GMAT vs NMAT by GMAC

Choosing between GMAT and NMAT by GMAC can be confusing, especially since both exams are conducted by the same body. However, they differ significantly in terms of difficulty, exam pattern, acceptance, and career outcomes.
This guide will help you understand the key differences and decide which exam is right for your MBA journey.
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission test.
Both GMAT & NMAT are the popular entrance exam. Which is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management admission council). There are many key differences between these two entrance exams. To know the key difference read the article. It would help you to choose the best exam which suits you.

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To begin with, the GMAT score is accepted by most of the top B-schools. Whereas the NMAT exam score is accepted by primarily Indian B-schools including NMIMS, TAPMI, XIM, K J Somaiya, SPJIMR and more. NMAT exam is also accepted by some of the b-schools in Africa and Philippines including AIM, Manila which only accepted NMAT exam.

The main key highlighted the difference between GMAT and NMAT Exams

Criteria.	GMAT	NMAT
Number of total Questions.	Total 80 questions.	Total 108 questions.
Types of questions.	MCQ as well as Description questions.	MCQ
Sections in Exams.	Verbal Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment.	Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning.
Time allocated.	3 hours 7 minutes (with two optional breaks of 8-minute )	2 hours
Minimum and Maximum score.	200 – 800	0 – 360
Validity of score.	The Score is Valid for 5 Years.	The Score is Valid for 1 Year.
How many times are exams conducted in a year?	All year round.	Once a year.
Total Re-Attempts.	5 Attempts in a Year, Total 8 Attempts	3 Attempts
Cost for giving the exam.	USD 275 for test center and USD 300 for online at home	INR 2800 (+ taxes)
Score Accepted By	Most B-Schools all over the world.	B-Schools in India, Africa, and the Philippines.

Syllabus Comparison of GMAT and NMAT exams

GMAT syllabus contains four sections. Namely the Analytical Writing Assessment section, Integrated Reasoning section, Quantitative section, and Verbal section. Contain topics like Argument and Issue-based essays, Table Analysis and Two-Part Analysis. Topics like Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Problem Solving. Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Correction.

GMAT paper wants to evaluate your skills. Like reading skills, reasoning skills, and quantitative skills to solve problems. NMAT exams consist of three sections. Topics from Language skills, Quantitative skills, and Logical Reasoning skills. That is similar to a few topics included in the GMAT syllabus. Such as Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. As well as Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.

Section-wise Comparison of exam pattern of GMAT and NMAT exams

GMAT has one additional section in comparison with NMAT exams. Exams have a time limit of 3 hours and 7 minutes. Exam structure will help you in preparation as well as in deciding on which exam you should choose. GMAT is an integral admission test prerequisite for graduate management courses.

GMAT exam Sections	Total Number of questions	Question Type	Section-wise Time Limit
Analytical Writing Assessment section	1 Topic	Analysis of an Argument	30 Minutes
Integrated Reasoning section	Total 12 questions	Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis	30 Minutes
Quantitative section	Total 31 questions	Data Sufficiency Problem Solving	62 Minutes
Verbal section	Total 36 questions	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction	65 Minutes
Total GMAT Exam time limit			3 hours 7 minutes

Whereas NMAT exams have only three sections. exams provide total as well as section-wise time limits. Once you cross any section you cannot go back to that section. The NMAT paper pattern expects you to attempt the sectional questions. Within the allotted time limit. These exams are held once a year. The candidate could give 3 attempts which include the first attempt.

NMAT Section-wise Name	Total number of questions	Allotted time in each section
Language Skills	Total 36 questions	28 minutes
Quantitative Skills	Total 36 questions	52 minutes
Logical Reasoning	Total 36 questions	40 minutes
Total	Total 108 questions	120 minutes

Top B-schools accepts NMAT and GMAT score respectively

GMAT scores are accepted by most of the top B-schools in India and outside India. Usually, it is important to be required to apply for admission outside India. On the other hand, the NMAT score is primarily meant for applying to NMIMS. Additionally NMAT scores accept in other top B-schools as well as in India. Namely the Indian School of Business, ICFAI Business School, and Amity Business School. SRM School of Management, and Alliance School of Business.

As many as 24 top B-schools. South Africa, Nigeria, and the Philippines accept NMAT scores outside India. Colleges accepting GMAT scores are IIM Bangalore and Christ University. IBS Hyderabad, London Business School, and ESCP Europe

Top Colleges accepts GMAT score

GMAT is accepted for over 6,000 programs offered by 2,100 universities. And institutions from 114 countries and 600 plus test centres in the world. The most popular MBA Entrance Exam in India is the CAT Exam. But the opportunities available amongst GMAT Accepting Colleges are nothing to be scoffed at.

