  This paper describes the simulation studies done for the standard NOvA target
and the proposed new minimal NOvA target design, in forward and reverse horn
current for studying the neutrino and antineutrino event yield and the
background contamination at the near and far detector. The standard NOvA target
is segmented into 48 graphite segments (fins) with two magnetic horns, Horn 1
placed at MCZERO and Horn 2 placed at 19.18 m from MCZERO. The new minimal
target design has 24 graphite fins extended into Horn 1. It shows the study for
the position optimization of the Horn 2 relative to Horn 1 for the standard and
the new minimal target design. The effect of introducing an additional horn
(identical to Horn 2) with the new minimal target design, on the neutrino yield
and the energy spectra, has also been explored.
