Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
A computer-based test, NMAT by GMAC is conducted by Pearson VUE at 35 locations across India, and the aspirants have the right to choose their own exam venue/date/time as per convenience. It is accepted as an admissions criterion by the leading management institutions in India. 'How to crack NMAT' has a comparatively easy answer as compared to cracking CAT. However, in no way does that justify any lack of preparation from your side. Following are some tips to help you prepare well for your attempts:
Let’s first try and understand the paper pattern of NMAT and then discuss the preparation strategy for the next 3 months. You would notice that there are 120 minutes to solve 120 questions with No Negative Marking, so NMAT tests you on your speed and time management skills over accuracy.
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The test comprises of the following sections:
Language Skills: 32 questions and 22 minutes
Quantitative Skills: 48 questions and 60 minutes
Logical Reasoning: 40 questions and 38 minutes
Total of 120 questions and 120 minutes
According to the official notification, “The NMAT by GMAC is computer-delivered and gives each candidate a randomly generated test from a pool of questions, delivered one at a time. The number of questions, difficulty levels, and the time limit for each of the sections are predetermined and, under normal administration conditions, are the same regardless of when and where the test is administered. Candidates have a choice of selecting the order/sequence of the test sections.” Also, NMAT by GMAC test-takers need to review their answers before moving to another section of the exam. Once the candidate ends a particular section, all answers are considered final. Candidates can choose a date, time, and location of the exam according to their convenience.
Building your concepts
Step 1 is to focus on building your concepts as you can enhance your speed 1*to beat the timer in NMAT only if your concepts are clear.
Focus on the important topics of each section. Check out the NMAT Toppers Strategy Video to understand the topics and their importance.
Also read: All you need to know about NMAT by GMAC
Quantitative Skills
Do not proceed to tackle advanced questions before you are crystal-clear with the basics and concepts of each topic. Remember, speed is key. So make sure that you can solve all the basic and moderate questions quickly and efficiently first. Also, keep increasing the speed of your mental calculations. This will help you to zip through all the basic questions with blazing speeds. NMAT usually tends to focus on Arithmetic, Modern Maths, Algebra & Geometry. For the ones who have been preparing for CAT as well, your quant preparation will be mostly taken care of, and you will have to just focus on your time management skills.
Language Skills:
This section isn’t inferential and is more direct in its questions. So, keep increasing your vocabulary. NMAT asks direct vocab-based questions. Therefore, learning and revising new words on a daily basis is a must. For this, Norman Lewis is your best option. Apart from this, the most scoring avenue is the Close passage the fills in the blank questions.
Logical Reasoning
It will test you in two main areas: Verbal and Analytical. Analytical Reasoning questions will consume less time as compared to Verbal. So keep that in mind while preparing.
The best thing to build your skills is to practice as much as you can, and what better than giving actual mocks to get used to the feel of giving the exams.
Before every attempt of NMAT, you should give at least 4 mocks. But don’t give mock exams blindly. Prepare a strategy before attempting the mock. Later, introspect on whether the strategy worked for you. This is an important part of analyzing your mocks. You have to keep analyzing and refining your strategies constantly. This will help you be at your best for the day of the exam.
Also read: Top Institutes Accepting NMAT Scores
Daily preparation schedule
30 Minutes- Vocabulary
30 Minutes- Quantitative Ability
And, 30- Minutes Logical Reasoning
I would re-iterate focus on building your basics and concepts, practice all the advanced and complex questions only when you have ample time on your hands.
NMAT doesn’t test your ability to solve the toughest questions. It only tests your ability to maximize your score in the given time.
In fact while practicing also train your mind to get used to the timer by having a stopwatch turned on. Analyze your speed as well.
NMAT Syllabus
Quantitative Skills, Data Interpretation & DS
- Algebra (Linear/Quadratic Equation)
- Trigonometry
- Line graph
- Arithmetic
- Bar graph
- Tables
- Pie chart
- 2D and 3 D Geometry, and Statistic
- Modern Math
- Number Systems
- Percentage
- Ratio/Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Average
- Time-Speed-Distance
- Work/Time
- Mixture & Solution/Alligations
- Simple/Compound interest
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Permutations and Combinations
- Coordinate Geometry
Logical Reasoning
- Coding & Decoding
- Series
- Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
- Multi-dimensional arrangements
- Puzzles
- Arrangement
- Family tree
- Numeric grid
- Critical Reasoning
- Calendars
- Syllogisms
- Statement Conclusions
- Course of Action
- Blood Relations
Language Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Language usage and their rules
- Synonyms
- Anonyms
- Syntax, and correct grammar
- Fill in the blanks
- Para Jumble
- Idioms
- Vocabulary
I hope you found this article useful.
