NMAT Exam Analysis: Check the NMAT 2023 Analysis with Key changes in Pattern, Difficulty Level, Cut offs by MBAUniverse.com; CL, IMS and Others
NMAT exam 2023 analysis is presented below beginning with key NMAT 2023 highlights. NMAT by GMAC is being conducted from October 10 to December 19, 2023 in two testing modes – Computer based NMAT at test centres and Internet based test from the convenience of your home. Overview of Key highlights of NMAT 2023 exam analysis are as below:
NMAT 2023 Exam Analysis: Key Highlights
NMAT 2023 offers the Option to choose one out of two testing modes- Online computer based test at exam centres or Proctored Internet Based Test (IBT) from home. NMAT 2023 Analysis key highlights at a glance are:
- MCQ format: All the questions in NMAT 2023 exam pattern are of Multiple Choice type (MCQs).
- 108 questions: NMAT exam pattern 2023 has 108 questions.
- NMAT 2023 Time Duration: The total time allotted in NMAT by GMAC exam pattern 2023 is 120 minutes (2 hours) to attempt the complete test
- Choice of order of sections: Test taker can choose order of sections. However, NMAT pattern strictly expects you to follow the same order, once the order of the sections is selected.
- Individually timed sections: Each of the three sections in current NMAT pattern are individually timed and the candidates have to attempt the questions in the respective section within the allotted sectional time limit.
- No negative marking: The NMAT 2023 exam pattern is without any penalty of negative marking.
- Moderate difficulty exam: NMAT by GMAC 2023 has remained moderate difficulty exam so far
- Uniform Marking scheme: Each correct answer is awarded +1 mark and there is zero marking for un-attempted question. The scaled score for each section is in the range of 12 to 120 with a total scaled score for all the three section coming between 36 and 360.
- 3 Attempts allowed: You can take the NMAT by GMAC three times in a given admission cycle. This gives you the opportunity to improve your score
- Choice of Self-scheduling: The NMAT by GMAC offers you the liberty to choose your test appointment date, time and test center location.
- Get Score Card at End of the Exam: Test-takers received scorecard at the end of their NMAT exam
GMAC, the NMAT conducting body, released the updated NMAT exam pattern, much before the start of exam, for the convenience of the test takers to understand the changed structure of NMAT exam, and prepare accordingly.
NMAT 2023 Analysis: Exam Pattern
There are three sections in NMAT exam pattern 2023. The sections are Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. The NMAT Exam Pattern also prescribes that all the three sections in NMAT exam are individually timed.
NMAT by GMAC Exam Pattern 2023: Sectional composition
NMAT paper pattern has three sections. The number of questions in each section of NMAT 2023 paper pattern are equal. Earlier they used to be different. The NMAT paper pattern expects you to attempt the sectional questions within the allotted time limit which is different for each section. Below are shared the key components, number of questions and allotted time in NMAT pattern 2023:
|
Section Name
|
Number of questions
|
Allotted time in minutes
|
|
Language Skills
|
36
|
28
|
|
Quantitative Skills
|
36
|
52
|
|
Logical Reasoning
|
36
|
40
|
|
Total
|
108
|
120
|
Scaled scores in NMAT Exam 2023
Questions in the NMAT by GMAC exam are selected from the question pool for each examinee, based on his/her performance on the questions previously answered. The questions, which a candidate receives are targeted at his or her ability level; therefore, a high- scoring candidate generally receives a more difficult sample of questions than a low- scoring candidate. The NMAT by GMAC exam is scored by first obtaining the candidate’s final ability estimate based on the probabilistic model approach of modern exam theory, and then transformed to a scaled score ranging from 12 to 120.
Key Changes in NMAT 2023 Exam Pattern
NMAT exam pattern has been substantially changed. The exam has fewer questions as compared to previous years. All the questions are equally divided into three sections with a changed time limit for each section. Following are the key changes in NMAT Exam Pattern 2023 as compared to earlier exams:
|
NMAT Exam Components
|
NMAT 2023 & 2022
|
NMAT 2021
|
NMAT 2020
|
NMAT 2019
|
|
Registration Window
|
Aug 1 to Oct 12, 2023
|
Aug 3 to Nov 10, 2021
|
Aug to Nov, 2020
|
July 2 to Oct 3, 2019
|
|
NMAT Testing Window
|
Oct 10 to Dec 19, 2023
|
Oct 14 to Dec 27, 2021
|
Nov 2020 to Jan 2021
|
Oct 4 to Dec 17, 2019
|
|
Total Question in NMAT
|
108
|
108
|
108
|
120
|
|
Total time allotted (In Minutes)
|
120
|
120
|
120
|
120
|
|
Change in total Questions/allotted time in Language Skills Section
|
36 Qs in 28 Mins
|
36 Qs in 28 Mins
|
36 Qs in 28 Mins
|
32 Qs in 22 Mins
|
|
Change in total questions/allotted time in Quantitative Skills Section
|
36 Qs in 52 Mins
|
36 Qs in 52 Mins
|
36 Qs in 52 Mins
|
48 Qs in 60 Mins
|
|
Change in total questions/allotted time in Logical Reasoning section
|
36 Qs in 40 Mins
|
36 Qs in 40 Mins
|
36 Qs in 40 Mins
|
40 Qs in 38 Mins
|
Moderate Difficulty Level Exam
The NMAT by GMAC exam 2023 has remained a moderate difficulty level so far. NMAT Exam 2023 does not have negative marking. The NMAT test takers can expect a good score in NMAT exam.
