NPAT Exam Pattern 2026
The NPAT is the standard system for testing students who want to join undergraduate programs at SVKM’s NMIMS. It is a computer-based test. You must solve 120 questions. The time allowed is 100 minutes. This exam is for courses like BBA, B.Com (Hons), and B.Sc. Economics. It is held at testing centres in many cities. Success depends on how fast you can think. You have exactly 50 seconds for each question. Speed is the key.
This test checks your logic and quick thinking. It does not focus on how much you can memorise. You can take the test up to three times. The university will only use your best score. This takes the pressure off. You enter the room. Your heart drops. You see the screen. But you are ready. The testing window is long. It runs from February to June. You can pick your own date. You can pick your own time.
NPAT Structure 2026
The NPAT Structure 2026 is a single paper with three sections. Each section has 40 questions. This makes 120 questions in total. Every question is a multiple-choice type. You will see four options. Only one is correct. The goal? A high score in all three areas. You cannot skip one section and expect to win. Balance is vital. Practice withthe NPAT mock test to understand the structure and difficulty level.
Section Name | Questions | Total Marks |
Quantitative & Numerical Ability | 40 | 40 |
Reasoning & General Intelligence | 40 | 40 |
Proficiency in English Language | 40 | 40 |
Total | 120 | 120 |
The Quantitative section tests your math skills. It uses topics from class 10 and 12. You will find arithmetic and algebra here. There are also questions on trigonometry and statistics. It is like solving a puzzle with numbers. The Reasoning section checks your brain power. You will solve coding-decoding problems and family trees. It also uses charts and graphs. The Verbal section tests your English. You will find grammar and reading passages. It is simple but fast.
Because the sections carry equal marks, you must study everything. Do not just focus on math. English is just as important. Logical reasoning is the same. Each part is worth 33 percent of your final score. Most students find the English section easier. They finish it fast. This gives them more time for math. A smart plan. A better result.
Read More: NPAT Exam Date 2026, Schedule, Notification Release Date
NPAT Exam Duration 2026
The NPAT Exam Duration 2026 is 100 minutes. There are no sectional time limits. This is a big advantage. You can move between sections whenever you want. You can start with English. You can then move to logic. You can end with math. The choice is yours. The clock starts as soon as you begin. It counts down in the corner of your screen.
Managing time is the hardest part. You have 100 minutes for 120 questions. That is less than one minute per question. You must work like a machine. If a question is too hard, skip it. Do not waste two minutes on one mark. Every mark has the same value. The goal is to see all 120 questions. If you do not see them, you cannot answer them.
The screen will show a timer. It tells you exactly how much time is left. You do not need to submit the test manually. When the time hits zero, the computer saves everything. It is automatic. It is safe.
• Use the first 20 minutes for English.
• Use the next 35 minutes for Logical Reasoning.
• Use the last 45 minutes for Quantitative Ability.
This is a common strategy. It helps you maximize your attempts.
NPAT Marking Scheme 2026
The NPAT Marking Scheme 2026 is simple. You get one mark for every right answer. You get zero marks for wrong answers. There is no negative marking. This is great news. It means you should never leave a blank space. If you do not know an answer, guess. You have a 25 per cent chance of being right. If you leave it blank, you have a zero per cent chance.
The marking rules are easy to understand:
• Correct Answer: +1 Mark
• Incorrect Answer: 0 Mark
• Unattempted: 0 Mark
The total marks are 120. Your merit rank depends on this score. Since there is no penalty, you can be brave. You can take risks. Use the process of elimination. Cross out the options that look wrong. Pick the best one left. It is like a game of strategy. The result? A higher raw score.
The university looks at your best attempt. If you take the test three times, they pick the highest mark. For example, if you score 80, 85, and 90, your final score is 90. This helps you improve. It gives you a second chance. It gives you a third chance. The pressure is on, but you have options.
Read More: NPAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Reservation Policy
How Many Questions in NPAT Exam?
There are 120 questions in the NPAT exam. These are spread across three core sections. Each section has exactly 40 questions. This equal split is a standard rule. It has not changed for several years. Every question is an objective type. This means there is no writing or long answers. You just click on the right bubble.
The question count is fixed:
Section Name | Question Count | Weightage |
Quantitative Reasoning | 40 Questions | 33.3% |
Logical Reasoning | 40 Questions | 33.3% |
Verbal Reasoning | 40 Questions | 33.3% |
Total | 120 Questions | 100% |
All questions come from the school syllabus. You have studied these topics in class 10 and 12. The math questions cover basic numbers and functions. The logic questions cover patterns and series. The English questions cover basic grammar rules. It is not about how hard the questions are. It is about how many you can do in 100 minutes. It is a race against the clock.
Is There Any Change in NPAT Exam Pattern?
The biggest change is for the design program. If you want to study the Bachelor of Design (B.Des), you no longer take the NPAT. You must take the NMIMS-DAT. The NPAT is now only for commerce, economics, and liberal arts. This makes the exam more focused. It is purely for aptitude.
There are other changes you should know. General Knowledge is no longer part of the test. It was removed in 2020. You do not need to study current affairs. You do not need to study history. The test is now a pure skill test. It measures how you process information. It measures how you solve problems.
Another change is the testing mode. You must go to a physical center. You cannot take the test at home. You will use a computer provided at the center. This makes the test fair for everyone. The rules are the same for every city.
• No GK: Removed to focus on aptitude.
• No B.Des: Shifted to a separate design test.
• No Home Tests: Centre-based only.
NPAT Exam Year-wise Comparison Table
The NPAT Exam Year-wise Comparison Table shows how the test has evolved. It has become a very stable and fair test. The timing and the number of questions have stayed the same for years. This helps you prepare because you know exactly what happened in the past.
Year | Total Questions | Total Time | Marking Scheme | Sectional Breakdown | Major Pattern Changes |
2021–2026 | 120 | 100 Mins | +1 / 0 (No Negative) | 40 Questions per section (3 sections) | Fully computer-based test at official centers. You can move between sections freely. No sectional time limits. |
2020 | 120 | 100 Mins | +1 / 0 (No Negative) | 40 Questions per section (3 sections) | Remote Proctored format was used. Students took the test from home because of global health rules. |
2018–2019 | 120 | 100 Mins | +1 / 0 (No Negative) | 40 Questions per section (3 sections) | The university shifted to the current speed-based format. This started the focus on quick logic. |
The history of the test shows that speed is always the main goal. The shift to centre-based testing in 2021 made the test more professional. The removal of sectional timers allowed you to manage your own day. The result? A test that rewards the smartest and fastest students.
Preparing for the NPAT requires steady work. You should solve many mock tests. You should practice mental math. You should read English articles daily. This will build your stamina. The exam is 100 minutes of pure focus. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Success is yours.
NPAT Exam Pattern 2026: Conclusion
The NPAT Exam Pattern 2026 is clearly designed to test speed, accuracy, and logical thinking rather than memorisation. With 120 questions to be solved in 100 minutes, time management plays a major role in securing a high score. Since all sections carry equal weightage and there is no negative marking, students must aim to attempt as many questions as possible across all three sections.
Another major advantage of the NPAT exam is the flexibility it offers. Candidates can choose their exam date, time slot, and even attempt the test up to three times, with the best score being considered. With a stable exam pattern over the years, focused practice through mock tests, smart section-wise strategy, and consistent speed building can significantly improve your chances of getting into NMIMS through NPAT 2026.
