NMAT 2026 Question Paper: Memory-Based Questions With Solutions by Section

NMAT 2026 Question Paper Overview

NMAT 2026 is a computer-adaptive MBA entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It tests candidates on Language Skills, Quantitative Skills and Logical Reasoning. The NMAT exam pattern has 108 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, with no negative marking. Candidates can take the test up to three times, and the best score is considered for admission.

NMAT 2026 Memory-Based Questions With Solutions for Day 1

Question 1
 A recent agricultural report says organic farming is growing in popularity because it benefits the environment and public health. It reduces pesticide use, improves soil quality and supports biodiversity. Consumers want organic products because they worry about chemical residue in conventional produce and the environmental cost of industrial farming. Which of the following can most reasonably be inferred?
 (A) Organic farming is more profitable than conventional farming.
 (B) All consumers prefer organic products to conventionally grown ones.
 (C) The long-term effect of organic farming on crop yields is not yet clear.
 (D) Government policies and subsidies can greatly influence the adoption of organic farming.
 (E) Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and health effects of food production.

Question 2
 Six seats are to be filled from 3 students of Section A, 5 of Section B and 4 of Section C. The leftmost seat must be taken by a Section A student. The remaining 5 seats must be taken by 3 Section B students and 2 Section C students. In how many ways can the seats be filled?
 (A) 10800 (B) 14400 (C) 18000 (D) 21600

Question 3
 Library visitors sit at desks for 7–8 hours and bring in drinks from a nearby café, which stain and damage the furniture. They do this because the lobby is noisy. As the library manager, what should you recommend?
 (A) Limit study time to two hours to discourage drink breaks.
 (B) Provide leak-proof flasks and require their use inside the library.
 (C) Ask the nearby café to stop selling takeaway drinks to library visitors.
 (D) Allow drinks only in the lobby.
 (E) Impose heavy penalties on anyone drinking inside.

Question 4
 Evaluate: 3^(2 + log₃5) ÷ log₂₅125
 (A) 75 (B) 40 (C) 15 (D) 60

Question 5
The growing use of AI across industries has raised concerns about job losses and economic inequality. AI can perform many tasks faster and more accurately than people, which could eliminate jobs in several sectors.
 Courses of action:
 I. Governments should fund education and training so that workers can thrive in an AI-driven economy.
 II. Companies should be required to offer retraining and reskilling to employees whose jobs are automated.
 III. A universal basic income should be introduced for people who lose their jobs to automation.
 Which is the most appropriate course of action?
 (A) Only I (B) Only II (C) Only III (D) Both I and II (E) All of I, II and III

Question 6
 A betting company claims that its business is similar to the stock market, since both are unpredictable even for experts and both cause many people to lose money. Therefore, it argues, betting should be legal. Which of the following would most weaken this claim?
 (A) Stock market investors consistently earn large profits over time.
 (B) Fewer people understand the stock market, but many are interested in sports.
 (C) Betting firms use aggressive marketing aimed at vulnerable groups.
 (D) A regulator oversees the stock market.
 (E) Stock investing is less addictive than sports betting.

Question 7
 If the five-digit number 3a25b is divisible by 12, find the maximum possible value of |a − b|. (Type in the answer.)

Question 8
 Facts:

1. A town is hosting a three-day music festival that, for the first time, includes a rock band show by local artists.

2. 2,000 tickets have been sold for the show.

3. Ticket sales close next Monday.

4. The organising committee has spent the past 10 weeks planning the event.

If these are facts, which of the following statements must also be facts?
 I. A few hundred seats will remain empty during the festival.
 II. Family members of the rock band performers will attend the festival.
 III. Since preparations began 10 weeks ago, all tickets will be sold out by Monday.
 (A) Only I (B) Only III (C) Only I and II (D) Only II and III (E) None of them

Question 9
 Ajay must choose between Language A, which is easy and is spoken by his sibling, and Language B, which is harder but may bring career benefits in the future. Which of the following arguments would persuade him to choose Language A?
 I. He is learning purely as a hobby, with no serious goal.
 II. Only a third of learners pass Language B’s elementary test, and he would likely fail it.
 III. He can practise Language A with his sibling, so mastering it will be easier.
 IV. Language B may offer fewer career opportunities in the future.
 (A) Only III (B) I and III (C) II and IV (D) I and II (E) I, II and III

Question 10
 A salesman used to earn a 12% commission on his sales, which totalled 67,000 last month. This month, his pay changes to a fixed 5,000 plus an 8% commission on sales above 32,000. If his sales this month are also 67,000, by what percentage have his earnings fallen?
 (A) 2% (B) 3% (C) 4% (D) 5%

Question 11
 A software company has released an update with enhanced security features to protect user data. The update aims to respond to growing concerns about data breaches, rebuild trust in the company’s commitment to data protection, retain customers, and keep sensitive information away from unauthorised users. Which of the following must be true for these conclusions to be properly drawn?
 (A) The enhanced security features are meant to address concerns about data breaches.
 (B) The update will completely eliminate the risk of data breaches.
 (C) User trust will return automatically once the update is released.
 (D) The update will have no effect on the company’s reputation.
 (E) The update will raise the company’s operating costs.