NMAT 2023 Cut off for NMIMS Mumbai
GMAC has stopped awarding percentile score for NMAT exam and awards only scaled score. In the revised pattern, NMAT score between 225 to 235 is the likely NMAT cut off for NMIMS MBA admission 2024. NMAT score of 200+ can lead to MBA admission 2024 in other top B-schools.
Expected NMAT 2023 Cut off in Top MBA Colleges
For MBA admission 2024, the expected NMAT 2023 cut off for top MBA colleges is shared below:
|
MBA college
|
Expected NMAT cut off Percentile/score
|
Programmes Offered
|
|
NMIMS, Mumbai
|
225-230 NMAT Score (95-98 %ile)
|
Offers University MBA
|
|
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai
|
220-225 NMAT Score
|
Offers University MBA
|
|
NMIMS, Bangalore
|
185-195 NMAT Score (88-90 %ile)
|
Offers MBA
|
|
NMIMS, Hyderabad
|
170-180 NMAT score (75-85%ile)
|
Offers MBA
|
|
XIM, Bhubaneswar
|
200-210 NMAT score (91-93 %ile)
|
Specialized MBA
|
|
IFMR GSB Sri city
|
200+ NMAT Score
|
Offers University MBA
|
NMAT 2023 Analysis by CL
Below is shared the NMAT by GMAC 2023 exam analysis by Career Launcher
NMAT 2023 comprised of 3 sections – each containing 36 questions. The option to skip to the next question without answering the current question was disabled, making it mandatory for the students to attempt all the questions. As the exam is Adaptive, students will be rewarded more for answering tougher questions correctly as compared to easier questions. The topic – wise questions served to the students in each of the sections shows variation for each of the students.
|
Section
|
No. of questions
|
Time allotted (minutes)
|
|
Language Skills
|
36
|
28
|
|
Logical Reasoning
|
36
|
40
|
|
Quantitative Skills
|
36
|
52
|
|
Total
|
108
|
120
|
Let’s take a look at the individual section-wise analysis of NMAT 2023 based on the feedback given by our students
Language Skills (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
Overview: The Language Skills section was balanced with questions from Reading Comprehension (2 passages), Parajumbles, Grammar and Vocabulary based questions, each of the topics being equally stressed upon.
- Complexity Level –Easy to Moderate
- No of questions – 36
The Section Division is tabulated below:
|
Topic
|
No. of questions
|
|
Reading Comprehension
|
8
|
|
Parajumbles
|
5-6
|
|
Analogy
|
7-8
|
|
Fill in the blanks
|
8-9
|
|
Spot the error/ Identify the correct usage
|
8-9
|
Quantitative Skills (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation)
Overview: The Quantitative Skills section of NMAT 2023 contained 1-2 sets of Data Interpretation amounting to 22 percent of the section. The rest of the section was Arithmetic and Modern Math (PNC and Probability) heavy. The number of questions from Algebra, Number System and Geometry was abysmal.
- Complexity Level –Moderate to Difficult
- No of questions – 36
The section division is tabulated below:
|
Topic
|
No. of questions
|
|
Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
|
8
|
|
Ratio & Proportion & Remaining Arithmetic
|
2-3
|
|
Number Systems
|
4-5
|
|
Algebra
|
3
|
|
Probability & Permutation-Combination
|
7-8
|
|
Data Interpretation
|
4-8
|
|
Data Sufficiency
|
4
|
Logical Reasoning (Logical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning)
Overview: Verbal reasoning comprised of more than 50 percent of the Logical Reasoning section in NMAT 2023. However, the overall level of difficulty of the questions was easy to moderate.
