NMAT 2025 Analysis OUT (Nov 2): Check Detailed Paper Analysis & Review

NMAT 2026 Result Declaration

2 Nov '26 - 20 Nov '26

Updated on Nov 3, 2026 12:11 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content

NMAT 2026 Exam Analysis: The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has started the NMAT exam on November 2. NMAT test window runs until December 20. This article provides NMAT exam analysis based on a firsthand test-taker experience from the very first slot on opening day. The review covers the overall exam structure, section-wise difficulty levels, topic-wise question distribution, specific question types, and some observations regarding time management. This analysis serves as a practical guide for candidates appearing in upcoming NMAT 2026 slots.

The first day of NMAT exam required time management, accuracy, as well as endurance. While Language Skills section of NMAT 2026 was manageable, candidates faced significant challenges in Logical Reasoning due to dense critical reasoning passages and complex puzzles, along with calculation-intensive Quantitative and DI sections. Aspirants appearing in upcoming slots should focus on time management, strategic question selection, and extensive practice across non-traditional topics like Modern Math and Data Sufficiency.

Scroll down for details on NMAT 2026 exam analysis. Also get previous year's NMAT analysis for 2025, 2024, 2023, etc.

Table of contents

NMAT Exam Analysis 2026
Section Wise NMAT 2026 Exam Analysis
NMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Important Topic & Expected Cutoffs
Previous Year's NMAT Exam Analysis
FAQs on NMAT Exam Analysis

NMAT Exam Analysis 2026

Particulars	Analysis
Exam Date	November 2, 2026
Overall Difficulty Level	Moderate to Difficult
Language Skills	Easy to Moderate
Logical Reasoning	Difficult / Heavy
Quantitative Skills	Moderate (Calculation-intensive in parts)
Most Difficult Section	Logical Reasoning
Most Manageable Section	Language Skills

Exam Structure: The paper followed the standard NMAT format with 36 questions in each section (total 108 questions), and candidates were able to choose their section-taking order.
Important Test Interface Rules: There is no negative marking and no option to skip a question. Candidates must answer the current question on the screen to proceed via the "Next" button. There is no "Previous" button, meaning answers cannot be revisited or changed once submitted.

Commonly asked questions

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: How to score high in NMAT? How does NMAT mock tests help in exam preparation?

To score high in NMAT exam, a candidate must follow an approach to attempt the questions for which he/she knows the answer, and guess the question for which he/she doesn't know the answer. Since there is no negative marking, candidates must attempt all questions in NMAT exam. In the speed-based test, one must aim to answer the questions as soon as possible.

Coming to NMAT exam, a test taker has to answer each question keeping in mind the sectional time limit. Additionally, candidates get to choose the section chronology before the test starts. One can use their analysis from NMAT mock tests to devide a good exam day strategy. Speed and accuracy can also be improved by practising previous years papers and mock tests.

Section Wise NMAT 2026 Exam Analysis

Check NMAT section wise exam analysis below:

NMAT 2026 Language Skills Analysis

The Language Skills section was rated as the most manageable and scoring section of the paper, featuring straightforward reading passages and approachable question types.

Topic	Number of Questions	Details
Reading Comprehension (RC)	3 Passages (12 Questions total)	4 questions per passage; approx. 400–450 words each. Topics: Bystander Effect and technology/evidence, White Sage plant (herbal plant history and commercialization), and Occam’s Razor (philosophical/scientific theory).
Para Jumbles	As discussed	4 sentences and 4-5 sentences jumbles; straightforward to solve.
Error Spotting	5 Questions	Included instances where up to 3 questions had no errors (zero-error sentences).
Prepositions	4 Questions	Proposition-based fill in the blanks.
Fill in the Blanks	5 Questions	Single and double blank formats.
Analogies	6 Questions	Moderate vocabulary words, primarily synonym-antonym based.

