Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Nov 6, 2025 13:40 IST
IBSAT will be conducted in remote proctored mode on December 27 and 28, 2025. Candidates appearing for the exam can check here strategy for IBSAT Preparation including test pattern, question papers, syllabus, section-wise preparation and more. Shiksha here brings you the detailed preparation guide for IBSAT exam.

IBSAT 2025 Preparation strategy must include knowing about the test pattern, subjects, section-wise syllabus, important topics and more. Get here preparation tips and strategies for IBSAT exam 2025.

IBSAT Exam Preparation

IBSAT Exam Preparation

IBSAT 2025 preparation requires focused approach to get admission to top ICFAI Business Schools. IBS Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is conducted by IBS Hyderabad for admissions to its MBA/PGDM courses offered at IBS Hyderabad, IBS Dehradun, IBS Jaipur, IBS Ahmedabad, IBS Bengaluru, IBS Gurgaon, IBS Kolkata, IBS Mumbai, and IBS Pune. IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus, hence, candidates must prepare for the exam accordingly. Candidates must create a study plan for IBSAT preparation covering the sections- Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. 

Creating a well planned IBSAT preparation dtrategy will help candidates manage time, develop concepts and increase speed in exam. Read this article below to know how to prepare for IBSAT 2025 exam.

Table of contents
  • IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  • IBSAT 2025 Syllabus
  • IBSAT Mock Tests
  • IBSAT Preparation Tips

IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern 

The preparation strategy for the exam should begin with knowing IBSAT 2025 pattern including subjects, type of questions, sectional weightage and other details mentioned below:

Features

Details

Exam mode

Remote Proctored Mode

Exam duration

Two hours

Subjects/Sections

Four sections –

  • Verbal Ability
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Type of questions

Multiple choices based questions  

Number of questions in each section

VA – 50 MCQs

RC – 30 MCQs

QA – 30 MCQs

DA&DI – 30 MCQs

Total marks

140

Marking scheme

  • One mark per question
  • No negative marking
Q:   Can I get direct admission at IBS Pune?
A:

Candidates can get admission on the basis of score/rank secured in CAT/IBSAT/NMAT/XAT. Students are required to go through the national-level entrances and then appear for the university-level selection rounds for final admission. Applying to IBS Pune, candidates should register themselves for admission process, for that candidates needs to visit the official page of IBS Pune and click to "Apply to IBS" and verify your contact details. Fill out the registration form with the needed academic and personal details Provide the entrance exam score/rank required for the selected program, submitted the registration fee of INR 1800 via online gateway and proceed to submit the form with the required documents, After successful completion of registration, students will receive a unique ID and password to update and print the application form, Forms can also be collected from the IBS Pune campus. 

Q:   What is the difficulty level of IBSAT?
A:

The difficulty level of IBSAT is moderate to easy. IBSAT exam is easy in comparison to other MBA entrance examinations such as CAT, MAT, or CMAT. IBSAT question paper consists of total 140 questions across four sections. Each question carries one marks with no negative marking. IBSAT Data Interpretation can be time consuming. Students must practice with IBSAT previous year question papers to become familar with question paper pattern and difficulty level.

Q:   What are the Do's and Don'ts for online IBSAT exam?
A:
  1. Download the admit card from the official website. The IBSAT admit card is the most important document of proof of all the candidates appearing for IBSAT 2024 exam.
  2. Candidates must check the wifi connection for a table internet connection while giving the exam.
  3. Sit in the calm corners of the home to avoid any kind of distractions.
  4. Check your webcam before beginning the exam.
  5. Keep the copy of IBSAT 2024 admit card ready on the desktop. 
  6. Keep the device charge wheel in advance.
  7. Ensure that the web cam and mic is working properly while giving examination.
  8. Ensure proper lightening in the room.
  9. Take the exam from a silent place in the home.
  10. Webcam must focus on face and is clearly visible in the camera.
  11. Candidates must capture the photos before beginning with the examination.
  12. Candidates must wear transparent and non-reflection glasses/lenses
  13. Water bottle must be transparent and must be kept besides before the start of the examination.
  14. Do login only after 3 minds to resume your examination in case your examination crashes.

IBSAT 2025 Syllabus 

In the preparation phase, candidates must go through the IBSAT syllabus thoroughly. Below are some important topics from IBSAT 2025 syllabus for each section:

Important Topics for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Sections

Candidates must check topics given below specifically to score well in the Verbal Ability section:

  • Vocabulary
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Sentence Correction and Completion
  • Grammar (syntax and error correction),
  • Critical and Verbal Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension (Passage based questions)
  • Para Jumbles
  • Word meanings
  • Contextual Usage
  • Idioms
  • Syllogisms

Important Topics for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Adequacy & Interpretation Sections

The sections include questions on basic problem-solving techniques, which require analytical and logical skills. Candidates can check here commonly asked topics in Quantitative Aptitude and DA& DI sections:

  • Algebra
  • Arithmetic and Numbers
  • Ratio & Proportion,
  • Speed, Distance, Time & Work problems
  • Permutation and Combinations
  • Probability
  • Sets theory
  • Analogies, Patterns, Series
  • Geometry
  • Data sufficiency – Statements and Conclusions
  • Data interpretation – Charts, Graphs and Tables

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IBSAT Mock Tests

IBS India released IBSAT mock test on the official website. The mock test provides a real-time exam-taking experience to the candidates appearing for the exam. IBSAT mock test is for all candidates registered for the exam.

