Hello aspirant,

To understand difficulty level of NMAT,

Let us compare NMAT with CAT in terms of it’s overall difficulty as well as each of its sections.

NMAT is easier or not than CAT depends on what is the parameter based on which you are making the comparison. If the parameter is difficulty of concepts, CAT is definitely more difficult. If the parameter is speed then NMAT is more difficult.

1. NMAT has no negative marking. For CAT it is (1/3)rd of the marks allotted to the question
2. You get to choose the order in which you want to attempt the sections in NMAT whereas it is not so for CAT
3. NMAT is (2hrs, 120 questions) test whereas CAT is (3hrs, 100 questions)
4. NMAT has 3 sections just like CAT but following is the difference
   QA: 48 questions, time: 60 minutes
   LR: 40 questions, time: 38 minutes
   VA: 32 questions, time: 22 minutes
   In CAT each section has the duration of 1 hr.
5. CAT exam provides you with a calculator. NMAT does not
6. NMAT is quite calculation intensive. CAT is not.
7. Logical Reasoning section of CAT is way more difficult compared to NMAT and is the least scoring section of CAT so to speak. NMAT Logical Reasoning is pretty doable but the pattern of question is quite different.
8. Verbal Ability section of CAT does not contain vocabulary whereas NMAT Verbal Ability section has vocabulary in various forms like synonyms, antonyms etc.
9. QA section for NMAT is also pretty direct and easy compared to CAT. While for CAT, the fundamental concepts are twisted and tested, for NMAT you can expect the questions to be pretty direct and upfront. If you have prepared thoroughly for CAT QA section, NMAT QA section should be a cakewalk for you provided you do not mess up on very basic concepts or forget some minute stuff which many might not have considered as “important” from an examination point of view.

I hope it helps.