How will the new NMAT pattern affect NMAT 2020 cut-offs?

As we, human beings are evolving over time, NMAT by GMAC has also decided to mutate their DNA and evolve to better evaluate their candidate with a new paper pattern.

By Anisha Mukhija

NMAT is one of the coveted MBA entrance exams in India, with almost 80,000-90,000 candidates appearing every year. NMAT is conducted by GMAC and it primarily helps candidates to target some of the premier B-schools in India, like NMIMS, XIMB, SDA Bocconi, and many more. NMAT has always been the game of speed and accuracy, however, has been following a similar pattern from so many years.

As we, human beings are evolving over time, NMAT by GMAC has also decided to mutate their DNA and evolve to better evaluate their candidate with a new paper pattern. The year 2020 has been a year of surprises and shocks, with the advent of new normal because of COVID-19, hence, NMAT also took the opportunity to come up with new changes starting this year.

Also Read: MBA Colleges Accepting NMAT Score

NMAT: Current v/s Old Pattern

NMAT used to have 120 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, however, the NMAT exam pattern is not going be the same. This year, there will be 108 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. Wow, 12 fewer questions or we can say, 12 more minutes.

There has been an increase of four questions in Language Skills or Verbal with added six minutes, a reduction of four questions in Logical Reasoning with an increase of two minutes, and reduction of 12 questions in Quantitative Ability with a reduction of eight minutes.

Key points -

1. Total questions reduced by 12 and time remains the same
2. An equal number of question in each section i.e. 36

Voila, Reduced NMAT Syllabus - Is it a Sigh of Relief?

Great news for non-engineers, as NMAT has decided to drop Geometry from Quants and have decided to reduce the test of Vocabulary in Language Skills. Does it mean, it is going be a blessing? It is both, one, fewer topics, and second, more concentrated questions on other topics? One can anticipate getting tougher questions in other topics of Quants and more detailed tests in Verbal or Language Skills. Also Read: NMAT Syllabus

In a gist, the difficulty level of NMAT exam is expected to increase, but the syllabus for Quants has reduced and students have more time to give to a single question. This strikes a balance.

Wait, what will be the impact on NMAT cut offs?
Ouch, it’s just a cut off!

One of the main concerns of MBA aspirants has always been the cut offs. NMAT used to award three marks for every correct answer, therefore, the maximum score of an NMAT exam could have been 360 (3*120). Analyzing previous years’ cut offs, the mean comes close to 210, i.e. 58.33% marks. However, in NMAT 2020, the number of questions is reduced, still, GMAC has announced the range of marks is going to be from 36-360. But how?

With new patterns come new cut offs And NMAT is not going to be an adaptive test pattern exam. WHAT? What is Adaptive Test Pattern?

Note: As of now one can expect to have similar cut offs, as last years.

MBA Skills, Being Adaptive - Adaptive Test Pattern

Ever heard of GMAT or GRE. Yes, these are the two renowned competitive exams that almost all international universities consider for evaluating candidates. GMAT and GRE also follow the adaptive test pattern and hence one can blindly rely on such evaluation criteria as it has been followed by likes of INSEAD, Harvard and ISB.

The adaptive test pattern is a progressive evaluation where the questions and their weightage increase if the previous questions have been answered correctly and vice versa. Thus with this concept coming into the picture, the estimation of expected NMAT cut offs 2020 is quite dicey and one needs to wait and watch.

NMAT 2020: Road Ahead

As discussed, with the new pattern, modified syllabus, and adaptive test pattern, the NMAT 2020 cut offs can’t be predicted. And honestly, it should not be any of the concerns for now. All the changes are as new for experts as they are for students. Having said that, one should trust the system and prepare to the fullest. Practice and learn as much possible! CAT’s pattern has changed so many times in the past 15 years, still, it’s the most coveted exam in India.

The road ahead is bumpy, and NMAT mock tests are going to help you stay on the road. Appearing for mocks repeatedly will give more clarity about how the actual test and performance is going to be. All India Mocks will help to evaluate the performance and will give a clear path to prepare.

Moreover, NMAT is one of the candidate friendly exams and offers three attempts. This time NMAT score will be out within two days of the exam and candidates can plan their next test accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Candidates should worry about NMAT preparation and not what the end result would be. Yes, getting familiar with the new NMAT exam pattern and structure is important, and one should prepare for the same. Cut off only matters if you are well prepared and have conquered the art of performing well in exams. Therefore, prepare to the best of your abilities and try to improve the score by giving multiple NMAT mock tests.

Also Read:

• Will slow down in economy due to COVID-19 increase the competition for NMAT?
• Will the adaptive test pattern for NMAT backfire?

About the Author:

Anisha Mukhija is a Strategic Mentor at a reputed Mumbai-based institute for MBA entrance exams preparation. She pursued MBA at NMIMS (MBA Core 2013-15) and PMNO at Harvard Business School. She has also been a key speaker at IIM Indore and has been awarded with Global Champions at NUS, Singapore and was o25 winner Pepsico Digital Strategist-India Challenge.