IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Check Sectional Weightage, Marking Scheme & Exam Duration

Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams after Class 12. The difficulty level of the IPMAT exam is usually moderate. The IPMAT question paper is divided into three sections, i.e. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude (MCQs) and Quantitative Aptitude (SA). It is clear that QA (Maths) forms a big chunk of the IPMAT syllabus. The exam is a test of your speed and ability to pick and solve the right questions. Higher-level Maths dominates the exam. Usually, more than 60% of all the QA questions are from the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabus. Calculus and Class 12 Maths form a large portion of questions in IPMAT. To score well in the IPMAT exam, students must be very clear with the concepts of NCERT Mathematics to score well in IPMAT. 

Quantitiative Aptitude Sectional Weightage

No, the short answer type section of Quantitative Aptitude section will not have negative markings.

The IPMAT exam has negative markings for the other two sections. Each question in the IPMAT exam carries four marks. And for every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted. This means that if the candidate has four correct answers then 16 marks will be added to the IPMAT overall score. If the candidate marks more than one answer for a particular question, the answer will be considered incorrect. To avoid maximum marks deduction, candidates must attempt the easier question first and then move on to the more difficult ones in that particular section. If the candidate is unsure about a particular question, they can also skip the question. No marks will be deducted or awarded for unanswered questions. 

Syllabus in IPMAT exam is based on Class 12 but, students have to study advanced topics as IPMAT QA section has higher level mathematic questions. IPMAT syllabus assesses knowledge of students and skills at Class 12 level. 

Yes, IPMAT exam has negative markings. Each question in the IPMAT exam carries four marks. And for every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted. No marks will be deducted or awarded for unanswered questions. 

The IPMAT exam is held for two hours or 120 minutes. There is only one slot for the IPMAT exam. IPMAT exam also has a sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. The candidates need to solve the question paper in 120 minutes and this means that the candidates will have approximately two minutes to solve each question. Candidates must take care of saving their answers at every step as the moment 40 minutes get over, the screen will automatically redirect to the next section. The test will end automatically once 120 minutes of the test are over. The IPMAT exam is conducted in the afternoon shift. Also, there is no provision for changing the exam slot. Candidates must make sure that they reach the IPMAT exam centre at least an hour before the commencement of the examination in order to complete the frisking formalities at the entry gate. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre 15 minutes before the exam time.

Yes, there are subjective-type or long form answer questions in the IPMAT exam. The Quantitative Aptitude section of the IPMAt exam has Short Answer Type questions as well as Multiple-choice questions. There are 25 questions each in both the QA sections of the IPMAT question paper. The duration of the exam is 120 minutes and the candidates will have 40 minutes to solve one section and another 40 minutes to solve the other. Candidates must attempt all the sections keeping in mind that the exam has negative marking. Candidates must note that each question in the IPMAT question paper carries four marks and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions. The exam is conducted in the computer-based test mode, hence the candidates have to type down their answers on their screens. As for the MCQs, candidates will be required to choose the correct answer in from the four options give against each question. If the candidate marks two answers for one question, then the answer will be marked incorrect. 

The IPMAT admissions are based on the IPMAT entrance exam and the counselling process which includes a Personal Interview. Candidates who qualify the IPMAT exam have to take part in the further admission process. The composite score is the sum of the score obtained by the candidate in the IPMAT exam as well as PI. The calculation of the composite score is done as follows:

Total score in IPMAT Indore varies from 360 to 400. The IPMAT exam will have 90 to 100 questions and each question carries four marks. 

Medium of IPMAT question paper is English. Paper structure of IPMAT exam is:

• IPMAT exam will be conducted in CBT test mode
• Duration of exam is 120 minutes
• IPM exam has MCQs and short answer type questions as well
• Each question carries four marks and one mark is deducted for incorrect answers
• There are three sections, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, MCQ, Quantitative Aptitude, SA.
• Total number of questions can be between 90 and 100. 

Just like other management entrance exams, the Verbal Skills section is divided into Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability/English Usage. There are about four to five comprehension passages while the topics of English usage are as follows:

1. Synonyms
2. Antonyms
3. Grammar
4. Fill in the blanks
5. Vocabulary
6. Parajumbles
7. Idioms and Phrases
8. Error Identification
9. Para Completion
10. Confusing words 
11. Articles
12. Prepositions
13. Proper Usage of Words
14. Sentence Correction

There will be 50 multiple choice questions in the Verbal Ability section of IPMAT. The overall questions are 90 to 100 questions. 

IPMAT exam is conducted only once every year. The exam is conducted in CBT test mode for IPM programme. IPMAT 2026 exam will be conducted on May 4, 2026. 

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 IPMAT question paper. They are to be solved within the sectional time limit. 

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.

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:

1. Candidates should use IPMAT syllabus as a guide for exam preparation. They can make a list of the subjects that study material they are referring to is covering. 
2. Students should divide their IPMAT study plan on a monthly, weekly and daily basis.
3. Students should analyse previous years IPMAT questipn papers and make notes of important topics. 
4. Students can join coaching institutes, study groups, etc., to prepare better. 
5. Analysing progress made is as important as preparing for IPMAT exam. Students should analyse their weaknesses and strengths and change their prep routine accordingly. 

No, there are no Science related questions in the IPMAT exam. The IPMAT exam typically has three sections, i.e. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude (SA) and Quantitative Aptitude (MCQs). The major topics in the IPMAT exam include:

IPMAT 2026 eligibility criteria has not been changed. Candidates should check eligibility criteria carefully before registration. IIM Indore is very strict about fulfilling the eligibility criteria.