IPMAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Tips (QA, SA, VA): High Weightage Topics, Recommended Books

Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test 2026 ( IPMAT )

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IPMAT 2026

4 May '26

Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Mar 17, 2026 11:15 IST
Acing every section of the IPMAT exam 2026 is important to fetch an overall good score and increase changes of getting a seat in IIM Indore. Read the article below to know the IPMAT 2026 section wise preparation tips for QA, SA and VA along with the high weightage important topics of the IPMAT syllabus 2026.

Acing every section of the IPMAT exam 2026 is important to fetch an overall good score and increase chances of getting a seat in IIM Indore. Read the article below to know the IPMAT 2026 section wise preparation tips for QA, SA and VA. 

IPMAT 2026 section-wise preparation tips:  IIM Indore considers sectional cut off for admissions to the integrated programme in management, IPM. To get an overall good score in IPMAT 2026 exam, one needs to be strong in each section of the IPMAT question paper. They should know important and high weightage topics, be clear with the basics, and regularly practice to fetch a good IPMAT score 2026.

IPMAT section-wise preparation 2026 for QA, SA and VA should include knowing basics clearly, reading daily, focusing on high weightage topics, using best IPMAT books and practicing with IPM mock tests. Read the article below to know the IPMAT preparation tips 2026 for each section of the exam, know high weightage topics of the Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability sections.

Table of contents
  • When To Start Preparing for IPMAT Exam 2026?
  • IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026
  • IPMAT 2026 Section Weightage
  • IPMAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Tips (QA, SA, VA)
  • Section-Wise Books to Prepare for IPMAT Exam 2026

When To Start Preparing for IPMAT Exam 2026?

The right answer to when to start IPMAT 2026 exam preparation is, now. Over 15,000 students every year appear for the IPMAT Indore exam and there are about 150 seats for the IPM programme at IIM Indore. So, the level of competition is very stiff. But, with a good preparation plan for IPMAT 2026 and focus, students can make a difference and get a good score.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can you suggest best IPMAT preparation books? Also, give suggestions to crack IPMAT?
A: 

Check the table below to know IPMAT preparation books and tips:

SectionRecommended BooksPreparation Tips
Quantitative Aptitude
  • Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination by RS Aggarwal
  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic of Arihant Publications
To prepare for this section, you can consult the NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 9 to Class 12 for maths. Additionally, students can pick any popular author like Sarvesh K. Verma, R. S. Aggarwal, or Arun Sharma as a reference.
Verbal Skills
  • High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • Objective General English by SP Bakshi
Prepare for comprehension questions by regularly reading newspapers. Apart from that, students have to prepare grammar topics.

To crack the IPMAT exam, students must have a concepts clear. A good command over English, and enough Maths practice seals place at IPM AT exam. It is necessary to practice and study regularly to score well in IPMAT exam.

Q:   What is the scope of IPMAT exam?
A: 

The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by IIM Indore is one of its kind. Right after Class 12, it endows the candidates to get admission into one of the most prestigious B-Schools of the country, i.e., IIM-I and that too without appearing for a highly competitive exam such as CAT. IPMAT scores are now accepted by other top management institute such as IIFT, IIM Ranchi,  Alliance University,  NICMAR University,  Department of Management Studies, NALSAR University of Law and Institute of Management, Nirma University

And as for the scope of IPM, it is very broad, just like that of the PGDM from any top Indian Institute of Management (IIM). The IPM programme is divided into two phases. The first phase builds the foundation and the Phase II of the programme focuses on Business Management. There are ample carreer opportunities, in sales, marketing, finance, banking, insurance, Civil Services. Graduates from the IPM programme at IIM Indore have excellent career prospects. They are well-equipped with management knowledge and skills, which opens up various career opportunities in sectors such as finance, marketing, consulting, operations, and entrepreneurship.

Q:   What is the syllabus of IPMAT?
A: 

IPMAT syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business and general aptitude. For IPMAT exam, candidates have to study, Verbal Ability and Quantitative Ability. Given below are the key topics included in the IPMAT syllabus: -

  1. The Verbal Ability section of IPMAT exam syllabus includes various topics of Grammar, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Idioms, etc.
  2. The Quantitative Aptitude section of IPMAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry, Modern Math, Number System and Mensuration. 

