The NMIMS Programs After Twelfth (NPAT) 2026 is one of the most popular undergraduate entrance exams in India, conducted by SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS). It serves as the gateway to prestigious programs such as BBA, B.Com (Hons.), and B.Sc. Finance, Branding & Advertising, Liberal Arts, and International Business are offered across NMIMS campuses.
Every year, thousands of aspirants compete for limited seats, which makes it essential to have absolute clarity about the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time duration. After all, even the most well-prepared student may struggle if they don’t understand the structure of the paper and how to approach it strategically.
Unlike many other UG entrance exams, NPAT is speed-intensive yet moderate in difficulty. Candidates are required to solve 120 multiple-choice questions in just 100 minutes—a format that tests not only knowledge but also time management and decision-making under pressure.
In this blog, we will cover:
- The complete NPAT 2026 exam pattern
- Section-wise distribution of questions and marks
- The marking scheme (including tips on how to maximize attempts)
- Time allocation strategies for each section
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear roadmap to approach the NPAT exam with confidence and efficiency.
NPAT 2026 Exam Overview
The NPAT 2026 is a national-level undergraduate entrance test conducted by SVKM’s NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies). It is specifically designed to evaluate a student’s quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal proficiency —skills that are crucial for success in management, commerce, and related fields.
The exam is entirely computer-based (CBT) and follows a speed-focused pattern, making time management just as important as subject knowledge. Candidates aspiring for NMIMS programs such as BBA, B.Com (Hons.), B.Sc. Finance, Branding & Advertising, International Business, and Liberal Arts must appear for NPAT 2026.
Quick Facts about NPAT 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | NMIMS NPAT 2026 (NMIMS Programs After Twelfth) |
| Conducting Body | SVKM’s NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) |
| Exam Level | National Level UG Entrance Exam |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Sections | Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for every correct answer, No negative marking |
| Difficult Level | Moderate, but speed-driven (time pressure is the challenge) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 passed/appearing (minimum % varies by program) |
| Programs Offered | BBA, B.Com (Hons.), B.Sc. Finance, Branding & Advertising, Liberal Arts, International Business, and more |
Key Insight: Since each section carries equal weightage and there’s no negative marking, the exam is as much about strategy and smart attempts as it is about subject knowledge.
NPAT 2026 Paper Structure
The NPAT 2026 exam paper is designed to test a candidate’s speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity. Unlike other UG entrance exams that may include General Knowledge or Subject-Specific sections, NPAT focuses only on aptitude-based skills spread across three equally weighted areas:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
Each section carries equal importance, ensuring that aspirants cannot rely on just one strong area; instead, they must perform consistently across all three.
Breakdown of NPAT 2026 Exam Paper
| Section | Approx. No. of Questions | Weightage (%) | Key Areas Covered |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ~40 | 33% | Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra, Sets and Function, Elementary Statistics and Probability and Trigonometry |
| Logical Reasoning | ~40 | 33% | Critical Thinking, Verbal Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Numeric Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Spatial reasoning |
| Verbal Reasoning | ~40 | 33% | Grammar, Vocabulary, Error Recognition, Sequence of Ideas, Contextual Usage, Applied Grammar and Reading Comprehension |
| Total | 120 | 100% | — |
Key Features of the Paper Structure
- Total Questions: 120 (MCQs)
- Exam Duration: 100 minutes (1 hr 40 mins)
- Sectional Weightage: Equal (each section ~40 questions, 33%)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate – but time pressure makes it challenging
- Marking Scheme: +1 for every correct answer; no negative marking
Insight for Aspirants: Since all sections are equally weighted, candidates must balance their preparation. Focusing only on Quant or Verbal will not be enough—NMIMS expects well-rounded aptitude skills for admission.
| Topper’s Strategy Tip Box*”Most NPAT toppers attempt 100–110 questions within the given time by following a strict time split and not getting stuck on any single question. Their secret is simple: Mark tough questions for review instead of wasting time.Attempt all easy and moderate questions first.Use the last 5–7 minutes for revisiting skipped questions.”* Since there is no negative marking, even educated guesses add value. Attempting all 120 questions (while maintaining accuracy) significantly improves your percentile. |
NPAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The NPAT 2026 marking scheme is straightforward, making it one of the most student-friendly UG entrance exams in India. Unlike many other competitive tests, NPAT does not penalize incorrect answers, which allows aspirants to make the most of their attempts with confidence.
NPAT 2026 Scoring Rules
- +1 mark for every correct answer.
- 0 mark for every incorrect or unattempted question.
- There is no negative marking, so students should aim to attempt all 120 questions.
What This Means for Aspirants
- Since there’s no penalty, you should never leave questions unanswered.
- Even educated guesses can push your score higher.
- Accuracy still matters—because the percentile is based on relative performance.
