Best NMAT Review Books and Materials: NMAT Study Guide

Preparing for the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is a major step toward gaining admission to medical schools in the Philippines. Success on exam day doesn’t happen by chance — it requires consistent study, deep understanding of concepts, targeted practice, and the right study materials. This NMAT study guide covers the best review books, materials, and strategies you should use to prepare effectively. It includes expert-recommended books, subject-wise resources, mock tests, and tips to help you build confidence and maximize your score.

What Is NMAT and Why Quality Study Materials Matter

The NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) is a standardized examination used by most Philippine medical schools to assess applicants’ readiness for medical education. NMAT score usually plays a significant role in admissions decisions, alongside grades and interviews. Because of its competitive nature, preparing with high-quality review books and materials is essential.

Study materials help you in several ways:

• Cover the entire NMAT syllabus thoroughly.

• Provide practice questions and mock exams to simulate test conditions.

• Introduce reading, reasoning, and problem-solving strategies.

• Help you track progress and identify weak areas.

Choosing the right books and resources will save time and provide a strategic edge over other test-takers.

Understanding the NMAT Exam Structure

Before diving into books and materials, it’s important to understand the NMAT structure. The official NMAT exam is divided into three key sections (as per expert recommendations and exam details):

1. Language Skills – assesses vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

2. Quantitative Skills – tests mathematical reasoning and quantitative problem-solving.

3. Logical Reasoning – measures critical reasoning and analytical thinking abilities.

Each section has its own demands, and most comprehensive review materials target these three areas with detailed explanations and practice questions.

Best Overall NMAT Study Guides

These are comprehensive books and guides that cover all three major sections of the NMAT and offer structured study plans, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.

NMAT by GMAC Official Guide

• Publisher/Author: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)

• Why it’s essential: This is the closest you can get to an “official” NMAT study guide. It contains an extensive review of all question types, a study plan, and practice questions representative of real NMAT questions.

• Includes full-length practice exams.

• Offers test strategies directly from the exam maker.

• Recommended as a foundational resource for any serious candidate.

Top Books for Language Skills

Strong language skills are fundamental to the NMAT because they help with comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary — skills that also apply to reasoning and other sections.

Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis

• Excellent for improving vocabulary with simple explanations and usage examples.

• Great for building confidence in unfamiliar words and complex passages.

High School English Grammar & Composition — Wren & Martin

• Comprehensive reference on grammar rules, sentence structure, and written English.

• Ideal for mastering grammar basics.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension — Ajay Singh

• Contains a variety of reading passages and verbal questions.

• Practice explanations help you understand how to approach different question patterns.

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension — Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay

• Offers practical techniques for reading comprehension and reasoning.

• Includes solved examples and strategy tips.

Best Resources for Quantitative Skills

Quantitative Skills involve logic, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. For many test-takers, this is one of the most challenging sections, so solid books and practice are crucial.

Quantitative Aptitude — R.S. Aggarwal

• Detailed explanations of math concepts from basics to intermediate levels.

• Plenty of solved practice questions.

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT — Arun Sharma

• Not NMAT-specific but very strong for building problem-solving skills.

• Covers data interpretation and advanced quantitative topics that benefit NMAT prep.

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation — Arun Sharma

• Focuses on real-world data interpretation, a key skill for NMAT.

Best Books for Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning tests your ability to think critically and solve problems through patterns and deductions.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal

• Covers both verbal logic and pattern-based questions.

• Offers a very wide range of examples.

Logical and Analytical Reasoning — Ashok Gupta

• Helps build a solid foundation in logical reasoning techniques.

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal

• Explores all types of reasoning questions with conceptual clarity.

Non-Verbal Reasoning — Arihant or RS Aggarwal

• Visual logic and pattern recognition material such as series, matrices, and analogies.

Practice Materials and Mock Tests

Books are essential, but practice makes perfect. Mock tests and question banks prepare you for the exam format, timing, and pressure.