NMAT Logical Reasoning Analysis

Logical Reasoning proved to be the most difficult and dense section of the examination, heavily skewed by time-consuming puzzles and dense critical reasoning paragraphs. The section featured an even split (approx. 50-50) between Analytical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning.

Topic	Number of Questions	Remarks
Puzzles & Arrangements	As discussed	Included a CAT-level number puzzle (1 to 25 numbers entry with 10-11 strict mathematical and logical conditions like multiples of 5 and prime placements), order-ranking questions, and a medals distribution arrangement.
Input-Output	As discussed	Pattern-based on powers of 2 (e.g., input 5 transformed to 32, followed by halves) and number/digit logic.
Critical Reasoning	Approx. 50% of LR	Statement-Conclusion, Course of Action, Statement-Assumption, Inference, and Argument. Most paragraphs were dense, lengthy, and featured 3 to 4 conclusions/assumptions rather than shorter formats.
Fact-Statement Questions	3 Questions	Required evaluating which given statements logically qualify as facts based on a provided text scenario.
Set Theory & Venn Diagrams	2 Questions	One 3-set Venn diagram (easy/doable) and one calculation-based optimization set theory question.
Syllogisms	1 Question	Straightforward and easy.

NMAT Quantitative Skills Analysis

The Quantitative Skills section featured arithmetic dominance alongside a significant weightage of Modern Mathematics and Number System topics.

Topic	Subtopic/Question Type	Number of Questions
Arithmetic	Percentages, Ratios, Simple & Compound Interest, Partnerships, Mixtures, Profit & Loss	8 Questions
Algebra	Logarithms, Sequences & Series (AP with heavy calculations), Quadratic Equations	5 Questions
Modern Mathematics	Permutations & Combinations (PNC), Probability, Arrangement (e.g., people sitting in a row with distance constraints)	5 Questions
Number System	Units digit, Factors, Divisibility	4 Questions
Data Interpretation (DI)	2 Sets: (1) Bar graph of rivers vs dry rivers combined with sustainability percentage line graph; (2) Profit-loss table showing discount percentages and selling prices across 3 stores (calculation-intensive).	6 to 8 Questions (2 sets)
Data Sufficiency (DS)	Modulus-based inequalities, arithmetic, numbers, and algebra	6 Questions

Commonly asked questions

Q: 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.

Q: What is the difficulty level of NMAT exam?

Based on feedback from test takers, NMAT exam is moderate to tough in terms of difficulty standards. Compared top other exams like XAT, and CAT, NMAT is on an easier side. NMAT difficulty is considered similar to SNAP exam.

NMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Important Topic & Expected Cutoffs

Section	Difficulty Level	Important Topics	Key Observations
Language Skills	Easy to Moderate	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Analogies, Error Spotting	Most scoring section; RCs use technical terms but are simple to decode.
Logical Reasoning	Difficult	Critical Reasoning, Complex Puzzles, Input-Output, Fact-Statement	Heavily time-consuming due to dense CR paragraphs and a high-complexity number grid puzzle.
Quantitative Skills	Moderate	Arithmetic, Modern Math, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency	Balanced mix, but DI sets and specific AP series questions required intensive calculations without a calculator.

NMAT 2026 exam presented a balanced yet challenging test experience. While Language Skills offered breathing room, the dense Logical Reasoning section and calculation-heavy Quant/DI sections tested speed and stamina.
Expected Cut-offs (Indicative):
- Under the current competency test format at NMIMS, overall cutoffs generally hover around 210 with sectional cut-offs around 60.
- If NMIMS reverts to its pre-2024 traditional format, cut-offs could range between 230 and 235. Top institutes like XIMB (HR) expect around 240, while TAPMI and KJ Somaiya range around 220.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which books are recommended for the preparation of NMAT Language Skills section?

Candidates preparing for Language Skills for any MBA entrance exam may come across numerous books for the same. Out of the many Language Skills books available, one can refer to any of the following books:

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
High School Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin

Besides the above mentioned books, candidates can go through any of the books available for competitive MBA exam. Check the complete list of other books mentioned on the books article by Shiksha (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/nmat-exam-books).

