GMAC has confirmed that the GMAT Focus Edition will continue as the standard format for 2025 admissions. The exam runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes, consisting of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. At the same time, NMAT registration is open from August 1 to October 10, 2025, with the exam scheduled between November 5 and December 19, 2025.
Aspirants frequently compare GMAT and NMAT because both tests are conducted by GMAC. However, the two differ sharply in their scope, acceptance, and overall purpose. While GMAT scores are accepted by more than 110 countries, NMAT is primarily designed for Indian B-schools and a few global institutions.
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GMAT vs NMAT 2025: Quick Comparison
Although both tests are managed by GMAC, their reach and purpose differ. GMAT Focus Edition has worldwide acceptance, while the NMAT is more India-centric with some regional expansion.
GMAT vs NMAT 2025: Exam Pattern
Although both GMAT Focus Edition and NMAT 2025 are computer-based tests, they differ quite a bit in design. One is compact and adaptive, while the other is longer and speed-driven.
GMAT Focus Edition- 2025 Pattern
GMAT is shorter than most Indian MBA entrance exams. It has 64 questions in total, spread across three parts:
- Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions to be solved in 45 minutes.
- Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, also timed at 45 minutes.
- Data Insights: 20 questions in another 45 minutes.
All three sections together make the test last about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Check detailed GMAT exam pattern
NMAT– 2025 Pattern
In contrast, NMAT gives a larger question set but with less time per item. The structure is as follows:
- Quantitative Skills– 36 questions with 52 minutes on the clock.
- Logical Reasoning– 36 questions in 40 minutes.
- Language Skills– 36 questions in 28 minutes.
That adds up to 108 questions in exactly 2 hours.
Know more about NMAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Key Difference
GMAT is adaptive, meaning performance influences the difficulty of subsequent questions. NMAT does not adapt, but makes up for it by testing speed and consistency across more items.
GMAT vs NMAT 2025: Syllabus Comparison
Both tests measure reasoning and problem-solving, but they do so in different ways. GMAT leans heavily on data analysis and logical depth; the NMAT stresses speed and accuracy across straightforward multiple-choice items.
GMAT Focus Edition:
- Quantitative Reasoning: number work and algebra come first: percentages, ratios, mixtures, time & work, speed & distance, linear and quadratic equations, functions, inequalities, and basic probability.
- Verbal Reasoning: mainly Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning; passages and argument evaluation dominate.
- Data Insights: this is the GMAT’s special focus: data sufficiency, table and graph interpretation, two-part analysis, and multi-source reasoning that demand synthesis of information.
NMAT 2025
- Quantitative Skills: standard arithmetic and algebra, plus geometry, probability, and elementary statistics. Topics commonly tested include profit & loss, speed & distance, simple/compound interest, and equation solving.
- Language Skills: grammar and vocabulary items, short RCs, para jumbles, fill-in-the-blanks, and sentence correction type questions.
- Logical Reasoning: puzzles and arrangement sets, coding-decoding, series, blood relations, direction sense, input-output and other classic reasoning formats.
Both exams ask for reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and core arithmetic/algebra. The key difference: GMAT questions often require deeper interpretation of data and layered reasoning; NMAT rewards quick, accurate responses across many MCQs. Candidates preparing for both should prioritise RC and basic arithmetic first, then add GMAT-style data practice or NMAT-style speed drills depending on the target exam.
Also read: NMAT 2025 Syllabus
GMAT vs NMAT: Score Acceptance & Validity
Both exams are widely recognised, but the scale of acceptance and duration of score validity set them apart.
- GMAT 2025: Scores are accepted by 6,000+ programs in more than 110 countries, including leading institutions such as Harvard Business School, Wharton, London Business School, and ISB. A GMAT result stays valid for five years, giving candidates flexibility in planning applications.
- NMAT 2025: The test is primarily used for admission to NMIMS University and is also recognised by 70+ international schools across regions like India, Africa, the Philippines, Morocco, and Nigeria. Unlike the GMAT, NMAT scores remain valid for only two years
GMAT vs NMAT: Difficulty Level
GMAT Focus Edition and NMAT 2025 test candidates in very different ways, with notable contrasts in structure, complexity, and score benchmarks.
- GMAT Focus Edition 2025: This exam is computer-adaptive, meaning each answer determines the level of the next question. With just 64 questions spread across 135 minutes, every item carries considerable weight. Scores are reported on a 205–805 scale, and a range of 655–705 (90 percentile and above) is generally expected by leading business schools, including ISB, Wharton, and LBS.
- NMAT 2025: Built around speed and accuracy, NMAT presents 108 questions in 120 minutes, giving test-takers barely 70 seconds per question. The absence of negative marking allows candidates to take calculated risks and attempt all questions. For NMIMS Mumbai, the recent benchmark has been around 230–235, while other institutions accepting NMAT typically consider 200–220 competitive.
- Overall Perception: The GMAT is often seen as analytical and demanding, due to its adaptive design and reasoning-heavy sections. In contrast, the NMAT is viewed as a moderately difficult test, emphasizing time management and breadth of coverage rather than layered complexity
FAQs on GMAT vs NMAT 2025
Is GMAT tougher than NMAT?
. Yes. GMAT is adaptive and demands deeper analytical reasoning, while NMAT is considered moderate, focusing on speed and accuracy.
Can NMAT score be used abroad?
Yes. Apart from NMIMS, NMAT scores are accepted by 70+ schools across India, Africa, the Philippines, Morocco, and Nigeria.
How many times can one take GMAT and NMAT in a year?
GMAT can be taken up to 5 times in 12 months, while NMAT allows 3 attempts per testing year.
What is a good score in NMAT vs GMAT?
For NMAT, 230–235 is competitive for NMIMS Mumbai. For GMAT Focus Edition, a score in the 655–705 range (~90th percentile) is competitive for top schools.
Which exam is better for an MBA in India?
For global acceptance and ISB, GMAT is preferred. For NMIMS and other Indian B-schools with lower costs, NMAT is a better choice.