In order to prepare well for IPMAT, candidates need to prepare well with the help of IPMAT past year question papers and sample papers. By solving sample papers of IPMAT, candidates will have an idea of the difficulty level of the IPMAT question paper and the type of questions asked in the exam. Candidates can solve the sample papers while keeping in mind the syllabus of IPMAT

IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Knowing the IIM Indore IPMAT exam pattern is important before jumping to the section wise preparation plans. Check the table below to know the IPMAT 2026 exam pattern:

Exam structure

Details

Number of Sections

3 Sections

Duration of Exam

120 minutes or 2 hours

Mode of Exam

Online

Total Number of Questions

90 to 100

Marking Scheme

+4 for every correct answer

-1 for every incorrect answer

IPMAT 2026 Section Weightage

Check the table below to know the IPMAT Indore 2026 sectional weightage:

Section

Number of Questions

Time

Quantitative Ability (MCQ)

25

40 minutes

Verbal Ability (MCQ)

50

40 minutes

Quantitative Ability (SA)

25

40 minutes

Total

100

120 minutes/ 2 hours

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IPMAT 2026 Section-Wise Preparation Tips (QA, SA, VA)

The IPMAT Indore 2026 question paper will have two main sections, i.e. Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. Each section is unique and requires an exclusive approach and preparation. Accuracy and speed are the key players to ace the IPM exam. Read below to know the section wise IPMAT preparation 2026 tips:

IPMAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips 2026 and Important Topics (MCQs)

The Quantitative Aptitude section of IPMAT exam is divided into two, i.e. MCQs and Short Answers (SA). In other words, the QA section (SA and MCQ) covers 50% of the IPMAT syllabus 2026. The section tests the mathematical skills of candidates appearing for the exam. Check the table below to know the important high weightage topics of QA section followed by IPMAT QA Preparation Tips 2026:

Topic Expected Number of Questions
Simple and Compound Interest 1
Modulus Function 1
Algebra 1
Geometry 1
Permutation and Combination 2
Logarithms 2
Speed, Distance and Time 1
Progression with Log 2
Profit and Loss 1
Coordinate Geometry 3
Set Theory 2
Height, Distance, Trigonometry 1
Data Arrangement 5

Also Read: IPMAT 2026 syllabus PDF for IIM Indore, Rohtak, Jammu and Bodhgaya

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Why is it important to have an in-depth study of the IPMAT syllabus?
A: 

IPMAT syllabus is Holy Grail of exam preparation plan. It outlines important topics which will be asked in the IPMAT question paper. Students should complete the syllabus and take mocks and practice to ace the exam. Students should practice PYQs and revise what they have studied to get good marks in IPMAT exam. 

Q:   What is the scope of IPMAT?
A: 

IPMAT or the Integrated Program in Management Entrance Exam is conducted by IIM Indore, is one of its kind. Right after Class 12, it enables the candidates to get admission into one of the most prestigious B-Schools of the country, i.e., IIM Indore. IPMAT scores are now accepted by other top management institutes such as IIFT, IIM Amrtisar, IIM Shillong, IIM Sirmaur, IIM Ranchi,  Alliance University,  NICMAR University,  Department of Management Studies, NALSAR University of Law and Institute of Management, Nirma University

So, as for the scope of IPM, it is very broad, just like that of the PGDM from any top Indian Institute of Management. 

To master the QA section, students should have a clear understanding of the basics and formulas. Having a strong hold on basics will make it easier for candidates to solve much difficult questions. This section is usually considered tough. Students can begin by strengthening their Class 9-level mathematics. They can prepare short notes for mathematical formulas and theories. Practising IPMAT PYQ papers is important to understand the difficulty level. The difficulty level of IPMAT’s QA section ranges from Class 10 to Class 12 mathematical concepts. To prepare for the QA section of IPMAT (MCQs), students should:

  • Practice Daily
  • Strengthen Basics 
  • Focus on Speed
  • Take sectional and full length IPMAT mock tests

Also Read:

IPMAT Quantitative Aptitude (SA) Preparation Tips and Important Topics

As mentioned before, IPMAT exam has two QA sections. One section has multiple choice questions and the other one has short answer type questions. The ideal way to prepare for this section is through practicing previous year IPMAT question papers. Students should solve easier questions first and then move to difficult ones. This way, they will be able to strengthen their basics. Students can jot down the formulas and theorems for revision. The IPMAT SA preparation requires understanding the concepts. The Arithmetic and Algebra topics have higher weightage. Important topics for this section include:

