<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements for National Computer Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries, for
the quarterly period ended October 31, 1995, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1995
<CASH>                                           4,312
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   62,903
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     24,889
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               103,432
<PP&E>                                         171,438
<DEPRECIATION>                                (90,606)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 225,940
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           67,504
<BONDS>                                         24,717
<COMMON>                                           465
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     124,925
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   225,940
<SALES>                                         81,580
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                97,321
<CGS>                                           51,722
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   62,284
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                24,350
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 700
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 10,272
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,172
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,172
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.39