- Complexity Level –Easy to Moderate
- No of questions – 36
The section division is tabulated below:
|
Topic
|
No. of questions
|
|
Syllogisms
|
0-1
|
|
Puzzle
|
2-3
|
|
Digit Sequence/ Series
|
1-2
|
|
Direction Sense
|
1-2
|
|
Unitary Method
|
1-2
|
|
Input-Output
|
8
|
|
Arrangements
|
4
|
|
CR: Inference
|
5-6
|
|
CR: Assumptions
|
1-2
|
|
CR: Weakening
|
1-2
|
|
Decision Making
|
1-2
|
|
Course of Action
|
1-2
|
|
Statement/ Argument
|
1-2
|
|
Statement/ Conclusion
|
1-2
|
|
Statement/ Assumption
|
1-2
|
Overall, the difficulty level of NMAT 2023 is moderate in terms of questions asked. However, it also depends on the ability of the candidate as NMAT 2023 is a “Computer Adaptive” exam. All these sections have been modified on many aspects.
NMAT 2023 Analysis by IMS
Below is shared the NMAT by GMAC 2023 analysis by IMS Learning
NMAT 2023 started on 10th October and will continue till 19th December 2023. NMAT allows 3 attempts to a candidate subject to the candidate paying the necessary fees for each attempt.
This analysis is based on the feedback received from the students and the IMS experts who appeared for the tests in the two slots on 10th October 2023.
The structure of the NMAT had changed in 2020 – from a computer based test to an Adaptive Test. As a result, the weightage for difficult questions became higher than for easy questions. The test did not allow students to skip questions and the level of difficulty of the next question depended on whether the previous attempt was correct or incorrect. Students, therefore, are advised to ensure that the initial set of questions are attempted correctly. Clicking the Next button without selecting an option resulted in the prompt ‘You must complete your answer to this question to continue’. The instructions for the test mentioned that unattempted questions at the close of the section would attract a penalty. The format thus made time-management an important aspect of the test. The adaptive format of the test also implied that the topic-wise break-up of questions that individual students faced (given in the analysis) could show some variation.
The overall difficulty level was slightly higher compared to last year’s test.
The structure of the test was as follows:
|
Section Name
|
Number of Questions
|
Sectional Timing
|
|---|---|---|
|
Language Skills
|
36
|
28
|
|
Quantitative Skills
|
36
|
52
|
|
Logical Reasoning
|
36
|
40
|
|
Total
|
108
|
120
|
Quantitative Skills
As per the feedback from students, out of 36 questions in the Quantitative Skills section, 8 were on Data Interpretation, 4 on Data Sufficiency and 24 on Mathematics. Out of the 24 questions on Mathematics, 8 questions were on Modern Math, 3 questions were on Numbers, 2 questions were on Algebra and the rest were on Arithmetic. There were two sets on Data Interpretation. As mentioned earlier, it is important to note that since the test was adaptive, there could be some variation in the topic wise breakup of the questions asked to different students.
There were two sets on Data Interpretation. Both sets involved somewhat complex and time consuming calculations. One set of 4 questions on Tables and the other set of 4 questions on a combination of a bar graph and a line graph. Because of the nature of the presentation of the data, it required some effort to make sense of the data before the set could be attempted.
There were 4 questions on Data Sufficiency on various topics.
Following was a representative break-up of the Quantitative Skills Section (as per student feedback):
|
Mathematics (Total 18 questions)
|
||
|
Topic
|
Number of questions
|
Comments
|
|
Arithmetic
|
11
|
Questions on SICI(3), Profit and Loss(1), Percentages(4), Partnership (1), Time and Work(1)
|
|
Modern Math
|
8
|
Questions on Permutation & Combination(3), Probability(3), Logarithms(2)
|
|
Algebra
|
2
|
Cubic Equation, Algebraic Formulae
|
|
Numbers
|
3
|
Divisibility, Factors & Multiples
|
|
Data Interpretation (Total 8 questions)
|
||
|
Table
|
4
|
|
|
Bar graph + Line graph
|
4
|
|
|
Data Sufficiency (Total 6 questions)
|
||
|
Data Sufficiency
|
4
|
Questions on Numbers and Arithmetic
|
Data Interpretation sets were somewhat calculation intensive.
Logical Reasoning
Before 2020, the number of non-verbal reasoning questions usually exceeded that of verbal reasoning in the LR section of NMAT. Due to the adaptive nature of the NMAT (in practice since 2020), the structure can be different for different candidates. For instance, in the Logical Reasoning section, some students encountered around 21 questions (out of a total 36) related to verbal reasoning such as statement assumption, statement conclusion, course of action, syllogisms and critical reasoning questions such as inference, main point, strengthen the argument etc, and the remaining 15 were related to nonverbal reasoning such as puzzles, arrangements, coding, input-output, etc. Some students also reported a mix of 18 questions on Verbal and Non Verbal reasoning each. The Non-Verbal Reasoning questions consisted of set-based questions as well as standalone questions.
