Cracking IPMAT 2026 exam in first attempt is not impossible but can be challenging. Read the article below to know the preparation tips to crack the IPMAT Indore 2026 exam in first attempt.
How to Crack IPMAT 2026 in first attempt: IPMAT Indore exam is a highly popular UG entrance exam which is a gateway to the integrated programme in management at IIM Indore. Cracking IPMAT exam 2026 in first attempt requires discipline. With the right mindset and preparation plan, one can fetch a good score in IPMAT 2026. Cracking IPMAT 2026 in first attempt is not impossible, but can be difficult. There are about 25,000 candidates who appear for IPMAT exam every year and the number of seats at IIM Indore for IPM programme are just 150. Hence, the competition is stiff, but it is not impossible to make it to the top 150. Read the article below to know how to crack IPMAT 2026 in first attempt.
- IPMAT 2026: Difficulty Level
- IPMAT Syllabus and Pattern 2026
- How to Crack IPMAT 2026 in First Attempt: Preparation Strategy
IPMAT 2026: Difficulty Level
With only a few months left for IPMAT exam, cracking it limited time can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The IPMAT exam tests both Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability of students, and the difficulty level is high. Students often struggle with making a structured plan for IPMAT whilst incorporating every important topic of the IPMAT syllabus 2026.
The right IPMAT preparation plan, consistency and solving IPMAT previous year questions will help students ace the exam. Check the table below to know the difficulty level of IPMAT Indore 2026 over the years:
| Year | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| IPMAT 2025 | Moderate |
| IPMAT 2024 | Moderate |
| IPMAT 2023 | Difficult |
| IPMAT 2022 | Moderate |
| IPMAT 2021 | Easy to Moderate |
| IPMAT 2020 | Difficult |
| IPMAT 2019 | Difficult |
Looking at the table above, IPMAT is a moderate to difficult exam. Hence, students who have just started their preparation would require to put in more effort in order to crack the exam.
Also Read: IPMAT vs other BBA entrance exams
Commonly asked questions
Candidates appearing for the IPMAT exam for admission to the five-year integrated programme in management, must have a good percentile to clear the cutoff of IIM Indore. The validity of IPMAT score is one year and students will be offered admission to colleges accepting IPMAT scores through their IPMAT result. To gain admission, candidates need to match the cutoff criteria of their preferred institute. The IPMAT exam has 100 questions and the total marks are 400. But, the raw scores are then scaled and the composite scores are calculated. Knowing what is a good score in IPMAT exam is subjective, however, the current trends suggest that the following will be considered a good score with 90-100% accuracy:
- Quantitative Aptitude (MCQs): 18-20 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude (SA): 9-10 questions
- Verbal Ability: 38-42 questions
Based on the scores obtained in the IPMAT exam, the candidates will be called for the PI round of the selection procedure conducted by IIM Indore.
Difficulty level is subjective. Based on past trends, the exam is easy to moderate. Students can prepare well for exam with strong preparation techniques and consistent practice and revision.
IPMAT is one of the most popular BBA entrance exams. An entrance exam like IPMAT may create anxiety among the aspirants. The first tip to ace the IPMAT exam is to stay calm. Here are a few last minute preparation tips for IPMAT exam:
- Confirm the exact location of the IPMAT test centre at least one day before the IPMAT exam day to ensure that transportation is available on time. If you are new to the city or the location of the centre, it is adivsable to visit the centre once.
- Arrive early to the exam centre. Applicants must ensure that they arrive at least an hour before the exam begins.
- Use the restroom before to the start of the test. Because you will not have time and may not be able to exit the exam hall throughout the examination period, use the restroom before entering the examination hall.
- Do not bring cell phones or other electronic devices, such as Smartwatches, to the exam centre because the machines are not always available. Personal property will not be safeguarded outside of the exam centre, and IIM Indore or exam centre authorities will not be held liable for any loss of personal property. There are no stationary objects allowed, such as a pen, stylus, or paper. Rough pads and pens will be given to the applicants. Candidates should write their name and application number on their rough pads/sheets.
- Stay calm and have a healthy breakfast in the morning before the exam.
IPMAT or IPM Aptitude Test is conducted by the Indian Insitute of Management, Indore. The IPMAT question paper is divided into three sections, namely, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude. The QA section is further divided into two, that is, one which has MCQs and the other which has Short Answer Type questions. Time management is the key to scoring well in the exam.
