His work for "Million Dollar Arm", "The Hundred-Foot Journey" and Indian film "Kochadaiiyaan" are part of the long list released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on its website Friday.
The final nominations shortlist for the prestigious awards will be announced Jan 15, 2015, while the presentation ceremony will be held Feb 22, 2015.
Rahman had earlier made India proud with his twin win at the Academy Awards platform for Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2009. He was lauded for his best original score as also the best original song "Jai ho" from the same film, with lyrics by Gulzar.
In 2011, he had received two nominations for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards for his original score in Boyle's "127 Hours" as well as original song "If I Rise" for the same movie.