ATMA MCA 2024 Exam Pattern: Check Section-wise Format Here

Admit Card: 18 Dec '24

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Saumya JainAssistant Manager- Content

Updated on Sep 2, 2024 16:48 IST

Aims Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) exam pattern 2025 has been prescribed by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS). ATMA 2025 is conducted in computer-based test mode for all sessions every year. According to the ATMA exam pattern, the ATMA exam is divided into six sections. The ATMA question paper will have questions on Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills and Verbal Skills. A total of 180 multiple choice type questions will be asked as per the ATMA exam pattern which candidates have to solve within three hours. The test carries a total of 180 marks. Read below for more details on the ATMA exam pattern.

Also Read: ATMA 2025 exam date and schedule

Q: Is ATMA exam difficult?

ATMA is a speed-based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, and English comprehension. It may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at an advanced level. All you will need is to brush up on the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. Students should solve previous years question papers, attempt an ample number of mock tests and be consistent to score well in the ATMA exam. Having said that, the preparation for the ATMA exam requires focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the ATMA exam. ATMA is one of the easiest MBA entrance exams and a good preparation strategy can help you crack the ATMA exam with a good score. Generally, the toughest section of the ATMA question paper is Quantitative Aptitude. But with daily practice and focusing on understanding the fundamentals, this section of the ATMA exam can be handled easily.

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Q: What is the sectional time limit in ATMA?

The ATMA exam is conducted for three hours or 180 minutes. The exam will be conducted in the computer-based test mode. There are six sections in the ATMA question paper, I. e. two sections on Analytical Ability, two sections on Verbal Ability and two sections on Quantitative Aptitude. Each section is to be solved within 30 minutes. Since ATMA is a centre-based online exam the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in ATMA exam so candidates can devise a strategy to use 30 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.

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Q: Will the ATMA exam be conducted in double shifts?

No, the ATMA exam is usually conducted in a single shift. However, in 2020, the ATMA exam was conducted in the remote-proctored mode in order to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19, but the exam was still conducted in a single shift. ATMA exam pattern has not changed much over the years. ATMA 2025 exam will also be conducted in single shift for three hours, I. e. from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The shift timings for both the courses, MBA and MCA will be the same.

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Table of Contents

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025– Overview
ATMA 2025: Structure of Question Paper
ATMA Exam Marking Scheme and Sectional Timings
ATMA Paper Pattern 2025 – How to Answer Questions
Important Topics for ATMA Exam 2025
FAQs Related to ATMA Exam Pattern

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025– Overview

The ATMA exam pattern depicts information about the exam and shows the overall structure of the ATMA question paper. The test structure is similar to other MBA entrance exams. Check out the table below to understand the ATMA exam pattern.

Q: Is there negative marking for wrong answers in ATMA exam?

Yes, the ATMA exam has negative markings. Each question in the ATMA exam carries one mark. And for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. This means that if the candidate has four incorrect answers, then one mark will be deducted from the ATMA overall score. If the candidate marks more than one answer for a particular question, the answer will be considered incorrect. To avoid maximum marks deduction, candidates must attempt the easier question first and then move on to the more difficult ones in that particular section. If the candidate is unsure about a particular question, they can also skip the question. No marks will be deducted or awarded for unanswered questions. Further, the top colleges accepting the ATMA scores generally place a cut-off of 70-95 percentile in ATMA for shortlisting candidates.

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Q: What is the marking scheme of the ATMA exam?

ATMA has a total of 180 questions. Each section carries 30 marks. For each correct attempt, one mark is awarded and 0.25 marks are deducted for incorrect attempt. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Therefore, the total marks of ATMA is 180. Each section in the ATMA question paper carries equal number of questions and marks. Sectional marking scheme for ATMA is given below: 1. Verbal Ability: 30 2. Analytical Reasoning: 30 3. Quantitative Ability: 30 Since ATMA has negative marking scheme, candidates must choose the questions to solve very carefully and smartly. If they are not sure of the correct answer, they should leave the question instead of taking a chance.