Following is a representative break-up of the Logical Reasoning section (as per student feedback):
|
TOPIC / SUBTOPIC
|
NO. OF QUESTIONS
|
|
NON VERBAL REASONING (15 Questions)
|
|
|
Linear Arrangement
|
Total 4 (A set of 4 questions)
|
|
Grouping and Conditionalities
|
Total 4 (A set of 4 questions)
|
|
Sequential Output
|
Total 4 (Two sets of 4 questions each)
|
|
Standalone questions (Logical Puzzles, Numerical puzzles, Venn Diagram)
|
3
|
|
VERBAL REASONING (21 Questions)
|
|
|
Implicit Statements (Assumption/Conclusion)
|
3
|
|
Strong argument/ Weak argument (1 paragraph – 3/4 arguments)
|
2
|
|
Course of Action
|
2
|
|
Decision Making
|
2
|
|
Critical Reasoning (Strengthen,Weaken,Assumption, Conclusion /Inference)
|
7-9
|
|
Facts/Statements
|
1
|
|
Syllogisms (3 statements)
|
1
|
|
Reverse Syllogism
|
1
|
|
TOTAL
|
36 Questions
|
Language Skills
The Language Skills section of NMAT on Day 1 was easy to moderate.
In today’s slots, there were 2 passages each. In the first slot, the passages were on “Japanese economy from WW II to present”’ and “Challenges in implementing solar energy.” In the other slot, one was about “Visual Art” and the other one was about “Social Cinema”. The passages were about 450-550 words long. Question types from the passages included inference, tone and attitude, specific detail questions, suitable title and central idea. The two passages had 4 questions each.
Grammar and Vocabulary questions included: Spotting the error in the underlined parts of a sentence, fill in the blanks (single, double, prepositions-based); Jumbled paragraphs, and Word Analogies.
Following is a representative break-up of the Language Skills section:
|
TOPIC / SUBTOPIC
|
NO. OF QUESTIONS
|
|
Reading Comprehension (2 passages with 4 questions each)
|
8
|
|
Paragraph Jumbles (4/5 sentences)
|
6
|
|
Analogies
|
6-7
|
|
Fill in the Blanks (vocabulary-based, 1-blank, 2-blanks)
|
6
|
|
Fill in the blanks with 3 Prepositions
|
2-4
|
|
Spot the error in the underlined parts
|
6-7
|
Students are advised to drag the slider of the vertical scroll bar to the bottom of the scroll box while attempting questions with a lot of text to read. In case the slider is not touching the bottom of the scroll box, the test-taker is prompted with a pop-up notification stating “You have not viewed the entire screen. Make sure you scroll to every corner of the screen.”
Miscellaneous
The User Interface of the test was the same as in 2022. The UI had three buttons at the bottom:
- Help: To read the instructions
- Zoom: To select a view of Default Font, Large Font and Larger Font (approximate changes in font sizes)
- Next: To go to the next question.
There was no Flag for Review button since this was an adaptive test.
Test-takers were presented with a scorecard at the end of the test.
Students are given the option to choose the order in which they want to take the three sections of the exam. If any questions were left unattempted at the close of the section, there would be a popup on screen stating ‘You have run out of time for this section. However, if all questions were attempted, the interface would show another message ‘This completes the LS/LR/QS section’.
The test can be ended anytime by clicking the ‘End Test’ button in the final section.
When you go for your exam, ensure that you carry the following with you:
- Primary ID
- Secondary ID
- Admit card
- Confirmation email
The test centre staff will return the copy of your admit card after signing and affixing the stamp. Make sure that you retain the same because you will have to carry the same copy for later attempts in NMAT. You are allowed three attempts in NMAT after paying the necessary fees for each attempt. However, as per the Admission Handout for Management Programs – 2023, NMIMS accepts scores of the first NMAT examination attempted by the candidate.
NMAT 2022 Exam Analysis: Overview
Like NMAT, the NMAT by GMAC remains on the same test format during the 75+ days test window. NMAT 2022 is a computer based test with objective type multiple-choice questions, to be solved in 2 hours (120 minutes). The test taker has more than a minute per question to solve. No descriptive type questions are asked in NMAT by GMAC.
NMAT Exam Analysis
|
NMAT 2022 Exam Dates
|
October to December 2022
|
|
Total questions
|
108
|
|
Exam Format
|
1.Computer Based at Test centres; Or
2. Internet based Test from home
|
|
Exam duration
|
2 hours
|
|
Testing window
|
75 days
|
|
Retakes allowed
|
3
|
|
Number of sections
|
3
|
|
Name of sections with number of questions
|
Language Skills - 36
Quantitative Skills- 36
Logical Reasoning- 36
|
|
Types of questions
|
MCQs
|
|
Expected Difficulty level
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Maximum marks
|
108
|
|
Marks for each correct answer
|
+1
|
|
Negative Marking
|
No
|
NMAT Analysis: Key Points
The NMAT exam analysis reflects the ongoing NMAT exam pattern, key changes and ideal attempts to improve your scores. During the last three years since NMAT has changed its name to NMAT by GMAC, the NMAT exam analysis reveals that the test has gradually changed its difficulty level, type of questions among others.