Example: How Attempts Impact Your Score & Percentile
| Correct Answers | Raw Score (out of 120) | Expected Percentile Range* |
| 110+ | 110–120 | 99.5+ percentile (Top ranker range) |
| 95–105 | 95–105 | 97–99 percentile (Safe for top NMIMS campuses like Mumbai BBA) |
| 80–90 | 80–90 | 90–95 percentile (Eligible for mid-tier NMIMS programs) |
| 65–75 | 65–75 | 75–85 percentile (Chance at newer campuses/programs) |
| Below 60 | <60 | Below 70 percentile (may not qualify for top programs) |
*Percentile ranges are indicative, based on past NPAT trends. Exact cut-offs vary by year, program, and campus.
Key Insight: To secure a top NMIMS campus like NMIMS Mumbai (BBA/B.Com (Hons.)), You should aim for 95% or higher correct answers (~97–99 percentile).
Difficulty Level & Key Insights
The NPAT 2026 exam is designed to be moderate in overall difficulty. Still, the real challenge lies in its speed-intensive nature. While none of the sections is extremely tough, each has unique hurdles—Quant demands calculations, Logical needs sharp analysis, and Verbal tests reading speed and comprehension.
Section-Wise Difficulty Comparison
| Section | Difficulty Level | Key Challenge | Scoring Potential |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Moderate to Slightly High | Time-consuming calculations in Arithmetic, Algebra & DI caselets | Medium – requires accuracy + formula clarity |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate | Puzzle-heavy; some analytical sets may take time | High – if puzzles & series are practiced regularly |
| Verbal Reasoning | Easy to Moderate | RC passages can be lengthy; vocab may feel unpredictable | High – grammar & vocab questions are quick to solve |
Insights from Past Trends
- Quantitative Reasoning: Students often find this section the most time-pressured due to the calculation-based questions.
- Logical Reasoning: Well-practiced candidates tend to score well here, as patterns and puzzles often repeat in style.
- Verbal Reasoning: Considered the most scoring section because grammar and vocab questions take less time compared to RC.
Pro Tip: Since all three sections carry equal weightage, you can’t afford to skip or underperform in one area. Toppers usually secure an edge by:
- Attempting all easy & moderate questions first
- Avoiding over-investment of time in 1–2 challenging problems
- Using Verbal as a speed-booster section to save minutes for Quant and Logical
NPAT 2026 Duration Management Strategy
One of the biggest challenges in NPAT 2026 is not the difficulty of questions but the time crunch. With 120 questions to be solved in 100 minutes, aspirants must learn to strike a balance between speed and accuracy. A smart time allocation strategy ensures that you attempt as many questions as possible without getting stuck.
Suggested Time Allocation (100 Minutes Plan)
| Section | Time Allocation | Approach |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ~35 minutes | Focus on Arithmetic & Algebra first, then DI & Trigonometry. Don’t get stuck on lengthy calculations—mark and return later. |
| Logical Reasoning | ~35 minutes | Attempt series & direct reasoning questions first. Leave puzzle-heavy sets for later if time permits. |
| Verbal Reasoning | ~30 minutes | Quickly solve Grammar & Vocab (spotting errors, fill-ups). Reserve ~15 minutes for RC passages. |
| Buffer/Review | ~5 minutes | Revisit skipped questions or make educated guesses (since no negative marking). |
Sample 100-Minute Exam Day Flow
- 0–10 min → Warm-up with quick Verbal questions (Grammar/Vocab) to build momentum.
- 10–45 min → Tackle Quant; attempt easy-moderate questions first, leave lengthy DI/mensuration for later.
- 45–80 min → Logical Reasoning; complete series & direct reasoning, mark tough puzzles for later.
- 80–95 min → Reading Comprehension + remaining Verbal.
- 95–100 min → Final 5-minute blitz—revisit marked questions, guess intelligently (no negative marking).
Smart Time Management Tips
- Mark & Move Strategy: Don’t waste more than 90 seconds on a single question.
- High Attempt Rate: Aim for at least 100–110 questions for a 97+ percentile.
- Verbal = Speed Booster: Use Verbal to save time that can be invested in Quantitative and Logical reasoning.
Key Insight: Since NPAT doesn’t have sectional cut-offs, you can maximize your score by leveraging your strong areas. However, neglecting any section will lower your percentile because of equal weightage.
Preparation Strategy Based on Exam Pattern
Cracking NPAT 2026 is not only about mastering concepts but also about optimizing speed, accuracy, and exam temperament. Since the test is speed-intensive (120 questions in 100 minutes), your preparation should be aligned with the exam structure and time pressure.
General Preparation Strategy
- Know the Syllabus Inside-Out
- Focus on high-weightage topics like Arithmetic (Quant), Series & Puzzles (LR), and Grammar + RC (Verbal).
