Students who appeared in NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 need a minimum score of approximately 65–75 out of 120 to qualify for the BBA merit list, with higher thresholds of 75–85 for the BBA-MBA Integrated program, based on previous year trends.
NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 was conducted in computer-based mode across multiple slots between May and June 2026. The merit list for Phase 1 is prepared using normalized scores — not raw scores — so your final merit rank accounts for difficulty variation across exam shifts. Students who do not qualify in Phase 1 can appear in Phase 2 and use their best score for the final merit list.
- NMIMS NPAT 2026 total marks: 120 (120 questions, 1 mark each, no negative marking)
- Minimum qualifying score for BBA (expected, based on 2025 trends): 65–75 out of 120
- Minimum qualifying score for BBA-MBA Integrated (expected): 75–85 out of 120
- Students targeting NMIMS Mumbai campus should aim for 90+ out of 120 for a competitive merit rank
- Phase 1 merit list is based on normalized percentile scores, not raw marks
| Direct Link to NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 Result (OUT) |
NMIMS NPAT 2026 Exam Pattern and Total Marks
Before assessing your qualifying chances, you need to know the exact exam structure. NMIMS NPAT 2026 is a 120-mark test with three equal sections and no negative marking.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proficiency in English Language | 40 | 1 | 40 |
| Quantitative and Numerical Ability | 40 | 1 | 40 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 40 | 1 | 40 |
| Total | 120 | — | 120 |
Key facts about the format:
- No negative marking — attempt every question to maximise your raw score
- Duration: 100 minutes
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT) conducted in multiple slots across dates
- Scores are normalized across all slots before the merit list is prepared
How NMIMS NPAT 2026 Score Is Calculated
NMIMS NPAT uses a normalization process to arrive at each student’s final merit score because the exam runs in multiple shifts that may differ in difficulty. Your raw score is adjusted before it is used to rank you on the merit list.
The score calculation follows these steps:
- Raw Score: Total correct answers out of 120 (1 mark per correct answer; no deduction for wrong or skipped questions)
- Normalization: NMIMS normalizes raw scores across all Phase 1 slots to remove any difficulty advantage or disadvantage between shifts
- Percentile Calculation: The normalized score is converted into a percentile rank that reflects your position among all Phase 1 test-takers
- Merit List Preparation: The Phase 1 merit list is drawn up in descending order of normalized percentile scores
Because of normalization, your merit list rank may differ from what your raw score alone would suggest. A student who scored 75 in a tougher slot may rank higher than a student who scored 78 in an easier slot. Focus on accuracy and time management rather than targeting a fixed raw number.
Phase 1 Minimum Qualifying Marks by Program
The minimum score required to appear on the NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 merit list varies by program. The figures below are expected scores based on 2025 and earlier year trends; the official cutoffs will be confirmed with result declaration.
| Program | Expected Minimum Qualifying Score (out of 120) | Score Range for a Strong Merit Rank |
|---|---|---|
| BBA | 65–75 | 85–95+ |
| BBA-MBA (5-Year Integrated) | 75–85 | 90–100+ |
| B.Com (Hons) | 60–70 | 80–90+ |
| B.Sc Finance | 60–70 | 78–88+ |
| B.Sc Economics | 58–68 | 78–88+ |
These are expected figures based on 2025 and earlier year trends and are subject to change based on the 2026 exam difficulty and total applicant pool size. Always verify the official merit list cutoff on the NMIMS portal once results are published.
Category-wise Score Requirements
NMIMS provides score relaxation for reserved category students in line with its admission policy. The table below reflects expected category-wise qualifying scores for the BBA program, based on previous year admission data.
| Category | Expected Minimum Score for BBA (out of 120) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General / Open | 65–75 | Highest competition; standard qualifying threshold |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 58–68 | Marginal relaxation over General category |
| SC | 50–60 | Relaxation as per NMIMS admission policy |
| ST | 45–55 | Relaxation as per NMIMS admission policy |
| PWD / Differently Abled | 48–58 | Horizontal reservation with relaxed cutoff |
These figures are expected based on previous year trends. The official merit list will reflect the actual category-wise distribution of qualifying students for 2026.
