SMAT Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration
Shiv Nadar University Management Admission Test 2026 ( SMAT )
SMAT exam pattern is similar to other MBA entrance exams. SMAT question paper comprises three sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Verbal & Reading Comprehension. SMAT 2026 will be conducted in offline mode for 1 hour and 30 minutes. In this article you will read all about SMAT exam pattern including the test structure, number of questions, marking scheme and time duration.
- SMAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
- SMAT 2026: Sectional Weightage
- SMAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
- Best Books for SMAT Preparation
SMAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
SMAT is an easy test and a 3-4 months of preparation will be enough. Check the table below for key highlights of SMAT exam pattern 2026 and test structure.
| SMAT Exam Pattern |
Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode |
Online |
| Sections |
Quantitative Aptitude Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Verbal & Reading Comprehension |
| Number of questions |
60 |
| Number of answer choices |
4 |
| Exam duration |
90 minutes |
| Sectional time limit |
No |
| Negative Marking |
No |
| Marks per question |
2 |
| Total marks |
120 |
SMAT 2026: Sectional Weightage
Given below is the sectional weightage of SMAT 2026 question paper. The table includes number of question per section and total marks allotted. There is no negative marking in SMAT and it is not mandatory to attempt all the questions.
| Section |
Number of Question |
Marks Per Section |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
20 |
40 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
20 |
40 |
| Verbal & Reading Comprehension |
20 |
40 |
SMAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme
Given below is the marking scheme for SMAT:
- Two marks will be awarded for each right answer
- No marks will be deducted for wrong answers
- No marks will be deducted for unattempted questions
Best Books for SMAT Preparation
| Books |
Authors |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RS Aggarwal |
| How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
RS Aggarwal |
| High School Grammar and Composition |
Wren and Martin |
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SMAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
IISM SMAT is held multiple times in a year between January and May. Candidates can apply for the exam according to their choice of exam phase.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
SNAP is an 80 minute test having 80 questions in MCQ format. Every questions carries 1 mark. Check below table for sectional break up:
Section | SMAT UG | SMAT PG |
|---|---|---|
Quantitative Analysis | 12 | 12 |
Logical Reasoning | 12 | 12 |
Data Interpretation | 12 | 12 |
Verbal Ability | 20 | 20 |
Sports Awareness | 24 | 24 |
Total | 80 | 80 |
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
You can start preparing for SMAT at least 2 months in advance, so that you have enough time to go through the syllabus and to practice sample questions.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
If you have not studied Maths in class 12, you need not worry about it. SMAT has very basic level of questions from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration. You can revise these topics to prepare for the exam and that'll be enough.
E
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
It is not recommended to skip Quantitative Analysis section in SMAT exam, altogether as it will negatively affect the overall score.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
SMAT syllabus is not difficult. It includes regular aptitude related subjects like Quantitative Analysis, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability. These subjects are common to other entrance exams too.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Sports Awareness section has the highest weightage in the SMAT exam. It has 24 questions. Verbal Ability has 20 questions and rest three sections have 12 questions.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IISM SMAT syllabus includes important topics of Quantitative Analysis, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Sports Awareness.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
It is not compulsory to attempt all sections of SMAT but it is advisable to attempt a good number of questions in each section of the exam for a good overall score.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
SMAT is conducted for 80 minutes. There is no sectional time limit so candidates need to divide time between the sections accordingly.
S
Contributor-Level 7
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How many times is IISM SMAT held in a year?