NMAT Exam Analysis: Last 3 years
|
NMAT Exam year
|
2020 (Nov 4, 2020 to Feb 8, 2021)
|
2019 (Oct to Dec)
|
2018 (Oct to Dec)
|
|
Total questions
|
108
|
120
|
120
|
|
Exam Format
|
Computer Based at Test centres and Internet based from home
|
Computer based
|
Computer based
|
|
Exam duration
|
2 hours
|
2 hours
|
2 hours
|
|
Testing window
|
95 days
|
75 days
|
75 days
|
|
Retakes allowed
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
|
Number of sections
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
|
Name of sections with number of questions
|
Language Skills - 36
Quantitative Skills- 36
Logical Reasoning- 36
|
Language Skills - 32
Quantitative Skills- 40
Logical Reasoning- 48
|
Language Skills - 32
Quantitative Skills- 40
Logical Reasoning- 48
|
|
Types of questions
|
MCQs
|
MCQs
|
MCQs
|
|
Difficulty level
|
Moderate to difficult
|
Language skills difficult, Quant & LR Moderate. Overall Moderate
|
Easy to moderate with very few questions difficult
|
|
Maximum marks
|
108
|
120
|
120
|
|
Marks for each correct answer
|
+1
|
1
|
1
|
|
Negative Marking
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
NMAT Exam: Past Analysis in Detail
NMAT 2021 Analysis
NMAT 2021 was held from October 14 to December 27, 2021. The difficulty level of NMAT 2021 was easy to moderate except that a few questions were lengthy. Based on the candidates feed back, below is shared NMAT 2021 analysis in detail
The NMAT 2021 question paper had three sections- Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. Each section had 36 questions making a total of 108 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. NMAT Exam 2021 was held in two testing modes –Computer-based tests at exam centres and Online Proctored Exam from Home.
- The NMAT 2021 Paper was of Easy to Moderate level.
- The cut-offs for NMIMS Mumbai is expected to be 222-228
NMAT 2021 Exam Pattern
For the NMAT 2021 Exam, the number of questions was reduced for all the sections to 36
|
Sections
|
No. of questions
|
Time
|
Scoring pattern
|
|
Language Skills
|
36
|
28 min
|
12-120
|
|
Quantitative Skills
|
36
|
60 min
|
12-120
|
|
Logical Reasoning
|
36
|
38 min
|
12-120
|
|
TOTAL
|
108
|
120 min
|
|
Section-1: Language Skills Analysis
The Language Skills section is the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section. The Language Skills section was of moderate difficulty level. The section included 36 questions to be solved in 28 Minutes.
The topics that were asked in the Language Skills section are:
- Reading Comprehension passages
- Para jumbles
- Analogy
- Fill in the blanks (Grammar and Vocabulary)
- Fill in the blanks (Prepositions)
- Spot the error/ Identify the correct usage
Section-2: Quantitative Skills Analysis
- The NMAT Quantitative Skills section was of moderate difficulty level
- More questions were based on Data Interpretation
- The section included questions from Arithmetic, Modern Maths, Algebra, Geometry
Key Topics
The key question topics were
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion/ Average
- Time Speed and Distance
- Time and Work
- Profit Loss
- Number System
- Data Interpretation
- Data Sufficiency
- Algebra
- Mensuration
- Permutation and Combination
- Probability
Section-3: Logical Reasoning Analysis
The NMAT Logical Reasoning Section included Logical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. The section had 36 questions to be solved in 28 min.
Key Topics
The topics that were included are:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Input-Output
- Arrangement
- Grouping
- Based on Venn Diagram
- Non Verbal figure based
- Statement – Assumption – Conclusion
- The course of Action – Decision Making
- Strong Argument / Weak Argument
- Critical Reasoning
- Syllogisms
NMAT 2020 Exam Analysis
NMAT Exam 2020 was conducted from 04 November 2020 to 30 January 2021. NMAT 2020 saw the updated exam pattern with a reduced number of questions.
- NMAT 2020 was an adaptive computer test.
- A total of 108 Questions were asked in the time duration of 120 Minutes.
- No Negative Marking.
- Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning are three sections of the NMAT 2020 exam paper The three sections of the NMAT Exam 2020 could be completed in any of the six possible orders by the test taker (the order must be chosen a few minutes before the test begins).
- Each section is timed separately and has a time limit.
- Test takers should review their answers before moving on to the next section, as once a section is submitted, all responses are final, i.e., you cannot go back and amend a question's answer once it has been submitted.
- In NMAT 2020, candidates were not able to switch between parts.
