How to Plan Three Attempts for NPAT?

SVKMs NMIMS conducts the NPAT exam with flexibility for candidates to appear thrice in one admission cycle. The NPAT exam has two phases with admission preference in first phase. Read this article to know how to plan three attempts of NPAT 2026.

How to Plan Three Attempts of NPAT 2026

Strategy to Plan Three Attempts of NPAT: SVKMs NMIMS is conducting NPAT 2026 for UG admission in two phases. Candidates can schedule three attempts for NPAT exam in one admission cycle. Candidates have an option to appear for two attempts of NPAT in first phase and one attempt in second phase or plan to appear only for the NPAT second phase exam. NMIMS will prioritise candidates for admissions from first phase of NPAT attempt. Read this article to evaluate strategic preferences to plan three attempts at the NPAT 2026 exam.

Difference between NPAT Phase 1 and NPAT Phase 2

The primary difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 is the timeline and the priority given during the admission counselling process.

• Timeline: Phase 1 operates earlier, with exam scheduling starting in February and concluding in March. Phase 2 operates later, with examinations running from April to the beginning of June.
• Admission Preference: Phase 1 provides a distinct strategic advantage because it grants admission preference. Candidates who take the test in Phase 1 will have their merit list declared in April. These Phase 1 candidates have the first opportunity to be admitted and secure their seats before the general deadline.
• Merit List Calculation: The Phase 2 merit list is compiled differently. It includes all new candidates who took the test in Phase 2, but it also includes Phase 1 candidates along with their most recent best score across all attempts.
• Rank Fluctuations: Because Phase 2 includes a much larger pool of students, a candidate's merit rank from Phase 1 is highly likely to drop numerically (e.g., falling from rank 1000 down to 1200 or lower) during the Phase 2 merit list declaration. Admission and counselling for Phase 2 will be granted strictly based on this newly updated, most recent merit number.

NPAT 2026 Exam Dates

Below are the official dates for the two phases to help you plan your attempts.

NPAT Phase 1 Schedule

NPAT Phase 2 Schedule

Understanding Three Attempts at NPAT 2026

NMIMS allows a candidate to appear for the exam up to three times. This consists of one main test and a maximum of two retakes. Understanding the rules surrounding these retakes is mandatory for a successful application.

• Candidates who register for Phase 1 are required to complete at least one attempt within the Phase 1 window.
• Candidates have total flexibility in distributing their three attempts across the two phases. You can take all three attempts (the main test plus both retakes) exclusively in Phase 1. Alternatively, you can take your main attempt in Phase 1 and schedule one or both of your retakes in Phase 2.
• If you register and utilise all three of your attempts during Phase 1, you will not be eligible to take any further exams or retakes during Phase 2. Any retakes scheduled in Phase 2 must be completed within the Phase 2 deadlines, as there is no Phase 3.
• The highest marks achieved among your total attempts will be considered for the respective school's merit process.
• Once you have completed your main exam, you cannot add a new school to the same exam category for a retake. The registration fee is Rs. 2000 per school for the first attempt, and each subsequent retake will cost an additional Rs. 2000 per school in the NMIMS NPAT category.
• Exam dates and test centre availability are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, and strictly no rescheduling or cancellation of exams is allowed once a slot is booked.

Strategising NPAT Exam Attempt

Choosing when to schedule your main attempt and your retakes is a strategic decision that largely depends on your board exam schedule and your target programs.

Prioritise Phase 1 for Lower Competition

It is highly advisable to write at least your first main attempt during Phase 1. Because Phase 1 runs concurrently with board examinations in February and March, many students delay their test-taking until Phase 2. Consequently, you will face significantly less competition in Phase 1. Furthermore, because the exam features 120 questions to be solved in 100 minutes with no negative marking, taking the test early gives you a tangible benchmark of your performance without the penalty of losing marks for incorrect guesses. Candidates who get admission into their preferred program during the Phase 1 merit declaration will not need to appear for subsequent retakes.

Utilise Retakes for Course Upgrades

Candidates who appeat for Phase 1 and secure a seat, but are not satisfied with the allotment, can use Phase 2 strategically. For example, if the primary goal is the Integrated BBA program but you are offered a standard BSc seat in Phase 1, you can register for your remaining retakes in Phase 2. This allows for improving the rank after board exams have concluded.

Balancing NPAT with Board Exams

If balancing your 12th-grade board exams with NPAT preparation is too demanding, you can choose to skip Phase 1 entirely and schedule all your attempts during Phase 2. However, this strategy comes with severe drawbacks. By skipping Phase 1, you forfeit the early admission advantage. You will also face intense competition in Phase 2, as the majority of students will be attempting to secure seats or better their previous Phase 1 scores. Therefore, the most balanced strategy is to prepare in advance, take the main attempt in Phase 1 to secure a priority merit rank, and reserve your two retakes for Phase 2 just in case you need to improve your score.

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