NMAT Exam Analysis 2024 (Available): Check Exam Difficulty Level, Weightage, Important Topics

NMAT 2024 Exam Analysis (November 27, 2024 -1st Shift)

It is important to understand the NMAT exam analysis 2024, so that candidates can gain insights into the exam and utilize these insights to perform better in the exam. The NMAT exam is conducted over a span of a 45-day exam window. The NMAT 2024 exam window is available until December 20, 2024. Candidates have to appear for the exam on their scheduled date within the test window. GMAC allows three attempts at the NMAT exam within the test window. Candidates have to pay the registration fee for each attempt separately.

Each exam attempt may have slightly different difficulty levels. The NMAT 2024 exam analysis is based on the feedback from our students who took the NMAT 2024 on November 5.

NMAT 2024 Exam Analysis

The NMAT 2024 paper consists of three sections, each with 36 questions. The option to skip to the next question without answering the current question has been disabled, making it mandatory for students to attempt all the questions. Since the exam is adaptive, students will be rewarded more for answering tougher questions correctly, as compared to easier questions. The topic-wise questions in each section vary for each student.

Section

No. of questions

Time allotted (in minutes)

Language Skills

36

28

Logical Reasoning

36

40

Quantitative Skills

36

52

Total

108

120

Let’s take a look at the individual section-wise analysis of NMAT 2024, based on the feedback given.

NMAT 2024 Exam Analysis for Language Skills (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

The Language Skills section was balanced with questions from Reading Comprehension (3 passages with 4 questions each), Para-jumbles, Grammar, and Vocabulary-based questions, with equal emphasis on each of these topics.

Complexity Level: Easy to Moderate

The section division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Reading Comprehension

(3 RCs of 4 questions each were asked in NMAT 2024)

12

Para-jumbles

(3 Qs were based on 4 sentences, and 3 Qs were based on 5 sentences)

6

Analogy

(Similar pair of words)

4

Fill in the blanks

(Vocabulary-based Questions: Double fill-in-the-blanks, 2 words were used for each option)

4

Fill in the blanks

(Preposition-based Questions: 3 fill-in-the-blanks, 5 prepositions were given)

4

Spot the Error

(Qs were based on underlined phrases/group of words, with one group being incorrect)

6

NMAT 2024 Exam Analysis for Quantitative Skills (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation)

The Quantitative Skills section of NMAT 2024 comprised Arithmetic and Data Interpretation (2 DI sets - 1 Caselet and 1 Line Graph and Bar Graph combination - of 4 questions each), as well as Data Sufficiency questions (4 questions) that were relatively easy to moderate in difficulty. The section predominantly focused on modern math and numbers. As expected, there were no Geometry questions.

Complexity Level: Moderate

The section division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Numbers

2

Percentage

3

Pair of simultaneous equations

1

Simple Interest/Compound Interest

1

Profit, Loss and Discount

3

Time and Work

2

Log-based

1

Ratio/Partnership

2

Geometric progression

1

Permutation and Combination

5

Probability

3

Data Interpretation


(2 DI sets with 4 questions each.

1. Caselet – Set theory percentage based, three subjects, students like which subject. 

2. Line graph + Bar Graph – based on share prices of a company and their investment.)

8

Data Sufficiency

(Qs were based on numbers and Time and work)

4

NMAT 2024 Exam Analysis for Logical Reasoning (Logical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning)

The Logical Reasoning section comprised 17 Analytical Reasoning questions, which were easily doable, and 19 Verbal Reasoning questions, which were lengthy and challenging.

Complexity Level: Moderate

The section division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Analytical Reasoning

Data Arrangement

(2 sets of 4 Qs based. First set: 5 authors, 5 books written in 5 months and Second set: In a wedding reception, seven dishes are served in an order)

8

AR – Rank based

1

Input-Output 

(1 set of 4 Qs each – Numbers and alphabets based)

4

Statement based. Four friends have numbers with different divisibility 

1

Venn Diagram – Rectangle, Circle, Oval shapes-based

1

Missing number – Image based

1

Fact statement based. Three facts with different conditions are given.

