NPAT 2026 (National Test for Programs After Twelfth) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) for admission to various undergraduate and integrated degree programmes. The NPAT exam serves as the gateway for students seeking admission to prestigious courses like BBA, B.Com (Hons), B.Sc Finance, B.Sc Economics, BA Liberal Arts, BBA in Branding and Advertising, and several other programmes offered across seven NMIMS campuses in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Indore, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. With approximately 80,000 candidates appearing for this examination every year, NPAT has become one of the most sought-after entrance tests for management aspirants in India.
The NPAT 2026 examination will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode over an extended testing window spanning from March to May 2026. One of the unique features of NPAT is that candidates can appear for the exam up to three times during the testing window, and the best score among all attempts will be considered for admission. This article provides complete information about NPAT 2026 including exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, cutoff marks, and admission procedure to help aspirants prepare effectively for this important entrance examination.
Table of Contents
NPAT 2026 Exam Highlights: Complete Overview
Before diving into the detailed aspects of NPAT 2026, candidates should familiarise themselves with the key highlights of this examination. The following table provides a snapshot of all important details related to NPAT 2026 that every aspirant must know for effective preparation and timely registration.
Particulars
Details
Full Form of NPAT
National Test for Programs After Twelfth
Conducting Body
SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
Keeping track of important dates is crucial for NPAT 2026 aspirants to ensure timely registration and adequate preparation. NMIMS typically releases the official notification and opens the registration window in the early months of the year, followed by an extended examination period that allows flexibility for candidates to choose their preferred test dates. Based on previous year trends and tentative announcements, candidates should mark these dates in their calendars.
Event
Expected Date (2026)
NPAT 2026 Notification Release
December 2025 / January 2026
Online Registration Begins
February 2026 (3rd Week)
Last Date for Registration
May 2026 (Last Week)
Slot Booking Window Opens
February 2026
NPAT 2026 Exam Window
March 2026 to May 2026
Admit Card Download
After Slot Booking Confirmation
NPAT 2026 Result Declaration
June 2026 (First Week)
Counselling Process Begins
June 2026
Final Admission Process
June - July 2026
NPAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step towards applying for NPAT 2026. NMIMS has set specific requirements that candidates must fulfil to be considered for admission. Understanding these criteria thoroughly before applying ensures that candidates do not face rejection during the verification process later. The eligibility requirements vary slightly based on the programme chosen, but the fundamental criteria remain consistent across most undergraduate courses.
Educational Qualification Requirements
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised board to be eligible for NPAT 2026. Students appearing in their Class 12 board examinations in 2026 are also eligible to apply, subject to producing their pass certificate at the time of admission. Candidates holding an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are also eligible to apply for NPAT. For programmes like B.Sc Finance, B.Com (Hons), and BBA, candidates must have studied Mathematics or Statistics as a compulsory subject in their Class 12 curriculum.
Minimum Marks Requirement
Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in their Class 12 or equivalent examination for most programmes. For certain programmes like B.Sc Economics and BBA International Business, the minimum marks requirement is 60% in Class 12. Candidates who have qualified their 10+2 examination through Open or Distance Learning (ODL) mode are also eligible, provided their institution is recognised by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Age Limit
Candidates must not be more than 25 years of age as on the date of admission. NMIMS has not specified any minimum age limit for appearing in NPAT 2026. Candidates who failed to clear their Class 10+2 examination in the first attempt are not eligible to apply for NPAT 2026.
The NPAT 2026 registration process is entirely online and must be completed through the official website npat.nmims.edu. Candidates should ensure they have all necessary documents and a stable internet connection before beginning the registration process. The application process involves multiple steps including registration, form filling, document upload, fee payment, and slot booking. Completing each step accurately is essential to avoid any issues during admission.
Steps to Apply for NPAT 2026
Step 1: Visit Official Website - Go to the official NPAT website at npat.nmims.edu and click on the "Apply Now" or "Register" button to begin the registration process.
