NPAT vs CUET UG: Differences & Similarities, Competition Analysis, Section Wise Prep Tips
CUET UG is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to UG courses across 250+ colleges. Whereas, NPAT exam is conducted for admission to BBA, BSc, and BCom courses offered by different campuses of SVKMs NMIMS. Check difference between CUET and NPAT here.
CUET UG or NPAT becomes a big confusion for candidates aspiring for UG admissions in India. BBA aspirants frequently choose between CUET UG and NPAT. CUET UG is a national exam accepted by over 250 colleges. Candidates applying for CUET will have high admission chances through approximately 10,000 seats across 180 BBA institutes. It is considered a safe choice, irrespective of its complex structure. On the other hand, NPAT is exclusive to SVKMs NMIMS campuses. It is highly competitive, with more than 50,000 applicants fighting for 3500+ seats.
CUET UG exam pattern and NPAT exam pattern vary on multiple aspects. Scroll down for complete insights on CUET and NPAT exam comparison, including differences and similarities.
- Why Choose Between CUET UG and NPAT?
- NPAT vs CUET: Highlights
- NPAT vs CUET: Exam Pattern Differences
- CUET vs NPAT: Competition Difference
- NPAT vs CUET: Eligibility Criteria
- CUET vs NPAT Preparation
Why Choose Between CUET UG and NPAT?
Deciding one among CUET and NPAT will require candidate to choose between admission probability and a prestigious institute. Applying for CUET will bring in increased chances of admissions due to its acceptability across numerous institutes. Whereas, NPAT will only be accepted by SVKMs NMIMS campuses.
With low admission chances through NPAT, the test structure is in favour of the candidates. With CUET UG delivering high admission chances, CUET UG exam pattern is designed to be tricky if compared with NPAT.
Also Read: CUET Syllabus
More than 180 BBA Colleges accepting CUET scores in India provide aspirants with more choices. Whereas NPAT score is accepted by SVKMs NMIMS campuses only.
Also, NPAT is included among the options as candidates have the flexibility to appear for the NPAT exam three times within the test window. On the contrary, candidates can only take CUET exam once during one exam session. Additionally, NMIMS is among the top colleges that offer management education.
Also Read: NPAT Syllabus
Typically, candidates go for both CUET and NPAT for BBA admissions as they are unable to choose between high admission chances and a candidate-friendly exam.
Commonly asked questions
NMIMS placement percentage data is not released. For MBA Tech, highest and average package recorded in 2025 was 27 LPA and 11.5 LPA. 133 recruiters visited the campus in 2025.
SVKMs NMIMS will conduct NPAT exam in 23 states/UT. Each state may have multiple cities where the NPAT exam centres will be located. Collectively, these 23 states have around 65 test cities. Candidates filling the NPAT application form have to fill the preferred test city to appear for the exam. SVKMs NMIMS will allot a test centre based on the preference of the candidate, available seats in the test centre, number of candidates interested in a particular location, etc.
The NMIMS Indore placement rate is yet to be released. Once out, it will be updated here. The table below presents the other placement highlights recorded in 2025:
| School | Highest Package (2025) | Average Package (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| SOL | INR 7.2 LPA (BA LLB) INR 7 LPA (BBA LLB) | INR 5.86 LPA (BA LLB) INR 6.27 LPA (BBA LLB) |
| STME | INR 7 LPA (BTech) INR 12 LPA (MBA Tech) | INR 4.8 LPA (BTech) INR 9.5 LPA (MBA Tech) |
| SOC | INR 24 LPA | INR 5.23 LPA |
The median package recorded during NMIMS Hyderabad MBA placements between 2023 and 2025 is mentioned below:
Particulars | Placement Statistics 2023 | Placement Statistics 2024 | Placement Statistics 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
MBA Median package | INR 12.05 LPA | INR 11 LPA | INR 10 LPA |
NPAT vs CUET: Highlights
The table below mentions the key areas of comparison between CUET UG and NPAT exam:
| CUET vs NPAT |
CUET UG |
NPAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body |
SVKMs NMIMS |
|
| Exam level |
Undergraduate |
Undergraduate |
| Exam frequency |
Annually with single attempt |
Annually with three attempts |
| Exam mode |
Hybrid (using OMR sheet and CBT mode) |
CBT only |
| Exam difficulty level |
Moderate to tough |
Moderate |
| Courses on offer |
UG courses across all streams |
UG courses under:
|
| Educational qualification |
Passed in 10+2 |
Passed in 10+2 with up to 60 per cent aggregate |
| Age limit |
No age limit for CUET UG |
NPAT eligibility lays the age limit between 17 years to 25 years. |
| Exam fees |
|
INR 2000 for single attempt with one school choice. (Additional INR 1000 required for each additional school choice) |
| Exam sections |
IA: Language IB: Second Language (optional) II: Domain subject (Business Studies) III: General Test |
I: Quantitative Reasoning II: Logical Reasoning III: Verbal Reasoning |
| Type of questions |
MCQ |
MCQ |
| Medium of exam |
English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu |
English |
| Marking scheme |
+5 marks for each correct response -1 mark for each incorrect response |
+1 marks for each correct response No negative marking |
| Validity of score |
One year |
One year |
| Average time for preparation |
6 month preparation is enough |
4-6 month preparation |
| Colleges accepting scores |
UG and PG courses of state, central, private and deemed universities |
All NMIMS campuses |
| Official website |
exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG |
nmimsnpat.in |
Also Read: What is the right time to begin CUET preparation?
