GMAT vs NMAT! Know Differences & Similarities
GMAT and NMAT exams have several applicants every year. Both GMAT and NMAT are accepted for MBA admissions in India as well as abroad. Before applying for the test, Shiksha has listed down some key differences between GMAT and NMAT exam. Read on!
GMAT vs NMAT! Know Differences & Similarities
GMAT and NMAT are among the top MBA entrance exams accepted for admission in India and abroad. Both NMAT and GMAT share the conducting body, that is Graduate Management Admission Council. Besides the conducting body and some minor similarities, these MBA entrance exams do not share any common grounds. Both these exams are different in terms of pattern, syllabus, score validity, and more. This article lists the differences and similarities between the NMAT and GMAT exams.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Candidates taking GMAT get five attempts per year, including the first attempt. While in NMAT, candidates get three attempts per year, including one attempt and two retakes. B-schools accept both these exams across multiple countries. NMAT is accepted in different parts of Asia and Africa. While GMAT is accepted in over 110 countries.
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Top B-schools FMS Delhi and IIMs each have distinctive strengths and areas of competence. While IIMs have a high brand value and alumni networks, FMS delivers tremendous ROI. The "better" option ultimately comes down to personal tastes, ambitions, and available programmes.
Q: Is MA from TISS equivalent to MBA?
The MA (HRM & LR) programme at TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) is highly regarded and considered equivalent to an MBA in HR (Human Resources). TISS offers various Master's degree courses that are sought after by MBA aspirants, including MA in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations, MA in Social Entrepreneurship, and MA in Globalisation and Labor. While TISS Mumbai does not offer an MBA programme, it provides a sought-after alternative. The alternative programme features a comprehensive curriculum and is highly sought after by individuals seeking MBA programmes at TISS Mumbai.
Q: Is CAT harder than NMAT?
Yes, the NMAT is easier than the CAT exam. This is due to the following reasons:
- There is no negative marking in the NMAT unlike one-third negative marking for wrong answers in the CAT.
- You can do guess marking in a last-minute rush and get three marks even if only one choice is right.
- NMAT allows you to schedule the order of sections during the test. This makes it easier to attempt the sections for which you are well prepared.
- According to the updated pattern, the CAT has only 66 questions, compared to the NMAT's 108 questions, but the level of difficulty is higher.
- The CAT is a concept-based exam where you need to understand each question, and therefore, you need accuracy as well as speed in this exam.
- The competition in the NMAT is less than that in the CAT. As most MBA aspirants aim for IIM.
Besides NMIMS, popular B-schools accepting NMAT scores in India include IBS Business School, Amity Business School, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, School of Inspired Leadership and Woxsen School of Business. On the other hand, the GMAT score is accepted by prominent B-schools such as IMT, BITS, FMS, TISS, Europe Asia School of Business and others.
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GMAT vs NMAT: Key Highlights
Find the key difference between GMAT and NMAT exam in the table below.
| Features |
GMAT |
NMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions |
90 |
108 |
| Total Duration of the Test |
187 minutes |
120 minutes |
| Type of Question |
Non-MCQ and MCQs |
MCQs |
| Broad Topics |
Verbal, Mathematical and Analytical Skills |
Verbal, Analytical Skills and Mathematics |
| Test Contents |
Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Integrated Reasoning |
Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning |
| Score Range |
200-800 |
0-360 |
| Score Validity |
5 Years |
1 Year |
| Results |
Unofficial released immediately after the test; official score released 20 days after attempting the test. |
Available within 4-5 weeks after attempting the test. |
| Cost of Application |
GMAT vs NMAT: Difference in Syllabus, Pattern, Competitive Scope
- GMAT syllabus contains topics such as Argument and Issue-based essays, Table Analysis, Two-Part Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension and Sentence Correction. The questions evaluate quantitative skills to solve problems, their reasoning skills, reading and writing skills in English. NMAT syllabus consists of topics from Language skills, Quantitative skills, Logical Reasoning skills that are similar to few topics included in the GMAT syllabus such as Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency as well as Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
- GMAT exam pattern, on the other hand, is an expository evaluation sort of a test, which aims at testing a candidate’s inclination and expository abilities. There is one essay-type question in the GMAT exam. Check the sectional time limit and the total number of questions per section in GMAT below.
