Top B-Schools Set 240+ Cutoff for NMAT 2025; Key Strategies to Score High

Staff Writer: Upasana Sen

Last Updated: November 19, 2025

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) conducts the NMAT exam annually for MBA admissions into leading business schools across India. Prominent institutes such as SVKM’s NMIMS, TAPMI, and KJ Somaiya accept NMAT scores, and their cutoffs generally remain above 240 marks. Achieving this benchmark requires a clear understanding of the exam structure, strong time-management skills, and strategic preparation for high-weightage topics.

NMAT is an adaptive, computer-based test, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on a candidate’s responses. The exam includes three sections – Language Skills (LS), Logical Reasoning (LR), and Quantitative Skills (QA) – with 36 questions each, making a total of 108 questions to be completed in 120 minutes. The score range varies between 36 and 360, with sectional time limits of 28 minutes for LS, 40 minutes for LR, and 52 minutes for QA.

To secure 240+, candidates must design an individual strategy for each section. Common mistakes include leaving questions unanswered and spending too long on time-consuming sets like DI, input-output and complex puzzles.The Quantitative Skills section is dominated by Arithmetic and Modern Math, making them essential for scoring well. Aspirants should take timed mock tests regularly, especially the official NMAT mocks, to gauge the exam-level difficulty. Ideal targets include a sectional score of 72+ and an overall score above 240. Balanced preparation across all three sections is crucial, as most participating colleges maintain sectional cutoffs.