The Verbal Ability section of the IPMAT question paper is based on English usage and Grammar. The Verbal Ability section aims to assess the candidate’s hold on language comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. The section examines the candidates on how well they comprehend the given data, analyse the question, vocabulary, grammar, etc. Speed and accuracy are the two key players in having a good preparation for IPMAT. To improve the reading speed in IPMAT preparation consider the following:
- Students can dedicate a part of their study routine to focused reading practice.
- They can challenge themselves by setting a time limit for reading tasks, and then gradually reducing the time limit to progressively increasing the reading speed.
- Students should try to expand their vocabulary to facilitate comprehension skills and quicker reading skills.
- They should have a composed and focused mindset during their reading practice throughout.
Keep a few practices like the above in mind, and make sure you give enough time to your mind to stay calm and prevent mental fatigue. Consistency is the only key which can fetch good marks in the IPMAT exam.
IPMAT Syllabus and Pattern 2026
IPMAT syllabus 2026 is spread across the three sections of the IPM exam. IPMAT Indore syllabus 2026 is as follows:
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | Time and Work, Quadratic Equations, Profit and Loss, Number Systems, Mensuration, Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Integration and Differentiation, Mixtures and Allegations, etc. |
| Verbal Ability | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Tenses, Etymology and Roots, Subject-Verb Agreement, Direct and Indirect Speech, Grammar, etc. |
IPMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Knowing the IPMAT question paper structure and syllabus is important so that students would know what to expect to the IPMAT exam. The IIM Indore IPM exam has sections based on Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. Take a look at the table below to know the IPMAT exam pattern 2026.
| 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 |
| Total marks |
360 to 400 marks |
Also Read:
How to Crack IPMAT 2026 in First Attempt: Preparation Strategy
- Scattered efforts lead to poor results. So, having a well planned study routine for IPMAT exam 2026 is important. Students should begin their preparations but setting clear goals. They should divide their preparation in the weeks left for the exam. Making a time table would help students prioritize properly. Students who are appearing for the Class 12 board exams will understand how to strike a balance between board preparations and IPMAT preparation.
Also Read: How to Prepare for Boards and IPMAT Together?
- Students should first clear the basics. They should learn formulas and theories to prepare for the exam. Eventually, they can move to complex topics.
- Regularly solving IPMAT mock tests and PYQPs, will help the students understand the exam structure better and also analyze which are the important topics asked in the question paper. Solving IPM mock tests under timed setting will help students improve accuracy and speed. They will also be able to manage time better on the exam day. Students should analyze their mistakes and find checkpoints where they are going wrong.
- Reading Comprehension passages in the IPMAT question paper 2026 will carry a good amount of marks. But, they can also be challenging and time consuming. Students should develop a habit of regularly reading newspapers and editorials to improve their reading speed and also learn new set of words in order to improve their vocabulary.
Also Read:
- Students should try to figure out how much time they should spend on a particular question. IPMAT is a time based exam which also has sectional timings. Students should allocate a fixed time to every section and try not exceed the time as it will only save the time to check the answers marked at the end.
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- Revising every day and adhering to the time table will work wonders for students preparing for the IIM Indore IPMAT exam 2026.
- Students can use CAT preparation books for IPMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation. Students should know that the QA preparation for the SA part is equally important and is not merely about writing. If students have enough time, they can also opt for JEE Main lectures or practice series for the Quant section.
- Verbal Ability section is often overlooked. But one should know that this section can either make or break. One thing that can help students ace the IPMAT exam is through practice. VA section is not like high school grammar or English language exam but requires a proper preparation. Give at least 30 to 35 sectional mock test for the VA section to get a decent score. IPMAT is not a hard exam, it just requires two things: direction and hard work.
Acing IPMAT 2026 exam in first attempt required planning and discipline. All the efforts would go waste if one is not serious about their studies. One should practice as much as they can after clearing their basics to crack the IPMAT exam 2026 in first attempt.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
Atharva School of Business considers IPMAT score for admission in Integrated BBA-MBA course. Aspirants can also get admission in Integrated programme based on their scores in MH CET, PERA CET or AU-AIET. Candidates must also meet course-specific eligibility for admission.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a month ago
IPMAT exam is conducted for two hours or 120 minutes. The sectional time limit is 40 minutes for each section.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month 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.
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
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
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
Contributor-Level 6
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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