Previous Year NPAT Qualifying Score Trends
Historical data from past NPAT cycles shows a gradual rise in qualifying scores as competition has grown year on year. The table below covers reported trends for the BBA program.
| Year | Approximate Minimum Qualifying Score — BBA (out of 120) | Approximate Score for Top 500 Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 68–72 | 90–95 |
| 2024 | 65–70 | 88–93 |
| 2023 | 62–68 | 85–90 |
The upward trend in qualifying marks reflects the growing number of NPAT applicants each year. Students aiming for seats at NMIMS Mumbai or Hyderabad campuses should target 90+ out of 120 to secure a competitive merit position. Scores in the 70–85 range may be sufficient for other NMIMS campuses depending on seat availability and total applicants.
What Happens After Phase 1 Qualifying
Qualifying the NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 merit list is your first step toward admission. Here is what follows once results are out:
- Merit List Declaration: NMIMS releases the Phase 1 merit list on its official portal at nmims.edu — check it using your application number and date of birth
- Counselling Call: Students shortlisted from the merit list are invited to the NMIMS counselling process in order of their merit rank
- Document Verification: You will need to submit mark sheets, category certificates, photo identity proof, and other documents as specified in the counselling notice
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted based on your merit rank, preferred program, and campus availability at the time of counselling
- Seat Confirmation: Allotted students must pay the seat acceptance fee within the deadline given to confirm their admission
Students who do not qualify in Phase 1 can register for NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 2 and attempt to improve their score. NMIMS considers the best score across all phases for final merit ranking, so appearing in Phase 2 carries no risk to your Phase 1 score.
NMIMS NPAT 2026 Qualifying Marks FAQs
Ques. What is the total marks for NMIMS NPAT 2026?
Ans. NMIMS NPAT 2026 carries a total of 120 marks. The exam has 120 questions across three sections — Proficiency in English Language, Quantitative and Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and General Intelligence — with 1 mark per correct answer and no negative marking.
Ques. What is the minimum score needed to make the NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 1 merit list?
Ans. Based on previous year trends, students need approximately 65–75 out of 120 for BBA and 75–85 out of 120 for the BBA-MBA Integrated program to qualify for the Phase 1 merit list. These are expected figures and will be confirmed once official Phase 1 results are released.
Ques. How is the NMIMS NPAT score normalized?
Ans. Since NPAT 2026 is conducted in multiple slots, NMIMS normalizes raw scores across all shifts to account for any difference in difficulty between sessions. Your normalized score is converted into a percentile rank, and the merit list is drawn up based on this percentile — not the raw score.
Ques. Can I appear in NMIMS NPAT Phase 2 if I do not qualify in Phase 1?
Ans. Yes. Students who do not make the Phase 1 merit list can register and appear for NMIMS NPAT 2026 Phase 2. NMIMS considers the best score across all phases for the final merit list, so appearing in Phase 2 gives you a second chance without putting your Phase 1 score at risk.
Ques. Is there a section-wise minimum score in NMIMS NPAT 2026?
Ans. NMIMS NPAT does not publicly specify a mandatory section-wise minimum score. The overall normalized score is used for merit list preparation. However, balanced performance across all three sections is advisable since a very low score in any one section will drag down your overall total.
Ques. What score is considered safe for NMIMS Mumbai campus admission through NPAT 2026?
Ans. Based on previous year trends, a score of 90 or above out of 120 is generally considered strong for the BBA program at NMIMS Mumbai. The Mumbai campus is highly competitive and typically requires a higher merit rank compared to other NMIMS campuses, so students should aim for 90+ to be in a safe zone.







Comments