Step 2: Create Account - Enter basic details including name, email ID, mobile number, and date of birth. The name and date of birth should match exactly with Class 10 and Class 12 certificates. A unique registration number will be sent to your registered email ID.
Step 3: Fill Application Form - Log in using the registration credentials and fill the application form with personal details, academic information, and contact details. Select the test category (NPAT) and choose preferred programmes and NMIMS campuses.
Step 4: Upload Documents - Upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format. The photograph should be in JPG/JPEG format with a maximum size of 500 KB.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee - Pay the application fee through online mode using credit card, debit card, or net banking. The fee varies based on the number of schools and programmes selected.
Step 6: Schedule Exam - After successful payment, candidates can book their exam slot by selecting preferred exam date, city, and test centre based on availability.
NPAT 2026 Application Fee Structure
The NPAT application fee depends on the number of schools selected and the number of exam attempts. Candidates can choose to appear for the exam up to three times, with each additional attempt requiring payment of extra fees. The fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Number of Schools Selected
Application Fee (Single Attempt)
1 School
INR 2,000
2 Schools
INR 3,000
3 Schools
INR 4,000
4 Schools
INR 5,000
5 Schools
INR 6,000
6 Schools
INR 7,000
Note: Candidates applying for more than one attempt must pay the exam fee again for each additional attempt. The total fee will depend on the number of schools selected and the total number of retakes opted.
NPAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Understanding the Test Structure
Understanding the NPAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The examination tests candidates on three key areas including Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning (English Proficiency). Each section carries equal weightage, and there is no sectional time limit, allowing candidates flexibility in managing their time across sections. However, candidates cannot navigate between sections once they move to the next one.
Section
Number of Questions
Marks
Topics Covered
Quantitative Reasoning
40
40
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation
Each correct answer in NPAT 2026 carries +1 mark. One of the most student-friendly aspects of NPAT is the absence of negative marking, which means candidates are not penalised for incorrect answers. This makes it advisable for candidates to attempt all questions, even if they are unsure about some answers. The total marks for the examination are 120, with each section contributing 40 marks.
NPAT 2026 Syllabus: Section-wise Topics
The NPAT syllabus is based on concepts studied in Class 10 and Class 12, making it relatively manageable for students who have a strong foundation in these subjects. However, the questions are designed to test aptitude and problem-solving abilities rather than rote learning. Candidates should focus on conceptual clarity and regular practice to excel in this examination.
Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus
The Quantitative Reasoning section tests mathematical aptitude and numerical ability. This section typically includes questions from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation. Key topics include percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion, time and work, time speed and distance, averages, mixtures and alligations, number system, linear equations, quadratic equations, progressions (AP and GP), permutations and combinations, probability, coordinate geometry, mensuration, and data interpretation through tables, charts, and graphs.
Logical Reasoning Syllabus
The Logical Reasoning section evaluates analytical and critical thinking abilities. Important topics include seating arrangements (linear and circular), puzzles, blood relations, direction sense, coding-decoding, syllogisms, statement and assumptions, statement and conclusions, cause and effect, course of action, analytical reasoning, series completion (number, letter, and mixed), analogies, classification, clocks and calendars, and input-output problems. This section requires extensive practice to develop pattern recognition skills.
Verbal Reasoning (English) Syllabus
The Verbal Reasoning section assesses proficiency in English language skills. Topics covered include reading comprehension passages, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution), grammar (sentence correction, error detection), para jumbles (sentence rearrangement), fill in the blanks, cloze test, idioms and phrases, and verbal analogies. Regular reading and vocabulary building are essential for scoring well in this section.
NPAT 2026 Cutoff: Expected Marks for NMIMS Campuses
The NPAT cutoff varies based on multiple factors including the difficulty level of examination, number of applicants, available seats, and overall performance of candidates. Different NMIMS campuses have different cutoff marks, with Mumbai typically having the highest cutoff due to greater demand. Understanding expected cutoff helps candidates set realistic targets during preparation.
