NMAT Scoring System Explained: NMAT Study Guide
Understanding the NMAT scoring system is essential for anyone planning to apply to medical schools in the Philippines. Many NMAT takers focus heavily on content review but overlook how scores are actually calculated, interpreted, and used by admissions committees. This often leads to confusion about percentile ranks, required cutoffs, and how competitive a given score really is.
This guide explains the NMAT scoring system in clear, practical terms. You will learn how NMAT scores are computed, what percentile ranks mean, how medical schools use them, and how to set realistic score targets based on your goals.
What Is the NMAT and Why Scoring Matters
The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to most medical schools in the Philippines. It is administered by the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM) and is designed to assess academic readiness for medical education.
The NMAT score plays a crucial role because:
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It is a standardized benchmark across applicants from different universities and academic backgrounds
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It is often used as a screening cutoff before interviews
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It can significantly affect admission chances even with strong grades
Understanding how the scoring works allows you to interpret your results accurately and plan retakes strategically if necessary.
Overview of the NMAT Score Components
The NMAT score is reported as a percentile rank, not a raw score or percentage score.
Key points to remember:
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NMAT scores range from 1 to 99+
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The score represents your percentile rank, not your accuracy rate
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Scores compare your performance against all NMAT examinees nationwide
There are no letter grades, scaled scores, or pass/fail results. Everything revolves around percentile ranking.
What Is a Percentile Rank in NMAT
A percentile rank indicates the percentage of examinees you scored higher than or equal to.
For example:
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NMAT 90 means you performed better than or equal to 90% of test takers
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NMAT 50 means you performed better than or equal to 50% of test takers
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NMAT 30 means you outperformed 30% of examinees
This means NMAT scores are relative, not absolute.
A high raw score does not automatically guarantee a high percentile if the overall test-taking group performs well.
NMAT Score Range Explained
The official NMAT score range is:
Each score reflects relative standing among all examinees in the same testing cycle.
What Does 99+ Mean
A score of 99+ indicates you are in the top 1% or higher of all NMAT examinees. This is the most competitive score range and is often associated with top-performing applicants nationwide.
How NMAT Raw Scores Are Converted to Percentiles
The NMAT does not publish the exact formula used to convert raw scores into percentile ranks, but the general process follows standard psychometric principles.
The process involves:
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Raw score calculation
Your number of correct answers across all test sections is tallied. There is no penalty for guessing.
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Score normalization
Scores are adjusted to account for slight differences in test difficulty across exam versions.
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Percentile ranking
Your normalized score is compared to the national pool of examinees to determine your percentile rank.
Because of this process, two examinees with similar raw scores may receive slightly different percentile ranks depending on test batch performance.
Section Scores vs Final NMAT Score
The NMAT is divided into two main parts:
However, the final NMAT score is a single percentile rank, not separate percentile scores for each section.
Important notes:
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Medical schools do not receive individual section percentile scores
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Only the overall NMAT percentile rank is used for admissions
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Weakness in one section can be compensated by strong performance in others
This means strategic preparation across all sections is essential.
Is There a Passing Score in NMAT
Technically, there is no official passing or failing score in NMAT.
Instead:
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Each medical school sets its own minimum NMAT cutoff
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Some schools adjust cutoffs depending on applicant volume
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Competitive programs may require higher percentiles
Therefore, your target score should be based on school requirements, not on the idea of “passing.”
Common NMAT Cutoff Scores by Medical Schools
While cutoffs can change, the following ranges reflect general expectations:
Low to Moderate Cutoffs (30–40)
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New or developing medical schools
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Schools outside major metropolitan areas
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Applicants with strong academic or non-academic credentials may still be considered
Standard Cutoffs (40–60)
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Many private medical schools
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Common minimum requirement nationwide
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Often combined with GPA and interview performance
Competitive Cutoffs (70–85)
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Well-established private medical schools
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Highly selective applicant pools
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Strong academic track records expected
Highly Competitive Cutoffs (90+)
Always verify the latest cutoff requirements directly from the medical school.
How Medical Schools Use NMAT Scores
Medical schools do not use NMAT scores in isolation.