NMAT 2020 Exam: Analysis at a Glance
|
Sections
|
Difficulty Level
|
Topics Asked
|
|
Language skills
|
Moderately Difficult
|
|
|
Quantitative skills
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Logical reasoning
|
Easy To Moderate
|
|
NMAT 2019 Exam Analysis
The NMAT exam analysis reflects the ongoing NMAT exam pattern, key changes and ideal attempts to improve your scores. As in the previous NMAT exam slots, the NMAT exam pattern has remained similar with the type of questions in each section.
Technical Glitches
At some NMAT exam centers technical glitches also came up and the exam slot which supposed to start at 11:30 AM could be started after 12 noon.
LR: More Difficult
The Logical Reasoning section was found more difficult. Questions on Analytical Reasoning were slightly more difficult than the Verbal Reasoning part.
Language Skills: Moderate
The Language Skills section was moderate. Vocabulary questions were not difficult.
Quantitative Skills: Easy
Quantitative Skills has remained an easier section. There were 5 DI sets out of them 4 were easy.
NMIMS Cut Offs
An NMAT 2019 test taker who could attempt 75-85 questions overall in 2 hours, could score high. Despite the fact that NMAT exam difficulty level of overall exam has gone up a little, the likely cut-offs would be 206-210 for NMIMS Mumbai. While choosing the order of sections, beginning with Quantitative skills and closing with LR would be a good idea.
NMAT 2019 Paper pattern
|
S. no
|
Section
|
Total Questions
|
Sectional Time (in Minutes)
|
Lev el of Difficulty
|
Good
Attempts |
|
1
|
Language Skills
|
32
|
22
|
Easy-Moderate
|
24-26
|
|
2
|
Quantitative Skills
|
48
|
60
|
Easy
|
28-30
|
|
3
|
Logical Reasoning
|
40
|
38
|
Easy-Moderate
|
25-27
|
|
|
Total
|
120
|
120
|
Moderate
|
77-83
|
Section Wise NMAT 2019 Analysis
Quantitative Skills: Easy Section
While making choice for order of sections, it would be good to choose the Quantitative Skills as the first section to solve. The Quant has remained an easy section among the three NMAT exam sections. The source of question topics are mostly from Arithmetic, Numbers,Modern Math. There have been fe questions on Geometry and Algebra as well. The questions on Permutation-combination and Probability have remained of moderate difficulty level. The Time and Work questions have been easy.
There are5 DI sets in each slot of NMAT exam. Out of them 3-4 have remained easy over the NMAT exam sessions. The questions were asked in sets. Type of DI sets include 2 table-based DI sets, 2 bar-graph based set and 1 pie-chart based set.
The DI set based on bar graph was about a power-grid. Another DI set based on Pie chart was about the revenue generated by various sectors like Natural Gas, Oil and Petroleum with data given for two. The data of one year was in the form of a pie-chart and the other was in the form of a table. Test taker had to determine the revenue and growth of the sectors across the years.
27-30 good attempts could fetch a high score in this section.
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Important Question Topics in the Section
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Number of Questions
|
|
Profit & Loss
|
5
|
|
Percentages
|
2
|
|
Ratio & Mixture, Proportion
|
2
|
|
SI & CI
|
2
|
|
Averages
|
1
|
|
Work & Time
|
2
|
|
Number System (HCF/LCM and units digit based)
|
4
|
|
Progression
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2
|
|
Logarithm
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2
|
|
Polygon
|
1
|
|
Geometry
|
1
|
|
Permutation and Combination
|
2
|
|
Probability
|
2
|
|
Data Sufficiency (already included above)
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5
|
|
DI
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20 (5 sets, 4 questions each)
|
|
Total
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48
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Language Skills: Moderate
The language Skills section has remained on moderate difficulty level. while some questions were a bit difficult, others were easy. Overall the section has remained moderate. Vocabulary words used in most of the questions were moderate like Despite, Bound, although the vocabulary in the Cloze test questions was slightly more difficult.
According to CL experts, ‘In the error spotting questions, the errors were no longer just grammatical but were slightly more nuanced (e.g. errors in the position of the apostrophe etc.)’ The two Reading Comprehension passages included the first passage on impact of media on teenagers while the second one was on the discovery of new species underwater. NMAT placed four para-jumble questions of moderate difficulty in this section with short sentences in paragraphs. Other questions in the section were based on grammar. The fgill in the blanks based on preposition were moderate.
Overall, the section was moderate to difficult due to the time factor. A candidate could not go beyond 24-26 questions. If you could attempt the section with 90% accuracy, you could get high score.