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ATMA 2025: Structure of Question Paper

ATMA exam will have questions from three subjects - Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative and Verbal Skills. Each subject is divided into two parts –I and II. For a better understanding, look at the structure of the ATMA exam pattern given below.

Structure of ATMA exam pattern

Check the table below to know the structure of the ATMA question paper:

Section	Number of Questions	Allotted Time
Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 1	30	30 minutes
Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 2	30	30 minutes
Quantitative Skills Part 1	30	30 minutes
Quantitative Skills Part 2	30	30 minutes
Verbal Skills Part 1	30	30 minutes
Verbal Skills Part 2	30	30 minutes
Total	180	180 minutes

Q: Are there subjective-type questions in the ATMA exam?

No, there are no subjective-type or long form answer questions in the ATMA exam. The ATMA question paper only has 180 multiple-choice questions that are to be solved in three hours or 180 minutes. Candidates must attempt all the sections keeping in mind that the exam has negative marking. Candidates must note that each question in the ATMA question paper will have four options. They will be required to choose the correct answer and select the radio button against the answer. If the candidate marks two options for a particular answer, then that answer will be considered incorrect. Each question in the ATMA carries one mark and 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions.

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Q: Which are the most important topics to focus for ATMA preparation?

AIMS conducts the ATMA exam at least three to four times a year. This year, the exam will be conducted thrice in the computer-based test mode. Here are important topics for the exam according to the sections of ATMA question paper. 1. Analytical Reasoning: Every year, this section is considered to be the toughest among the others. This section contains questions mainly from Analytical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. Some of the important topics of this section include: 1. Syllogisms 2. Critical Reasoning 3. Course of Action 4. Cause and Effect 5. Statement and Conclusion 6. Strong and Weak Arguments 7. Statement and Inference 8. Coding and Decoding 9. Arrangements 10. Data Sufficiency 2. Verbal Skills: Just like other management entrance tests, this section is divided into Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability/English Usage. There are about four to five comprehension passages while the topics of English usage are as follows: 1. Synonyms (word pair) 2. Fill in the blanks 3. Para Formation Questions (PFQs) 4. Idioms 5. Error identification 6. Word Meaning 7. Antonyms 8. Sentence Completion 9. Para Jumbles 10. Grammar 3. Quantitative Skills: This section of the ATMA question paper is also considered tough. However, the overall difficulty level can be considered to be moderate. Some of the important topics of this section include: 1. Percentage 2. Profit and Loss 3. Partnership 4. Simple Interest and Compound Interest 5. Average, Mixture and Alligation 6. Time and Distance 7. Time and Speed 8. Geometry and Mensuration 9. Time and Work 10. Permutation & Combination 11. Probability 12. Statistics 13. Graphs and Pie Chart.

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ATMA Exam Marking Scheme and Sectional Timings

According to the marking scheme prescribed by AIMS, for every correct answer, candidates will score one mark while 0.25 marks will be deducted for the wrong response. In the case of four incorrect answers, one mark will be subtracted from the total score. No marks will be awarded or deducted for questions unanswered.

Check the marking scheme below -

Type of questions	Correct answer	Incorrect answer	Un-attempted question
MCQ	+1	-0.25	0

ATMA will be held for three hours. There will be sectional timings that candidates need to adhere to while attempting the sections. Candidates will have to solve questions in each section within 30 minutes.

Q: What is the medium of the ATMA question paper? What is the structure of the ATMA question paper?

The medium of ATMA question paper is English . The structure of the ATMA exam has not changed from the past few years. The latest ATMA question paper structure is as follows: The ATMA exam will be conducted in the computer-based test. The duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). The exam consists of 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) carrying one mark each. The questions are from three different sections, namely Analytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, and Quantitative Skills. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers. The total marks for the exam are 180. The detailed section-wise exam pattern is as follows: Section 1: Analytical Reasoning Skills This section tests the candidate's analytical and logical reasoning abilities. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's knowledge of topics such as Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Analogy, etc. Section 2: Verbal Skills This section tests the candidate's English language skills. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's understanding of topics such as Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, etc. Section 3: Quantitative Skills This section tests the candidate's Quantitative Aptitude. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's knowledge of topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra Geometry, Trigonometry etc.

