NIMCET 2026 Preparation Tips, Strategy, and Best Books

National Institute of Technology Master of Computer Applications Common Entrance Test 2026 ( NIMCET )

Rashmi Karan
Updated on Oct 7, 2025 16:42 IST

By Rashmi Karan, Manager - Content

NIMCET 2026 preparation tips can help candidates prepare well and to create an effective study plan.

Some of the important NIMCET preparation tips are:

  • Go through the official NIMCET syllabus and exam pattern
  • Attempt mock tests
  • Revise all the topics mentioned in the syllabus 
  • Create a sincere study plan and timetable
Q:   How many months are required to prepare for NIMCET exam?
A: 

The time-period required to complete the NIMCET preparation depends on students. Every student has their own pace of study. Ideally, 3-4 month is good enough for completing the NIMCET preparation. Students who have started preparing during their BCA can easily prepare for NIMCET in 4 months considering the topics of exam syllabus have already been studied in BCA.

NIMCET preparation is most effective with BCA as almost 90-95 percent topics are similar in both exams. This way students can easily complete the entire NIMCET syllabus as well as syllabus of BCA. After the graduation exams, students get 2-3 month where they can focus entirely on NIMCET.

Students who have started late for the NIMCET exam can make a 6-month plan where in the first three months they have to focus on revising the syllabus studied in BCA. In the next two months’ focus on solving questions of NIMCET and analyzing the mistakes being made, if any. The last one month should be focused on solving mock tests and NIMCET previous year question papers.

Q:   How can I crack NIMCET?
A: 

Students can easily crack NIMCET exam if they make a study plan and follow a strategy. The first step to clear NIMCET is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern clearly. Check which topics are asked in the exam and what are the types of questions. Identify the NIMCET computer topics that are similar to BCA subjects and start studying them along with the college.

The second advice is to make a time table for your study. Ideally, 2-3 hours of study is sufficient for NIMCET. Students should choose a time which suits them best. They can study in night or morning or both. It is important that they give at least 3 hours daily specifically for NIMCET preparation.

Selecting the right study materials/books is also very important for NIMCET preparation. It is advised that students begin their preparation by studying the books of BCA thoroughly and then advance to additional books. The most important advice in clearing the NIMCET is not to over-burden yourself with the preparation.

Q:   How can I prepare for NIMCET without coaching?
A: 

Taking help of coaching is not necessarily required for clearing the NIMCET exam. Many students score good marks in NIMCET by self-studying, without help from coaching. To crack NIMCET without coaching, students need to make a study plan considering the time they have before exam.

Students can take help of online tutorials and videos from previous year toppers who have cleared the exam without coaching to understand their strategy. One thing that is required when students are not taking coaching is regular study.

Make a daily time table of study and devote at least 5-6 hours for NIMCET preparation. Students who are in BCA final year can give 3-4 hours specifically for NIMCET beside college studies. Students who have passed BCA should also study at least 6 hours daily.

Table of content
  • NIMCET 2026 Preparation Tips
  • Best Books for NIMCET 2026
  • NIMCET 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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NIMCET 2026 Preparation Tips

Some important NIMCET 2026 preparation tips have been listed below. Candidates can check the important tips given below to understand how to prepare for the upcoming entrance examination.

Know the Exam Pattern

The candidates need to have a good understanding of the official NIMCET 2026 exam pattern. Through the NIMCET exam pattern, the candidates will be able to understand the important details of how the entrance examination will be conducted. By knowing important information such as the examination mode, duration, sections, marking scheme and more, the candidates will be able to prepare accordingly. The candidates need to be familiar with the pattern to avoid any unknown obstacles in the examination.

Check the NIMCET Syllabus

The subjects, units and topics to be studied for the entrance exam can be checked through the NIMCET 2026 syllabus. The authorities have released the NIMCET syllabus 2026 online at nimcet.admissions.nic.in. Before starting the preparation process, the candidates are advised to check the official syllabus. Knowing the syllabus will allow the candidates to know what to study and accordingly prepare their study strategy. Through the NIMCET syllabus, the candidates will also be able to understand the high-weightage topics that will be important for the exam.

Create a Timetable

All candidates are advised to prepare a personalised timetable for their preparation. It is to be noted that the entire syllabus should be covered in the timetable before the examination so that enough time is left for revision. While preparing the timetable, the candidates are advised to include all subjects in the daily study routine, so that the process is not monotonous. The daily study timetable of NIMCET should also include revision, mock tests and extra-curricular activities.

Prepare Small Notes

While studying, the candidates are advised to prepare small notes on topics and concepts that they have trouble grasping. This will allow the candidates to study essential topics anytime, anywhere, and help them retain them. The prepared notes will be beneficial in the preparation process.

Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests are very essential for the preparation of any important examination. Since the mock tests give an essence of the real examination, candidates can be well prepared for the exam by solving these tests regularly. Mock tests are exact replicas of the examination, and candidates will be able to familiarise themselves with the question paper pattern and other exam details. Using the mock tests, candidates can identify their shortcomings or weak points and work on them so that the same mistakes are not repeated during the real examination. Candidates can also improve their time-management skills through mock tests.

Regular Revision

Candidates are advised to allot certain hours in their everyday timetable towards revision. By revising whatever they have studied, the candidates will have fewer chances of forgetting what they have studied. The revision will also allow the candidates to go through whatever has already been studied so that the concepts and formulas remain fresh and strong during the examination.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to prepare for NIMCET exam?
A: 

You need to have 6-12 months of time for an effective preparation. Identify the strong and weak areas and accordingly study those topics. Finally, revise your entire preparation and sample papers as many as you can for good NIMCET score. The first step to the preparation of NIMCET is to get familiar with the exam pattern. Start with learning the basic concepts of each subject asked in the exam. NIMCET syllabus includes up to Class XII level Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Computer, and English. Start taking mocks tests as soon you complete your syllabus. Mock tests and previous years questions papers are very important to make you familiar with exam pattern. Mock tests could be of great help. You should take minimum 1 to 3 mock tests in a week. Also, analyze each mock test you take.

Q:   What is the exam pattern of NIMCET?
A: 

NIMCET test will be conducted with single paper containing 120 multiple choice questions covering the following subjects.

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Awareness
  • English Language
  • Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning 

The total duration of the exam will be two hours and total marks of the exam is 1000. Multiple Choice Questions will be written in English Language only and will not be translated into any other language. 

Q:   How to prepare for NIMCET from graduation days?
A: 

Starting the NIMCET preparation from BCA/graduation is the best time. As NIMCET syllabus consists of topics from BCA/BSc IT, students can easily cover all the topics along with college. Students can begin by checking the topics that is covered in both BCA and NIMCET and give special attention to them. For all three subjects, study BCA books and also take help from reference books. Understand the concepts thoroughly and solve numerical problems. To crack NIMCET along with BCA, students should devote at least 2-3 hours beside college studies. Regularly solve NIMCET mock test and solve previous year question papers to evaluate the performance.

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Best Books for NIMCET 2026

During the preparation process, candidates are advised to have access to reliable reference materials. Some of the subject-wise best books for NIMCET 2026 are listed below. 

Best Books for NIMCET 2026

Subjects Books
Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Class 12 by RD Sharma
  • Handbook of Mathematics by Amit Rastogi
  • Objective Mathematics for Engineering Entrances: VOL 1 by Amit. A. Aggarwal
Computer Awareness
  • Computer Awareness (Objective with Subjective) by Soumya Ranjan Behera
  • Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant Experts
  • Exam Preparation Books For Lucent's Computer by Lucent Publication
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S Aggarwal
  • Analytical Reasoning Session 2019-2020 by MK Pandey
General English
  • General English for All Competitive Examinations by S.C. Gupta
  • High School English Grammar and Composition Book by Wren & Martin
  • Objective General English Arihant Latest Edition by S.P. Bakshi
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I find important study materials for NIMCET preparation?
A: 

Students can check details about NIMCET important chapter and topics from this page. While it is necessary that students pay special attention to chapters with high weightage, it is highly advised that they cover the full NIMCET syllabus. The question paper of NIMCET is prepared by considering the entire syllabus which consists of topics from BCA. Important study material for NIMCET like books or short notes can be checked online. Students who are taking coaching can get the study materials from the coaching institutes.

Q:   From where can I get NIMCET mock test for free?
A: 

Students can download NIMCET mock tests for free from this page or alternatively from the NIMCET official website nimcet.in. NIMCET mock tests are free and can be downloaded or practiced online. It is very important that aspirants regularly solve mock tests. It will help them in analyzing their preparation level and also give experience of appearing in the real exam.

It is advised that students solve mock tests in a planned manner. For each subject, students should solve subject/topic wise mock tests during the preparation and solve full length mock tests one month before the exam.

Q:   Can you suggest some good books for the preparation of Numerical Ability for NIMCET?
A: 

Some recommended books to prepare for the numerical ability paper of NIMCET are: 

  • NCERT Mathematics Textbook for class 12

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

  • Numerical Ability and Mathematical Aptitude by A B Rao

  • Objective Mathematics by RD Sharma

  • Arihant Study Package

  • Arihant MCA Entrance Exam Book

View list of Books
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NIMCET 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read for NIMCET 2026 Preparation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the best way to create a timetable for NIMCET preparation?
A: 

While preparing the study timetable for NIMCET preparation, the students are advised to distribute the syllabus carefully so that all topics are covered before the examination. The daily study routine should also include revisions, mock tests and solving sample papers. Students should ensure that the subjects are divided well, so that there is no montony in the studying process. It is important for the students to prepare the timetable as per their aptitude.