Expected NPAT 2026 Cutoff (Programme-wise)
Programme
Mumbai Campus (Expected)
Other Campuses (Expected)
B.Sc Finance
78-80 marks (65-67%)
70-75 marks (58-63%)
BBA
85-88 marks (71-73%)
75-80 marks (63-67%)
B.Com (Hons)
78-80 marks (65-67%)
70-75 marks (58-63%)
B.Sc Economics
78-80 marks (65-67%)
70-75 marks (58-63%)
BBA Branding & Advertising
70-72 marks (58-60%)
65-70 marks (54-58%)
BA Liberal Arts
70-72 marks (58-60%)
65-70 marks (54-58%)
BBA International Business
60-65 marks (50-54%)
55-60 marks (46-50%)
Campus-wise Expected Cutoff Trends
NMIMS Campus
Expected Cutoff Range (BBA)
Competition Level
NMIMS Mumbai
85-90 marks
Highest
NMIMS Bengaluru
80-85 marks
High
NMIMS Navi Mumbai
78-82 marks
High
NMIMS Hyderabad
70-75 marks
Moderate
NMIMS Indore
68-73 marks
Moderate
NMIMS Chandigarh
65-70 marks
Moderate
NMIMS Dhule
60-65 marks
Lower
NPAT 2026 Section-wise Good Attempts
Based on analysis of previous years' examinations and expert recommendations, candidates should target a minimum number of good attempts in each section to secure competitive scores. The following table provides guidance on the number of questions to attempt with accuracy in each section based on difficulty levels.
Section
Good Attempts (Target)
Recommended Time
Difficulty Level
Quantitative Reasoning
25-30 questions
30-35 minutes
Moderate to Difficult
Logical Reasoning
30-35 questions
40-45 minutes
Moderate
Verbal Reasoning
35-40 questions
20-25 minutes
Easy to Moderate
NMIMS BBA Fee Structure 2026: Campus-wise Details
Understanding the fee structure is essential for candidates planning their finances for undergraduate education at NMIMS. The fee varies across different campuses and programmes. NMIMS typically increases fees by 5-10% annually. The following table provides indicative fee details for the BBA programme across different campuses for the academic session 2026-27.
NMIMS Campus
BBA Annual Fee (Approx.)
Total Fee for 3/4 Years
NMIMS Mumbai
INR 3.50 - 3.60 Lakhs
INR 10.50 - 14.50 Lakhs
NMIMS Bengaluru
INR 3.25 Lakhs
INR 9.75 - 13 Lakhs
NMIMS Navi Mumbai
INR 3.00 - 3.25 Lakhs
INR 9 - 13 Lakhs
NMIMS Hyderabad
INR 2.75 - 3.00 Lakhs
INR 8.25 - 12 Lakhs
NMIMS Indore
INR 2.50 - 2.75 Lakhs
INR 7.50 - 11 Lakhs
NMIMS Chandigarh
INR 2.50 - 2.75 Lakhs
INR 7.50 - 11 Lakhs
Note: The above fees are indicative and subject to change. Additional charges for hostel, mess, examination, and other campus services are applicable separately. Under NEP 2020 guidelines, NMIMS has introduced 4-year duration degree programmes from the academic year 2026-2027 with an optional exit after 3 years.
NPAT 2026 Exam Centres: State-wise Test Cities
NPAT 2026 will be conducted across 60+ test cities in 23 states across India. Candidates can select their preferred exam city during the slot booking process. The final test centre is allocated based on availability and is mentioned on the admit card. Some major exam cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Indore, Bhopal, Patna, and many others.
NPAT 2026 Admit Card: Download Process
NPAT 2026 admit card is issued immediately after candidates complete their exam slot booking. Unlike many other entrance exams, NPAT does not have a separate admit card release date. Candidates receive a confirmation email from the test conducting partner (Pearson) at their registered email address, which serves as the admit card. The email contains details such as exam date, time, venue address, and exam day guidelines. Candidates must carry a printed copy of this email or the downloaded admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the test centre.
Documents Required at Exam Centre
Candidates must carry the following documents to the NPAT 2026 exam centre for verification purposes: printed copy of NPAT admit card or confirmation email, original valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID), and a photocopy of the ID proof. Without these documents, candidates will not be allowed entry into the examination hall.