Mock tests are the most crucial steps in preparation. Without mock tests, candidates will not be able to gauge their preparation level or derive ways to improve their performances. Hence, it is a must for candidates to take IBSAT mock tests. 

Shiksha has also created an IBSAT mock test which the aspirants can attempt online. Click on the link below to access Shiksha’s free mock test for IBSAT 2025.

Also Read:

Q:   How can I get admission in IBS Dehradun?
A:

To get admission into ICFAI Business School (IBS) Dehradun, students need to go through a multi-step admission procedure. This includes application, selection, and admission confirmation. The institute admits students based on valid scores secured in either IBSAT or other accepted national-level exams (CAT/ GMAT, XAT, NMAT). Applicants are then shortlisted based on their entrance exam scores followed by Micro-presentation and PI. Selected students need to submit the required documents and pay the specified fees to secure their spots at the institute. 

Q:   Which is the easiest of MBA entrance exams in India out of these: NMAT, MAT, CAT, IIFT, SNAP, CMAT, IBSAT, XAT?
A:

Candidates find the exam easy of difficult based on their prep level. The syllabus for MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMATis mostly the same, with some minor differences.

Q:   How is IBSAT final merit list prepared?
A:

IBSAT final merit list is prepared on considering the following parameters- Micro Presentation, Personal Interview and past academic records and weightage. Check below to know the criterias:

  • Micro presentation: 25%
  • Personal Interview: 25%
  • Past academic record: 50%

Only candidates who will qualify the above criterias, will be offered final admission to MBA/PGDM programme of applied IBS campuses. IBSAT 2025 selection process result will be announced tentatively in April 2026.

IBSAT Preparation Tips

Read: Good reading skills are important to attempt each section of IBSAT question paper. In order to be able to read, interpret and solve the questions, the best strategy to follow is to build a reading habit. This would serve a dual purpose of improving the reading speed, as well as the comprehension ability. Newspapers and magazines would serve as the best reading materials to crack an MBA entrance exam like IBSAT. 

Time Management: The total duration for solving all the sections in IBSAT exam is two hours, therefore candidates should strategise smartly for the time required in attempting each section. Time management skills will be crucial because if candidates are able to save enough time in the end, then they can attempt difficult questions. Before starting the test, they must allocate time for each section and maintain it. For each question, candidates should not spend more than two to three minutes. 

Vocabulary and Grammar: The best way to ace Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension as well as DA & DI is to improve vocabulary and grammar. This save a lot of time and help student understand questions quickly too. Practice grammar papers, read books, play google word coach games to enhance vocabulary, antonyms, synonyms and more.

Calculation methods: It will be much easier to attempt QA and DA&DI sections if calculations skills are fine. Candidates should be quick in basic arithmetic. They should practice mental calculations, and simple methods of calculation to improve their quantitative aptitude. Working on shortcut techniques will help them manage time judiciously. After working out the shortcut techniques, they should write those down in a handy notebook and revise them regularly. 

Practice and Analysis: Regular practice or taking mock tests would improve the aspirant's preparation level. Not only will they be able to realise their preparation level, but they will also be able to work on time management. IBSAT aspirants should take at least two full-length mock tests each week and one sectional mock test a day and get them analysed by an expert or mentor. Based on the analysis, they have to modify their sectional preparation and test-taking approach. 

Dealing with Strengths and Weaknesses: Regular analysis of mock test performance will help the candidates understand the areas of strength and weakness. This is the right time to decide which topics are weak and not pursue those any further. As around one month is left, it is best to focus on the strength areas only and ensure that maximum marks can be scored by attempting questions from the strong areas. 

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Check IBSAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting IBSAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all IBSAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

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About the Author
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Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Shruti Garg is a graduate in English and Education with over 7 years of experience in content writing/editing and education journalism. At Shiksha.com, Shruti covers UG and PG entrance exams like MBA entrance exams,

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

Ideally, students must practice with a minimum 10 IBSAT sample papers. Candidates can get the IBSAT question papers in preparation books or prepare while preparing for CAT Exam. IBS releases the IBSAT mock test online. Candidates can analyse their scores and win prizes.

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

IBSAT does not have negative marking. IBSAT question paper will include 140 questions. Candidates have advantage to solve maximum number of questions without the fear of negative amrking. Students must carefully mark their options.

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, IBSAT exam pattern is same as shown in sample papers. Students must note that IBSAT mock test and sample papers are designed according the prescribed exam pattern. With the help of IBSAT sample papers and mock test, students can prepare for exam well.

S

Satyendra Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates can check the table below to know the approximate good score for IBS admissions 2026 through IBSAT 2025 scores:

IBS CampusIBSAT Cut off 2025
IBS Hyderabad~ 75-80 percentile
IBS Mumbai~ 72-78 percentile
IBS Bengaluru~ 68-75 percentile
IBS Gurgaon~ 65-70 percentile
IBS Dehradun~ 59-65 percentile
IBS Jaipur~ 55-60 percentile
IBS Ahmedabad~ 62-68 percentile
IBS Pune~ 65-70 percentile
IBS Kolkata~ 60-68 percentile

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Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10