Q:   What is the selection process for the NIMCET Exam?
A: 
The selection process for the NIMCET (National Institute of Technology MCA Common Entrance Test) exam typically involves the following steps: Meeting the eligibility criteria: The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the exam. This includes having a Bachelor's degree in computer applications, computer Science, or a related field with mathematics as a subject in 10+2 or in graduation, and meeting the minimum percentage requirements. Registering for the exam: The next step is to register for the NIMCET exam by filling out the online application form and paying the application fee. Taking the exam: The NIMCET exam is a computer-based test that assesses your knowledge of various topics in mathematics, computer Science, and analytical ability. Declaration of results: After the exam, the results are declared, and a merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the exam. Counseling: Candidates who have qualified for the exam are called for counseling, during which they have to choose their preferred NIT (National Institute of Technology) for admission. The seat allotment is done based on the candidate's rank and the availability of seats in the preferred NIT. Document verification and admission: After the seat allotment, candidates have to go through document verification and complete the admission process at the allotted NIT. Overall, the selection process for the NIMCET exam involves meeting the eligibility criteria, registering for the exam, taking the test, and then going through counseling and admission procedures.
Q:   How to crack NIMCET in first attempt?
A: 

Clearing the NIMCET exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. If we see the year over year statistics, the ratio of students who clear NIMCET in first attempt is high in comparison to students who dropped a year after graduation. One thing which makes it easy to clear NIMCET with BCA/BSc IT is that students are in regular touch of most exam syllabus.

To score good marks in NIMCET in the first attempt, it is advised that students study BCA/BSc IT topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Graduation books which students study are the best books for NIMCET preparation. Students must study these books properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do.

Q:   Is revision important for NIMCET preparation?
A: 

Yes, reviison is an important part for NIMCET preparation. Students should add revision in their daily study routine so that they are able to revise what they have studied regularly. This will allow the students to have fewer chances of forgetting what they have earlier studied. Regular revision will also allow the candidates to understand the subjects, topics and concepts better so that they can perform well in the exam.

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NIMCET Exam

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

Some books that you can refer to for preparing the Computer Awareness paper of the NIMCET exam are -

  • Objective Question Bank for Computer Awareness for General Competitions by Arihant Experts

  • Computer Awareness for General Competitive Exams by Saumya Ranjan Behera

  • Exam Preparation Books For Lucent's Co

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Here are some of the good books that can help you learn logical reasoning -

  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey

  • A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal

  • All About Reasoning by Anjali A Gupta

  • A New Approach to REASONING Verbal & Non-Verbal by B.S. Sijwali, Indu Sijwali 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Some recommended books to prepare for the numerical ability paper of NIMCET are: 

  • NCERT Mathematics Textbook for class 12

  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

  • Numerical Ability and Mathematical Aptitude by A B Rao

  • Objective Mathematics by RD Sharma

  • Arihant Study Package

  • Arihant MCA Entrance Exam Book

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

No. Since you couldn't complete the process, your application will not be accepted. The NIMCET application process will only complete after you have paid the application fee. Make sure that you do not miss any of the required steps of the application process, be it payment of fee or uploading of doc

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The eligibility criteria for NIMCET are as follows -

Criteria

Details

Nationality

Must be an Indian citizen

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's degree in B.Sc. (Computer Science/IT), BCA, B.Tech/B.E., or any equivalent degree with Mathematics/Statistics as a subject at 10+2 or graduation level

Minimum Marks

At least 60% aggregate or 6.5 CGPA  (55% or 6.0 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD candidates)

Final Year Students

Eligible to apply, but must provide proof of passing before admission

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

You will get an email as well as an SMS notification about the release date of their admit cards. You will also receive updates to download it. All the candidates are required to print the NIMCET Admit Card on precision printers, only such as Laser Printers (and not on Inkjet printers). You are also

...Read more

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Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are the conducting authorities of the NIMCET. Every year, an NIT conducts the exam on a rotational basis. In 2025, the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, conducted the exam.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The NIMCET is conducted by an individual NIT on a rotational basis every year. So the NIT that is conducting the NIMCET in that year will release the NIMCET answer key. In 2025, the National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli conducted the NIMCET and hence, released the answer key.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

If you find any discrepancy in the NIMCET answer keys, you can raise objections online at nimcet.admissions.nic.in. You would need to submit your objections with supporting proof. For every objection, INR 500 has to be paid online, i.e., through net banking/credit card/debit card. Authorities will n

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

NIMCET Cut-Off marks are mainly influenced by -

  • Difficulty level of the exam
  • Number of applicants
  • Institute-wise available seats
  • Category-wise reservations
  • Performance of the candidate in the exam
  • Last year's trends

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

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