Avoid These Common NMIMS Assignment Mistakes That Could Cost You Marks

If you’re pursuing a distance learning program from NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), you already know how crucial assignments are to your overall performance. They’re not just a formality—they directly impact your final grade. However, many students unknowingly make certain mistakes that cost them valuable marks, even when they’ve studied the subject well. Let’s explore some of the most common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.

1. Copy-Pasting from the Internet

One of the biggest blunders students make is copying content directly from websites or other sources without proper citation. Not only does this count as plagiarism, but NMIMS has strict checks in place through plagiarism-detection software. Even if you slightly change the words, if the structure and idea remain copied, it may still be flagged.

Tip: Read reference material, understand the concepts, and then write in your own words. Always cite your sources if you’re referring to external material.

2. Not Following the Guidelines

Each assignment comes with specific instructions regarding word count, formatting, and structure. Ignoring these can give an impression of carelessness. For instance, submitting a PDF when a Word document was asked for, or exceeding the word limit by a large margin, can lead to a deduction in marks.

Tip: Always read the instructions carefully before you begin. Create a checklist if needed and cross-check before submission.

3. Overuse of Technical Jargon

While it's great to use subject-specific terminology, overloading your assignment with technical terms without explaining them can confuse the evaluator. Remember, clarity is key. Your goal should be to demonstrate understanding, not just to impress with vocabulary.

Tip: Use technical terms where necessary but explain them in simple language. This shows that you truly grasp the subject.

4. Lack of Original Thought

Many students focus so much on quoting books and websites that their own perspective gets lost. NMIMS encourages analytical thinking. Repeating what others have said without offering your viewpoint shows weak engagement with the topic.

Tip: After presenting facts or theories, add a short paragraph with your interpretation or how it relates to real-life business situations. This adds depth to your work.

5. Weak Introduction and Conclusion

A strong beginning and a meaningful end can make your assignment stand out. Starting directly with core content or ending abruptly can leave the reader unimpressed. Your introduction sets the tone, and your conclusion should tie everything together.

Tip: Spend time framing a crisp, clear introduction and a thoughtful conclusion. Summarize key points and offer a final takeaway.

6. Not Reviewing Before Submission

You’ve completed your assignment. Great. But hitting “submit” without reviewing it even once is risky. Typos, grammatical errors, and factual inaccuracies can make your work look unprofessional.

Tip: Take a short break after writing, then read your assignment aloud. Tools like Grammarly can help, but a manual review ensures better accuracy.

7. Missing the Deadline

Lastly, no matter how well-written your assignment is, if it’s submitted after the due date, you could face penalties or rejection. NMIMS has strict submission timelines.

Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute. Aim to finish at least 2–3 days before the deadline to account for technical issues or last-minute edits.

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Final Thoughts

Completing your NMIMS coursework successfully is all about strategy, discipline, and attention to detail. By avoiding the mistakes above, you’re not just preventing mark deductions—you’re also building a habit of academic excellence. Focus on originality, clarity, and time management, and you’ll see a marked difference in your performance.

Small efforts can lead to big improvements, so the next time you're working on your submission, keep these pointers in mind—you’ll thank yourself later.

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