IPMAT Preparation Tips 2026: How to Prepare, Best Books & Important Topics
Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test 2026 ( IPMAT )
Exam On - 4 May '26
IPMAT preparation 2026 includes knowing IPMAT preparation books, exam pattern, important concepts of IPMAT syllabus and consistent practice with previous years question papers and mocks. Read the article below by Shiksha to get the best IPMAT preparation tips and tricks.
IPMAT preparation 2026 should start at least six months before the exam. With a good and well structured study plan for IPMAT and understanding of exam pattern and syllabus can fetch students a good score. The competition levels in IPMAT exam are stiff, and therefore, the IPM preparation should be a blend of discipline, smart study strategies and time management.
The IPMAT 2026 will be conducted on May 4, 2026. A good IPMAT preparation strategy will go a long way if the students appearing for the exam set goals, have conceptual clarity by covering the IPMAT syllabus and look out for common mistakes in the IPMAT exam. These things should be kept in mind to have an effective and efficient IPMAT preparation plan.
Every year, approximately 25,000 to 35,000 students appear for the IPMAT exam. The competition has increased with time in and a good preparation strategy goes a long way in scoring well. Read below to know how to prepare for IPMAT 2026, tips, important topics, best books, etc.
- IPMAT Indore Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
- IPMAT Preparation 2026 Roadmap
- IPMAT Preparation Books 2026
- Subject-Wise IPMAT Preparation Strategy: How to Prepare for IPMAT 2026
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During IPMAT Exam 2026 Preparation
- Preparing for IPMAT Along with Boards
IPMAT Indore Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
IPMAT exam preparation begins with understanding syllabus and exam pattern. Take a look at the table below to get an overview of the IPMAT exam pattern and syllabus:
IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026
The following table depicts the IPMAT exam structure including the IPMAT question paper structure, marking scheme, number of questions, etc.
| 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 |
Also Read: IPMAT vs CUET UG
IPMAT 2026 Syllabus & Important Topics
IPMAT syllabus includes topics on Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. The IPMAT exam tests the candidate’s quantitative ability and hold over English grammar and language. Check out the table below to know the IPMAT exam syllabus and the section-wise important topics:
| Section |
Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (SA) |
Determinant, Functions, Log, Binomial, Trigonometry, Set Theory, Average, AP GP Progression |
| Quantitative Aptitude (MCQs) |
Heights and Distance, Speed and Distance, Probability, Functions, Averages, Set Theory, Number Systems, AP GP Functions, Data Interpretation |
| Verbal Ability |
Idioms, Word that Confuse, Para Completion, Spot the Error, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Reading Comprehension, Phrases, Types of tenses in English, Grammar |
Also Read:
Verbal Ability section of IPMAT exam is usually easier than other two sections. Important books are:
| Name of the 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 |
IPMAT Preparation 2026 Roadmap
Here is an overview of how to prepare for IPMAT exam. Students can follow the below-mentioned roadmap for IPMAT preparation 2026 if they haven’t started yet.
| Months Before the Exam |
Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 12 to 18 months |
|
| 9 to 12 months |
|
| 6 to 9 months |
|
| 3 months before the exam |
|
Also Read: IPMAT 2026 section-wise preparation tips for SA, VA and QA
IPMAT Preparation Books 2026
Choosing the right set of books for IPMAT preparation is important if one wants to crack IPMAT 2026. Given below is the list of expert-recommended IPMAT preparation books, which have extensive topic coverage and are suitable for beginners as well as advanced learners.
| IPMAT Books |
Authors/Publications |
|---|---|
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| English Grammar and Comprehension |
Wren and Martin |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
RS Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| NCERT Maths (Class 9 to Class 12) |
NCERT |
| IIM IPM Entrance Guide |
Arihant Experts |
| IPMAT Preparation Books |
Pearson Publications |
| Objective General English |
SP Bakshi |
IPMAT prep tip: Students should start with the NCERT maths book and then level up to Arun Sharma and mock test. For the VA prep, students must start with editorials and newspapers such as The Hindu and focus on concept clarity.
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Subject-Wise IPMAT Preparation Strategy: How to Prepare for IPMAT 2026
The IPMAT question paper has two main sections, i.e. Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. Each section is unique and requires an exclusive approach and preparation strategy. Accuracy and speed are the key players to ace the IPM exam.
Quantitative Ability IPMAT 2026 Preparation Tips
The Quant section of the IPM exam is usually considered tough, as the QA section has multiple-choice questions as well as short-answer type questions. Students who have a strong mathematical ability and calculation skills, scoring well in the QA section, can be easier. Students can begin by strengthening their Class 9-level mathematics. They can prepare short notes for mathematical formulas and theories. Practising previous years’ IPMAT question papers is important to understand the difficulty levels. The difficulty level of IPMAT’s QA section ranges from Class 10 to Class 12 mathematical concepts.
Students should also work on time management skills, especially for the short-type of answers, as there will be no options.
Important Topics of Quantitative Ability in IPMAT Indore 2026
The key topics of focus in the QA section include:
| Topic |
Sub Topics |
|---|---|
| Number System |
HCF and LCM, Surds and Indices, Factors, Simplification, BODMAS rules, Properties of Numbers, Integers, Roots, Decimals |
| Algebra |
Simple and Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Functions and Graphs, Algebraic Formulas, Linear Equations, Inequalities |
| Arithmetic |
Time, Work and Distance, Speed and Distance, Averages, Partnerships, Profit, loss and Discount, Boats and Streams, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Age, Mixtures and Allegation |
| Geometry and Mensuration |
Basics of Geometry, Mensuration, Angles, Lines, Graphs, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Triangles, Heights |
| Modern Maths |
Probability, Vectors, Data Interpretation, Series, Arrangements, Sequences, Determinants, Permutation and Combination, Set Theory, Integration and Differentiation |
Also Read: Important maths formulas to boost IPMAT 2026 score
Verbal Ability IPMAT Indore Preparation Tips 2026
The Verbal Ability section of the IPMAT exam evaluates the aspirant based on his/her hold over English grammar and language. It also tests the vocabulary and verbal reasoning ability of the student. Relatively, this section is scoring for students who have a strong hold over grammar.