Typically, NMAT is used in the following ways:
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Initial screening: Applicants below the cutoff are filtered out
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Ranking applicants: Higher NMAT scores improve ranking among candidates
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Balancing GPA: A strong NMAT can offset a lower undergraduate GPA
Some schools also use NMAT scores to:
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Determine eligibility for scholarships
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Prioritize interview slots
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Set academic probation thresholds
Validity Period of NMAT Scores
NMAT scores are valid for two years from the date of examination.
Key reminders:
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Expired scores cannot be used for admission
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Medical schools strictly enforce validity rules
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Plan retakes carefully if you delay medical school application
For example, if you took NMAT in October 2025, your score is valid until October 2027.
Can You Retake the NMAT
Yes, the NMAT can be retaken.
Important retake rules include:
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You may take the NMAT once per testing cycle
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The most recent valid score is usually used
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Some schools consider only the highest score, while others use the latest score
Retaking the NMAT is common, especially for applicants aiming to improve percentile ranks for competitive schools.
How Much Score Improvement Is Realistic
Score improvement depends on preparation quality, not just time spent studying.
Typical improvement ranges:
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5–10 percentile points: Moderate improvement with focused review
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10–20 percentile points: Significant improvement with structured preparation
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20+ percentile points: Possible with major changes in study strategy and test-taking skills
Understanding the scoring system helps you set realistic improvement goals.
Common Misunderstandings About NMAT Scoring
NMAT Is Not a Percentage Score
A 70 NMAT score does not mean 70% correct answers. It means you performed better than 70% of examinees.
One Weak Section Does Not Automatically Fail You
Since only the overall percentile matters, strong performance in other areas can compensate.
Higher Scores Do Not Guarantee Admission
NMAT is just one part of the application process. Interviews, GPA, recommendation letters, and school fit still matter.
How to Set a Target NMAT Score
Setting a clear target score improves motivation and preparation focus.
To set your target:
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List medical schools you plan to apply to
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Identify their minimum NMAT cutoffs
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Add a buffer of 5–10 percentile points above the minimum
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Adjust based on GPA strength and competitiveness
For example, if a school requires NMAT 70, aiming for 80 provides a safer margin.
Strategic Implications of NMAT Scoring
Understanding NMAT scoring helps you make smarter decisions about:
Applicants who understand percentile ranking tend to approach NMAT with a strategy-driven mindset, not just memorization.
Final Thoughts on NMAT Scoring System
The NMAT scoring system is designed to compare applicants nationwide using a standardized percentile rank. Success is not about achieving a perfect raw score, but about outperforming the majority of examinees.
By understanding how percentile ranks work, how schools interpret scores, and how retakes affect applications, you gain a major advantage in planning your medical school journey.
A well-informed approach to NMAT scoring allows you to focus preparation efforts where they matter most and apply with confidence.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the NMAT score a raw score or a percentage?
No. The NMAT score is not a raw score and it is not a percentage of correct answers. Your official NMAT result is reported as a percentile rank, which shows how you performed compared with other NMAT examinees. For example, an NMAT percentile rank of 80 means your overall performance is equal to or better than 80% of test takers in the reference group. This is why two students who feel they answered a similar number of items correctly can still end up with different percentile ranks depending on the overall performance of the testing population.
What does an NMAT percentile rank actually mean?
A percentile rank tells you your position relative to others, not your score out of 100. If you receive an NMAT 60, it means you performed as well as or better than 60% of examinees. It does not mean you got 60% of the questions correct. Percentiles are useful because they help medical schools compare applicants from different academic backgrounds and universities using a single standardized metric.
Why does the NMAT score range end at 99+?
The NMAT reporting system uses a percentile scale that typically runs from 1 to 99, with the top category shown as 99+. A 99+ indicates a performance in the highest percentile bracket and usually reflects being in the very top group of examinees. It is written as 99+ because percentile ranks at the extreme top can be very close together, and the reporting format groups the highest performers into the uppermost band rather than listing separate values beyond 99.
Does NMAT show separate scores for each subject or section?
