National Creativity Aptitude Test

Think differently. Stand out.

NCAT encourages undergraduate students to look beyond familiar answers, solve problems with a fresh perspective and strengthen the creative thinking that helps them move ahead.

Individual Registration Institute Registration

What is NCAT? Guidelines Test Structure

Current edition

What is happening at NCAT

Track the key milestones for the current NCAT edition.

NCAT 2026 Edition Timeline

All major milestones for the current edition are complete.

Certificates Published

Registration Closed - 04 Apr 2026

Round 1 06-18 Apr 2026

Round 1 Result 02 May 2026

Round 2 18-23 May 2026

Final Result 06 Jun 2026

Why NCAT

There is more to ability than knowing the standard answer.

NCAT focuses on three abilities that matter when students face unfamiliar problems.

Creative Thinking

Look beyond familiar patterns and explore different ways of approaching a problem.

Explore NCAT

Problem Solving

Apply reasoning and ideas thoughtfully instead of relying only on memory or routine.

See how NCAT tests

Achievement Motivation

Develop the initiative and motivation to improve, learn and keep moving forward.

Why it matters

Explore NCAT

Choose the path that matches what you need.

Before you participate

Plan your NCAT journey

Check eligibility, categories, fees, important dates and how to reach the NCAT team.

Guidelines→ Contact NCAT→

Understand the challenge

Know the test & recognition

See how Round 1 and Round 2 work, and understand the awards and recognition available.

Test Structure→ Awards & Recognition→

After the exam

Results & certificates

View the latest NCAT results or search for a published certificate from a completed edition.

View Results→ Download Certificate→

Awards & recognition

Ideas deserve recognition.

Top performers in each NCAT category are recognised with cash prizes, alongside other student, institute and faculty recognition.

Explore all NCAT awards →

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1st PrizeRs. 20,000

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2nd PrizeRs. 15,000

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3rd PrizeRs. 10,000

Certificates &
Recognition

Certificate of Excellence For students scoring above the 75th percentile in Round 1.

Certificate of Participation For all other students who appear in Round 1.

All India Rank Certificate For students who qualify for and appear in Round 2.

Student voices

What NCAT 2026 achievers say

NCAT 2026 | Category 2AIR 2

"NCAT tested my concepts in mathematical and problem-solving skills and motivated me to keep learning and improving."

Gopika Sri KDr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Tamil Nadu

NCAT 2026 | Category 1AIR 3

"NCAT challenged me to think creatively and approach problems from different perspectives."

Anshul VermaDronacharya College of Engineering, Haryana

NCAT 2026 | Category 3AIR 2

"NCAT brought back the excitement of mental ability tests, with a concrete reward for ranking in the top three."

Aman SahooIndian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka

View all student experiences

Organised by IFEHE

International Forum for Excellence in Higher Education

IFEHE was started with a vision of contributing to higher education through a culture of continuous learning. It evaluates good practices from around the world, studies their applicability in the Indian context and supports implementation by bringing the right expertise. Its focus areas include leadership, faculty development, student development, value education, innovative pedagogy and technology-enabled education.

Ready to be part of NCAT?