What is NMIMS NMAT Competency test OR Stage 2 competency test 2026 ?
The NMIMS Competency Test, often referred to as the Stage 2 Competency Test (or Competency Assessment Test), is a crucial second-stage evaluation in the admission process for MBA programs at SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), particularly for flagship programs like MBA at Mumbai, Bangalore, and other campuses.
NMAT by GMAC (administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council) serves as the primary entrance exam (Stage 1), a computer-adaptive test assessing quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and language skills. Candidates who secure a qualifying NMAT score (typically around 209+ for NMIMS Mumbai in recent cycles, though it varies) are shortlisted for Stage 2.
Stage 2 shifts focus from pure aptitude to managerial and behavioral competencies. The Competency Test evaluates how well candidates think critically, solve problems, prioritize ideas, and demonstrate managerial aptitude—skills essential for future business leaders. It replaced earlier components like the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test (WATSON) and Written Ability Test (WAT) in recent admission cycles (around 2025 onward).
This test is mandatory for shortlisted candidates and is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) at the NMIMS Mumbai campus (or specified locations). It typically occurs between late January and February (e.g., January 31 to February 26 in recent years), with candidates booking slots after shortlisting.
The Competency Test carries significant weight in the final merit list, often the highest among components, emphasizing NMIMS's shift toward assessing "industry-ready" traits beyond test scores.
Exam Pattern of NMIMS Stage 2 Competency Test 2026
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT), conducted on-campus (primarily Mumbai)
- Total Questions: Approximately 20 (based on consistent reports from 2025-2026 cycles)
- Question Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Sections and Question Distribution:
- Verbal Ability (VA): 9 questions
- Mental Ability: 6 questions
- Managerial Ability: 5 questions
Scoring/Negative Marking: Correct +3; Incorrect -1; No attempt: 0
Other Notes: It's not adaptive like NMAT. The format tests quick decision-making and analytical thinking under moderate pressure.
This pattern has remained stable in recent years (2025-2026), with minor variations possible but the core structure consistent across candidate experiences.
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Syllabus and Key Topics of NMIMS Stage 2 Competency Test 2026
The syllabus is not officially published in exhaustive detail by NMIMS, but based on candidate feedback, official descriptions from NMIMS leadership, and preparation resources, it targets three core areas:
1. Verbal Ability (9 Questions) Focuses on critical thinking in language, comprehension, and idea prioritization. Key topics include:
- Paragraph summary/completion
- Inference-based questions
- Critical reasoning (assumptions, conclusions, strengthening/weakening arguments)
- Para jumbles or logical flow of ideas
- Prioritizing ideas or statements in a business context
2. Mental Ability / Cognitive Ability (6 Questions) Assesses logical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, and assumption testing. Key topics include:
- Critical reasoning (assumption identification, flaw detection)
- Logical puzzles or arrangement sets (e.g., one LR set with 4 questions)
- Problem-solving scenarios requiring quick deduction
- Analytical reasoning without heavy calculations
3. Managerial Ability (5 Questions) Evaluates decision-making, prioritization, and managerial judgment in business-like situations. Key topics include:
- Situational judgment or priority ranking in managerial dilemmas
- Business scenarios involving resource allocation, team management, or ethical choices
- Prioritizing tasks or ideas in a professional context
- Basic interpersonal or leadership-oriented reasoning
Overall, the test avoids heavy quant (unlike NMAT's Quantitative Skills section) and leans toward behavioral and cognitive competencies aligned with real-world management.
Weightage of NMIMS NMAT Stage 2 Competency Test 2026 in NMIMS MBA Admission Process
The Competency Test dominates the final selection criteria for NMIMS MBA programs (2026 cycle):
- Competency Assessment/Test: 50-60% (reports vary slightly; some sources cite 50%, others 60% for recent cycles)
- NMAT by GMAC Score: 20%
- Personal Interview (often AI-based initially, followed by professor interaction): 10%
- Work Experience: 10% (pro-rated based on quality and duration)
- Academic Track Record: Remaining weightage (implicit in some breakdowns)
This high weightage (highest component) makes strong performance here essential—even candidates with moderate NMAT scores can convert calls with excellent Competency Test results. The emphasis reflects NMIMS's focus on holistic, competency-driven selection.
How to Prepare for the NMIMS Stage 2 Competency Test
Preparation requires targeted practice over 4-6 weeks post-NMAT, focusing on quality rather than volume due to the short duration.
1. Understand the Competencies Review NMIMS's stated goals: critical/analytical thinking, problem-solving, managerial skills, verbal/critical thinking, and prioritizing ideas.
2. Build Section-Wise Strategy
- Verbal Ability: Practice critical reasoning from CAT/LRDI books, GMAT CR questions, or NMAT-specific mocks. Focus on assumption, inference, and summary questions.
- Mental Ability: Solve logical reasoning sets, puzzles, and critical reasoning (similar to LSAT/GMAT CR). Practice assumption-based questions.
- Managerial Ability: Read situational judgment tests (SJTs) from SHL or similar psychometric resources. Practice ranking priorities in business cases.
3. Practice Tips
- Time yourself strictly (45 minutes for 20 questions 2+ minutes per question).
- Take 5-10 full mocks simulating the pattern.
- Analyze errors: Focus on why assumptions were missed or priorities misjudged.
- Build speed in reading and decision-making.
- Stay calm—it's designed to test composed thinking.
4. General Advice
- Revise NMAT basics for overlap in reasoning.
- Prepare for the full Stage 2 day (test + PI).
- Work on soft skills for PI synergy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Competency Test mandatory?
Yes, for shortlisted candidates—skipping it disqualifies you.
Can I prepare without coaching?
Yes—self-study with targeted resources works well due to the focused pattern.
What if my NMAT score is borderline?
A strong Competency Test performance (50-60% weight) can still secure admission.
Is there negative marking?
Not explicitly confirmed in most sources; attempt all if unsure, but prioritize accuracy.
How does it differ from NMAT?
NMAT tests aptitude; Competency Test assesses managerial judgment and critical application.
When is it conducted?
Typically January-February post-NMAT results.
Any sectional cutoffs in Competency Test?
No official info—overall performance matters.
Is it the same for all NMIMS campuses?
Primarily yes, though weightage may vary slightly by program/campus.