Applicants generally focus on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Science, and Mental Ability as separate areas, but admissions decisions are commonly based on the overall NMAT percentile rank. While your preparation should still be balanced, your final reported result is designed to summarize your overall standing as a single number. If you are weak in one subject, you can still reach a competitive percentile if you compensate with stronger performance in other sections, especially if you improve speed, accuracy, and test-taking consistency.
Is there a “passing” NMAT score?
There is no universal passing or failing NMAT score. Instead, medical schools set their own minimum percentile requirement (often called a cutoff). This cutoff can differ by school and may change over time depending on applicant volume and policy updates. In practice, “passing” means meeting the cutoff for the schools you want to apply to. Your target should be higher than the minimum to remain competitive.
What NMAT score is considered competitive for medical school in the Philippines?
“Competitive” depends on the school. Some programs accept applicants with moderate percentile ranks, while more selective schools require higher NMAT scores. As a general strategy, aim to exceed the school’s stated cutoff by at least 5 to 10 percentile points. If you are targeting highly competitive programs or scholarships, aiming for 85 to 90+ can strengthen your application. Always check the latest requirements from the medical schools on your shortlist.
Can I still get accepted with a lower NMAT score if my GPA is high?
Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the school’s admissions policy. Some medical schools treat NMAT as a strict screening tool, meaning applicants below the cutoff are not processed further regardless of GPA. Others may consider strong academic records, interviews, recommendation letters, and relevant experience alongside NMAT. If your NMAT is close to the cutoff, strong grades and a solid interview may help. If your NMAT is far below the cutoff, retaking the test is usually the most practical path.
How do medical schools use NMAT scores during admissions?
Medical schools commonly use NMAT in three ways: (1) to screen applicants using a minimum cutoff, (2) to rank applicants when slots are limited, and (3) to balance other credentials such as GPA. In competitive cycles, NMAT can become an important differentiator, especially when many applicants meet the minimum requirements. A higher percentile rank can increase the chance of being prioritized for interview invitations or final shortlists.
How long is an NMAT score valid?
NMAT scores have a validity period, and applicants must submit a score that is still valid at the time of application. Because policies can be strict, you should plan your test date around your intended application cycle. If you are delaying medical school for work, board exams, or other plans, consider whether your NMAT will expire before you apply. When in doubt, taking the NMAT closer to your application period reduces the risk of an expired score.
Should I retake the NMAT if my score is below my target?
If your score is below the cutoff for your preferred schools, a retake is strongly recommended. Even if you meet the cutoff, retaking can still be worthwhile if you are aiming for more competitive programs, scholarship opportunities, or a stronger admissions position. Before retaking, identify why your percentile rank was lower than expected: weak content areas, poor time management, unfamiliarity with the CBT format, test anxiety, or inconsistent practice. A structured plan and timed mock exams are usually the fastest way to raise your percentile rank.
Can I improve my percentile rank without mastering every topic?
Yes. Because NMAT is time-limited and standardized, improvements often come from better test strategy and smarter practice, not only from learning more content. Focus on high-yield topics, strengthen foundational concepts, and practice under realistic time constraints. Track which question types consume too much time and develop shortcuts for common patterns. Consistent timed practice can raise accuracy and speed, which directly supports a higher percentile rank.
Does guessing hurt my NMAT score?
In many standardized tests, wrong answers may have penalties, but NMAT scoring is generally designed around the number of correct answers contributing to your performance measure. Practically, this means leaving items blank is rarely a good strategy. When you are unsure, eliminating obviously wrong choices and making an educated guess is often beneficial. The key is to manage time well so you can attempt all items rather than running out of time with many unanswered questions.
What is the best way to interpret my NMAT result after the exam?
Start by comparing your percentile rank with the cutoffs of your target schools. Next, reflect on your test-day performance: pacing, sections that felt difficult, and questions you consistently missed during practice. Then decide whether your current score supports your application plan or whether a retake is needed. Finally, translate that decision into a study plan with clear weekly goals, timed drills, and full-length mock exams so you can raise your percentile rank efficiently.
