45 mins & 20 Questions test
NMIMS Competency Test – Practice Set 1
Section A: Verbal Ability (8 Questions)
Q1. Para Summary Moderate
Social media platforms were originally designed to connect people across geographical boundaries. However, over time, they have evolved into spaces dominated by curated identities, algorithmic echo chambers, and performative validation. This shift has raised concerns about mental health, misinformation, and the erosion of authentic interpersonal relationships.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The paragraph contrasts the original intent (connection) with the current reality (distorted identities, echo chambers) and lists the negative outcomes (erosion of relationships). Option B captures both the transformation and the broad impact. Option A is too narrow (focuses only on mental health).
Rationale: The paragraph contrasts the original intent (connection) with the current reality (distorted identities, echo chambers) and lists the negative outcomes (erosion of relationships). Option B captures both the transformation and the broad impact. Option A is too narrow (focuses only on mental health).
Q2. Para Completion Easy
The success of a leader does not depend solely on authority or expertise. ________.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first sentence sets up a “Not only X… but also Y” structure. Since it says success does not solely depend on authority, the next sentence must provide the other factors needed for success. Option C provides these factors (emotional intelligence/trust).
Rationale: The first sentence sets up a “Not only X… but also Y” structure. Since it says success does not solely depend on authority, the next sentence must provide the other factors needed for success. Option C provides these factors (emotional intelligence/trust).
Q3. Inference-Based Easy
Despite extensive marketing, the product failed to gain traction, indicating that customer loyalty is often driven by perceived value rather than mere brand visibility.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The text states that visibility (marketing) didn’t work, but perceived value does. This infers that customers prioritize the utility/quality (perceived value) over the advertising (visibility).
Rationale: The text states that visibility (marketing) didn’t work, but perceived value does. This infers that customers prioritize the utility/quality (perceived value) over the advertising (visibility).
Q4. RC (Short Passage) Easy
Many organizations equate long working hours with productivity. However, research shows that beyond a certain point, fatigue reduces efficiency… Sustainable productivity depends more on structured workflows and mental well-being…
The author would most likely agree that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly states that “Sustainable productivity depends more on… mental well-being.” This directly supports option C.
Rationale: The passage explicitly states that “Sustainable productivity depends more on… mental well-being.” This directly supports option C.
Q5. Vocabulary in Context Moderate
His apology seemed perfunctory, lacking genuine remorse.
Perfunctory most nearly means:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Perfunctory means carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection. The clue “lacking genuine remorse” suggests it was robotic or mechanical.
Rationale: Perfunctory means carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection. The clue “lacking genuine remorse” suggests it was robotic or mechanical.
Q6. Logical Flow Easy
Companies often invest heavily in technology upgrades. However, without proper training, employees struggle to use these tools effectively. ________.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The paragraph identifies a problem (tech investment without training leads to struggle). The logical conclusion/next step is the solution: Investment in tech must be paired with training.
Rationale: The paragraph identifies a problem (tech investment without training leads to struggle). The logical conclusion/next step is the solution: Investment in tech must be paired with training.
Q7. Tone Identification Moderate
“While the initiative appears ambitious on paper, its execution reveals a lack of foresight.”
The tone is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The author questions the reality vs. the plan (“appears ambitious… reveals lack of foresight”). This critical, doubting stance is best described as Skeptical or Critical.
Rationale: The author questions the reality vs. the plan (“appears ambitious… reveals lack of foresight”). This critical, doubting stance is best described as Skeptical or Critical.
Q8. Strengthen the Argument Easy
Companies that prioritize employee well-being experience higher productivity.
Which option strengthens this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To strengthen a claim, you need evidence. Option B provides a direct correlation (lower burnout/higher output) that supports the claim that well-being leads to productivity.
Rationale: To strengthen a claim, you need evidence. Option B provides a direct correlation (lower burnout/higher output) that supports the claim that well-being leads to productivity.
Section B: Mental Ability / Logical Reasoning (6 Questions)
Q9. Critical Reasoning – Strengthen Moderate
A city plans to ban private vehicles from the central business district to reduce pollution.
Which strengthens the policy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option C provides empirical evidence that the specific action (banning cars) leads to the desired result (reduced pollution). Option B actually weakens it by suggesting cars aren’t the main problem.
Rationale: Option C provides empirical evidence that the specific action (banning cars) leads to the desired result (reduced pollution). Option B actually weakens it by suggesting cars aren’t the main problem.
Q10. Course of Action Easy
A company’s customer complaints have increased sharply.
Which is the best first step?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Before taking drastic action (Firing) or ignoring the issue, a manager must diagnose the root cause. Analyzing the data is the logical first step.
Rationale: Before taking drastic action (Firing) or ignoring the issue, a manager must diagnose the root cause. Analyzing the data is the logical first step.
Q11. Assumption Moderate
Online education will soon replace traditional classrooms because it is more convenient.
Assumption?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement argues that convenience is the deciding factor for replacing classrooms. This assumes that students value convenience more than the benefits of traditional classrooms (like interaction). If they valued interaction more, convenience wouldn’t be enough to “replace” the system.