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Question Topics in the section
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Number of Questions
|
|
Reading Comprehension Passages
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8 (2 passages of 4 questions each)
|
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Para Jumble
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2 (4 sentences each), 2 (5 sentences each)
|
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Error Spotting
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3
|
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FIBs (Prepositions)
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2 (1 blank each – 3 sentences)
|
|
FIBs (Common Confusables)
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0
|
|
FIBs (Vocabulary)
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3
|
|
Synonyms & Antonyms
|
4
|
|
Analogy
|
4
|
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Cloze Test
|
4
|
|
Total
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32
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Logical Reasoning: Moderate to Difficult
The LR section in NMAT 2019 has remained moderate to difficult. There were 25 questions based on Analytical and Logical reasoning. 15 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. The questions were based on two sets of machine input/output questions - one was number based while the other one was word based. These sets were slightly difficult.2 questions were basedon Blood relation.
There were LR sets on arrangement-basedquestions. One easy set had 5 friend A, B. C, D, E and there were 4 statements about them. 15 questions were from Verbal Logic. Number of questionswere asked on statement-conclusion, strengthening and weakening arguments, statement-inference and statement-assumption. The questions were of moderate difficulty level.
A good attempt of 23 to 25 questions with 90% accuracy could fetch high score in NMAT 2019
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Topic
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No. of Questions
|
|
Coding
|
5
|
|
Blood Relation
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2
|
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Statement-Argument
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3
|
|
Statement Conclusion
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3
|
|
Course of Action / Decision making
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2
|
|
Statement-Assumption
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4
|
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Statement – Inference
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3
|
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Syllogism
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2
|
|
Input/output
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2 sets (4 Qs)
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Missing number and Visual reasoning
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1 sets (3 Qs)
|
|
Direction
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0
|
|
Singlets (Contained Set theory-based diagram)
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5
|
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Total
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40
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NMAT Analysis 2018
There are 3 sections in NMAT exam. Each section is individually timed. NMAT exam takers have to answer questions and review answers of each section within the allotted time and before moving to another section of the exam, as once the candidate closes out of a section, all answers are final.
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Sections
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Number of questions
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Time limit to solve in minutes
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Difficulty level
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Type of questions
|
|
Language skills
|
32
|
22
|
Moderate
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MCQ
|
|
Quantitative skills
|
48
|
60
|
Moderate
|
MCQ
|
|
Logical Reasoning
|
40
|
38
|
Moderate
|
MCQ
|
|
Total
|
120
|
120
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Moderate overall
|
All questions of MCQ type
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Technical glitches in the exam
The exam has remained glitch free barring a few minor instances at the NMAT exam centres.
Facility to choose order of sections
NMAT 2018 test takers were given the option to choose the order in which they want to attempt the three sections of the exam. Students are advised to immediately click ‘OK’ once a section’s timing is over and load the next section on the screen as the timer does not stop till the time ‘OK’ button is clicked.
No negative marking
NMAT by GMAC doesn’t believe in negative marking system and therefore a high score to stand in merit was needed. The test had been throwing before you a few questions in each of the 3 sections that are a bit surprising for those who didn’t prepare well. Rest of the exam is found doable during all the test days although some of the questions are formed and placed in a different and tricky manner.
The difficulty level of NMAT so far can be rated as moderate although some of the questions had higher difficulty level.
Section-wise analysis
Logical Reasoning
LR in NMAT by GMAC had a mix of Verbal and Critical Reasoning as well as Decision making questions. The question emerged from topics like family tree, numerical grid, coding, series, direction sense, syllogism, arrangements. Time allotted to all the 40 questions in this section is 38 minutes.
There were 12 questions on Verbal Reasoning and 28 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning. Most of the questions were of Moderate to medium difficulty level, still the LoD in LR section was higher than last year NMAT exam. In Non-Verbal Reasoning, questions on Matrix, Sequential Output were set based apart from other questions which were individual ones.
As shared by the NMAT test takers, the composition of the section remained as under:
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Topic/Subtopic
|
Number of questions
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Level of Difficulty
|
|
Non-Verbal Reasoning
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28
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Easy to Medium
|
|
Matrix Arrangement
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8 (2 sets of 4 questions each)
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Medium
|
|
Sequential Output
|
4 (1 set of 4 questions)
|
Medium
|
|
Coding
|
4
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Easy to Medium
|
|
Miscellaneous*
|
3
|
Medium
|
|
Venn Diagram
|
2
|
Easy to Medium
|
|
Family Tree
|
2
|
Easy
|
|
Puzzle
|
2
|
Easy to Medium
|
|
Number Series
|
1
|
Easy
|
|
Question involving intersecting geometric diagrams representing different groups of people
|
1
|
Easy
|
|
Directions
|
1
|
Easy
|
|
Verbal Reasoning
|
12
|
|
|
Critical Reasoning
|
2
|
1 medium
1 easy |
|
Course of Action/Decision Making
|
3
|
1 medium
2easy |
|
Strong Arguments/ Weak Arguments
|
3
|
2 easy
1 difficult |
|
Implicit Assumptions
|
1
|
Medium
|
|
Inference/Conclusion based questions
|
2
|
1 easy
1 medium |
|
Syllogism
|
1
|
Easy
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A genuine attempt of about 28 questions with about 85% accuracy was considered good. However for attempting 28 questions, it was important to select the right sets (especially in Matrix Arrangement).