1

Verbal Reasoning

Statement/Assumption

4

Statement/ Conclusion

3

Statement /Argument

4

Statement /Inference

3

Meaning of Sentence

1

Course of Action

2

Syllogism

2

Overall, the difficulty level of NMAT 2024 was moderate in terms of the questions asked. However, it also depends on the ability of the candidate as NMAT 2024 is a “Computer Adaptive” exam. All these sections have been modified in many aspects.

NMAT 2024 Test Window Available Until December 20, 2024

The NMAT window is open from November 5 to December 20, indicating that candidates have a total of 45 days to take the exam. During this window, candidates can attempt the exam up to three times, but each attempt must be within the specified exam window.

Candidates who successfully complete an attempt and receive an NMAT scorecard with a valid score can schedule their next attempt for a date with a minimum gap of 15 days between the two attempts. However, candidates who do not successfully complete the exam and whose scorecard indicates “No Show”, “NDA Refused”, or “Exam Incomplete” can book a slot for any date after 24 hrs.

Also check: NMAT Exam Analysis (Nov 10)

NMAT 2023 Exam Analysis

NMAT-2023 consists of three sections, each containing 36 questions. The option to skip to the next question without answering the current question has been disabled, making it mandatory for students to attempt all the questions. Since the exam is adaptive, students will be rewarded more for answering difficult questions correctly compared to easy questions. The topic-wise questions in each of the sections vary for each student.

Section

No. of questions

Time allotted (in minutes)

Language Skills

36

28

Logical Reasoning

36

40

Quantitative Skills

36

52

Total

108

120

Let's take a look at the individual section-wise analysis of NMAT-2023 based on the feedback given.

Language Skills (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

The Language Skills section was balanced with questions from Reading Comprehension (2 passages with 4 questions each), Para-jumbles, Grammar, and Vocabulary-based questions. There were 10 questions on Spot the error.

Complexity Level: Easy to Moderate

The section division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Reading Comprehension - Topics: 1. Multiculturalism; 2. Hypertension (4 questions each)    

8

Para-jumbles

5

Analogy (synonyms/antonyms based)

5

Fill in the blanks (Vocabulary based -, 2 words in each option.)

5

Fill in the blanks (Prepositions based - 2 words)

3

Spot the error

10

Quantitative Skills (Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation)

The Quantitative Skills section of NMAT-2023 contained Arithmetic and Data Interpretation (2 DI sets of 4 questions each), as well as Data Sufficiency questions (4 questions) that were relatively moderate. The section had questions from modern math, arithmetic and number systems. There was one question on Logarithms and one on Geometric progression but no questions from Geometry.

Complexity Level: Moderate

The Section Division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Number system (LCM, HCF, Remainder, simplify)

5

Ratio proportion

1

Percentage (savings based)

1

Average (new employee salary based; distribution of remaining amount after picnic between boys and girls)

2

SI/CI (Mutual fund based; amount invested for 2 children of different ages maturing with equal funds at 18 years)

2

Profit, Loss and Discount (sale of 2 cars with equal profit and loss percentage; CP decreases, find new SP, no change in profit) 

3

Time and work (2 workers different wages, different units of work, find total wages; two workers with different time taken, one starts alone then joined by the other, find time taken)

2

Log based

1

Geometric Progression (given d and sum of T1 to T4, find T8)

1

Permutation and Combination (6 seats to be filled with 3 different levels of employees; 7 paintings to be displayed out of 10 - 5wc)

3

Probability (conditional probability; find probability by writing equation based on union and intersection of sets; 10 balls of 3 different colors find probability of selecting 2 balls of different colors)

3

Data Interpretation (2 DI sets with 4 questions each. 1. Table - based on 4 departments / salary. 2. Bar graph + Line graph- based on total water bodies and those that dried up ; 1 sample each from non dry water body ; line graph on % of non feasible out of samples collected)  

8

Data Sufficiency -

PLD

Numbers - odd/even

Algebra - inequalities

Ordering of integers

4

Logical Reasoning (Logical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning)

The Logical Reasoning section consisted of 16 Analytical Reasoning questions which were easy to moderate and 20 Verbal Reasoning questions which were lengthy but easy to crack.

