NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). The exam is taken by aspirants, aiming to pursue their MBA from top b-schools like: NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research although, there are over 110 B-schools in India accepting NMAT score. NMAT is relatively easier as compared to other management exams. The only constraint that makes it slightly difficult is time management. But with proper strategy and practice, the required cut-off is easily attainable. Now, let’s take a look at the exam pattern and how to prepare for it.

PATTERN

NMAT is a speed-based exam which includes three sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. Here, is the bifurcation of the exam on the basis of questions per section and time allotted to each section:

There is a score-range of each section. In order to ace the exam, you also have to clear sectional cut-offs of each section.

NMAT is a flexible and convenient, as you can give the exam as per your convenience. The exam allows you to choose the order of sections. The exam also has a 75-day window, where you can select the exam date, by checking availability of seats and, then choose your time and location accordingly. You can also opt to give exam at home or at centre.

SYLLABUS

• Quantitative Aptitude – The questions asked in this section are of easy to moderate level of difficulty. Let’s divide this section into six groups, so that we can get a comprehensive idea of topics.

   Group 1 ‘Number Properties’ includes following topics: Basics of Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals, Divisibility of Numbers and finding unit digit, Factors, Multiples.

             Group 2 ‘Arithmetic’ includes following topics: Percentages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit, Loss and discount, Ratio, Proportion and Averages, Time and Work and Partnership.

             Group 3 ‘Algebra and Probability’ includes following topics: Equation and Inequalities, Sequences and Series, Permutation and Combination and Probability (you can expect a number of questions from probability).

             Group 4 includes DI – Case lets and Tables

             Group 5 includes DI – Graphs and Charts

             Group 6 includes Data Sufficiency questions based on Number Properties, Arithmetic, and Algebra and Probability.

• Logical Reasoning – This section includes topics like: Input Output, Blood Relation, Analytical Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
• Verbal Ability – This section includes topics like: Reading Comprehension,Synonyms and Antonyms, Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, and Basic grammar concepts.

PREPARATION STRATEGY

• Take a past year paper as a mock test. Do a proper analysis of the result and determine the topics you are weak in. Build your basics and concepts and practice regularly. You can refer to the “NMAT official guide” by GMAC for practice.
• Devise a study plan and devote the sufficient amount of time to all three sections.
• Work on your calculation speed. As, the exam is speed-based, having a good calculation speed can provide you an edge over others.
• Start reading articles, editorials and newspapers.
• After completing with the basics and concepts, start timed practice to build your speed.
• Take at least 1 mock per week and analyse your stronger and weaker areas and work on them. Revise regularly, so you don’t miss out on any topic.

Unlike CAT exam, there is no negative marking in the NMAT exam. You can opt to attempt the whole paper or you can focus on the questions you are comfortable with. It is, however, advisable to solve easy and moderate level questions first and then, move onto difficult ones. With acute conceptional clarity, consistency and speed, you can easily ace the exam.