NMAT 2023 Preparation: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts NMAT exam every year for admission to 40+ b-schools. NMAT exam is among the few popular exams conducted for MBA admission in India and abroad. However, it is comparatively easier than other MBA entrance exams. Owing to its popularity and difficulty standards, NMAT attracts large number of applicants. Candidates can crack NMAT exam with a minimal preparation strategy and knowledge of exam pattern, syllabus, and question types. Candidates who prepared for any other MBA entrance exam have an added advantage as it shares a similar syllabus.
Candidates will be able to appear for NMAT 2023 exam three times within a testing window. The NMAT exam is conducted as a computer based test from October to December. This article provides useful tips and tricks for NMAT exam preparation.
How to Prepare for NMAT 2023?
To prepare for NMAT 2023, aspirants should start preparing early. They should make an exam preparation strategy and day-wise timetable. The NMAT exam preparation plan should comprise:
NMAT Exam Pattern: Key facts
The total number of questions were reduced from 120 to 108 and the sectional time limit revised.
Three marks are awarded for each right answer and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. Check below, section-wise break-up and the time limit of the NMAT question paper:
|
Section Name |
Total Questions |
Time Limit (in minutes) |
|---|---|---|
|
Language Skills |
36 |
28 |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
36 |
52 |
|
Logical Reasoning |
36 |
40 |
|
Total |
108 |
120 |
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NMAT Syllabus 2023
The NMAT 2023 syllabus consists of essential topics from the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. Given below are broad topics from each of these sections.
What is the difficulty level of NMAT exam?
The NMAT exam is conducted for MBA admission across multiple B -schools across India and abroad. Based on feedback from test takers of the past exam sessions, test takers found the exam to be moderate to tough in terms of difficulty standards. If compared with other MBA entrance exams, NMAT is comparatively easy as the candidates have the liberty to appear for the test three times and use the best scores for admission. Additionally, candidates can schedule the exam based on his/her convinience.
However, the level of difficulty can vary from year to year. Success in any entrance exam ultimately depends on the candidate's preparation and performance on the exam day.
How do I prepare for the NMAT?
You may be eligible for admission to the best management colleges in India and abroad based on your NMAT score. Therefore, performing well on this exam becomes essential. You can use the following expert strategy to clear the NMAT:
Explore subject-wise topics asked in NMAT
Select your preferred subject
Quant
VARC
DILR
NMAT Section-Wise Preparation Tips
As per the new exam pattern of NMAT 2023, each section carries equal weightage, albeit with differential duration. Hence, candidates should put equal importance on each section. Here, we bring to you a section-wise preparation strategy.
NMAT 2023 Language Skills Preparation
The major components of the Language Skills section are as follows:
Reading Comprehension
Vocabulary
Para jumbles
Grammar- Error Spotting
Sentence Correction
Fill in the blanks (Grammar-based)
Antonyms & Synonyms
Sentence Completion
Analogies
NMAT 2023 Registrations Open; Fill NMAT Exam Form Here.
To prepare for this section, candidates should follow the strategies given below:
According to experts, Vocabulary is a significant component of this section. Hence, candidates must focus on vocabulary-building exercises. This would ensure that the candidates attempt most of the questions from Vocabulary, which would be less time-consuming compared to other topics such as Reading Comprehension. Grammar is another area in which candidates should be well prepared.
To prepare for this section, candidates should follow the steps given below:
NMAT 2023 Quantitative Skills Preparation
The Quantitative Skills section combines Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation areas. The major topics which are asked in this section are as follows:
Number System
Algebra
Percentage
Profit & Loss
Geometry
Mensuration
Permutation and Combination
Simple and Compound Interest
Ratio and Proportion
Alligations and Mixtures
Probability
Logarithms
Equations
Conceptual clarity and practice are the two major pillars of preparing for the Quantitative Skills section. Some of the handy tips for acing this section are as follows:
Identify strengths and weaknesses
Zero down on topics to go ahead with
Take regular mock tests and analyse the performance
Work out on short cuts and tricks to solve questions quicker
Maintain handbook of formulas and short cut tricks for quick revision
The Logical Reasoning section consists of two major areas, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Reasoning areas. To crack this section, candidates should practice a number of questions on arrangement and puzzles. “Fair knowledge on Statement Assumption/ Conclusion is required and one must be prepared to solve some syllogisms in this section,” states Parasharan Chari, COO, Endeavor Careers. Some other preparation tips for the Logical Reasoning section are as follows:
Practice as many questions as possible from all the topics
Identify the conclusion within the question
Visualise the question by drawing diagrams, charts or table to deduce the answer accurately
Utilise elimination theory to deduce the answers without having to spend much time
How to scale NMAT exam if my quant is a bit weak?