Official Practice Tests from GMAC

• Full-length practice tests that mirror the actual NMAT format.

• Timed conditions help you get used to the time limits per section.

• Highly recommended as part of your study schedule.

NMAT Champion Review

• A dedicated NMAT review book focusing on exam tactics, strategies, and practice tests.

• Includes answer keys and explanations to help you understand reasoning approaches.

Online Mock Test Series & PDF Resources

• Many reputable prep websites provide PDF mock tests, sample questions, and topic-wise practice material that align with latest NMAT patterns.

• Use these to time yourself, assess strengths/weaknesses, and revise accordingly.

Digital and Supplementary Materials

Aside from printed books, interactive and digital resources can boost your preparation:

• PDF study notes and downloadable question sets — useful for focused revision.

• Online platforms offering timed practice tests and analytics dashboards.

• Flashcards and mobile apps for vocabulary, formulas, and quick drills — great for learning on the go.

How to Build an Effective NMAT Study Plan

Great books are just one part of the equation. A structured study plan will help you master the syllabus and avoid last-minute stress. Below is a recommended framework you can adapt to your schedule:

1. Assess Your Starting Point

Take a diagnostic mock test to determine strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to weak subjects.

2. Set a Monthly Preparation Goal

Divide your preparation into focused phases:

• Months 1–2: Strengthen basics with foundational books.

• Months 3–4: Focus on practice questions, section tests, and timing.

• Last 4–6 weeks: Take full-length mock tests and revise strategy.

3. Daily and Weekly Study Routines

• Study key concepts in the morning.

• Reserve afternoons for practice questions.

• Take weekly full-length mock tests to simulate the real exam.

4. Track Progress Regularly

Record mock test scores and time taken per section. Identify areas requiring more work.

Final Tips for NMAT Success

• Never skip fundamentals: Books like R.S. Aggarwal and Wren & Martin build strong foundations.

• Practice under timed conditions: Regular time-bound mock exams simulate real test pressure.

• Use a mix of printed and online resources: Combining books with digital materials gives a comprehensive preparation approach.

• Revise regularly: Keep a revision notebook with formulas, vocabulary, and key strategies.

Conclusion

Effective NMAT preparation combines well-chosen books, consistent practice, and smart strategy. Using authoritative guides like the GMAC Official Guide, solid subject-wise materials, and regular mock tests, you will be well-equipped to approach the exam with confidence and clarity. Choose a mix of foundational books, practice materials, and digital tools, then follow a disciplined study plan to maximize your score potential. With the right preparation, your goal of passing the NMAT and entering the medical school of your dreams becomes attainable.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the best NMAT review books to start with?

If you are building your NMAT foundation, start with one strong book per skill area plus a reliable mock-test source. For Language Skills, a grammar reference and a vocabulary builder are helpful. For Quantitative Skills, choose a quantitative aptitude book that teaches concepts clearly and includes many practice sets. For Logical Reasoning, use a reasoning-focused book with mixed question types (verbal and non-verbal). The best “starter set” is the one you can finish and repeat for mastery, so prioritize clarity, explanations, and enough drills rather than collecting many titles.

Do I need an “official” NMAT reviewer, or are third-party books enough?

An official reviewer (if available for your NMAT version) is ideal because it helps you align your practice with the actual test style and difficulty. However, many students score well using third-party books and mock tests, as long as they practice consistently under time pressure and review mistakes carefully. If you can access official sample questions or official practice tests, use them near the end of your preparation as a benchmark. If you cannot, focus on high-quality practice materials that emphasize reasoning, time management, and error analysis.

How do I choose the right books if I only have a limited budget?

Choose materials that give you the most practice value per peso or dollar. A good plan is: (1) one comprehensive quantitative aptitude book, (2) one logical reasoning book, (3) one verbal and reading comprehension practice book, and (4) at least one mock-test set. Avoid buying multiple books that cover the same topics in similar ways. If you are on a very tight budget, prioritize a mock-test resource plus one book that strengthens your weakest section. Also check for legitimate free materials such as official sample items, library copies, or school guidance resources.

