The GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test and NMAT or Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test are standardized tests, taken by most MBA aspirants across the globe. Both the GMAT and NMAT are conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), but are different in numerous ways. Through this article, we will guide you through the main differences between GMAT vs NMAT, which will help you choose the one suited for you.
Differences between GMAT vs NMAT are laid out in the table below.
Criteria | GMAT | NMAT |
No. of Questions | 80 questions | 108 questions |
Types of Questions | MCQ + Non-MCQ | MCQ |
Sections | Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning Integrated Reasoning Analytical Writing Assessment |
Language Skills
Quantitative Skills Logical Reasoning |
Time Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes
(+ 2 optional 8-minute breaks) |
2 hours |
Score | 200 – 800 score range | 0 – 360 score range |
Validity of Score | 5 Years | 1 Year |
Frequency | Throughout the year | Just once in a year |
Retakes | 5 times in a year, total 8 | 3 times |
Fee | USD 250 | INR 2,000 (+ taxes) |
Accepted By | B-Schools across the globe | Indian B-Schools |
Pattern and Syllabus:
GMAT consists of 4 sections – Verbal Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. NMAT exam, on the other hand, is divided into 3 sections – Quantitative skills, Language skills and Logical Reasoning.
Questions:
The GMAT consists of 80 questions, across the 4 sections – Quantitative Reasoning (31), Integrated Reasoning (12), Verbal Ability (36), and Analytical Writing Assessment (1). The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of 1 essay-type question and the other three sections consist of multiple-choice questions. As of the NMAT exam, it consists of 108 MCQ questions, equally divided among 3 sections, each consisting of 36 questions.
Time Duration:
The duration of the NMAT is 2 hours, the GMAT is 3 hours and 7 minutes, with 2 optional breaks of 8 minutes each.
Score Validity:
The GMAT score valid for five years, while the scores of NMAT are valid for just one year.
Retakes:
When it comes to retakes, the GMAT can be taken up to 5 times in one year, if you want to get better scores. In such cases, the latest scores are valid. You can take the NMAT up to 3 times, although it has to be within the 84 days window. However, your highest NMAT score is considered as your valid final score out of these attempts.
Cost:
The main difference between GMAT and NMAT lies in their fees. While the NMAT exam would cost you INR 2,000 (along with applicable taxes), the GMAT exam costs USD 250, i.e. around INR 18,000.
Acceptance:
GMAT is accepted across 144 countries by over 2,100 Universities; the NMAT, on the other hand, is only accepted by B-Schools in India. So, if an MBA abroad is your choice, then GMAT is your best shot.
GMAT or NMAT, both exams are beneficial. You can choose the one that suits your needs. However, consistent preparation and smart study plan for both is key to a good score.