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Q: Can I prepare for ATMA exam in one month?

Preparing for the ATMA in one month requires a structured plan. In the first two weeks, understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and identify weaknesses through a diagnostic test. In the third week, focus on quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning skills. Strengthen basic concepts and practice time management. Week four is crucial for simulated exam conditions; take full-length mock tests, analyze mistakes, and revise key concepts. Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. In the last days, ensure relaxation, review test-taking strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. While intensive, this condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort and strategic focus on identified weaknesses. Regular mock tests and targeted revision will be essential for building confidence in the limited timeframe.

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Q: How can I crack ATMA in 6 months?

ATMA is very much similar to any other entrance exam and can be cracked if time is managed wisely. Here are few tips to crack the examination provided limited numbers of days/months: Set your plan agile and keep buffer time for revision and solving mock test papers. Start with your verbal and quantitative practice in parallel. Six months can make or change the game, time management is very important at every single point of time till the final day and even on the day. Keep positive! Maintain a good balance between your accuracy and solving time. Be focused and calm. For the last month keep all the formulas and tricks handy and revise on a daily basis. Remember not to be emotional while solving or appearing for exam. Manage your time wisely. In short: - Make daily/weekly targets and pen down each - Revise the syllabus as per study plan - Solve previous year questions as per time frame guidelines of actual exam. This will give you a look and feel of actual exam - Manage your time well - Keep calm and stay cool

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ATMA Paper Pattern 2025 – How to Answer Questions

Given below are the important instructions on attempting the ATMA exam:

Each section of the online test needs to be answered as per the sequence
Candidates have to choose one correct answer out of the four options
Read the questions carefully before answering them
As there will be sectional timings, candidates should not spend more than one minute answering each question
Candidates should solve the easy questions first and the difficult ones later

Download the free question bank for VARC, DILR and QA for practicing high-difficulty level questions. These question banks carry answer keys to each question for candidates' convenience.

Verbal Ability questions with answers
Quantitative Skills questions with answers
Analytical Reasoning questions with answers

Also Read:

Important Topics for ATMA Exam 2025

Given below are some of the important topics from the ATMA syllabus 2025.

Analytical Reasoning	Quantitative Skills	Verbal Skills
Strike the Odd One Out	Ratio and Proportion	Reading Comprehension
Blood Relations	Percentages	Synonyms & Antonyms
Syllogism	Simple/ Compound Interest	Sentence Completion
Data Sufficiency	Inequalities	Jumbled Sentences
Statement– Conclusion	Profit, Loss, and Discount	Word Meaning
Number Series	Number Systems	Grammar

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Q: When should I start preparing for ATMA?

Preparation Tips: 1- Check the AIMS Test for Management Admissions ATMA exam pattern and understand the marking scheme. 2- Check the syllabus of ATMA and note all the important topics. 3- Lean the formulas and shortcuts. 4- Solving the maximum number of ATMA sample papers and mock tests. 5- Gather the best ATMA study material. 6- Prepare notes alongside your preparation. 7- Practise at least 9 to 10 questions from each important topic. 8- Revision is also very important. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha ATMA exam page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/atma-exam). I hope this will help you.

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Q: What is the ideal time to prepare for ATMA?