One can imporve the quant skills while preparing for NMAT exam by following the steps below mentioned tips:
To improve Mathematics skills, one must invest the preparation with consistent efforts and practice. With a structured study plan and determination, candidates can improve their performance in the maths section of any MBA entrance exam.
Which is the most important section in NMAT exam?
All sections of NMAT exam hold equal importance as the weighatge in terms of number of questions, and marks are similar across sections. Therefore, no particular section out of three sections hold additional importance. Candidates must prepare for all three sections based on the NMAT syllabus. However, candidates must work on theIr speed as the NMAT exam will have sectional weightage. Although all three sections have equal number of questions, each section has an unidentical time limit to answer these questions.
Is there any sectional time limit at NMAT exam?
Yes, questions under each section of NMAT exam are to be answered within a specified time limit. NMAT exam has three sections. The total time to answer all questions across sections in the NMAT exam is 120 minutes. The 120 minutes of NMAT exam is divided as mentioned below:
|
NMAT Section |
NMAT Sectional Time Limit |
|---|---|
|
Language Skills |
28 minutes |
|
Logical Reasoning |
40 minutes |
|
Quantitative Skills |
52 minutes |
|
Total |
120 minutes |
Candidates need to adhere to the time-limit as the responses marked within the specified time-frame will be submitted automatically once the time is over.
NMAT 2023 Preparation in Limited Time
MBA aspirants planning to take NMAT may plan to appear for the exam at different point of time before the exam. The NMAT preparation strategy will vary for all candidates based on the months left for the exam. The space below mentions the NMAT preparation plan for candidates planning to prepare within six months, three months and one month respectively.
NMAT Preparation Tips for 6 Months
Six months is a good enough time to prepare for the NMAT exam. All one needs is a smart exam preparation strategy. Divide the six months into three phases:
Phase 1: Covering NMAT syllabus
Phase 2: Practicing mock tests and sample papers
Phase 3: Revision
In the first phase, allot three months to cover the NMAT syllabus completely. Be thorough with all the topics of each of the NMAT sections and gain control over them. Allot more time to topics that you find tough, but do not leave a topic incomplete to move to another one. Also, do not study more than one topic from the same section at the same time. Meaning, approach each topic one by one. Get complete clarity on one and then move on to the next one.
In the second phase, allot two months to solving NMAT mock test and sample papers. Practice a minimum of 30 mock tests and sample papers. Analyze your performance after each mock test to assess your level of preparation and decide the next step.
In the third phase, allot the last month to revision. Revise all the chapters, concepts, formulae and theorems thoroughly and multiple times, so that you are fully prepared on the exam day.
NMAT Preparation Tips for 3 Months
Candidates who start preparing for NMAT later in the year, should not worry about it. They can prepare well for the exam if they dedicate even three months to NMAT preparation. So, what should be the strategy to crack the NMAT 2023 exam and come out with flying colours? Let’s have a look:
NMAT Preparation Tips for One Month
With only one month to take the NMAT exam, candidates must plan each day carefully. Candidates must practise the free sample paper they received after completing the online registration. Based on the analysis, one must plan to start with the weak section first. After completing the syllabus briefly, candidates must prepare using the additional preparation guide available to purchase on the website. One month preparation plan for NMAT must be divided into four weeks, by providing each week for one section, and keeping the last week for revision.
I am confused between NMAT and SNAP. Will the preparation of NMAT help me in the preparation of SNAP.
Yes, preparation for NMAT and SNAP can be done together as most of the syllabus of both the exams are identical. Candidates are always recommended to appear for both the exams together if you are planning to give any one. Both NMAT and SNAP have four broad sections, that include Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability and Language skills. The names of these sections can change across different exams but are identical in relation to the MBA entrance exams.
