Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam, Books and Strategy

Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam: The NMAT by GMAC is one of the important MBA entrance exams in India. The NMAT scores are accepted by several leading business schools. It evaluates a candidate’s analytical thinking, communication ability, and decision-making skills. 

Preparing for the NMAT exam needs planning, dedication, and the right strategy. The NMAT is about studying smartly and understanding the demands of the exam. The Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam will help students plan their preparation to score good marks.

Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam

NMAT exam is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) every year. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s overall aptitude for management studies. The NMAT scores are used by top business schools like NMIMS, XIM Bhubaneswar, and K J Somaiya Institute of Management.

The NMAT is computer-based, where students are provided the flexibility to choose their test date and time. The exam usually runs over a testing window of 70–100 days, allowing multiple attempts for the students. 

Preparing for the NMAT exam requires smart planning and regular revision. The NMAT by GMAC evaluates a student’s ability in reasoning, language, and mathematics. It is not just about studying hard but studying wisely. Some of the effective Preparation Tips for NMAT are as follows:

Understand NMAT Exam Structure

NMAT consists of three main sections — Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. Each section consists of 36 questions, i.e, a total of 108 questions to be completed in 120 minutes. Knowing the structure helps students divide their time wisely with the Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam and identify which section needs more focus.

Make Realistic Study Plan

A good study plan is the foundation of success. Candidates should look to create a simple timetable that balances study, practice, and rest. For example:

• Morning (2 hours): Focus on Quantitative Skills. Practice data interpretation and arithmetic problems.

• Afternoon (1 hour): Work on Language Skills. Read articles, learn new words, and practise comprehension.

• Evening (2 hours): Strengthen Logical Reasoning. Solve puzzles, seating arrangements, and coding-decoding questions. Keep at least one day a week for revision or mock tests. 

Focus on Accuracy and Speed

NMAT is a time-based exam, so both accuracy and speed matter equally. Candidates should start by solving questions slowly to understand concepts, and then gradually work on speed. Use online mock tests to simulate real exam conditions. After each test, review the mistakes carefully and make notes of tricky questions for later revision.

Revise and Revisit Concepts Regularly

Regular revision prevents forgetting what a student has learned. Prepare short notes for formulas, grammar rules, and reasoning shortcuts. Revise them every few days to keep them fresh in the memory. Spend at least 30 minutes daily revising old topics along with learning new ones.

Practice Mock Tests and Analyse Performance

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the NMAT exam is by taking mock tests regularly. Mock tests simulate the real exam environment and help a candidate understand the time pressure faced during the actual test. Start with one mock test per week and gradually increase the frequency as the exam approaches.

After every mock test, analyse the performance carefully. Identify which sections took the most time and which types of questions were difficult. Revisit those topics in the study plan and practice them again.

NMAT Preparation Books

Choosing the right books is one of the most important parts of NMAT preparation. Quality study material helps the candidates in understanding the concepts clearly and practising effectively. Below are some of the best books with Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam:

1. NMAT by GMAC Official Guide: Published by GMAC itself, this book includes real exam questions, sample papers, and detailed explanations. It’s the most reliable source for understanding exam structure and question types.

2. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal: Ideal for building a strong foundation in maths. It covers topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, which are key to the NMAT quantitative section.

3. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma: This book helps in strengthening logical thinking with practical exercises and examples. It also includes question sets similar to NMAT difficulty levels.

4. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis: A great choice for improving vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar—essential for the Language Skills section.

5. Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Taking mock tests regularly helps you identify weak areas, manage time effectively, and adapt to the real exam environment.

NMAT Strategy, How to Clear NMAT Exam?

Clearing the NMAT exam requires both preparation and a smart approach. Candidates need to understand the NMAT exam pattern, practice regularly, and manage their time wisely to succeed. 

• Before beginning NMAT preparation online, complete the NMAT syllabus. It covers Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills. Focus on high-weightage topics and work on your weak areas early.

• Divide the preparation time between the three sections. Spend more time on topics that need improvement. Set daily and weekly goals to track progress.

• NMAT provides candidates with the option to choose the order of sections. Begin with the strongest area to build confidence. Avoid spending too much time on a single question. Move ahead and come back later if time permits.

• Consistency and confidence are important. The NMAT rewards candidates who stay focused and maintain steady progress.

How Many Questions to Attempt in NMAT?

Since there’s no negative marking in NMAT, it is always better to attempt all 108 questions. However, accuracy is important to be learned as an important Preparation Tips for NMAT Exam because a candidate’s overall score depends on the number of correct answers. Time management is the biggest challenge. Each section has a time limit of 28–40 minutes, depending on the candidate’s chosen order. Avoid spending more than one minute per question.

• Language Skills: Try to attempt all 36 questions, aiming for at least 28–30 correct answers.

• Quantitative Skills: Attempt all, but target 25–28 correct answers.

• Logical Reasoning: Aim for around 27–30 accurate answers.

Is NMAT Easier than CAT?

This is one of the most common questions asked by MBA aspirants. The answer depends on individual strengths, but generally, NMAT is considered easier than CAT. The CAT (Common Admission Test) is more challenging in terms of question difficulty and competition. CAT focuses on problem-solving speed and analytical reasoning, while NMAT emphasises time management and accuracy.