Complexity Level: Easy to Moderate

The Section Division is tabulated below:

Topic

No. of Questions

Analytical Reasoning 

Data Arrangement (based on 2 buses that stop at A, B, C, D and E; different number of passengers boarding and alighting)

4

Data Arrangement (based on 5 mothers, 5 children, different ages)

4

Input-Output - Numbers based 

4

Circular mathematical puzzle - 1 missing numbers 

1

Venn Diagram - 3 shapes based 

1

Set/Venn diagram-based

1

Row arrangement - queue of 7 persons

1

Verbal Reasoning

Statement/Assumption

4

Statement/ Conclusion

3

Statement /Argument / weaken or strengthen

3

Statement /Inference

1

Statement /Implication

1

Statement /Conclusion

3

Statement /Course of Action

3

Decision Making

1

Passage - Main Fact

1

Overall, the difficulty level of NMAT 2023 was moderate and the paper was lengthy based on the time allotted for each section. Getting a good score on the NMAT exam depends on the candidate's ability to navigate through the “Computer Adaptive” exam.

NMAT 2022 Exam Analysis

Overall, the difficulty level of NMAT 2022 was moderate in terms of the questions asked. However, it also depended on the ability of the candidate as NMAT 2022 was a “Computer-Adaptive” exam. Given below is a general overview of the exam:

Section

No. of questions

Time allotted (minutes)

Level of Difficulty

Language Skills

36

28

Easy to Moderate

Logical Reasoning

36

40

Moderate

Quantitative Skills

36

52

Easy to Moderate

Total

108

120

Moderate

NMAT 2021 Exam Analysis

NMAT 2021 followed an exam pattern similar to NMAT 2020.

Section

No. of questions

Time allotted (minutes)

Language Skills

36

28

Logical Reasoning

36

40

Quantitative Skills

36

52

Total

108

120

NMAT 2020 Exam Analysis

NMAT 2020 comprised of 3 sections - each containing 36 questions. The option to skip to the next question without answering the current question was disabled, making it mandatory for the students to attempt all the questions. As the exam is Adaptive, students were rewarded more for answering tougher questions correctly as compared to easier questions. The topic-wise questions served to the students in each of the sections shows variation for each of the students.

Section

No. of questions

Time allotted (minutes)

Language Skills

36

28

Logical Reasoning

36

40

Quantitative Skills

36

52

Total

108

120

NMAT 2019 vs NMAT 2020

Parameter

NMAT Exam Pattern 2019

NMAT Exam Pattern 2020

Number of Questions

120

108

Sectional Time Limit

Language Skills – 22

Quantitative Skills – 60

Logical Reasoning- 38

Language Skills – 28

Quantitative Skills – 52

Logical Reasoning - 40

Score Range

Language Skills –> 0-144

Quantitative Skills –> 0-96

Logical Reasoning - > 0-120

Language Skills – 12 -> 120

Quantitative Skills – 12 -> 120

Logical Reasoning- 12 -> 120

Exam Difficulty Level

Language Skills: Moderate

Quantitative Skills: Moderate to tough

Logical Reasoning: Easy to moderate

Language Skills: Easy to moderate

Quantitative Skills: Easy to moderate

Logical Reasoning: Moderate to tough

Sectional Time Limit

Time ranging from 22 minutes to 60 minutes

Time ranging from 28 minutes to 52 minutes

Scaled Score

Questions are selectively chosen from a pool, based on candidate’s performance

Questions are directly targeted and are specific to a candidate’s ability, same as GMAT

NMAT Scorecard

Result date and window not specified beforehand

Ready within 48 hours (in the first window)

NMAT 2017 Exam Analysis

For NMAT 2017, the difficulty level was on similar lines with NMAT 2016. Nonetheless, the overall NMAT cut-off increased by 2 marks.

Section

No. of questions

Marks/Q

Total Marks

Time Allotted

Cut-off Mumbai campus)

Cut-off (Bengaluru and Hyderabad Campus)

Quantitative Skills

48

3

144

60 minutes

65

65

Logical Reasoning

40

3

120

38 minutes

60

60

Language Skills

32

3

96

22 minutes

60

50

Total

120

360

120 minutes

210

190

NMAT 2017 Difficulty Level

For NMAT 2017, the difficulty level was on similar lines with NMAT 2016. Nonetheless, the overall NMAT cut-off increased by 2 marks.

