Updated on Jul 3, 2023 10:34 IST
The duration of IBSAT exam is for two-hours and within this stipulated time, test takers will have to answer 140 multiple-choice questions. On every correct answer, test takers get one mark and on answering wrong or not answering to any question, one does not get any marks.

The IBSAT 2023 exam is approaching as there is approximately six months left for the test. Test takers take a look therefore in this article to read the seven essential success tips for IBSAT 2023!

IBSAT Preparation Tips

IBSAT is a gateway exam for admission to PGPM/MBA programs at IBS Hyderabad and its other campuses. It is a computer-based test conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. IBSAT 2023 will be conducted over a two-day window in last week of December 2023. Candidates must have reached the last leg of IBSAT preparation and have completed the IBSAT syllabus and started taking IBSAT mock tests. Now the IBSAT takers must be wondering what are the other strategies to be followed in order to crack IBSAT 2023. Here we bring seven tips to achieve success in the exam.

Before starting with the tips, here we bring the IBSAT 2023 exam structure. The duration of the test is two-hours and carries 140 multiple-choice questions. For each correct answer, test takers get one mark and there is no negative marking scheme. The detailed exam structure is given in the below table:

IBSAT 2023 Exam Pattern

The test consists of four sections— Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. Check section-wise questions and marking segregation in the table below.

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Sections

Total Number of Question

Total Marks

Verbal Ability (VA)

50

50

Reading Comprehension (RC)

30

30

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

30

30

Data Adequacy Sufficiency & Data Interpretation (DA/DI)

30

30

Seven IBSAT 2023 Success Tips

  1. Candidates must revise the IBSAT 2023 syllabus thoroughly. This will help them to segregate the strong and weak areas. Now that six months are left for the exam, they can modify their approach to improve their weak areas and make the strong areas stronger
  2. In order to score high, they must follow a planned study method. Along with revising their notes, they should simultaneously practice mathematical problems or vocabulary and grammar exercises regularly. They should make day-wise plans beforehand as the exam is approaching.
  3. Practice sessions should start with the difficult or weakest section and gradually move to the easiest one to keep the flow of productivity agile throughout.
  4. IBSAT mock tests should be taken in a time-bound manner to get a real-time feel of the test and keep a check on the accuracy, speed and ability to answer questions from different sections of the exam.
  5. Verbal Ability (VA) from IBSAT syllabus contains the maximum weightage in terms of both question and marks. This section will test the candidates’ knowledge of English language and its usage. This section may also moderately test the candidates’ knowledge of General Awareness. Suggestion for candidates would be, besides just practising Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumble and other segments of the English language, they should also read at least two newspapers daily.
  6. As is commonly said, practice makes a man perfect; hence, aspirants should not leave practising IBSAT question papers until the exam day.
  7. Last but not the least, test-takers should build speed to manage the time as per the pattern of the exam. Along with the knowledge of the topics, one’s time management skills will help candidates immensely to score high marks in the test. They should not allot more than two to three minutes per question. They should attempt the easier questions first and then move to the difficult questions.

Difficulty Level of IBSAT Exam

If compared with CAT, XAT and other MBA exams, IBSAT 2023 exam is as difficult as the other top MBA entrance exams mentioned. Scoring high in IBSAT is comparatively easier If studied regularly and systematically practice, it is easy to score well in the test. As already mentioned earlier, while other MBA exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc. have negative marking, IBSAT and NMAT are two exams where aspirants are safe from this aspect.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which is the easiest of MBA entrance exams in India out of these: NMAT, MAT, CAT, IIFT, SNAP, CMAT, IBSAT, XAT?
A: 
Syllabus of all MBA entrance examinations such as CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, CMAT, IIFT etc is similar with only minor differences. Toughness of examination is based on ratio of seats virus number of candidates appearing in MBA Entrance examination. CAT is the toughest because its score is used by legacy IIMs which are the best B-Schools in India. In India, based on MBA aspirants feedback, CMAT is the easiest MBA entrance examination. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national level entrance examination conducted by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) every year as per the directions of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India. The CMAT is a three hour computer based online test which is conducted in a single session to evaluate the candidates’ ability across various segments like Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness. There is no fixed syllabus of CMAT examination. CMAT syllabus revolves around Basic Mathematics (mostly arithmetic from standard 1 to 10), Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
Q:   What is the qualifying marks for BBA admission at IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

A pass in Class 12 or equivalent examination with at least 60% aggregate and above with English Medium is required to apply for IBS Hyderabad BBA course. Aspirants must fulfill the minimum age requirements as prescribed by the respective board via which the student has appeared for the qualifying exam. Candidates meeting the educational requirements can fill out the application form for IBS Hyderabad admission.

