ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Check Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus and Important Topics

Vaishali Pandey
December 17, 2024

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Are you preparing for the ATMA 2025 and want to ace the test? Understanding the ATMA exam pattern is crucial for planning your strategy and securing top scores. The ATMA continues to be one of the most popular management entrance exams in India, providing pathways to over 740 top B-schools. 

In this article, you'll uncover everything about the ATMA exam pattern, including the latest paper structure, marking scheme, syllabus updates, and critical topics to prioritise. Keep reading to set the stage for your ATMA success!

By the end of this blog, you will know:

1. The updated ATMA exam pattern, including question types and time allocation.

2. Proven strategies to excel based on the marking scheme and syllabus.

3. Essential topics to maximise your score.

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights

The table below provides an overview of the critical components of the ATMA exam pattern 2025, including details about the mode of examination, number of questions, marking scheme, and duration. This snapshot will help you plan your preparation effectively.

Aspect

Details

Exam name

AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA)

Mode of Exam

Online

Type of Exam

Computer-based Test

Sections count

3

Sectional distribution

Quantitative, Analytical Reasoning, and Verbal

ATMA Exam Syllabus

  • Analytical Reasoning Skills – I
  • Verbal Skills – I
  • Quantitative Skills – I
  • Analytical Reasoning Skills – II
  • Verbal Skills –II
  • Quantitative Skills – II

Total Questions Count

180

Maximum Marks

180

ATMA Exam Time Duration

3 Hours

Questions Nature

MCQs (Objective type)

Medium of Exam

English

Options count in MCQs

4

ATMA Marking Schema

The marking scheme awards 1 mark for each correct answer, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response.

Courses that Accept ATMA Score

MBA, PGDM, MMS, and MCA

Negative Marking

Yes

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What is the ATMA Exam?

The AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) is a national-level entrance test designed to evaluate your analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills. It comprises 180 multiple-choice questions. 

Approximately 20,000 candidates take the ATMA exam during each session. Its difficulty level is considered more moderate compared to competitive exams like CAT and XAT, making it comparable to tests such as CMAT and MAT. 

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Paper Structure 

The ATMA exam pattern for 2025 includes three key sections: Analytical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. This structure aims to evaluate critical thinking, problem-solving, and language skills, which are essential for success in competitive management programs. 

The six-section format provides an equal focus on key areas, making the test balanced and fair for all participants. The table below highlights the structure of the ATMA question paper.

Section

Number of Questions

Allotted Time 

Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 1

30

30 minutes

Analytical Reasoning Skills Part 2

30

30 minutes

Quantitative Skills Part 1

30

30 minutes

Quantitative Skills Part 2

30

30 minutes

Verbal Skills Part 1

30

30 minutes

Verbal Skills Part 2

30

30 minutes

Total

180

180 minutes

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Marking Scheme of ATMA Exam Pattern 2025

With a total of 180 questions spread across six sections, you need to manage your time wisely and understand how your answers are evaluated. Knowing the marking scheme will help you understand how your performance is scored.

The table below shows the marking scheme.

Type of Question

MCQ


Making for each Correct answer

+1

Making for each Incorrect answer

-0.25

Making for each Un-attempted question

0

ATMA Exam Syllabus 2025

The ATMA exam syllabus encompasses a broad range of topics across six sections, each designed to assess a specific set of skills. A deep understanding of these topics will allow you to formulate an effective strategy for preparation. 

Here is a table with an overview of the ATMA exam syllabus 2025.

Section

Topics

Quantitative Skills 

Arithmetic

Profit, Loss, and Discount

Inequalities

Averages

Problems on Ages

Surds and Indices

Averages

Geometry

Coordinate Geometry

Set Theory

Binomial Theorem

Complex Numbers

Simple/ Compound Interest

Trigonometry

Percentages

Functions

Mensuration

Modern Math

Proportions & Ratios

Quadratic Equations

Algebra

Time-Speed-Distance

Permutation and Combination

Logarithms

Complex Numbers

Analytical Reasoning Skills

Number Series

Statement-Conclusion

Analogy

Verbal Logic

Coding-Decoding

Syllogism

Visual Reasoning

Blood Relations

Strike the odd one out

Data Sufficiency

Arrangements of letters

Strengthen/Weaken Arguments

Verbal Skills 

Jumbled Sentences

Reading Comprehension

Work meaning

Synonyms & Antonyms

Sentence completion

Grammar

Vocabulary

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ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Tips and Strategies

Understanding how to approach and answer questions in the ATMA exam is critical to achieving a high score. The key lies in understanding the format of the questions and knowing the best approach to answer them. 

Here are a few tips you should follow.

1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Before you dive into answering the questions, take a moment to read the instructions for each section.

2. Focus on Time Management

With 30 minutes allocated per section, it's essential to manage your time carefully.

3. Understand the Question Format

Each section of the ATMA exam pattern has its unique format, so adapting your approach to each one is vital.

4. Eliminate Incorrect Options

In a multiple-choice exam like ATMA, you can often increase your chances of selecting the correct answer by eliminating obviously wrong choices. 

5. Practice with Mock Tests

This not only helps in understanding the exam pattern but also in improving your speed and accuracy. Identify areas of strength and weakness in each section. 

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Tips and Strategies

ATMA Online Exam Guidelines

Listed below are some essential guidelines for attempting the ATMA exam.