Which materials are best for NMAT Language Skills?

For Language Skills, you want three things: vocabulary growth, grammar accuracy, and reading comprehension speed. A vocabulary book is helpful for expanding word knowledge and improving context clues. A grammar reference helps you avoid common sentence-structure and usage errors. For reading comprehension, use materials with varied passages (science, social issues, humanities) and practice answering questions under time limits. The best language prep comes from repeated reading practice: timed sets, careful review of wrong answers, and building a personal list of unfamiliar words and common grammar traps.

Which materials are best for NMAT Quantitative Skills?

Quantitative Skills prep should include concept lessons, formula familiarity, and lots of drills. Select a book that explains fundamentals clearly (arithmetic, algebra basics, geometry basics, and word problems) and provides progressive exercises from easy to difficult. If you struggle with math anxiety, choose a resource with step-by-step solutions so you can learn the process, not just the final answer. Add a dedicated set of timed practice questions so you can train speed and accuracy. Over time, the goal is to recognize question patterns quickly and pick the fastest valid method.

Which materials are best for NMAT Logical Reasoning?

Logical Reasoning improves most when you practice consistently and review your thinking process. Choose a reasoning book that covers common question types such as deductions, sequences, analogies, syllogisms, assumptions, conclusions, and pattern-based non-verbal questions. Look for resources that explain why an option is correct and why others are wrong. Many students benefit from doing short daily sets (for example, 15–25 questions) rather than long sessions once a week. Reasoning skill builds like a muscle: frequent training and detailed review produce steady progress.

Are online materials and apps useful for NMAT preparation?

Yes, digital resources can be very effective, especially for timed drills and quick revision. Online mock tests help you simulate exam pacing and build stamina. Apps and flashcards are useful for vocabulary, formulas, and short practice sessions during commutes. However, quality varies widely, so choose platforms that provide clear explanations, realistic timing, and performance analytics. Avoid relying only on short quizzes that do not reflect real test conditions. The best approach is to combine a few trusted digital tools with solid books and full-length mock tests.

How many mock tests should I take before the NMAT?

A practical target is 6–12 full-length mock tests, depending on your timeline. If you have fewer weeks, take fewer mocks but review them deeply. The most important part is not the number of tests but how well you analyze them. After each mock, identify: (1) questions you got wrong, (2) questions you guessed correctly, and (3) questions you got right but took too long. Then create a short “error list” of topics and reasoning mistakes, and drill those areas before your next mock.

How should I review mistakes from books and mock tests?

Use a structured error-review system. For every wrong answer, write: the topic, the reason you missed it (concept gap, careless error, time pressure, misread question, weak vocabulary, flawed reasoning), and the correct method. Keep a notebook or digital document called an “NMAT Error Log.” Revisit it weekly. If you missed the question due to a concept gap, study the concept and then do 10–20 similar questions. If it was a time issue, practice the same type with a strict timer and learn shortcuts that remain accurate.

Can I use general aptitude books even if they are not NMAT-specific?

Yes. Many general aptitude books are excellent for building skills in quantitative and reasoning sections. The key is to adjust difficulty and select question types that match the NMAT style. If a book is too advanced, focus on the chapters that align with the NMAT level and use the rest only if you need an extra challenge. Always balance skill-building with NMAT-style practice through mock tests and timed sets. NMAT-specific familiarity matters, but strong fundamentals often matter more.

What is the best way to organize my NMAT materials for daily study?

Keep your system simple. Use one primary book per section and one mock-test source. Assign each day a clear goal: concept learning, practice sets, and review. For example, you might do Language in the morning (reading passages and vocabulary), Quantitative in the afternoon (topic drills), and Reasoning in the evening (short timed sets). Reserve one day each week for a mock test and deep review. When your materials are organized and consistent, you spend more time improving and less time deciding what to study.

NMAT Study Guide: Complete Preparation Guide for Medical School in the Philippines