NPAT vs CUET: Exam Pattern Differences
NPAT and CUET exam patterns have multiple differences in terms of sections. Therefore, it is difficult for candidates to prepare for NPAT and CUET UG simultaneously. However, fundamentals can be covered while NPAT and CUET preparation.
CUET vs NPAT Exam Pattern
The table below mentions differences in the CUET and NPAT test pattern:
| CUET vs NPAT |
CUET |
NPAT |
|---|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Hybrid (using OMR sheet and CBT mode) |
CBT only |
| Type of questions |
MCQ |
MCQ |
| Total questions |
- 40 out of 50 questions for all test papers - 50 out of 60 for the General Test |
120 (40 in each section) |
| Exam Duration |
- 60 minutes for
- 45 minutes for all other test papers |
1 hour 40 minutes |
| Marking scheme |
+5 marks for each correct response -1 mark for each incorrect response |
+1 marks for each correct response No negative marking |
| Sectional time limit |
No |
No |
| Medium of exam |
English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu |
English |
CUET vs NPAT: Sections
The table below mentions differences in the CUET and NPAT exam sections:
| Sections |
CUET Sections |
NPAT Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Section I |
Language A (one among 13 choices) |
Quantitative Reasoning |
| Language B (one among 20 choices) |
||
| Section II |
Domain subject (27 options) |
Logical Reasoning |
| Section III |
General Test |
Verbal Reasoning |
Universities offering BBA admissions through CUET provide the domain subjects and language to be mapped while filling the CUET application form. For BBA admissions, most of the universities will require the candidate to choose Business Studies as a domain subject in section II of CUET. Additionally, universities may or may not require the candidate to take the General Test.
Also Read: Domain Subjects in CUET
Commonly asked questions
One of the best businesses schools in India and NMIMS has campuses in several state additionally it is currently a deemed university the university offers in depth instruction in the discipline of management studies additionally the university provides their reliable infrastructure that is convenient for both on campus and online students the university provides campus placements, undergraduate and post graduate courses as well as a variety of other events
Yes, the placement rate recorded during NMIMS Bangalore MBA placements 2023 was 100%. Further, more than 210 offers were made to batch of 205 students in 2024.
The key highlights of NMIMS Bangalore summer placements for the 2023-25 batch and 2022-24 batch are presented below:
Particulars | MBA Summer Placement Statistics (2022-24 Batch) | MBA Placement Statistics (2023-25 Batch) |
|---|---|---|
the highest stipend | INR 85,000 | INR 70,000 per month |
Average stipend | INR 35,000 | INR 32,900 per month |
Median stipend | INR 25,000 | INR 33,600 per month |
Top 10% stipend | INR 83,500 | INR 59.360 per month |
Top 20% stipend | NA | INR 50,400 per month |
Top 35% stipend | NA | INR 45,920 per month |
Total recruiters | 66 (46 new recruiters) | 47 (38 new recruiters) |
Total offers | NA | 150+ |
The highest package offered at NMIMS Mumbai placements are given below:
Particulars | Placement Statistics (2025) |
|---|---|
the highest Package (MBA Tech) | INR 27 LPA |
the highest Package (MSc Finance) | INR 14 LPA |
the highest Package (BBA) | INR 24.3 LPA |
the highest Package (BCom Hons) | INR 22.55 LPA |
the highest Package (BSc Finance) | INR 22.55 LPA |
the highest Package (BDes) | INR 26.4 LPA |
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CUET vs NPAT: Competition Difference
As per the previous year's CUET registrations, more than 2 lakh candidates applied with Business Studies as the domain subject. Typically, Business Studies domain subject is chosen by the candidates to get into a business related course such as BBA. On the other hand, NPAT records around 80,000 test takers every year for admission to courses after class 12th at NMIMS campuses.
Also Read: NMIMS NPAT Registration
CUET UG exam is conducted for admission to 150+ BBA colleges. Whereas, NPAT exam is conducted for admission to all campuses of NMIMS. BBA admission through CUET will likely fill around 10,000+ seats across India. On the contrary, NPAT exam is conducted to fill more than 3900 seats across different courses offered by NMIMS campuses.