Question 12
 A city council argues that a new stadium will boost the local economy by creating jobs and attracting tourists, which will revitalise the area and increase spending. Which assumption does this argument make?
 (A) Building and running the stadium will create local jobs.
 (B) The local economy is in recession, so a stadium is needed.
 (C) The stadium will not hurt existing local businesses.
 (D) Residents will have more disposable income and spend more after the stadium is built.
 (E) The stadium will be the main driver of local economic growth.

Question 13
 Find the value of 7^(3 + log₇5).
 (A) 1575 (B) 3140 (C) 1715 (D) 3460

Question 14
 Oliver has done excellent work in neurology, but his latest paper includes too much about his personal life. The many anecdotes reduce its objectivity, so the scientific community does not consider it rigorous. Which conclusion can most reasonably be drawn?
 (A) The scientific community values objectivity more than personal storytelling in research papers.
 (B) Oliver’s lack of scientific skill keeps his work from being taken seriously.
 (C) Anecdotes are never appropriate in scientific writing.
 (D) Personal experiences always reduce the quality of academic research.
 (E) The scientific community is biased against unconventional research styles.

Question 15
 Country X’s economy is in recession. Should the government develop its scenic sites into tourist attractions?
 I. Yes, tourism will attract foreign visitors and boost the economy.
 II. No, heavy tourism could bring crowds that harm local flora and fauna.
 III. No, the economy can be improved through means other than tourism.
 IV. Yes, tourism helped neighbouring Country Y recover from a similar recession.
 Which arguments are strong?
 (A) Only IV (B) Only II (C) I and II (D) I, II and IV (E) II and III

Question 16
 A tech company has launched a tablet for artists, with responsive stylus input, a sharp screen and professional creative software. It targets both professional and hobbyist artists who want a portable digital art device. Early reviewers praised its performance and drawing quality. Which of the following can most reasonably be inferred?
 (A) Professional artists tested the tablet before launch to confirm it suits creative work.
 (B) The tablet may be too specialised for ordinary consumers, which could limit its wider appeal.
 (C) The marketing mainly targets professional artists rather than casual creators.
 (D) Praise for its drawing features suggests gamers will also be drawn to the device.
 (E) Positive early reviews mean the tablet will quickly lead the general tech market.

Question 17
 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a prominent treatment for depression and anxiety. It helps people change negative thoughts and behaviours, and by linking thoughts, emotions and actions, it improves well-being. Which of the following must be true for this conclusion to hold?
 (A) CBT works for every mental health disorder.
 (B) CBT must be combined with medication.
 (C) CBT aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
 (D) CBT deals only with past trauma.
 (E) CBT is short-term, with limited long-term benefits.

Question 18
 Health experts are worried about rising fast-food consumption, especially among children and teenagers. Studies link it to obesity, diabetes and other diet-related problems. Many governments have restricted advertising of unhealthy food to children to improve public health. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that limiting food advertising to children improves public health?
 (A) Children make healthier food choices when they help prepare meals at home.
 (B) Health experts say a balanced diet and regular exercise matter more than advertising in preventing obesity.
(C) Limiting such advertising has improved overall diets in other countries.
(D) Children who watch more TV are also more likely to be sedentary.
(E) Many children eat fast food regardless of advertising because it is convenient and affordable.

Question 19
Statement: The school has made uniforms mandatory for all students.
 Assumptions:
 I. Uniforms will improve students’ academic performance.
 II. Students from different socio-economic backgrounds cannot easily be told apart when wearing uniforms.
 III. Uniforms will create a more formal and disciplined school atmosphere.
 Which assumptions are implicit?
 (A) All three 

(B) Only I and II 

(C) Only I and III 

(D) Only II and III 

(E) Only III

Question 20
Airline food often tastes bland because low cabin humidity and pressure at high altitude dry out the nasal passages and reduce sensitivity to salty and sweet flavours. Which of the following can most reasonably be inferred?
 (A) Complaints mainly come from passengers’ prior expectations, not actual taste.
 (B) Serving spicier food would end passengers’ complaints about blandness.
 (C) Airlines deliberately lower humidity and pressure to cut food costs.
 (D) Passengers also perceive sour and bitter tastes less well while flying.
 (E) The same meal would likely taste more flavourful to passengers on the ground.

NMAT 2026 Exam Analysis

The NMAT 2026 paper was tougher than many test-takers expected. Candidates found the Quantitative Skills section difficult, with many calculation-heavy questions. Logical Reasoning was also difficult. Language Skills was the easiest section, with direct grammar, vocabulary and reading questions.