Leading business schools from the world. Such as the London School of Business and Harvard University. Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), ESADE Business School, Spain. University of California- Berkley, and others accept GMAT Score.

Top 10 Colleges accepts GMAT score in India

Some of the best colleges in India accept the GMAT Score for some program or another. Follow are the top colleges that accept GMAT score are as follow.

Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad with a cut-off 700+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 25,54,725.
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad with a cut-off of 706+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 24,00,000.
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore with a cut-off 695+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 22,77,500.
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta with a cut-off 700+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 22,00,000.
Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow with a cut-off 680+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 19,11,000.
XLRI, Jamshedpur with a cut-off 700+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 14,95,000.
Indian Institute of Management, Indore with a cut-off 580+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 18,00,000.
S.P.Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai with a cut-off 680+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 17,40,000.
IMT, Ghaziabad with cut-off a 690+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 15,00,000.
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai with a cut-off a 680+ GMAT score and total fees is INR 17,70,000.

Top Colleges accepts NMAT score

Top colleges that accept NMAT score are as follow with their cut-off.

XIM University, Bhubaneswar with a cut-off 200+ score
VIT, Vellore with a cut-off 200+ score
SRM University, Chennai with a cut-off 200+ score
Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida with a cut-off 250+ score.
SDA Bocconi, Mumbai with a cut-off 200+ score.
IBS Hyderabad with a cut-off 190+ score.
Alliance University, Bangalore with a cut-off 180+ score.
Woxsen School Of Business, - Hyderabad with a cut-off 160+ score
Amity University, Noida with a cut-off 200+ score.
BSE Institute, Mumbai with a cut-off 200+score.

Conclusion

GMAT or NMAT, any exam you take is always beneficial. You can choose from either, whichever meets your requirements. And applies to the business institute you are looking to get into. However, a study plan and consistent preparation for both exam is key to a good score. And admission into the business school of your choice.

So, if you are targeting B-Schools abroad for an MBA or similar programs, the GMAT should be your best choice. If you are aiming for NMIMS colleges then you must go for NMAT exams.

I would say our entrance exam courses. Our strategies have helped many aspirants to crack the exam. And also to get admissions to the top MBA colleges of India and outside India. Thus, our team will make sure to give you the best service and resources that you need for NMAT exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main difference between GMAT and NMAT by GMAC?
GMAT is a global MBA exam accepted by top schools worldwide and key Indian B‑schools, while NMAT by GMAC is mainly for Indian MBA / PGDM programs like NMIMS, XIMB, etc.

Q2. Should I take GMAT or NMAT by GMAC?
Take GMAT if you’re targeting global MBA or top‑tier Indian schools; choose NMAT by GMAC if your main focus is NMIMS, XIMB, and similar India‑only colleges.

Q3. Which exam is easier: GMAT or NMAT?
NMAT usually feels slightly easier in difficulty but tougher on speed (120 minutes, 3 sections); GMAT is conceptually tougher but more adaptive and globally recognized.

Q4. How many times can I take GMAT vs NMAT?
You can take GMAT up to 5 times in 12 months (21‑day gap).
NMAT by GMAC allows 3 attempts within the exam window (NMAT‑specific schedule).

Q5. Is GMAT accepted by NMIMS and other Indian B‑schools?
Yes. Many top Indian B‑schools that accept NMAT also accept GMAT scores, especially for scholarships and early‑decision rounds.

Q6. Which exam is better for scholarships in India?
GMAT scores are often more valued for scholarships in top Indian and international programs because of their global benchmarking.
NMAT‑based scholarships are usually college‑specific (e.g., NMIMS, XIMB).

Q7. Can I prepare for both GMAT and NMAT together?
Yes. The core skills (Quant, Verbal, Reasoning) overlap.
You can focus on GMAT as your main target, then use NMAT as a secondary or backup option with light practice.

Q8. Which exam is better for working professionals in India?
GMAT is better if you want global or top‑tier Indian MBA options and are ready for a tougher, adaptive test.
NMAT is better if you want India‑focused colleges, 3 attempts, and flexible test dates with slightly lower conceptual difficulty.

In sum CATking mentors will help you to find your path for admission to your dream college. For strategies visit our Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/RahulCatking

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GMAT vs NMAT exams by GMAC