UGAT BCA Pattern 2026: Know Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Under Graduate Aptitude Test 2026 ( UGAT )

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UGAT 2026 admit card release

9 Jun '26

Saumya Jain
Updated on May 21, 2026 19:55 IST

By Saumya Jain, Assistant Manager- Content

Overview

UGAT exam pattern 2026 is prescribed by All India Management Association, which conducts the exam for undergraduate courses. It specifies structure of the question paper, type of questions, marking scheme and total marks. This year, AIMA UGAT 2026 exam will be conducted in PBT mode. Candidates who appear for UGAT exam have to visit test centre for same. Read below to know UGAT 2026 exam pattern in detail.

Table of contents
  • UGAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
  • UGAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Sectional Weightage
  • UGAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
  • UGAT 2026 Sections and Important Topics
  • UGAT Exam Pattern FAQs
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UGAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

Check the UGAT exam pattern 2026 highlights in the table below.

UGAT Exam Pattern 

Details 

Exam Mode 

Paper-based test mode

Sectional Time Limit

No

Test Duration 

2 hours 

Type of Questions 

Multiple Choice Questions 

Number of Questions

130

Total Marks

130

Medium

English

Knowing the UGAT exam pattern is important because the question paper will follow the same structure. Students can have a focused study plan if they know paper pattern and important topics. Check some important points for the UGAT exam pattern below:

  • The UGAT question paper will be divided into four sections- English Language, Numerical and Data Analysis, Reasoning and Intelligence, General Knowledge
  • AIMA UGAT 2026 comprises objective type questions
  • For Integrated MBA, BBA, BCA duration of the exam will be two hours and for BHM, it is three hours
  • There will be negative marking for wrong answers. 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is UGAT difficult to crack?
A: 

The UGAT difficulty level can be different for each candidate preparing for the exam. The candidates who are preparing for the exam must know the exam pattern, UGAT concepts, etc. Usually, the difficulty level of the UGAT exam is easy to moderate. Candidates can crack the UGAT exam with proper preparation, practicing mock tests and previous years' question papers can help the candidates crack the UGAT exam. Dedication and concistency will come in handy for the UGAT preparation.

Q:   Why is it important to know the UGAT exam pattern?
A: 

Knowing AIMA UGAT exam pattern is important because the question paper will follow same structure. Students can have a targetted study plan if they know UGAT exam pattern and important topics. 

Q:   Which are the best books to crack UGAT?
A: 
  1. English Language:
    • High School Grammar and Comprehension by Wren and Martin
    • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
    • Objective General English by SP Bakshi
  2. Numerical and Data Analysis:
    • NCERT Mathematics books
    • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal
    • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
  3. Reasoning and Intelligence:
    • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
    • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
    • Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
  4. General Knowledge
    • Manorama Year Book
    • Newspapers
    • Lucent's General Knowledge 
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UGAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Sectional Weightage

Check the UGAT 2026 sectional weightage in the table below.

Section

Number of Questions

Marks per section

English Language

40

40

Numerical and Data Analysis

30

30

Reasoning and Intelligence

30

30

General Knowledge

30

30

Note: For candidates seeking admission to BHM course, an additional one hour test will be conducted for evaluating the candidate’s service and scientific aptitude.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any negative marking in UGAT?
A: 

Yes, the UGAT exam has negative marking. Candidates appearing for the UGAT exam must know that UGAT question paper has negative marking for each incorrect answer that they mark during the exam. Two marks will be awarded to the candidates for each correct answer they mark and 0.5 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates should carefully mark the answers during the exam. 

Q:   What is the mode of UGAT exam?
A: 

AIMA conducts the UGAT exam in a paper based test mode at various centres. Candidates need to visit the allotted test centre to take the paper based UGAT exam. At the UGAT exam centre, each candidate is given the OMR sheet to mark the answers against each question. Candidates can only carry a black or blue point pen to the UGAT exam centre to mark the answers. 

