NPAT Preparation Tips for Non-Maths Students

NMIMS Programs After Twelfth 2026 ( NMIMS - NPAT )

Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content
Updated on Jan 21, 2026 23:51 IST
Candidates without Maths in Class 12 might find the Quantitative Reasoning section on the tougher side. Candidates who find Math difficult must focus on score optimisation. Better score in other two sections can improve the final merit position of the candidate. Since there is no negative marking, even a non-math candidate can secure a good score.

SVKMs NMIMS conducts NPAT exam for admission to UG courses, including BBA, BCom, BSc Economics, BA Liberal Arts, among others. Not all courses for admission via NPAT require maths. Check NPAT 2026 preparation tips for non-maths students here.

NPAT Preparation Tips for Non Maths Students

NPAT Preparation Tips for Non Maths Students

NPAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Non-Maths Students: SVKMs NMIMS conducts NPAT exam for admission to UG courses. Candidates aspiring for admission into NMIMS campuses must have a top-notch preparation as the selection is entirely based on NPAT exam performance. Among all NPAT courses, BBA in Branding and Advertising, BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts, and BBA in International Business do not require a compulsory Math/Statistics at 10+2 level. Therefore, NPAT preparation strategy may vary for all candidates.

Candidates without Maths in Class 12 might find the Quantitative Reasoning section on the tougher side. Candidates who find Math difficult must focus on sectional score optimisation. Better score in other two sections can improve the overall merit position of the candidate. Since there is no negative marking, even a non-math candidate can secure a seat at NMIMS campuses. Scroll down to know NPAT 2026 preparation tips for non-maths students, including a phase wise preparation strategy, important topics, and section wise approach.

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Table of contents
  • Understanding NPAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  • Phase-Wise NPAT 2026 Preparation
  • NPAT Preparation Strategy for Non-Math Students
  • NPAT Preparation: Focus on Improving Time Management Techniques
  • Maximising Your Score: Multiple Attempts

Understanding NPAT 2026 Exam Pattern

To start with the NPAT exam preparation, all candidates must obtain an understanding of exam pattern. NPAT 2026 exam is held as a computer based test. Candidates can appear for NPAT exam thrice during the test window. As per the NPAT exam pattern, candidates have to answer a total of 120 questions within 100 minutes.

NPAT 2026 exam is divided into three equal sections:

  1. Quantitative Reasoning: 40 Questions
  2. Logical Reasoning: 40 Questions
  3. Verbal Reasoning: 40 Questions

NPAT exam does not have any negative marking or sectional time limit. Therefore, candidates must allocate their time while solving NPAT questions from any section of their choice based on strength and weakness analysis.

Phase-Wise NPAT 2026 Preparation

All candidates, irrespective of their Class 12 subjects, must prepare for NPAT exam in a phased manner. The table below indicates a phase wise NPAT preparation plan to focus on important topics, plan of action and recommended strategy:

Phase

Important Topics

Plan of Action

Recommended Strategy

Concept Learning

Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning Basics

1-2 hours per day study, reading articles (15-20 mins/day), building vocabulary

Focus on clearing fundamentals and identifying core competencies; maintain touch with topics during school prelims

Revision & Intense Practice

Trigonometry, Set Theory, Visual Reasoning, Grammar, Reading Comprehension

7-8 hours per day of study, solving chapter-level exercises, and timed testing of concepts

Solve past year papers repeatedly to identify predictable question types; focus on weak areas to hit 50% target in those sections

Mock Tests & Mock Strategy

Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency, Para Jumbles, All Syllabus

Taking 7-8 mock tests, analysing mock scores to map strengths/weaknesses, and practising techniques to skip or attempt questions on the exam day.

Take at least one attempt in April for familiarity; prioritise Verbal Ability (20-25 mins) followed by LR (40-45 mins) and QA (30-35 mins)

Section-Wise NPAT Preparation Tips

NMIMS NPAT exam has three sections. Each of these three sections have equal weightage. Therefore, all three sections hold equal importance in the overall NPAT score. Check section wise NPAT prepartation tips below:

1. Quantitative Reasoning (Maths)

This section is considered the toughest and time-consuming section by most of the test takers. 

  • NPAT Quant Important Topics: Trigonometry, Set Theory, Functions, Statistics, and Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work).
  • Data Interpretation (DI): Earlier questions from DI were part of the Logical Reasoning section. DI now often appears in the Quant section with roughly 10-12 questions based on graphs and charts.
  • Approach: Since questions can be lengthy, candidates must consider a plan of action to leave some questions and allocate time to other questions. A target of solving 20-25 questions with accuracy in 35 minutes will be enough if other sections go well.

2. Logical Reasoning (LR)

Most of the test takers find Logical Reasoning to be the highly scoring section:

  • NPAT LR Important Topics: Visual Reasoning (top view, front view, paper folding), Syllogisms, Critical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption, Course of Action), and Data Sufficiency.
  • Approach: Many successful candidates aim for 30+ marks in this section. Verbal reasoning within this section is often faster to solve than analytical sets, which leads to save time.