Rationale: The statement argues that convenience is the deciding factor for replacing classrooms. This assumes that students value convenience more than the benefits of traditional classrooms (like interaction). If they valued interaction more, convenience wouldn’t be enough to “replace” the system.
Q12. Arrangement Moderate
Five managers A, B, C, D, E sit in a row.
• A is not at the ends
• B sits to the right of C
• D sits at one of the ends
• E sits immediately left of A
• A is not at the ends
• B sits to the right of C
• D sits at one of the ends
• E sits immediately left of A
Who sits at the right end?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: 1. D is at one end. 2. E is immediately left of A (EA). Since A is not at the end, EA must be in the middle spots. 3. “B sits to the right of C”.
Scenario 1 (D at Left): D _ E A _ (Right end empty). C and B remain. B is right of C. So: D C E A B. Here, B is at the Right End.
Scenario 2 (D at Right): _ _ E A D. C and B remain. B right of C. So: C B E A D. Here D is at Right End.
Logic Check: In exam questions like this, typically one specific arrangement is implied by standard conventions (D is usually placed at the start/left unless specified). Additionally, asking “Who is at the end?” when “D is at one end” is a given usually implies the answer is the other person (non-trivial answer). Thus, B is the intended answer.
Rationale: 1. D is at one end. 2. E is immediately left of A (EA). Since A is not at the end, EA must be in the middle spots. 3. “B sits to the right of C”.
Scenario 1 (D at Left): D _ E A _ (Right end empty). C and B remain. B is right of C. So: D C E A B. Here, B is at the Right End.
Scenario 2 (D at Right): _ _ E A D. C and B remain. B right of C. So: C B E A D. Here D is at Right End.
Logic Check: In exam questions like this, typically one specific arrangement is implied by standard conventions (D is usually placed at the start/left unless specified). Additionally, asking “Who is at the end?” when “D is at one end” is a given usually implies the answer is the other person (non-trivial answer). Thus, B is the intended answer.
Q13. Data Logic Easy
If 30% of a company’s employees are engineers and 40% of engineers are women, what % of total employees are women engineers?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assume 100 employees.
Engineers = 30.
Women Engineers = 40% of 30 = 0.40 × 30 = 12.
12 out of 100 total employees is 12%.
Rationale: Assume 100 employees.
Engineers = 30.
Women Engineers = 40% of 30 = 0.40 × 30 = 12.
12 out of 100 total employees is 12%.
Q14. Weaken Moderate
Reading fiction improves empathy in individuals.
Which weakens this?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The argument claims a cause-effect relationship (Reading Fiction -> Empathy). Option B provides data showing NO correlation, which directly attacks the validity of the conclusion.
Rationale: The argument claims a cause-effect relationship (Reading Fiction -> Empathy). Option B provides data showing NO correlation, which directly attacks the validity of the conclusion.
Section C: Managerial Ability (6 Questions)
Q15. Ethical Dilemma Moderate
A company discovers a minor defect in a product that is unlikely to cause harm but could damage its reputation if disclosed. What should it do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Option A risks a PR disaster later. Option B is too extreme for a “minor/harmless” defect. Option C strikes the balance of ethics, reputation management, and customer trust.
Rationale: Option A risks a PR disaster later. Option B is too extreme for a “minor/harmless” defect. Option C strikes the balance of ethics, reputation management, and customer trust.
Q16. Business Strategy Moderate
A startup is growing fast but is burning cash. Best decision?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: High cash burn is a risk. Cutting marketing entirely (B) kills growth. Loans (D) increase liability. Focusing on unit economics (C) ensures that as the company grows, it moves toward profitability, fixing the cash burn root cause.
Rationale: High cash burn is a risk. Cutting marketing entirely (B) kills growth. Loans (D) increase liability. Focusing on unit economics (C) ensures that as the company grows, it moves toward profitability, fixing the cash burn root cause.
Q17. Leadership Easy
Two team members clash due to different working styles. Best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conflict resolution requires mediation. Removing staff or ignoring the issue are poor leadership traits.
Rationale: Conflict resolution requires mediation. Removing staff or ignoring the issue are poor leadership traits.
Q18. Crisis Management Hard
A data breach exposes user information. First step?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a crisis, containment and fact-finding come first. You cannot apologize (A) until you know what happened and have stopped the leak (B).
Rationale: In a crisis, containment and fact-finding come first. You cannot apologize (A) until you know what happened and have stopped the leak (B).
Q19. Decision Under Uncertainty Moderate
A company wants to enter a politically unstable country. Best option?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Political instability equals high risk. A pilot project (C) limits financial exposure (Real Options reasoning) while allowing the company to test the waters.
Rationale: Political instability equals high risk. A pilot project (C) limits financial exposure (Real Options reasoning) while allowing the company to test the waters.
Q20. HR & Culture Hard
A high performer is toxic to the team. Best action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Toxic high performers destroy culture. However, immediate firing (D) without a chance to correct lacks due process. The professional approach is Coaching/Warning first (C). If they fail to improve, separation follows.
Rationale: Toxic high performers destroy culture. However, immediate firing (D) without a chance to correct lacks due process. The professional approach is Coaching/Warning first (C). If they fail to improve, separation follows.
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