Q:   What is the marking scheme of UGAT?
A: 

The UGAT exam is conducted in the paper-based test mode. The UGAT question paper has multiple-choice questions. The marking scheme for the UGAT exam is as follows:

FeatureMarking Scheme
Correct Answer1 mark
Incorrect AnswerNegative marking
Total marks130
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UGAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme

The total marks in UGAT exam 2026 is 130. The official UGAT marking scheme is as follows:

Feature Marking Scheme
Correct Answer +1 mark
Incorrect Answer -0.5 marks
Total marks 130

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is UGAT an offline or an online exam?
A: 

UGAT exam will be conducted in paper-based test mode, this year. The UGAT exam is conducted only in the offline or paper-based test mode. 

Q:   How can I increase my reading speed in UGAT preparation?
A: 

UGAT is conducted by AIMA. The UGAT question paper is divided into four sections, namely, English Language, Numerical and Data Analysis, General Knowledge and Reasoning and Intelligence. Time management is the key to scoring well in the exam.

The English Language section of the UGAT question paper is based on English usage and Grammar. The section aims to assess the candidate’s hold on language comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. It examines the candidates on how well they comprehend the given data, analyse the question, vocabulary, grammar, etc. Speed and accuracy are the two key players in having a good preparation for UGAT. To improve the reading speed in UGAT preparation consider the following:

  1. Dedicate a portion of your study routine to focused reading practice.
  2. Challenge yourself by setting a time limit for reading tasks. Gradually reduce the time limit to progressivley increase your reading speed.
  3. Expanding your vocabulary will not only aid comprehension but will also facilitate quicker reading. 
  4. develop the skill of quickly skimming and scanning through passages to grasp their main ideas. 
  5. Cultivate a composed and focused mindset during your reading practice and curb on subvocalising to accelerate your reading speed. 

Keep a few practices like the above in mind, make sure you give enough time to your mind to stay calm and prevent mental fatigue. Consistency is the key. 

Q:   What is the sectional time limit in UGAT exam?
A: 

There is no sectional time limit. Total duration is 2 hours of UGAT question paper. Students have to complete the exam within the time limit.

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UGAT 2026 Sections and Important Topics

Check important topics of UGAT 2026 syllabus below:

Section Important topics

Numerical and Data Analysis

Geometry, Work and Time, HCF & LCM, Number System, Percentages, Ratios and Proportion, Algebra, etc.

Reasoning and Intelligence 

Coding & Decoding, Visual Reasoning, Puzzles, Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments, Series, Critical Reasoning, Blood Relations, etc. 

General Knowledge

Government and Politics, History, Current Affairs, Famous Personalities, Static GK, etc. 

English Language

Verbal Reasoning, Sentence Completion, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, etc.

Read More:

Seven essential UGAT preparation tips 2026

UGAT 2026 Application Form

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difference between a UGAT BBA and a SET BBA?
A: 

SET and UGAT are undergraduate entrance exams conducted for BBA admissions. 

  • SET exam is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to the BBA course at its institutes. Eight SIU colleges accept SET scores for admissions. The duration of the exam is one hour and students have to take the exam in the CBT format. 
  • UGAT is another BBA entrance exam conducted by AIMA. With UGAT scores, students can get admission to various courses and colleges under AIMA. The exam is conducted in the PBT format.
Q:   Is UGAT syllabus difficult?
A: 

Difficulty level of UGAT syllabus is usually easy to moderate. Syllabus of UGAT is comparatively easier than syllabus of other integrated MBA exams, such as IPMAT. A good preparation can help candidates with good UGAT scores. 