Q: Should I refer to more than one book for NMAT preparation?

Yes, candidates must refer to at least two books for each section while preparing for the NMAT exam.

Previous Year's NMAT Exam Analysis

Take a look at the details on topic-wise questions, allotted time as well as marks in each section.

Sections	Number of Questions	Score Range	Duration (in minutes)
Quantitative Skills	36	12-120	52
Logical Reasoning	36	12-120	40
Language Skills	36	12-120	28
Total	108	36-360	120

NMAT 2025 Analysis

Check NMAT 2025 exam analysis below:

Section	Difficulty Level	Expected Cutoff
Language Skills	Easy	70
Logical Skills	Easy to Moderate	75
Quantitative Skills	Tough	74
Overall	Easy to Moderate	229

NMAT Exam Analysis Highlights 2025

Quantitative Skills was difficult
DI was calculation-intensive
Difficult questions from bi-quadratic equations in quant
DI was lengthy
More weightage to critical reasoning
Many questions on course of actions, inferences, assumptions, fact statement based questions
Couple of questions on logical venn diagrams
2 puzzles, with 1 input-output question, and one puzzle on seating arrangement.
Three RC in the exam. Passages were not lengthy and were doable.
One RC was on magnets, one RC was on education system in India and evolutions.
4 Parajumbles in the exam
Parajumbles were lengthy with 4-5 statements.
Fill in the blanks had phrases similar to those appearing in GMAT exam.
PNC and Probability had 5-6 questions.

NMAT 2024 Section Wise Analysis

NMAT exam had three sections, namely Language Skills, Logical Skills and Quantitative Skills. Candidates were allowed to choose the order of sections before starting the exam. The section wise NMAT exam analysis is as follows:

NMAT 2024 Language Skills Analysis

On the first day of th/e NMAT exam, most candidates found three reading comprehension passages with 12 questions. There were five questions each for para jumbles and analogies. The remaining 14 questions were divided among error identification, prepositions, and sentence completion in the Language Skills section. Similar to the previous session, candidates found the difficulty level of the section to be of easy to moderate.

NMAT 2024 Logical Skills Analysis

In the Logical Reasoning section, candidates found one set from Analytical Puzzles, whereas some found two sets from Input-Output. Under Deductions, there were a few questions on Fact Analysis. Most of the candidates found the same doable. Logical skills section of 2024 session focused on Critical Reasoning and Deductions. The overall difficulty level of NMAT 2024 logical reasoning section was moderate.

NMAT 2024 Quantitative Skills Analysis

More questions were found from divisibility rules in number systems if compared with the past exam session. Important topics from NMAT 2024 quantitative skills section included Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Logarithms, and Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions, with around 8-10 questions from these areas. The difficulty level of Quantitative Skills was moderate to tough.

NMAT 2023 Sectional Overview

The space below mentions the question weightage of NMAT on the first day of the previous term's exam:

Language Skills

This section was termed easy to moderate on the first day of the NMAT 2023 exam. However, candidates found a slight change in the number of questions across topics. Check the weightage in the NMAT VARC section from the table below:

Topic	Number of Questions
Reading Comprehension	8
Para jumbles	4-5
Analogy	7-8
Error Identification	8-9
Prepositions	3-4
Fill in the Blanks	3-4
Total	36

Comparing NMAT 2023 to previous exam sessions, GMAC had reduced four questions from the RC part. Whereas, weightage in other topics of the section was slightly increased.

