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.
NMAT Preparation, Tips, Common Mistakes
NMAT is one of the most preferred MBA entrance exams in India for admission to top institutes like NMIMS and other leading business schools. The exam is designed to test speed, accuracy, and decision-making rather than complex problem-solving. With the latest exam structure featuring sectional time limits and no negative marking, a smart preparation strategy is essential to achieve a competitive score of 220+.
This guide covers an effective NMAT preparation approach, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid to help you perform confidently on exam day.
Check out CATKing NMAT Courses
Latest NMAT Exam Pattern Overview
-
Total Questions: 108
-
Total Duration: 120 minutes
-
Language Skills: 36 questions (28 minutes)
-
Logical Reasoning: 36 questions (40 minutes)
-
Quantitative Skills: 36 questions (52 minutes)
-
No negative marking
-
Section order can be chosen before the exam
-
Sections cannot be revisited once completed
Since each section has a fixed time limit, time management plays a crucial role in your performance.
NMAT Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Syllabus and Important Topics
Focus on high-weightage and frequently asked areas.
Language Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
-
Vocabulary and grammar
-
Para jumbles
Logical Reasoning
-
Arrangements and puzzles
-
Coding-decoding
-
Syllogisms
-
Critical reasoning
Quantitative Skills
-
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, time and work)
-
Data interpretation
-
Algebra and number system
Prioritizing scoring topics helps improve efficiency.
2. Create a Balanced Study Plan
Consistency is more important than long study hours. Allocate time daily for all sections.
Suggested daily schedule:
-
1 hour Language Skills
-
1–1.5 hours Logical Reasoning
-
1.5–2 hours Quantitative Skills
Spend extra time improving weaker areas while revising strong topics regularly.
3. Focus on Speed and Accuracy
NMAT is a speed-based exam with less than a minute available per question.
To improve performance:
-
Practice timed sectional tests
-
Avoid lengthy calculations
-
Skip difficult questions quickly
-
Attempt easy and moderate questions first
Since there is no negative marking, intelligent guessing can help increase attempts.
4. Take Regular Mock Tests
Mock tests are the most important part of NMAT preparation.
Recommended approach:
-
Start with one mock per week
-
Increase to 2–3 mocks per week in the final months
-
Analyze each mock to identify weak areas
Focus on improving accuracy, time management, and section-wise performance.
Check out the CATKing NMAT Mock course.
5. Plan Your Section Order
Choose the section order based on your strengths. Starting with your strongest section helps build confidence and reduces exam pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NMAT
1. Ignoring Mock Test Analysis
Taking mocks without reviewing mistakes limits improvement. Always analyze weak areas and work on them.
2. Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions
Getting stuck on one question affects your overall attempts. Move ahead and return only if time permits.
3. Leaving Questions Unattempted
With no negative marking, leaving questions blank means losing scoring opportunities.
4. Focusing Only on One or Two Sections
Many students ignore Quant or Language Skills. Balanced preparation across all sections is essential.
5. Changing Strategy at the Last Minute
Stick to the approach that works best for you during mock tests instead of experimenting close to the exam.
6. Starting Preparation Too Late
Even though NMAT difficulty is moderate, the speed requirement demands consistent practice over at least 2–3 months.
Last Month Preparation Tips
-
Revise formulas and key concepts regularly
-
Take full-length mocks twice a week
-
Practice Reading Comprehension daily
-
Focus only on weak areas identified in mocks
-
Avoid learning new topics in the final weeks
Consistency during the final phase can significantly improve your score.
Target Score and Final Approach
A score of 220–240+ is generally competitive for top NMAT colleges like NMIMS. The goal should be to attempt maximum questions with good accuracy while staying calm and focused.
NMAT rewards candidates who maintain a steady pace, make smart question choices, and follow a consistent strategy. With proper planning and regular practice, achieving a high score is realistic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much time is required for NMAT preparation?
Most candidates need 2–3 months of consistent preparation.
2. What is a good score in NMAT?
A score above 220 is considered competitive for top colleges.
3. Is there negative marking in NMAT?
No, there is no negative marking, so candidates should attempt all questions.
4. How many mock tests should I take?
Ideally, 8–15 full-length mocks along with sectional practice tests.
5. What is the biggest mistake students make in NMAT?
Spending too much time on difficult questions and ignoring time management.
6. Can I prepare for NMAT without coaching?
Yes, with a structured study plan, regular practice, and mock analysis.
7. Which section is the most scoring in NMAT?
Language Skills and Logical Reasoning are generally scoring if practiced well.
Comments are disabled for now