Language Skills
Questions in this section appear from core grammar topics like usage on Parts of speech, tenses, conditionals, modifiers. The 2 RC passages of around 600 words followed by 4 questions each were challenging but were still doable. Jumbled paragraphs, synonyms-antonyms also appeared in this section. This section with 32 questions has to be solved in 22 minutes.
Other questions were based on spotting out the error in sentences; Fill in the blanks; Jumbled paragraphs; Analogies; Antonyms/synonyms. The composition of the section remained as under:
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Topics
|
Questions
|
Difficulty level
|
|
2 RC passages with 4 questions each
|
8
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Jumbled paragraphs
|
4
|
Easy to moderate
|
|
Word Analogies
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Cloze Passage
|
4
|
Moderate
|
|
Synonyms
|
2
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Antonyms
|
3
|
Easy to difficult
|
|
Fill in the Blanks
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Question on use of Prepositions (Fill in the blanks)
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Correction of error in sentences
|
5
|
Moderate to difficult
|
Ideal attempts: An attempt of 25 questions with 90% accuracy was good to get high score.
Quantitative Skills
Quantitative skills section in NMAT contained questions not only on Quant but also on Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency. Major part in this section remained moderate however a few questions were asked in a different manner and are rated as more time consuming if not very difficult. Number system, PnC, Algebra, Mensuration, Geometry are the prominent topics in this section. This section has 48 questions and has to be solved in 60 minutes.
The composition of questions in the section was as under:
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Topics
|
Questions
|
Difficulty level
|
|
Time & Work
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Simple & Compound Interest
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Ratio-Proportions
|
2
|
Difficult
|
|
Percentages
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
AP-GP
|
3
|
Moderate
|
|
Permutation & Combination
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Probability
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Logarithms
|
1
|
Difficult
|
|
HCF-LCM
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Conversion of recurring numbers to fractions
|
2
|
Moderate
|
|
Divisibility
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Mensuration
|
2
|
Difficult
|
|
Quadrilaterals
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Simple equations
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Linear equations-Algebra
|
3
|
Moderate to difficult
|
|
Numbers
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Other questions on Arithmetic
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
Other questions on Geometry
|
1
|
Moderate
|
|
DI- Tables (2 sets of 4 questions)
|
8
|
Difficult
|
|
DI-Bar Chart (1 set with 4 questions)
|
4
|
Difficult
|
|
DI-Line Graph (1 set with 4 questions)
|
4
|
Moderate
|
|
DI-Pie Chart + Bar Graph (1 set with 4 questions)
|
4
|
Moderate
|
Ideal attempts: Good attempt of 30 questions with 90% accuracy was considered good.
Expected cut off percentile scores
Career Launcher predicted NMAT 2018 exam cut offs as below:
- NMAT has had a very standardized pattern in the last few years which has very low chances of changing drastically.
- With respect to pattern and structure of the exam, candidates can heave a sigh of relief. The overall difficulty level too, will be along the similar lines.
- The overall cut-off is expected to be around 208-210, which is the range around which the last few years' cut offs have hovered.
- We can expect a little ambiguity from the sectional difficulty levels and sectional cutoffs can fluctuate by small margins.
- This shows that there can be varying difficulty levels even within a single section. A candidate should try to attempt around 75-80 questions to make it to a safe score of between 210-230, after accounting for a few errors.
IMS has predicted NMAT exam cut offs as under:
- Overall cut-off to remain more of less the same as previous years i.e. around 208-212
- The sectional cut-offs to remain at 70-75 for Quantitative Ability, 65-70 for Logical Reasoning and 55-58 for Language Skills.
The exam has sectional as well as overall cut offs. Test takers have the facility to reschedule the exam, retake the exam by making 3 attempts to improve their score. The necessity is to perform well relative to other candidates in each of the three sections to get shortlisted for final admission round.
NMAT 2018 cut offs for MBA 2019-21 at NMIMS Mumbai and PGDM 2019-21 at NMIMS Bangalore and Hyderabad
|
MBA college/University
|
NMIMS Mumbai
|
NMIMS Bangalore
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NMIMS Hyderabad
|
|
Programme offered
|
MBA
|
PGDM
|
PGDM
|
|
Overall NMAT Cut off scores
|
209
|
198
|
197
|
|
Sectional cut off scores for Language skills
|
56
|
54
|
54
|
|
Sectional cut off scores for Quantitative Techniques
|
75
|
71
|
70
|
|
Sectional cut off scores for Logical Reasoning
|
60
|
53
|
52
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Read More: NMAT 2022 - Exam Date, Registration, Application Form, Syllabus and Pattern
