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NMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Updates, Section-Wise Format & New Competency Test
If you’re preparing for the NMAT 2025 exam, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest exam pattern and selection process changes. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has officially released the NMAT 2025 exam pattern, and CATKing brings you a detailed overview to help you plan your preparation effectively.
This year, the NMAT exam comes with a few important changes that every aspirant should be aware of. Apart from the standard aptitude-based entrance test, candidates will now also face a Competency Assessment, which holds significant weightage in the final selection process. Let’s dive into the detailed NMAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and latest updates for 2025.
What is NMAT by GMAC?
NMAT by GMAC is one of India’s leading MBA entrance exams, conducted annually for admissions into NMIMS Mumbai and other prestigious B-schools in India and abroad. Thousands of management aspirants appear for NMAT every year, aiming for top MBA programs. Known for its student-friendly structure and equal sectional weightage, NMAT allows candidates to showcase their abilities across different skill areas.
NMAT 2025 Aspirants! CATKing’s New Batch Starts This Monday — Book Your Seat!
NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern Overview
The NMAT 2025 exam will be conducted in a computer-based format, comprising three core sections:
Language Skills
Quantitative Skills
Logical Reasoning
A total of 108 questions need to be answered within 120 minutes. Each section comes with its own dedicated time limit, and candidates must manage their time smartly to attempt the maximum number of questions.
NMAT 2025 Sectional Time Limits
To enhance fairness and test various competencies, NMAT has a section-wise time limit. Aspirants must answer each section within the specified time, as you cannot move back or forward between sections.
| Section | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| Language Skills | 28 minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 52 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes |
| Total | 120 minutes |
At CATKing, we always recommend our NMAT students to practice multiple mocks with sectional timers to master time management before the actual exam day.
NMAT 2025 Aspirants! CATKing’s New Batch Starts This Monday — Book Your Seat!
NMAT 2025 Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is key to strategizing your attempt pattern. Here’s how the NMAT scoring works:
Each correct answer carries a certain number of marks.
There’s no negative marking for wrong or unattempted answers.
The final score is presented as a scaled score ranging between 36 and 360.
| Section | Number of Questions | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills | 36 | 12-120 |
| Quantitative Skills | 36 | 12-120 |
| Logical Reasoning | 36 | 12-120 |
| Total | 108 | 36-360 |
Major Change: NMAT 2025 Competency Assessment Test
One of the biggest updates this year is the introduction of the Competency Assessment Test. This newly added round replaces the earlier WAT and Watson-Glaser test, offering a sharper evaluation of MBA-relevant skills.
This assessment carries a 50% weightage in the selection process for NMIMS and is mandatory for all NMAT-qualified candidates.
Key Highlights:
Conducted after the NMAT aptitude test
45 minutes duration
No sectional time limits
Focus areas: Verbal Ability, Managerial Ability, and Mental Ability
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Correct Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Mental Ability | 6 | 4 | -1 |
| Managerial Ability | 5 | 4 | -1 |
Important Tip from CATKing Experts:
Focus on topics like critical reasoning in Verbal, arrangement sets in Mental Ability, and basic commerce fundamentals in Managerial Ability. These areas are highly emphasized in the new competency test structure.
NMAT 2025 Aspirants! CATKing’s New Batch Starts This Monday — Book Your Seat!
Final Thoughts
The NMAT exam pattern 2025 comes with a balanced approach to test aptitude and core competencies essential for future managers. With 20% weightage for the NMAT aptitude test and a significant 50% weightage for the competency assessment, aspirants need to prepare strategically for both rounds.
At CATKing, we’ve tailored our NMAT coaching modules, mocks, and workshops to cover both aptitude concepts and competency-based assessments. If you’re aiming for NMIMS Mumbai or other top B-Schools, it’s the right time to start your structured NMAT preparation with us.