- Create a weekly study plan that balances all three sections of the course.
- Build Speed with Accuracy
- NPAT is not about solving everything slowly—it’s about solving fast and correctly.
- Practice with timed sectional tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Prioritize Mock Tests & Analysis
- Attempt at least 15–20 full-length mocks before the exam.
- After each mock, analyze mistakes, track accuracy, and revise areas that need improvement.
- Adopt Smart Time Management
- Don’t get stuck—use the “Mark & Move” strategy.
- Target 100–110 attempts with high accuracy for a top percentile.
Section-Specific Preparation Tips
| Section | What to Focus On | Smart Preparation Tips |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Speed-Time, Profit & Loss), Algebra, DI, Geometry, Probability | Revise NCERT basics (Class 9–12). Practice DI daily. Keep a formula sheet for quick revisions. Solve 10–15 word problems daily. |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Series, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Data Sufficiency | Practice at least 2 puzzles daily. Strengthen basics of series & syllogisms. Attempt previous-year style LR sets under time limits. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Grammar rules, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles | Learn 10 new words daily (synonyms/antonyms). Revise grammar (tenses, subject-verb agreement, modifiers). Read editorials for RC speed & comprehension. |
Pro Tip: Divide your last 30 days into:
- 20 days for revision of core concepts & high-weightage topics
- 10 days for intensive mock practice + analysis
This ensures both conceptual clarity and exam readiness.
Conclusion
The NPAT 2026 exam pattern is designed to test more than just knowledge—it evaluates your speed, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. With 120 questions to be solved in 100 minutes, success hinges on both planning and preparation.
Quick Recap of NPAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- 3 Sections – Quantitative, Logical, Verbal (40 Qs each).
- Equal Weightage – Balance across all areas is essential.
- Marking Scheme – +1 for correct, no negative marking.
- Difficulty Level – Moderate, but time is the real challenge.
- Success Formula – Smart time allocation + 100–110 attempts with accuracy.
At Tarkashastra, our mentors ensure you get:
- NPAT-specific eBooks & hard copy books
- Sectional & full-length mock tests designed on real exam lines
- 1-to-1 mentorship sessions to refine your strategy
- Expert guidance to avoid wasting time on irrelevant content
With the right strategy + practice + mentorship, you can crack NPAT 2026 and secure a seat at top NMIMS campuses.
NPAT 2026 FAQs
1. How many questions are asked in NPAT 2026?
The NPAT 2026 exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, divided equally into Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section has ~40 questions with equal weightage.
2. What is the duration of NPAT 2026?
Candidates have approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (100 minutes) to solve all 120 questions. Since the exam is speed-based, smart time allocation is crucial for maximizing attempts.
3. Is there any negative marking in NPAT 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in NPAT 2026. This allows students to attempt all questions, including educated guesses, to maximize their raw score and percentile.
4. What is the marking scheme of NPAT 2026?
Students are awarded +1 mark for every correct answer, while wrong or unattempted questions get 0 marks. Accuracy remains important because percentile rankings are based on relative performance.
5. How many sections are there in NPAT 2026?
NPAT 2026 has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section carries equal weightage (33%) in the exam structure.
6. Which section of NPAT is considered easiest?
Based on past student feedback, Verbal Reasoning is usually the easiest and most scoring section, as grammar and vocabulary questions take less time to complete compared to Quantitative and Logical Reasoning.
7. Which section of NPAT is the toughest?
Most aspirants find Quantitative Reasoning challenging due to lengthy calculations and DI sets. However, with formula clarity and regular practice, it can be managed effectively.
8. What percentile is needed for NMIMS Mumbai BBA?
Generally, students require a score in the 97th–99th percentile (95% or more correct answers) to secure admission to top NMIMS campuses, such as Mumbai’s BBA or B.Com (Hons.).
9. How should I divide time during the NPAT exam?
Experts recommend spending 35 minutes on Quantitative Reasoning, 35 minutes on Logical Reasoning, and 30 minutes on Verbal Reasoning, with a 5-minute buffer for review. This balance helps maximize attempts.
10. How many mocks should I attempt before NPAT 2026?
Ideally, aspirants should solve at least 15–20 full-length mock tests along with sectional practice. Regular mock analysis improves both accuracy and time management.
11. Can I prepare for NPAT along with IPMAT or CUET?
Yes, NPAT preparation overlaps with IPMAT Quantitative and Verbal, as well as CUET aptitude topics. However, NPAT is more speed-intensive, so mock practice is essential.
12. Is NPAT tougher than SET or IPMAT?
NPAT is considered moderate in difficulty, with speed as the main challenge. IPMAT has tougher Math, while SET includes GK; NPAT is purely aptitude-based.