NPAT 2026 Result and Counselling Process
NPAT 2026 results are expected to be declared in the first week of June 2026, shortly after the completion of the examination window. Results are published online on the official website, and candidates can check their scores by logging into their dashboard using registration credentials. The result is displayed in the form of a scorecard containing the candidate's name, section-wise marks, total marks, and overall rank. Candidates who appear for multiple attempts will have their best score considered for merit list preparation.
Counselling and Admission Process
Based on NPAT scores, NMIMS prepares a merit list for each programme and campus. The counselling process involves the following steps: declaration of merit list, seat allotment based on merit and preferences, document verification, and fee payment for seat confirmation. There are no personal interviews or group discussions for most NPAT-based admissions. Selection is purely based on the candidate's performance in the NPAT examination. Multiple rounds of counselling may be conducted to fill remaining seats.
NPAT 2026 Preparation Tips and Strategy
Effective preparation for NPAT 2026 requires a structured approach combining conceptual understanding, regular practice, and time management. Since the examination does not have negative marking, candidates should focus on maximising attempts while maintaining accuracy. Starting preparation 6-9 months before the exam is recommended for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
Section-wise Preparation Strategy
Quantitative Reasoning: Focus on building strong fundamentals in arithmetic and algebra. Practice data interpretation questions regularly as they carry significant weightage. Topics like trigonometry, sequences and series, and coordinate geometry require special attention as questions from these areas are commonly asked in NPAT.
Logical Reasoning: Practice different types of puzzles and arrangements daily. Develop shortcut methods for solving seating arrangements and blood relation questions. Focus on time-bound practice to improve speed without compromising accuracy.
Verbal Reasoning: Develop a reading habit to improve comprehension skills. Build vocabulary through daily word lists and usage in context. Practice grammar rules and sentence correction exercises regularly.
Recommended Books for NPAT Preparation
Section
Recommended Books
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, R.D. Sharma Mathematics (Class 11 & 12), Quantitative Aptitude by Abhijit Guha
Logical Reasoning
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
Verbal Reasoning
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin, Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
NPAT Previous Year Question Papers: Download Links
Solving previous year question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for NPAT 2026. It helps candidates understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked. While NMIMS does not officially release question papers due to the extended testing window format, several reliable sources provide sample papers and practice materials that closely resemble actual exam questions.
Resource
Description
Access
NMIMS Official Sample Papers
Official sample papers released by NMIMS
npat.nmims.edu
Shiksha NPAT Papers
Previous year papers with solutions
shiksha.com
Collegedunia Practice Papers
Sample papers and mock tests
collegedunia.com
Careers360 Question Bank
Section-wise practice questions
careers360.com
Programmes Offered Through NPAT 2026
NPAT serves as the gateway to numerous undergraduate and integrated programmes offered across NMIMS campuses. These programmes span various disciplines including management, commerce, economics, and liberal arts. Under the NEP 2020 guidelines, NMIMS has introduced 4-year degree programmes from the academic year 2026-27, offering students the flexibility to exit after 3 years or continue for an Honours degree in the 4th year.
NMIMS has consistently demonstrated strong placement records across its campuses, making it one of the preferred destinations for management education in India. The School of Business Management (SBM) at NMIMS Mumbai, in particular, has achieved remarkable placement statistics. While the placement data below primarily reflects MBA programmes, BBA graduates from NMIMS also enjoy excellent career prospects with leading companies visiting the campus for recruitment.
Campus
Highest Package (MBA 2024)
Average Package (MBA 2024)
Top Recruiters
NMIMS Mumbai
INR 67.70 LPA
INR 25.13 LPA
Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte
NMIMS Bengaluru
INR 72 LPA
INR 14 LPA
Accenture, Cisco, ICICI Bank, Oracle
NMIMS Hyderabad
INR 20 LPA
INR 11 LPA
Tech Mahindra, Wipro, TCS
NPAT vs Other BBA Entrance Exams: A Comparison
Understanding how NPAT compares with other popular BBA entrance examinations helps candidates make informed decisions about their exam preparation strategy. Each exam has its unique characteristics in terms of difficulty level, syllabus coverage, and institutions accepting the scores.