3. Verbal Reasoning (English)

Verbal Reasoning section of NPAT exam is often considered a game-changer as it is high-scoring and can be completed quickly.

  • NPAT Verbal Reasoning Important Topics: Reading Comprehension (RC) accounts for 10-15 questions. Other important chapters include Grammar (Error Recognition), Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), and Para Jumbles.
  • Approach: Candidates must aim to attempt all 40 questions within 20-25 minutes. The remaining time must be kept for the Quantitative Reasoning section.

NPAT Preparation Strategy for Non-Math Students

Candidates who did not have Mathematics in Class 11 or 12 must aim for sectional compensation. With no sectional time limit, candidates can strategically allocate more time to English and LR sections for a better overall score. 

  • Quantitative Reasoning for Non-Math Students: Do not try to master advanced math; instead, focus on Class 9-10 level arithmetic, which dominates the section. High-ROI (Return on Investment) topics include Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, and Basic Statistics. Candidates can afford to skip complex topics like Trigonometry and Advanced Functions.
  • The Compensation Strategy: Non-math students should aim for a combined score above 65 in LR and Verbal Reasoning, with a decent contribution of 15-20 marks from the Math section.
  • Data Interpretation (DI): This often includes 10-12 questions based on graphs and charts. Since DI is more towards logic-based, it becomes an important area for non-math students to score well with regular practice.

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NPAT Preparation: Focus on Improving Time Management Techniques

With limited time, candidates must follow an approach to leave and deprioritise some topics/questions and allocate time to doable questions.

  • Analyse questions that could be solved with complete accuracy in under 60-90 seconds.
  • Analyse the questions which may or may not account for the overall score. Mark these questions and return if the time permits.
  • Find unfamiliar questions which may lead to wastage of time. Since there is no negative marking, use guesswork to answer these questions.

Maximising Your Score: Multiple Attempts

NMIMS allows up to three attempts at NPAT. The best of three NPAT scores is considered for merit allotment. Candidates can plan to use their first NPAT attempt to underestand the test structure and the difficulty level. Subsequent attempts of NPAT exam can focus on improving the speed and accuracy based on the experience from the first attempt.

Q:   Which book should I refer for the preparation of NPAT exam?
A:

The books that will help the candidates with overall NPAT preparation are

Proficiency in English Language:

  • Quick Learning Objective General English by RS Aggarwal
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • Objective General English by Arihant Publications
  • High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin

Quantitative  and Numerical Ability:

  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R S Aggarwal
  • Class XI and XII Mathematics by R.D. Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

Reasoning and General Intelligence:

  • A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning - R S Aggarwal
  • Book on Reasoning for Competitive Exams – Pearson
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
Q:   How can I improve my quantitative skills for the NPAT exam?
A:

Other than solving various kinds of problems, memorising formulas and learning tricks for Quantitative and Numerical Ability, test takers should start solving riddles, sudoku and puzzles to strengthen quantitative skills for NPAT exam. The sole trick to excel in the quantitative ability section of NPAT exam is to practice. Candidates must ensure solving as many mock tests and practice question papers as possible. This will make sure that the candidates know about different types of questions asked and the difficulty level. Additionally, practising improves the speed and accuracy while taking the NPAT exam.

Q:   How to prepare for Logical Reasoning section of NPAT exam?
A:

SVKMs NMIMS assesses critical thinking and analytical skills using the Reasoning and General Intelligence section of NPAT Exam. In this section of NPAT exam, in order to solve questions that are based on critical thinking, test takers should try to analyse the roles and conditions and based on it, solve the questions. For questions related to problem-solving, try to analyse the information and assimilate them in a suitable form to answer those questions. Candidates must practise as many questions as possible to get aware of different types of questions.

Q:   How to prepare for Verbal Reasoning section in NPAT?
A:

While preparing for Verbal Reasoning section of NPAT exam, candidates must recognise grammatical structure and usage, use prepositions, determiners, connectives, tenses appropriately. 

Q:   How can I solve maximum questions in the NPAT exam?
A:

NPAT test takers should always attempt answering questions from the section in which they are most comfortable. This will help reduce stress on the test day. Owing to huge competition for 3,000+ seats, candidates must devise exam day strategy while practising mock tests. NPAT exam has 120 questions to be answered within 100 minutes. Therefore, candidates must work on their speed and accuracy to answer the questions in NMIMS NPAT exam.

Q:   How to prepare for Quantitative & Numerical Ability in NPAT?
A:

Candidates must focus on practising as many questions as possible. Quant section has questions from different topics, like Percentage, Profit and Loss, Discount, Compound Interest, Ration and Proportions, etc.

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About the Author
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Abhishek Dhawan
Assistant Manager – Editorial Content

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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