Q:   What are the benefits of solving previous year's UGAT question papers?
A: 

Solving the UGAT question paper is very important from preparation point of view. Since UGAT is a speed based test where candidates have to read long passages, tables and charts, do multiple calculations and solve tricky puzzles, one needs to have prior practice of the same. The UGAT mock tests serve this purpose. However, to know what type of passages and puzzles are there in the UGAT exam, you need to solve previous years' question papers. Some of the benefits of solving previous years' UGAT question paper are:

  1. With the help of previous year's UGAT question paper, you can understand the latest UGAT exam pattern and marking scheme
  2. Practicing UGAT question papers improves speed and accuracy in solving the questions
  3. Practicing UGAT question papers improves time management skills as you would get to know which type of questions take how much time.
  4. When you practice UGAT question papers, you gain confidence that you can solve all types of UGAT questions. This confidence helps in performing better in the exam.
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UGAT Exam Pattern FAQs

Check below the FAQs on UGAT pattern:

Q:   What is the purpose of UGAT exam?
A: 
The Undergraduate Aptitude Test (UGAT) is a national-level exam that screens students for undergraduate programmes. The All India Management Association (AIMA) conducts the UGAT annually. The UGAT is used to select students for courses such as BBA, BCA, Integrated MBA, and BHM.
The UGAT is a competitive entrance exam that is conducted in internet-based test mode, computer-based and paper-pencil formats. The exam pattern is decided by AIMA. For each incorrect answer, 0.5 marks are deducted. To be eligible for the UGAT, students must have completed their HSC (Class 12) in any stream and from any recognised board and with the mandatory minimum aggregate. Students who wish to appear for the UGAT exam must go through UGAT exam eligibility criteria.
Q:   In how many cities is the UGAT exam conducted?
A: 

The UGAT exam 2026 will be conducted in the second week of June, tentatively. The exam will be conducted in the paper-based test mode. The exam will be conducted in about 18 test cities across the country.

UGAT admit cards will mention the UGAT test city, venue details, exam time, reporting time at exam centre along with details of candidate appearing for AIMA UGAT exam. 

Q:   What is the syllabus for UGAT?
A: 

UGAT syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business administration and general aptitude. For UGAT exam, candidates have to study, English Language, Numerical and Data Analysis, Reasoning and General Intelligence, and General Knowledge. Given below are the key topics included in the UGAT syllabus: -

  1. The English Language section of UGAT exam syllabus includes various topics of Grammar, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Idioms, Analogies, etc.
  2. The Numerical and Data Analysis section of UGAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry, Modern Math, Number System, Percentages, Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Work and Time, Averages, Mensuration, etc.
  3. The Reasoning and Intelligence section of the UGAT syllabus includes topics such as Coding and Decoding, Visual Reasoning, Puzzles, Patterns, Arrangement, Blood Relations, Strong and Weak Arguments, Course of Action, Series, etc.
  4. The last section, General Knowledge, of the UGAT syllabus is based on the current happenings, domestic and international news, history, etc. The questions are based on topics such as Current Affairs, Sports, Politics, Economics, Business, History, Geography, Famous Personalities, Books and Authors, etc. 

In order to prepare well for UGAT, candidates need to prepare well with the help of UGAT past year question papers and sample papers. By solving sample papers of UGAT, candidates will have an idea of the difficulty level of the UGAT question paper and the type of questions asked in the exam. Candidates can solve the sample papers while keeping in mind the syllabus of UGAT exam.

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N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

  • Applicants who have completed Class 12
  • Applicants should have 50% at least in Class 12
  • There is no age bar
  • Applicant from any stream can give UGAT
  • Applicant should be an Indian citizen

V

Vikram Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Maths is not mandatory to have but it is important in UGAT preparation as the question in Numerical and Data Analysis section are based on maths concepts.

R

Rashmi Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

AIMA Under Graduate Aptitude Test is conducted once a year. The exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate courses such as Integrated MBA, BBA, BCA and BHM and other courses by the All India Management Association. 

Students can apply only once. 

R

Rashmi Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Knowing AIMA UGAT exam pattern is important because the question paper will follow same structure. Students can have a targetted study plan if they know UGAT exam pattern and important topics. 

R

Rashmi Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 6

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