Section

No. of questions

Marks/Q

Total Marks

Time Allotted

Cut-off Mumbai campus)

Cut-off (Bengaluru and Hyderabad Campus)

Quantitative Skills

48

3

144

60 minutes

65

65

Logical Reasoning

40

3

120

38 minutes

60

60

Language Skills

32

3

96

22 minutes

60

50

Total

120

360

120 minutes

210

190

NMAT 2016 Exam Analysis

For NMAT 2016, the difficulty level was a tad lower than earlier years'. The overall cut-off, however, remained static, as has been the trend with NMAT over the years.

Section

No. of questions

Marks/Q

Total Marks

Time Allotted

Cut-off Mumbai campus)

Cut-off (Bengaluru and Hyderabad Campus)

Quantitative Skills

48

3

144

60 minutes

74

70

Logical Reasoning

40

3

120

38 minutes

61

55

Language Skills

32

3

96

22 minutes

55

55

Total

120

360

120 minutes

208

200

NMAT 2015 Exam Analysis

NMAT in 2015 was conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), the owner and the administrator of the GMAT exam. This was a deviation from the previous years when Pearson VUE created the NMAT exam on behalf of NMIMS. The over-all cut-off remained the same as last year's, though there were minor changes in sectional cut-offs. Sectional cut-offs fell by a small margin.

Section

No. of questions

Marks/Q

Total Marks

Time Allotted

Cut-off Mumbai campus)

Cut-off (Bengaluru and Hyderabad Campus)

Quantitative Skills

48

3

144

60 minutes

70

60

Logical Reasoning

40

3

120

38 minutes

55

50

Language Skills

32

3

96

22 minutes

50

50

Total

120

360

120 minutes

208

196

NMAT 2014 Exam Analysis

NMAT 2014 was quite predictable with respect to the pattern and the difficulty level. The exam was easy-to-moderate and the overall cut-off remained the same.

Section

No. of questions

Marks/Q

Total Marks

Time Allotted

Cut-off Mumbai campus)

Cut-off (Bengaluru and Hyderabad Campus)

Quantitative Skills

48

3

144

60 minutes

70

60

Logical Reasoning

40

3

120

38 minutes

61

50

Language Skills

32

3

96

22 minutes

55

50

Total

120

360

120 minutes

209

196

NMAT 2020 was conducted in an 88-day test window from 4th November 2020 to 30th January 2021 and like last year, it is being administrated by GMAC. NMAT has had a very standardized pattern in the last few years which has very low chances of changing drastically. With respect to the pattern and structure of the exam, candidates can heave a sigh of relief. The overall difficulty level too will be along similar lines. The overall cut-off is expected to be around 208-210, which is the range around which the last few years' cutoffs have hovered. We can expect a little ambiguity from the sectional difficulty levels and sectional cutoffs can fluctuate by small margins.

For NMAT 2016, Quantitative Skills sectional cut-off rose from 70 to 74, despite the presence of highly calculation-intensive Data Interpretation questions, as the standalone quant questions were easier than last year. This shows that there can be varying difficulty levels even within a single section. A candidate should try to attempt around 75-80 questions to make it to a safe score of between 210-230, after accounting for a few errors. Since sections are timed, understanding of fundamentals and the speed of attempting questions are the 'make or break' factors.

As there is no penalty for wrong answers, candidates should adopt a strategy wherein they attempt all the questions. About 80 questions out of 120 should be genuine attempts and the rest could be guesses/calculated risks based on elimination. If a candidate is purely guessing on the rest of the questions, then all the answer choices selected should be the same options as this maximizes the probability of getting a few of them correct!

Previous Years' NMAT Analysis

NMAT 2024 Analysis 10th Nov NMAT 2023 Analysis 30th Oct NMAT 2023 Analysis 15th Oct NMAT 2023 Analysis 10th Oct NMAT 2022 Analysis NMAT 2020 Analysis NMAT 2019 Analysis 1st Nov NMAT 2018 Analysis 13th Dec NMAT 2018 Analysis 2nd Nov NMAT 2018 Analysis 20th Oct NMAT 2018 Analysis 5th Oct Slot-I NMAT 2018 Analysis 5th Oct Slot-II NMAT 2018 Analysis 4th Oct