GMAT vs NMAT! Know Differences & Similarities
GMAT and NMAT exams have several applicants every year. Both GMAT and NMAT are accepted for MBA admissions in India as well as abroad. Before applying for the test, Shiksha has listed down some key differences between GMAT and NMAT exam. Read on!
GMAT vs NMAT! Know Differences & Similarities
GMAT and NMAT are among the top MBA entrance exams accepted for admission in India and abroad. Both NMAT and GMAT share the conducting body, that is Graduate Management Admission Council. Besides the conducting body and some minor similarities, these MBA entrance exams do not share any common grounds. Both these exams are different in terms of pattern, syllabus, score validity, and more. This article lists the differences and similarities between the NMAT and GMAT exams.
Discover top MBA colleges explored by similar minds
Students like you who showed interest in this article are also exploring the following colleges
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
Candidates taking GMAT get five attempts per year, including the first attempt. While in NMAT, candidates get three attempts per year, including one attempt and two retakes. B-schools accept both these exams across multiple countries. NMAT is accepted in different parts of Asia and Africa. While GMAT is accepted in over 110 countries.
Let us understand the difference between the GMAT test centre and onlne below:
- GMAT Online is conducted 24/7 and registrations can happen 24 hours before the preferred exam slot. On the other hand GMAT at test centre also allows 24 hours before registration but slots are limited and last minute slots can be unavailable.
- GMAT Online is more expensive than GMAT at test centre. GMAT Online costs USD 300+taxes and GMAT at test centre costs USD 275+taxes.
- When appearing for GMAT at home (online), applicants can access an online whiteboard or have a physical whiteboard. Whereas, at the test centre, applicants get laminated sheets and dry eraser.
This is how the two modes of GMAT exams differ from one another. Rest other aspects remain the same.
Besides NMIMS, popular B-schools accepting NMAT scores in India include IBS Business School, Amity Business School, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, School of Inspired Leadership and Woxsen School of Business. On the other hand, the GMAT score is accepted by prominent B-schools such as IMT, BITS, FMS, TISS, Europe Asia School of Business and others.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
17 Oct '25 - 25 Nov '25
25 Nov '25 - 27 Nov '25
13 Oct '25 - 28 Nov '25
30 Nov '25
28 Nov '25 - 6 Dec '25
3 Dec '25 - 6 Dec '25
23 Oct '25 - 7 Dec '25
30 Sep '25 - 10 Dec '25
1 Aug '25 - 16 Dec '25
9 Oct '25 - 9 Jan '26
GMAT vs NMAT: Key Highlights
Find the key difference between GMAT and NMAT exam in the table below.
| Features |
GMAT |
NMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions |
90 |
108 |
| Total Duration of the Test |
187 minutes |
120 minutes |
| Type of Question |
Non-MCQ and MCQs |
MCQs |
| Broad Topics |
Verbal, Mathematical and Analytical Skills |
Verbal, Analytical Skills and Mathematics |
| Test Contents |
Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Integrated Reasoning |
Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning |
| Score Range |
200-800 |
0-360 |
| Score Validity |
5 Years |
1 Year |
| Results |
Unofficial released immediately after the test; official score released 20 days after attempting the test. |
Available within 4-5 weeks after attempting the test. |
| Cost of Application |
GMAT vs NMAT: Difference in Syllabus, Pattern, Competitive Scope
- GMAT syllabus contains topics such as Argument and Issue-based essays, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction. The questions evaluate quantitative skills to solve problems, their reasoning skills, reading and writing skills in English. NMAT syllabus consists of topics from Language skills, Quantitative skills, Logical Reasoning skills that are similar to few topics included in the GMAT syllabus such as Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency as well as Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
- GMAT exam pattern, on the other hand, is an expository evaluation sort of a test, which aims at testing a candidate’s inclination and expository abilities. There is one essay-type question in the GMAT exam. Check the sectional time limit and the total number of questions per section in GMAT below.
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time Limit in Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment |
1 Essay Type Question |
30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning |
12 Questions |
30 minutes |
| Quantitative |
31 Questions |
62 |
| Verbal |
36 |
65 minutes |
NMAT exam pattern is a moderate variant of CAT test with few comparative examples and nature of inquiries. NMAT exam, however, is candidate friendly and specifications of the test like no negative marking scheme makes the test inviting and simple. Check the sectional time limit and the number of questions per section in NMAT below.
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time Limits in Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills |
36 |
28 |
| Quantitative Skills |
36 |
52 |
| Logical Reasoning |
36 |
40 |
| Total |
108 |
120 |
- GMAT score is accepted for over 6,000 programs offered by 2,100 universities and institutions from 114 countries and 600 plus test centres worldwide. Leading business schools from the world such as London School of Business, Harvard University, Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), ESADE Business School, Spain, University of California- Berkley and others accept GMAT scores. NMAT score is accepted for admission to the leading Graduate Business programmes in India such as SPJIMR, ISB, Chitkara University, IILM University, Alliance University and others.
Read More
Both GMAT and CAT entrance exams for MBA admissions. While CAT is required for Indian B-schools, GMAT is required for both Indian and international B-schools. GMAT is tougher than CAT because:
- GMAT records more applicants since it is accepted globally, which means there is a higher competition among applicants, in comparison to CAT.
- GMAT tests applicants holistically across its three broad sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.
- Also, GMAT is tougher than CAT because, questions on GMAT have stronger emphasis on global business school entrance exams and their specific requirements. CAT only focuses on Indian business specific requirements.
Check: GMAT vs CAT: Key Differences
Yes, the NMAT is easier than the CAT exam. This is due to the following reasons:
- There is no negative marking in the NMAT unlike one-third negative marking for wrong answers in the CAT.
- You can do guess marking in a last-minute rush and get three marks even if only one choice is right.
- NMAT allows you to schedule the order of sections during the test. This makes it easier to attempt the sections for which you are well prepared.
- According to the updated pattern, the CAT has only 66 questions, compared to the NMAT's 108 questions, but the level of difficulty is higher.
- The CAT is a concept-based exam where you need to understand each question, and therefore, you need accuracy as well as speed in this exam.
- The competition in the NMAT is less than that in the CAT. As most MBA aspirants aim for IIM.
It is a very subjective question, some may find GMAT easier while the others may find GRE easier. But let's understand what the experts say.
As per reports, GMAT's Verbal section is easier in comaprison to that of GRE. While the Quant section of GMAT is tougher than GRE. Thus, applicants who have a strong logical reasoning and mathematics skills can opt for GMAT because it will be easier for them, otherwise they can opt for GRE.
Get more details at GRE vs GMAT: Which Exam to Choose?
- NMAT preparation: Expert lays down prep plan and strategy
- List of NMAT Preparation Books and Study Material
- How to Prepare for NMAT in 3 Months?
- How to Prepare NMAT in 6 Months?
- GMAT preparation tips: Integrated Reasoning section
- GMAT preparation tips: Quantitative section
- GMAT preparation tips: Analytical Writing Assessment
- GMAT preparation tips: Verbal section
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.