Although one can prepare for all MBA entrance exams simultaneously, candidates must tweak the preparation strategy and fine tune a particular type of questions that are seen typically in each of the entrance exam. Some of the tips top prepare for both NMAT and SNAPT simultaneously are as follows:
Taking the mock tests for both SNAP and NMAT will provide a base to develop an exam day strategy for both the exams.
How can I prepare for the CAT and NMAT simultaneously?
The sections in CAT and NMAT exam are on similar lines. The space below mentions the similarities in the syllabus and exam sections:
Q: How many days are required to complete topics under the NMAT syllabus?
One may require more than 150 days to complete the NMAT syllabus thoroughly. The NMAT syllabus typically covers a wide range of topics in various sections, including Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. The duration required to complete the syllabus depends on numerous factors, such as your proficiency in these subjects, the amount of time one can dedicate each day to study, and the study plan. Additionally, candidates who have prepared for CAT exam or any other MBA entrance exam, they might require less number of days to complete the topics under NMAT syllabus.
The 150+ day duration must include the entire study plan, from covering the topics in syllabus to revision of those topics. Additionally, one must include the practice papers and mock tests within the preparation phase of the 1560+ days discussed above.
NMAT Preparation Books by GMAC
Check subject wise reference books in the table below to crack the NMAT exam with high scores.
|
Books |
Authors/ Publishers |
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
R.S. Aggarwal |
|
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
|
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT |
Nishit K. Sinha |
|
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
|
Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
|
Analytical Reasoning |
M.K Pandey |
Where can I get the best books to study for NMAT exam?
NMAT by GMAC is among the major MBA exams conducted for admission in India and abroad. Candidates planning to pursue MBA typically appear for NMAT exam besides XAT, MAT, CAT, SNAP and more. Owing to its popularity, candidates preparing for the NMAT exam can find numerous books on exam preparation available at major book stores and online retailers. Candidates can also find the NMAT preparation books at a few libraries. In cases when the NMAT books cannot be found in the nearest store, one can use CAT exam books for NMAT preparation.
Can I refer to CAT books for NMAT exam preparation?
Yes, one can refer to CAT books for NMAT exam preparation. The NMAT and CAT are both management entrance exams for admission to MBA courses. Both CAT and NMAT share major parts of the exam sections such as quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. However, there are some minor differences between the two exams in terms of pattern.
Some of the best CAT books for NMAT preparation include:
In addition to the above mentioned books, candidates may also want to consider using online resources and practice tests to prepare for the NMAT. Candidates must also prepare for NMAT using the official guide and practise papers available on the NMAT website.
Q: How can NMAT guidebooks help during preparation?
The NMAT Official Guide is a one-stop solution for NMAT preparation. It comprises topics from all three sections of the NMAT exam. It can help users gain fundamental knowledge and conceptual clarity on all the topics included in the NMAT syllabus. Such knowledge when combined with the rigorous practice of NMAT mock tests and question papers helps any test taker to score high marks in the exam. The key advantage of the Official Guide is that it not only comprises the answers to the questions but also the solution of the same.
Q: Does GMAC prescribe any book for NMAT preparation?Yes, Graduate Management Admission Council prescribes the NMAT Official Guide for exam preparation. It is created and developed by the exam conducting authority, GMAC, itself and comprises everything an aspirant need to know about the exam, including:
The NMAT by GMAC official guide is among the most comprehensive resource available for NMAT preparation. It is essential for candidates who aims to maximise their chances of converting admission calls based on NMAT scores.
NMAT Mock Test: Why is it important to take mock tests?
The reasons are plenty. It prepares candidates for the battle called the NMAT exam. They would be able to know the pattern and the variety of questions. This would help them become accustomed to handling such tough situations wherein they are meant to make use of two hours effectively with maximum efficiency. There could be nothing better than sitting for an NMAT mock test to analyse candidate’s capability and progress in the topics which are their weak areas.
NMAT Mock Test will help you to get an idea about the type of questions asked, the exam pattern and marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and their explanations for Free. Click below to start the free online test now.
Strategising for NMAT exam day
All the preparations would prove fruitless if you don’t perform as expected. Read below three key tips for optimum performance on the NMAT exam day:
Read topper interviews to know how they dealt with the exam anxiety
Avoid last-minute revision, do it one day prior to the exam
Reach exam centre an hour before the exam
Stay calm and avoid unhealthy junk food
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