Q:   What are the essential qualifications for admission to BBA course at IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

Candidates must pass Class 12 or equivalent with at least 60% aggregate in English Medium to apply for BBA at IBS Hyderabad. If an applicant is found ineligible even at a later date, after admission into the course is cancelled.

Applicants who appeared for Class 12 or equivalent and awaiting results can also apply.

Q:   What is the percentile required for MBA admission at IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

The minimum cut-off scores for getting a GDPI call scheduled at IBS Hyderabad MBA is given below:

  • CAT & XAT: 60 percentile and above
  • GMAT: 500 +
  • NMAT by GMAC: 150+
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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Does IBS Hyderabad accept admission in MBA through CAT?
A: 

Yes, aspirants with a valid CAT score can apply for IBS Hyderabad MBA course. Additionally, candidates with a 60 percentile and above CAT score are exempted from writing the IBSAT 2023 exam. Moreover, apart from this, it is also crucial that the aspirants fulfil the course-specific eligibility requirements as prescribed by the ICFAI Business School, Mumbai. For more details about the CAT entrance examination, eligibility, etc. Click Here.

Q:   What is the eligibility of MBA at IBS Bangalore?
A: 

Aspirants need to complete graduation with at least 50% aggregate with English as the medium of instruction to apply for MBA at IBS Bangalore. Candidate must have completed a minimum of 15 years of education for MBA. 

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Answered 15 hours ago

IBS Hyderabad has shared the dates for IBSAT National Mock Test on its official website. Candidates can register for any date as per their convenience. Apart from this, IBS also provides Free Mock Test that can be taken anytime after registration.

N

Nupur Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 15 hours ago

The number of questions in each section of IBSAT Mock Test are as follows:

Section

No. of questions

Verbal Ability

50

Quantitative aptitude

30

Reading Comprehension

30

Data Adequacy and Interpretation

30

R

Rachit Katariya

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 15 hours ago

Yes, the IBSAT mock test is free of cost. Candidates just have to register for it on the official website.

V

Vikrant Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 15 hours ago

Only candidates who fulfill the below mentioned eligibility criteria can register to appear for IBSAT mock test:

  • Candidate must be a resident of India with Aadhaar Card (Except for NE States, may provide Government ID)
  • Student must be a 2025-26 graduate or in final year of qualifying examination

S

Sumridhi Bisht

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 15 hours ago

IBSAT National Mock Test is a mock conducted by IBS Hyderabad at a national level for IBSAT aspirants. This year, IBS has announced six mock tests from July to December 2026. The mock test is designed to help students practice in exam-like environment.

N

Nishtha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 days ago

ICFAI Business School Ahmedabad secures candidates from diverse academic & professional backgrounds:  

Graduates & Final-Year Students: Candidates who have completed graduation or are currently in their final year in any discipline like Commerce, BBA, Science, Engineering, Arts.

Working Professionals:

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Kolkata secures candidates from diverse academic & professional backgrounds:  

Graduates & Final-Year Students: Candidates who have completed graduation or are currently in their final year in any discipline like Commerce, BBA, Science, Engineering, Arts.

Working Professio

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

IBSAT secures candidates from diverse academic & professional backgrounds:  

  • Graduates & Final-Year Students: Candidates who have completed graduation or are currently in their final year in any discipline Commerce, BBA, Science, Engineering, Arts.

  • Working Professionals: Individuals with 2 to 3 years

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

IBSAT secures candidates from diverse academic & professional backgrounds:  

  • Graduates & Final-Year Students: Candidates who have completed graduation or are currently in their final year in any discipline (Commerce, BBA, Science, Engineering, Arts, etc.).  
  • Working Professionals: Individuals with 2 t

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

The IBSAT 2026 is a 2-hour computer-based test containing 140 MCQs. It features zero negative marking and no sectional time limits.

Section No

Section Name

Marks

1

Verbal Ability

50

2

Reading Comprehension

30

3

Quantitative Aptitude

30

4

Data Adequacy & Interpretation

30

TOTAL

140

National Mock Tests

Aspirants can prepare and practice through proctored Free National Mock Test with 100 prizes to win.

  • 1st Prize INR 2 Lakh
  • 2nd Prize INR 1 Lakh
  • 3rd Prize

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10