Parameter
NPAT
IPMAT
CUET
Conducting Body
NMIMS
IIM Indore/Rohtak
NTA
Exam Mode
Computer Based
Computer Based
Computer Based
Duration
100 Minutes
120 Minutes
Variable
Negative Marking
No
Yes
Yes
Number of Attempts
3 per year
1 per year
1 per year
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Difficult
Moderate
Selection Process
Merit Based
Merit + PI/WAT
Merit Based
READ MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
NPAT stands for National Test for Programs After Twelfth. It is conducted by SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), a deemed-to-be university. The exam is conducted annually for admission to various undergraduate programmes like BBA, B.Com, B.Sc Finance, B.Sc Economics, and BA Liberal Arts offered across seven NMIMS campuses in India.
Candidates can appear for NPAT up to three times during the testing window (one main attempt and two retakes). The best score among all attempts will be considered for admission purposes. This unique feature allows candidates to improve their performance without any additional pressure. However, each retake requires payment of additional application fees.
NPAT is generally considered moderate in difficulty level compared to IPMAT, which is relatively harder due to its focus on advanced mathematics and verbal ability. The absence of negative marking in NPAT makes it more student-friendly. However, the level of competition varies based on the number of applicants and available seats. Proper preparation is essential regardless of the perceived difficulty level.
A score of 85-90 marks out of 120 (approximately 71-75%) is considered competitive for BBA admission at NMIMS Mumbai. For B.Sc Finance, candidates should aim for 78-80 marks. Other programmes like BBA Branding and Advertising have relatively lower cutoffs around 70-72 marks. Scores vary each year based on exam difficulty and competition.
No, there is no negative marking in NPAT. Each correct answer carries +1 mark, and there is no penalty for wrong answers. This makes it advisable for candidates to attempt all 120 questions in the examination. However, candidates should still focus on accuracy to maximise their scores.
Candidates must not be more than 25 years of age as on the date of admission to be eligible for NPAT 2026. NMIMS has not specified any minimum age limit for appearing in the examination. Additionally, candidates who failed to clear their Class 10+2 examination in the first attempt are not eligible to apply.
Unfortunately, rescheduling the NPAT exam is not possible once the slot is booked. Candidates must carefully select their preferred exam date and city during the scheduling process. The examination centre once allotted cannot be changed, and the same will be mentioned on the admit card. Therefore, candidates should plan their schedules carefully before booking.
For most programmes like BBA, B.Com (Hons), and B.Sc Finance, candidates must have studied Mathematics or Statistics as a compulsory subject in Class 12. However, for programmes like BA Liberal Arts and BBA Branding & Advertising, candidates from any stream can apply without Mathematics as a mandatory subject. Check the specific eligibility criteria for your chosen programme.
For NPAT 2026 registration, candidates need a scanned passport-size photograph in JPG/JPEG format (maximum 500 KB), scanned signature, valid email ID and mobile number, Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets or equivalent, and a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport for verification at the exam centre.
No, there is no personal interview or group discussion in the NPAT selection process for most undergraduate programmes. The selection is purely based on the candidate's performance in the NPAT examination. The merit list is prepared based on NPAT scores, and admission is offered based on merit and preferences filled by candidates during counselling.
Yes, candidates can apply for multiple programmes and campuses through a single NPAT registration. During the application process, candidates can select multiple test categories, schools, and programme preferences. The application fee varies based on the number of schools selected. Candidates should choose their preferences carefully as it affects seat allotment during counselling.
If a candidate scores above the cutoff but doesn't get their preferred campus in the first round of counselling, they can participate in subsequent counselling rounds where remaining seats are filled. Candidates may also get upgraded to higher preference campuses if seats become available due to withdrawals. It is advisable to keep multiple campus options open during the preference filling stage.
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