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time Limit in Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing Assessment |
1 Essay Type Question |
30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning |
12 Questions |
30 minutes |
| Quantitative |
31 Questions |
62 |
| Verbal |
36 |
65 minutes |
NMAT exam pattern is a moderate variant of CAT test with few comparative examples and nature of inquiries. NMAT exam, however, is candidate friendly and specifications of the test like no negative marking scheme makes the test inviting and simple. Check the sectional time limit and the number of questions per section in NMAT below.
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Sectional Time Limits in Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Language Skills |
36 |
28 |
| Quantitative Skills |
36 |
52 |
| Logical Reasoning |
36 |
40 |
| Total |
108 |
120 |
- GMAT score is accepted for over 6,000 programs offered by 2,100 universities and institutions from 114 countries and 600 plus test centres worldwide. Leading business schools from the world such as London School of Business, Harvard University, Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), ESADE Business School, Spain, University of California- Berkley and others accept GMAT scores. NMAT score is accepted for admission to the leading Graduate Business programmes in India such as SPJIMR, ISB, Chitkara University, IILM University, Alliance University and others.
Read More
Q: Is GMAT harder than CAT?
Both GMAT and CAT entrance exams for MBA admissions. While CAT is required for Indian B-schools, GMAT is required for both Indian and international B-schools. GMAT is tougher than CAT because:
- GMAT records more applicants since it is accepted globally, which means there is a higher competition among applicants, in comparison to CAT.
- GMAT tests applicants holistically across its three broad sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.
- Also, GMAT is tougher than CAT because, questions on GMAT have stronger emphasis on global business school entrance exams and their specific requirements. CAT only focuses on Indian business specific requirements.
Check: GMAT vs CAT: Key Differences
Q: What is the difference between taking GMAT exam at test centre and online?
Let us understand the difference between the GMAT test centre and online in the table below:
| Parameters | GMAT Exam at Test Centre | GMAT Exam at Home or Online |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT Dates Availability | 7 days a week, but at different time slots which are also limited. | 7 days a week, at all times of the day (that is, 24x7) |
Cost of GMAT in India | USD 275 | USD 300 |
| Rough Work Resources | At the GMAT test centre, 5 laminated pages and 2 dry-erase markers are provided. | For home testing of GMAT - a physical whiteboard, dry-erase marker and eraser are permitted. Additionally, there is also access to whiteboard online. |
This is how the two modes of GMAT exams differ from one another. Rest other aspects remain the same.
Q: Is it better to take GMAT exam at test centre? Or should I take it at home?
Based on the following parameters applicants can understand which is a better option for them when registering for GMAT exam:
| Parameters | GMAT Online | GMAT at Test Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Tested | Online on the applicant's laptop or computer from home. | Taken at the chosen test centre during GMAT registration. |
| Flexibility | Easy to give in the comfort of home and personal settings, that is, more informal. | More formal, as the applicants have to appear for the exam in a typical exam setting. |
| Good Internet Requirement | Applicants taking GMAT online must ensure they have a high-speed internet connection. | Test centre applicants do not have to worry about the high-speed internet connections, as it is already taken care of. |
| Cost | Higher cost of taking the GMAT exam. | Lower cost of taking the GMAT exam. |
Thus, based on personal choices, applicants can choose which is the better option for them, and consequently register for the exam.
Q: What is the difference between NMAT and other MBA entrance exams?
Q: Is ISB Hyderabad better than IIM?
ISB Hyderabad is one of the leading institutes for MBA. The comparison table below showcases how ISB Hyderabad and other IIMs performed during the 2023 placements:
| Institute Name | Average Package (2023) | Total Companies (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| ISB Hyderabad | INR 34.08 LPA* | 324 |
| IIM Indore | INR 30.21 LPA (PGP/ IPM) | 160+ (PGP/ IPM) |
| IIM Lucknow | INR 32.20 LPA (PGP & PGP ABM) | 200+ (PGP & PGP ABM) |
| IIM Kozhikode | INR 31.02 LPA (PGP/ PGP LSM/ PGP Finance) | 123 (PGP/ PGP LSM/ PGP Finance) |
*The amount mentioned is for the 2022 drive, as the 2023 average package is unavailable.
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With a creative soul, Abhishek is inclined towards anything in the creative space be it drawing, painting, craft, or writing. He has been working in the ed-tech industry since he started his career. Besides creative... Read Full Bio