Students can start the VA preparation by cultivating the habit of reading newspapers every day such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, etc. This will help them improve their vocabulary and build comprehension skills. Students can target learning five to ten new words daily and revise them weekly.
Students should also focus on practising reading comprehension passages regularly. They can begin with solving short RCs and then move on to the lengthier ones and editorials. Students can opt for using flashcards and grammar apps to improve their vocabulary.
Students should focus on the grammar rules of each VA topic and regularly solve grammar worksheets. The difficulty level of the VA section is moderate and can be tackled with regular practice and contextual understanding of the concepts.
Important Topics of Verbal Ability in IPMAT
The key topics of focus in the VA section include:
| Topic |
Sub Topics |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Synonyms, Antonyms, Foreign Words |
| Reading Comprehension |
Reading Passages based on inferences |
| Grammar |
Parts of Speech, Sentence Completion, Tenses, Modifiers, Usage of Words, Spelling Rules, Parallelism, |
| Logical Reasoning |
Assumptions, Syllogisms, Deductive Reasoning, Logical Consistency |
| Other Important Topics |
Idioms and Phrases, Etymology and Roots, Direct and Indirect Speech, Active and Passive Voice |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During IPMAT Exam 2026 Preparation
Mentioned below are a few common mistakes in IPM exam that students should look out for when preparing for the IPMAT Indore exam 2026:
- Ignoring reading daily: Reading newspapers and editorials daily will strengthen verbal and vocabulary skills. To learn and understand different types of writing styles and grammar usage, newspapers and editorials can be a great source.
- Not having a structured IPMAT study plan: If the student does not have a proper, structured IPMAT prep plan, then they must do it immediately. One might be a topper in Class 12 or a dropper, it wouldn’t matter if he/she does not have a personalised timetable to prepare for the IPMAT exam made according to their strengths and weaknesses.
- Prioritising quantity over quality: Choosing the books and study material is as important as choosing the right set of books, which cover the complete IPMAT 2026 syllabus, and adapt to changes according to the latest IPMAT paper pattern.
- Not making short notes: Students can dedicate at least 30 minutes of their study routine to making short notes on formulas, shortcuts, tricks, etc. This will come in very handy during the preparation phase as students will have quick references if they forget something.
- Only practicing mock tests: One mistake that students should completely avoid is starting their IPM exam preparation with mock tests. IPMAT mock tests hold much importance, but they should only be used for practice once the student has completed the IPM syllabus and has conceptual clarity. Students can take full-length mock tests as well as sectional IPMAT mock tests to prepare for the exam.
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Preparing for IPMAT Along with Boards
IPMAT and boards preparation can be a bit overwhelming. IPMAT preparation requires studying extensively complex topics in the QA and VA sections, while the board preparation is based on clarity of concepts and the school syllabus. Having said that, both exams have significant syllabus overlap and hence, IPMAT and Class 12 board exam preparation can be done by proper time management, preparation strategy and planning. A good mathematics preparation for boards will automatically help the students prepare a large chunk of the QA section of the IPMAT exam. Reading newspapers, magazines, journals, editorials, etc. will help the students crack the English part of IPMAT as well as Class 12 boards. IPMAT 2026 and board exam preparation require time management. Both are speed-based exams, and hence, preparing for one concept can significantly help with the other exam. Also Read: How to prepare for IPMAT with Class 12 Boards- A detailed summary
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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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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
IPMAT and JEE are two most competitive exams but cater to different fields. JEE focuses on maths and physics and JEE demands proficiency in quantitative ability, verbal ability and reasoning skills
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
Preparing for IPMAT exam at home can be possible with a good IPMAT study plan. Following is advice from experts and toppers on how to create an IPMAT preparation plan:
- Candidates should use IPMAT syllabus as a guide for exam preparation. They can make a list of the subjects that study material they a
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
IPMAT exam can be a bit challenging for an average student. But, by understanding exam pattern, completing IPMAT syllabus and brushing up basics coupled with consistent practice, one can fetch good marks in the IPMAT exam.
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
Students who are appearing for the Class 12 board exams and also IPMAT should know that they need to balance IPMAT preparation with Class 12 boards. Students can prioritize Class 12 board exams as they are important for academic performance and admission to IPMAT colleges.
Preparing for board exams
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The sectional time limit of the Quant (MCQ) section of the IPMAT Indore exam will be 40 minutes. Overall duration of the exam will be 120 minutes or 2 hours.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
The sectional time limit of the Quant (SA) section of the IPMAT Indore exam will be 40 minutes. Overall duration of the exam will be 120 minutes or 2 hours.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
The sectional time limit of the Verbal Ability section of the IPMAT Indore exam will be 40 minutes. Overall duration of the exam will be 120 minutes or 2 hours.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
There are 3 sections in IPMAT exam. The sections have MCQs and short answer type questions.
- Verbal Ability- 50 multiple choice questions
- Quantitative Aptitude- 25 multiple choice questions
- Quantitative Aptitude- 25 short answer type questions
There is total of 100 questions which are divided across the
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
There are 25 MCQs in the Quant section of IPMAT Indore exam 2026. Overall there are 90-100 questions.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
There are 25 short answer type questions in the Quantitative Aptitude (SA) section of IPMAT Indore exam. Overall there are 90-100 questions.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Check the table below to know IPMAT preparation books and tips:
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.