per week.
✔ Attempt 20+ Full-Length Mocks before NMAT.

📌 Final Checklist for NMAT Success ✅

✅ NCERT & Basic Concepts Completed
✅ 20+ Mock Tests Attempted
✅ Short Notes for Revision
✅ Regularly Solving Previous Year Papers
✅ Confidence & Time Management

If you follow this strategy consistently, you can easily score 230+ in NMAT!