NPAT vs CUET: Eligibility Criteria
Besides the NPAT and CUET UG exam structure, both the exams host differences in eligibility conditions as well. The space below mentions the CUET and NPAT eligibility criteria
CUET UG Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following conditions to be eligible for CUET UG exam:
Educational Qualification: Class 12 passed candidates from a recognised board are eligible. Candidates who are waiting for the Board exam results are also eligible.
Age Limit: There is no age limit for CUET exam; however, candidates must check the institute-specific eligibility for the same.
Nationality: Candidates must abide by any of the following citizenship rules to be eligible for CUET:
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen
- A constituent subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who landed in India before January 1, 1962, to reside in India permanently
- Candidates from the following countries who have moved to India permanently:
- Pakistan
- Burma
- Sri Lanka
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Zaire (The Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Ethiopia
- Vietnam
The above-mentioned CUET eligibility criteria are for candidates who want to appear for the exam. Eligibility conditions for admission may vary across CUET UG participating universities.
NPAT Eligibility Criteria
The space below mentions the NMIMS NPAT eligibility criteria for all courses:
- Age Limit: NMIMS has set the upper age limit as 25 years for admissions based on NPAT exam.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 in single attempt. Compulsory subjects and minimum score requirements vary for different courses mentioned here:
- BBA: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate with Mathematics or Statistics in 10+2
- BCom: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate with Mathematics or Statistics in 10+2
- BSc Finance: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate with Mathematics or Statistics in 10+2
- BSc Economics: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate with Mathematics or Statistics in 10+2
- BBA Branding and Advertising: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate in 10+2
- BA Liberal Arts: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate in 10+2
- BBMM: Minimum 50 per cent aggregate in 10+2
- BBA International Business: Minimum 60 per cent aggregate in 10+2
Also Read: NMIMS Mumbai Courses
Commonly asked questions
MBA Tech highest and average package in 2025 was 27 LPA and 11.5 LPA. For BDes, highest and average salary was 26.4 LPA and 10.44 LPA. The highest and average package offered to BCom Hons students in 2025 was 22.55 LPA and 7.26 LPA.
Take a look at the table below depicting the NMIMS Mumbai placement package for 2024:
| Particulars | Placement Statistics (2024) |
|---|---|
| Highest package | - INR 67.70 LPA (MBA Core) - INR 25.02 LPA (MBA HR) - INR 26.49 LPA (MBA Tech) - INR 21 LPA (BPharma+MBA/ MPharma+MBA) - INR 13.34 LPA (BDes) |
| Average package | - INR 25.13 LPA (MBA Core) - INR 18.64 LPA (MBA HR) - INR 10.70 LPA (MBA Tech) - INR 9 LPA (BPharma+MBA/ MPharma+MBA) - INR 7.50 LPA (BDes) |
Indeed, NMIMS Bangalore is still a great choice in addition to NMIMS Mumbai.It uses the NMAT for admission.This college has been doing excellently lately. The typical package touches on 13-14LPA.Yes!If you're considering an MBA, the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Bangalore is a fantastic choice. Because it gives you a lot of possibilities and opportunities to enhance your skills, as well as excellent options for career coaching and placement and a plethora of internship options.
Additionally, it has accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and approval from the University Grant Commission (UGC).Thus, there's no need to worry excessively.
NMIMS Indore placements 2025 concluded with the highest, average packages for different courses. The table below shows the NMIMS Indore placement highlights for 2025:
| School | Highest Package (2025) | Average Package (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| SOL | INR 7.2 LPA (BA LLB) INR 7 LPA (BBA LLB) | INR 5.86 LPA (BA LLB) INR 6.27 LPA (BBA LLB) |
| STME | INR 7 LPA (BTech) INR 12 LPA (MBA Tech) | INR 4.8 LPA (BTech) INR 9.5 LPA (MBA Tech) |
| SOC | INR 24 LPA | INR 5.23 LPA |
CUET vs NPAT Preparation
CUET UG preparation and NPAT preparation can go hand in hand. CUET Language will be covered by the candidate while NPAT Verbal Ability preparation. On the other hand, CUET General Test preparation includes topics to be covered from numerical ability and reasoning. Candidates will cover major chunk of CUET General Test syllabus while preparing for QA and LR of NPAT exam.
Candidates can refer to the table below to get CUET and NPAT preparation resources:
| CUET Preparation Resources |
NPAT Preparation Resources |
|---|---|
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Abhishek is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He completed his graduation from University of Delhi with a BA Degree. At Shiksha.com, he handles content for MBA, BBA, an
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