Logical Reasoning

The difficulty level of logical reasoning section was termed as moderate. Candidates found a change in the number of questions in NMAT logical reasoning section. refer to the table below for weightage in NMAT Logical Skills section:

Topic	Number of Questions
Input-Output	8
Fill in the Blanks-Puzzle	2
Arrangements	4
Critical Reasoning	20
Decision Making	2
Total	36

Quantitative Skills

Candidates found the NMAT 2023 Quantitative Skills section moderate to tough in terms of difficulty level. Similar to other sections, topic wise number of questions saw a change. The table below mentions the number of questions in each topic of NMAT Quantitave Skills section:

Topic	Number of Questions
Data Interpretation	8
Data Sufficiency	4
Profit and Loss	2
Logs	2
Ratio & Proportion	1-2
SI-CI	2-3
Permutation & Combination	3-4
Time & Work	1
Probability	3-4
Averages	1-2
Number Systems	2-3
Arithmetic & Geometric Progression	1-2
Equations	1-2
Percentages	3-4
Total	36

Check NMAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting NMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all NMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict NMAT Admission Calls

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Check cut offs of top MBA entrance exams and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

Commonly asked questions

Q: What are the sections included in the NMAT exam syllabus?

Similar to other top NMA entrance exams, NMAT exam also comprises three sections. These three sections have equal weightage in terms of maximum marks, number of questions, and a similar marking scheme. NMAT exam sections include the following:

Language Skills
Lgical reasoning
Quantitative Skills.

Candidates need to answer questions from all three sections of the NMAT exam. Each section of the NMAT exam has a time limit collectively making the NMAT exam duration as 120 minutes.

Q: What type of topics are included in NMAT logical reasoning syllabus?

The NMAT logical reasoning syllabus covers a mix of analytical and critical thinking topics. Candidates must prepare for the following topics:

Coding and Decoding
Puzzles
Series
Arrangement
Multi-dimensional arrangements
Family Tree

In addition to the above topcis, questions from Numeric Grid, Syllogisms, Statement Conclusions, Course of Action, Critical Reasoning, Calendars, Strong and Weak Arguments, and Blood Relations are also included. All the topics under the NMAT logical reasoning syllabus will assess logical decision-making and reasoning ability of the test taker.

FAQs on NMAT Exam Analysis

Find some important FAQs related to NMAT exam analysis below:

Q: Who prescribes NMAT syllabus?

The syllabus for NMAT each year is designed by GMAC. The NMAT syllabus 2024 is the same as the previous year, comprising 108 questions and three sections. The NMAT exam is a computer-based exam, and it is tested in English, via a series of multiple choice and objective questions.

Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

NMAT 2024 Highlights

Exam Name: NMAT by GMAC

Conducting body: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Exam level: National level

Frequency: Once a year

Q: Which books should be referred to study as per NMAT syllabus?

NMAT exam comprises as many as three sections. Candidates can invest in one book which covers the syllabus for all the three sections. Alternatively, candidates may consider to study from three different books, one for each section. GMAC official guide for NMAT is considered the best sourse to study for the competitive exam. Candidates can also prepare using the books recommended for CAT exam preparation or any other MBA entrance exam preparation.

For the NMAT Quantitative Aptitude section, candidates can refer to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal and How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma. For Languagew Skills, Noman Lewis' Word Power Made Easy is among the recommended books for competitive exams. For Logical Reasoning section, candidates can choose Logical and Analytical Reasoning by Ashok Gupta.

Besides the books mentioned above, candidates can choose from a ton of books available for competitive exam preparation. Refer to the NMAT books article by Shiksha for complete preparation books guide (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/nmat-exam-books)

Q: Which is the most important section in NMAT exam?

All three portions of the NMAT (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Management Aptitude Test)—Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills, and Language Skills—are critical. However, the value of each component varies depending on the test-taker's talents and shortcomings. Candidates frequently emphasize the segment in which they are most confident in order to achieve higher results. Effective time management is essential in all sectors. To excel, concentrate on improving your skills in the area that best matches your talents while keeping a balanced approach to achieve proficiency across the exam, ultimately leading to a competitive total NMAT score.

Q: How many days are required to complete topics under the NMAT syllabus?

Completing NMAT syllabus varies across candidates. Different candidates may have different strengths and weaknesses. Some candidates may need only a week or two. Whereas some might need months.