Aspirants should start preparing for the ATMA exam at least six months before the test date. ATMA preparation requires planning thus one must start early. They can also join coaching institutes for focused preparation. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not. Divide your preparation into three phases - 1. Covering the syllabus 2. Practicing mock tests, sample questions and 3. Revision. The ATMA syllabus includes the following topics: Verbal Skills: Parajumbles, Sentence Completion, Grammar, Comprehension Passages, Synonyms and Antonyms, etc. , Analytical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Strong and Weak Arguments, and Syllogism Quantitative Skills: Geometry, Algebra Number System Arithmetic, Mensuration etc. You can read the following ATMA books for exam preparation: 1. A New Approach to Reasoning by BS Sijawali 2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha 3. Multi-Dimensional Reasoning by Mishra Kumar and Dr Lal 4. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 5. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay 6. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin 7. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma 9. Class 9 and Class 10 NCERT Mathematics books 10. Quantitative Aptitude by R. S Aggarwal.

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FAQs Related to ATMA Exam Pattern

Check some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ATMA exam pattern:

Q: What is the syllabus for ATMA exam?

ATMA syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business and general aptitude. For ATMA exam, candidates have to study, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability and Analytical Reasoning. Given below are the key topics included in the ATMA syllabus: -The Verbal Ability section of ATMA exam syllabus includes various topics of Grammar, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, etc. The Quantitative Aptitude section of ATMA syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry Modern Math, Number System and Mensuration. The Analytical Reasoning syllabus of ATMA exam includes topics that require analytical interpretation of data presented in the form of Puzzles, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Tables and Bar Graphs.

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Q: What is the syllabus and exam pattern of ATMA?

ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) for admission to MBA/PGDM and other postgraduate management programmes in various B-schools across India.

The syllabus and exam pattern for ATMA are as follows: Syllabus: The ATMA exam tests the candidate's aptitude in the following areas:

Analytical Reasoning Skills Verbal Skills Quantitative Skills Exam Pattern: The ATMA exam is a computer-based test. The duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). The exam consists of 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The questions are from three different sections, namely Analytical Reasoning Skills, Verbal Skills, and Quantitative Skills. Each correct answer carries one mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers. The total marks for the exam are 180. The detailed section-wise exam pattern is as follows:

Section 1: Analytical Reasoning Skills This section tests the candidate's analytical and logical reasoning abilities. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's knowledge of topics such as Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Analogy, etc.
Section 2: Verbal Skills This section tests the candidate's English language skills. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's understanding of topics such as Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, etc.
Section 3: Quantitative Skills This section tests the candidate's Quantitative Aptitude. It consists of 60 MCQs. The section tests the candidate's knowledge of topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra Geometry, Trigonometry etc.

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Q: Which is tougher to crack: TISSNET or ATMA?

TISSNET exam is a national level exam conducted for all Masters Programs. If you have complete knowledge with respect to the subject and correct information, then cracking the exam is not that tough. Same goes for TISS, MUMBAI. You require study material which is an amalgamation of every associated concepts. For ATMA the Reasoning section is very important. Candidates can practice similar tests, to be precise and accurate. Since for this section, there is no precise formula, the candidates can solve as many mock tests as possible. Simple preparation for this section can be done by solving puzzles and riddles. For the Quantitative section, the candidates can prepare from the NCERT books or secondary and Higher secondary level mathematics books. Candidates can also opt for solving mock tests, previous years ATMA question papers and CAT Question papers. Lastly, for the Verbal Section, the candidates can brush up their grammar, vocabulary and increasing their reading speed. Reading from various topics can give an advantage while dealing with long passages.

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Q: What is the ATMA exam duration? Can I change my exam slot?

The ATMA exam is held for three hours or 180 minutes. There is only one slot for the ATMA exam. ATMA exam has a sectional time limit of 30 minutes. This means, that the candidates will have approximately one minute to solve each question. Candidates must take care of saving their answers at every step as the moment 30 minutes will get over, the screen will automatically move to the next section. There is no provision of changing the exam slot. And there is no provision to apply for the same. Candidates will have to appear for the exam from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Candidates must make sure that they reach the ATMA exam centre by 1:00 PM in order to complete the frisking formalities at the entry gate. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre beyond 1:30 PM.

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