NMAT Preparation Tips 2025: Tips, Strategy & Guide

NMAT 2025 ( NMAT )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 1 Aug '25 - 10 Oct '25

Abhishek Dhawan
Updated on Sep 11, 2025 17:55 IST

By Abhishek Dhawan, Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

NMAT Preparation Tips 2025: The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts NMAT exam annually 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 top 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 NMAT exam pattern, syllabus, and question types. Candidates who prepare for any other MBA entrance exam have an added advantage as NMAT syllabus is similar to other MBA exams.

Candidates will be able to appear for NMAT 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.

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Q:   How do I prepare for the NMAT?
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Q:   I am confused between NMAT and SNAP. Will the preparation of NMAT help me in the preparation of SNAP.
Table of content
  • How to Prepare for NMAT 2025?
  • NMAT Section-Wise Preparation Tips
  • NMAT 2025 Preparation in Limited Time
  • NMAT Preparation Books by GMAC
  • NMAT Mock Test: Why is it important to take mock tests?
  • Strategising for NMAT exam day
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How to Prepare for NMAT 2025?

To prepare for NMAT 2025, camdidates must start early. Candidates must create an exam preparation strategy and day-wise timetable focusing on NMAT exam. A good NMAT exam preparation plan must have following elements:

  • NMAT preparation books and study material
  • Timeline to complete the NMAT syllabus
  • Official NMAT mock tests and sample papers
  • Tips from past NMAT toppers and experts
  • Strategy for the exam day

Also Read:

NMAT Exam Pattern: Key facts

The total number of questions were reduced from 120 to 108 and the sectional time limit revised. 

  • Total questions - 108
  • Number of sections - 3
  • Time allotted - 120 Minutes

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 2025

The NMAT 2025 syllabus consists of essential topics from the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. Given below are broad topics from each of these sections.

  • Language Skills: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry and a few others
  • Logical Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many days are required to complete topics under the NMAT syllabus?
Q:   How can I prepare for the CAT and NMAT simultaneously?
Q:   How can NMAT guidebooks help during preparation?
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NMAT Section-Wise Preparation Tips

As per the new exam pattern of NMAT 2025, 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 2025 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

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:

  • Enhance Vocabulary
  • Have conceptual clarity on Grammar
  • Build reading habit and comprehension skills

Also Read: How to Prepare for NMAT 2025 Language Skills Section?

NMAT 2025 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:

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

Also Read: How to Prepare for NMAT 2025 Quantitative Skills?

NMAT 2025 Logical Reasoning Preparation

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

Also Read: How to Prepare for NMAT 2025 Logical Reasoning Section?

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any sectional time limit at NMAT exam?
Q:   Which is the most important section in NMAT exam?
Q:   Where can I get the best books to study for NMAT exam?
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NMAT 2025 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. Candidates must analyse their performance after each mock test to assess their preparation level and decide the next steps.

In the third phase of NMAT preparation, candidates must revise all the chapters, concepts, formulae and theorems, so that they are prepared on the exam day.

Also Read: How to Prepare NMAT in 6 Months?

DILR Question-Answers for Practice Quantitative Aptitude Question-Answers for Practice VARC Question-Answers for Practice

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 2025 exam and come out with flying colours? Let’s have a look:

  • Make your basic concepts clear in all three subjects and keep updated on current events of the world.
  • Apart from recommended books for NMAT preparation, refer to online NMAT preparation guides
  • Take 20-30 NMAT mock tests, assess your weak points and work on them
  • Solve NMAT previous year question papers to understand the test structure, pattern and topic-wise weightage
  • Be a part of an online study group for NMAT preparation

Also Read: How to Prepare for NMAT in 3 Months?

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.

Also Read: How to prepare for NMAT in One Month?

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NMAT Preparation Books by GMAC

Check subject wise reference books in the table below to crack the NMAT 2025 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

Also Read: List of NMAT Preparation Books and Study Material

View list of Books
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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.

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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

Read More:

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
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NMAT Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

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,

...Read more

R

Rupali Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

No, NMAT is not compulsory to get admission into the PGPM course at Athena School of Management, because the school also accepts several other entrance examination scores for admission to this management course, such as NMAT/ GMAT/ CAT/ ASAT - Athena Scholastic Ability Test. Therefore, NMAT is one o

...Read more

R

Rachit Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

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