The time needed to prepare for the NMAT exam would be as little as around two months when a well-rounded study plan is in place. NMAT is conducted to get into some of the most elite business schools in India.
The NMAT tests a candidate on the aspects of Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. This article details a comprehensive preparatory approach that would allow a candidate to prepare for the complete NMAT syllabus in the span of 60 days.
Preparing for NMAT in 8 Weeks
| Week | Language Skills | Logical Reasoning | Quantitative Skills |
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The schedule provided above has been made keeping in mind that the reader is dedicated enough to follow it. While we understand that it is not the easiest thing to do, the readers also must realise that it is a matter of 8 weeks only.
The Language Skills and Logical Reasoning sections have been designed to ensure that you do not make any "silly errors" that can cost you heavily. They have been designed to ensure that you revise everything multiple times and frequently practice the most important, or rather, most frequently asked questions in the examination.
The Quantitative Skills section, we understand, can be a bit intimidating. The syllabus is so vast, that one must work very hard in this area. We ask the students to not be worried however, as the LOD in NMAT is much lower than CAT. Even doing the medium level difficulty questions fill fetch you decent marks.
Week 1-2: Foundations and Diagnostic Test
Start this stage with a diagnostic test to understand your strength and weaknesses. Take a full-length NMAT Mock Tests in a proctored environment and analyze results to understand areas that need more focus.
From there, focus on the basics of Language Skills: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary. You can make use of normal grammar books, flashcards for vocabulary, and reading comprehension passages. Devote about 1 hours of your day to reading articles from various sources, practicing your vocabulary with flashcards, and brushing up on the basic rules of grammar by doing exercises.
Refer to NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-12) and books by R.S. Aggarwal. Try to spend atleast 1-2 hours a day focusing on the basics of arithmetic and if possible, algebra.
You also enroll in Cracku's NMAT Crash Course which is an excellent resource that you can utilize for a structured and systematic preparation. One of the best aspects of this course is that you don't have to worry about what to study each day. You'll receive daily emails detailing your study plan, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Week 3-4: Time Management with Intensive Practice
For the advanced reading part of the exam, practice your reading comprehension with parajumbles and sentence correction. Smoothen the approach to Language Skills by practicing from past NMAT materials and online resources for reading comprehension. Practice reading comprehension with difficult passages and exercises in parajumbles and sentence correction. Take some timed practice tests for at least 1-2 hours a day.
Develop advanced Quantitative Skills, where you will solve truly complicated problems in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Sufficiency. Use help from the advanced problem sets in GMAT/NMAT prep books and from the online question banks. Develop solving complex problems, data sufficiency questions regularly, and take time-bound quizzes frequently to build speed and accuracy. Put in 1-2 hours every day.
Week 5-6: Full-Length Tests and Revision
Now, simulate the exam situation and fine-tune it by the use of taking 1-2 full-length NMAT mock in a week. Analyze in detail each test to find out and work upon weak areas. Dedicate 4 hours within the day, including tests and reviews. Focus on revising and strengthening weak areas you found in the course of taking mock tests. Use review materials and other practice questions, putting in 3 hours daily to comprehensively revise and practice targeted topics.
Week 7-8: Final preparation and polishing
This is the duration when you need to sharpen up the skills with a sectional test of LST, QST, and LRT. Devote a minimum of 3 hours daily to increase speed and accuracy for each section.
Do an overall revision of the syllabus and work on weak portions. Use those summary notes and flashcards to do a quick revision spending minimum 3 hours daily on these summary notes, flashcards, and practice. Take a mix of full-length and sectional tests.
Four days before the exam, do not burn yourself out; keep conducting light reviews and remain relaxed. Maybe 1-2 hours of revision every day will help you enter the exam hall in a relaxed but focused state. Stick to regular study routines and live healthily with sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and exercise, and stay positive with mindfulness to handle stress. Use the online resources, apps, and forums to gain that extra edge in support and practice. It would be even more useful if you could join study groups for the purpose of peer learning and clearing of doubts.
Preparing for the NMAT exam in two months requires dedication, a well-organized plan, and timely effort. Stick to the rigorous study plan, focusing on the concepts, regular practice, and strategies toward maximum possible success. Stay calm, stay focused, and give your best effort on the day of the test. Good luck!