Topic Expected Number of Questions
Set Theory 1
Log 1
Simple and Compound Interest 1
Percentages 1
Mod Inequality 1
Counting 1
Matrices 1
Mensuration 1
Number System 1
Quadratic Equations 1
Function 1
Ratio 1
Mean, Median, Mode 3

Also Read: Best books for IPMAT preparation 2026

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IPMAT Verbal Ability Preparation Tips 2026 and Important Topics (MCQs)

The Verbal Ability section of IPMAT is a high scoring one. Reading newspapers and editorials daily can help in good IPMAT VA preparation. This section checks the candidates hold over the English language and proficiency. Students should have a good vocabulary to prepare for this section. Reading comprehension is the most important part of this section. Reading with speed and also understanding the passages will account to about 70% of performance in the section. Students should be able to read the passages without compromising with undertsanding it accurately. Students can try to break down longer passages into smaller, easier to undertand paragraphs. This will help them quickly understand criticial value markers and logically arrange them thus making it easier to answer questions. 

To attempt and ace this section of IPMAT, students should focus on easier questions first and then solve the difficult ones. Students should keep in mind that there is negative markings for incorrect answers. So, they should avoid making assumptions and attempt the questions they are sure of. Following are the IPMAT VA preparation tips 2026:

  • Read editorials, newspapers, opinion pieces, features, etc., regularly
  • Be observant of tone, supporting information and inference
  • Do not spend a lot of time on one questions, move on if one is unsure of it
  • Use flashcards and apps to learn synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, etc. 
  • Keep a vocabulary journal
  • Regular practice in timed setting
  • Take mock test

Important topics of the Verbal Ability section of IIM Indore IPM exam 2026 include:

Topic Weightage (Expected)
Reading Comprehension 12
Idioms 2
Grammar 5
Phrasal Verbs 5
Para Completion 5
Confusing words 5
Para Jumbles 5
Fillers 5

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Section-Wise Books to Prepare for IPMAT Exam 2026

Check the table below to know the best books for IPMAT exam:

Name of IPMAT Book Author/ Publication

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

High School English Grammar and Composition

Wren and Martin

Pearson Guide to IIM Indore-IPM Entrance Examination

Pearson

NCERT Mathematics Book for 9th and 12th class

NCERT

Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha

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About the Author
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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

Saumya Jain is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi. She has over 8 years of editorial and content writing experience. At Shiksha.com, she has spent more than six years creating research, stud

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Answered 2 weeks ago

IPMAT exam is conducted for two hours or 120 minutes. The sectional time limit is 40 minutes for each section. 

V

Vikram Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

IPMAT, is a gateway for admission to 5 year Integrated Program in Management offered at IIM Indore. IPMAT is a combination of a Bachelor degree and a Masters degree. Students will be given a Bachelor of Arts, Foundations of Management and a Master of Business Administration at the end of the program

...Read more

R

Rashmi Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

IPMAT exam is conducted for two hours or 120 minutes. There are three sections in IPMAT question paper and each section is to be solved within 40 minutes.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Registered candidates will be able to know details regarding their allotted IPMAT exam centre through IPMAT 2026 admit card. Important details such as allotted exam centre name, address, etc. will be mentioned on the admit card. 

S

Shruti Tyagi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Students have to report to the IPMAT exam centre by 1 PM. The exam will begin on 2 PM. Students cannot enter the exam centre again once they have submitted the exam.

M

Mayank Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

Cracking IPMAT in one month can be difficult. But a month of practice and revision can fetch good IPMAT scores. IPM preparation 2026 should include a good study plan to prepare for IPMAT in a month.

78438432
Saumya Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIM Ranchi will also accept IPMAT Indore scores. IPMAT Indore scores are also accepted by IIM Shillong, IIM Amritsar, IIM Sirmaur, etc. 

S

Shruti Tyagi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Students have to reach the IPMAT exam centre a hour before the exam. IPMAT 2026 will be conducted from 2 PM to 4 PM and so students have to reach the latest by 1 PM.

M

Mayank Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Yes, that is minimum eligibility to appear for IPMAT exam. Students awaiting for Class 12 results can also apply for IPMAT exam. 

V

Vikram Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

No, the IPMAT cutoffs are not same for all categories. Cutoffs are different for each category. Reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwD) have lower cutoffs as compared to General category. 

R

Rashmi Shukla

Contributor-Level 6