1. Each section must be answered in the given order without skipping.

2. For each question, select the correct answer from four options.

3. Carefully read each question before selecting your answer.

4. Given the sectional time limits, try to spend no more than one minute per question.

5. Start with the easier questions and tackle the more difficult ones later.

6. You will be required to bring a printed version of your ATMA admit card along with a valid photo identification. 

7. It is essential to avoid any form of cheating or misconduct during the examination.

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ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Key Topics 

To perform well, it's important to be well-prepared with a deep understanding of the essential topics within each section. 

Here is a table highlighting the most important topics that you should focus on for ATMA 2025.

Analytical Reasoning

Quantitative Skills

Verbal Skills 

Strike the Odd One Out

Ratio and Proportion

Reading Comprehension

Blood Relations

Percentages

Synonyms & Antonyms

Syllogism

Simple/ Compound Interest

Sentence Completion

Data Sufficiency

Inequalities

Jumbled Sentences

Statement– Conclusion

Profit, Loss, and Discount

Word Meaning

Number Series

Number Systems

Grammar

ATMA Exam Pattern 2025: Top Books

To prepare for the ATMA 2025 exam, selecting suitable study material is crucial. Here are some of the best books that are highly recommended for various sections of the exam.

Section

Books

Author/ Publisher

Quantitative skills I and Quantitative skills II

Quantitative Aptitude for MBA

Sulava Ee

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Agarwal

Mathematics for MBA

RS Agarwal

Analytical Reasoning Skills I and Analytical Reasoning Skills II

A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning

RS Agarwal

Logical and Analytical Reasoning

Ashok Gupta

Logical Reasoning

Arihant Publication

Verbal skills I and Verbal skills II

Trishna's Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Other MBA Examinations

T. I. M. E.

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

Objective General English

S.P Bakshi

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme: ATMA 2024 vs XAT 2024 and NMAT 2024

When preparing for competitive MBA entrance exams like ATMA 2025, XAT 2025, and NMAT 2025, understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme of each test is crucial to developing a solid preparation strategy. 

Here's a table with a breakdown of how these three exams compare.

Exam Pattern Characteristics

ATMA 2024

NMAT 2024

XAT 2024

Questions Count

180

108

100

Nature of Questions

180 MCQs

108 MCQs

97 MCQs and Descriptive type Questions

Total time for exam

3 Hours

2 Hours

3.5 Hours

Marking Scheme

For each correct response, +1 and

Wrong response deducts no Marks

A correct response adds 3 marks each

Wrong response deducts no Marks

A correct response adds 1 mark to each


Unanswered questions also carry negative marks

Sectional Cut-off Time

30 minutes for all 6 skill tests

28 minutes to 52 minutes, depending upon the count of questions

Sectional cut-off timing varies on the basis of sections

Sectional Weightage

Analytical Reasoning Skills I & II: 60 marks

Quantitative Skills I & II: 60 marks

Verbal Skills I & II: 60 marks

Quantitative Aptitude: 36

Logical Reasoning: 36

English Language: 36

Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude:27

Logical and Verbal Reasoning: 26 General Knowledge: 25

Decision Making: 21

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Understanding the ATMA exam pattern is key to optimising your preparation and achieving top scores. You can enhance your chances of success by adhering to the updated exam structure, focusing on critical topics, and practising effective time management. Prepare strategically, and you'll be well on your way to acing the ATMA 2025 and gaining admission to top B-schools across India.

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FAQs About ATMA Exam Pattern 2025

What is included in the ATMA exam syllabus? 

The ATMA exam syllabus includes sections on Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills, and Verbal Skills. Each section is designed to evaluate specific competencies necessary for management studies.

Is ATMA exam easy? 

The difficulty level of the ATMA exam can vary from student to student. While some may find it manageable, others may consider it challenging. Preparation using the ATMA previous year's question paper can help assess the exam's difficulty.

How many sections are there in the ATMA exam? 

The ATMA exam consists of six sections: Analytical Reasoning Skills (I & II), Verbal Skills (I & II), and Quantitative Skills (I & II). Each section contributes to the overall score.

What topics are covered in the ATMA syllabus? 

The ATMA syllabus covers a range of topics, including logical reasoning, data interpretation, reading comprehension, and basic mathematics. Familiarity with these topics is crucial for success.

Where can I find the ATMA previous year question papers? 

The ATMA previous year question papers can be found on various educational websites and forums. These resources are invaluable for understanding the exam format and the types of questions asked.

What is the marking scheme for the ATMA exam? 

The marking scheme for the ATMA exam pattern typically awards one mark for each correct answer, with negative marking for incorrect responses. Understanding this scheme is essential for strategic answering.

How can I prepare for the ATMA exam? 

To prepare for the ATMA exam, you should review the ATMA exam syllabus, practice with the ATMA previous year question papers, and take mock tests to build confidence and improve time management.

What is the duration of the ATMA exam? 

The ATMA exam is usually conducted for 180 minutes, during which you must complete all sections. Time management is key to completing the exam successfully.

Are there any eligibility criteria for the ATMA exam? 

Yes, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, to sit for the ATMA exam. It is important to check these requirements before applying.

What is the registration process for the ATMA exam? 

The registration process for the ATMA exam involves filling out an online application form, paying the required fee, and submitting the necessary documents. Ensure to follow the guidelines provided on the official website.

Can I retake the ATMA exam? 

Yes, you can retake the ATMA exam in subsequent sessions if you wish to improve your scores. However, it is advisable to review the ATMA syllabus and prepare thoroughly before retaking.

What resources are recommended for ATMA exam preparation? 

Recommended resources include study guides, online courses, and practice tests.

How is the ATMA exam different from other management entrance exams? 

The ATMA exam is unique in its structure and focus areas compared to other management entrance exams. It emphasises analytical and verbal skills, making it distinct in its assessment approach.

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