Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Jul 3, 2023 10:29 IST
IBSAT 2023 will be held in the fourth week of December 2023. The exam will be held in online mode. Candidates preparing for the IBSAT exam must know how to crack the IBSAT exam by preparing for only 6 months. Read here six months IBSAT preparation strategy by enperts.

Do you want to know how to crack IBSAT 2023 exam by preparing for only 6 months? Read here 6-month IBSAT preparation strategy. 

IBSAT Six Month Preparation Startegy

IBSAT Six Month Preparation Startegy

In comparison to many other MBA entrance tests, IBSAT exam is an easy to moderate level test. However, this does not mean one keeps postponing the preparation until the last month of the exam. Such a mindset would lead to more unnecessary pressure and strain than expected on IBSAT exam day. Following a year-long or six-month IBSAT exam preparation strategy can help aspirants score well. Check here some effective s strategies to follow if you plan to prepare for IBSAT in six months.

Table of contents
  • Know the IBSAT Exam Pattern
  • Important Topics from IBSAT Syllabus
  • IBSAT Preparation Strategy for Six Months
  • Books for IBSAT Exam Preparation

Know the IBSAT Exam Pattern

The first stage of six-month IBSAT exam preparation strategy is to know IBSAT pattern. Check the table below for key aspects of IBSAT exam pattern.

Features

Details

Total Number of Questions

140

Number of Sections in Question Paper

4

IBSAT Exam Duration

120 Minutes

IBSAT Exam Mode

CBT

Marking Scheme

1 Mark for each Correct Answer

Negative Marking

No negative marking

Important Topics from IBSAT Syllabus

One cannot start exam preparation without knowing the syllabus. Thus, listed below are the main sections of IBSAT syllabus 2022 and the number of questions asked from each of them.

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Section Number of questions Contents
Verbal Ability 50 Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms, Fill in the blanks, Sentence Correction and Completion, Grammar (syntax and error correction), Critical and Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension (Passage based questions), Para Jumbles, Word meanings, Contextual Usage, Idioms, Syllogisms
Reading Comprehension 30
Quantitative Aptitude 30 Algebra, Arithmetic and Numbers, Ratio & Proportion, Speed, Distance, Time & Work problems, Permutation and, Combinations, Probability, Sets theory, Analogies, Patterns, Series, Geometry, Data sufficiency – Statements and Conclusions, Data interpretation – Charts, Graphs and Tables
Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation 30

IBSAT Preparation Strategy for Six Months

  1. Plan the Schedule- Devote the first three months of IBSAT exam preparation to completing all the topics from the syllabus. Make sure to give an equal amount of time and effort to all the topics. Do not miss any topic from the syllabus.  You can make a day-wise plan or a 15-day plan according to your suitability.
  2. Make an individual strategy for each section
  1. Verbal Ability- This section of IBSAT exam is not considered very tough but takes up much of the time to finish it as it contains a maximum number of questions. Most of the questions are asked from the vocabulary. The trick to cover this area is by reading dense paragraphs and essays, working on concept-based articles, strengthening grammatical skills and incorporating maximum usage of verbal ability concepts.  
  2. Quantitative Aptitude- This section is considered tough in comparison with other sections. So give special attention to this section during IBSAT exam preparation. The questions will not be from advanced level Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Number systems, Percentages, etc. however, they could be tricky or calculation intensive. Thus, it is essential that the test takers work on strengthening the basics.
  3. Reading Comprehension- The questions from Reading Comprehension section will be inference based. Along with it, the questions will also test one’s ability to comprehend the gist of passages quickly. Start reading newspapers and business magazines from the very beginning of exam preparation. You can also read newspaper editorials, economic reports, science magazines and English novels. Develop the habit of reading faster, breaking long sentences into small phrases to understand them well and weeding out unnecessary information.
  4. Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation- This section of IBSAT exam is also considered tough as it contains many calculation-based questions. While preparing for this section, work on understanding information given against each problem based on tables, data interpretation, causes and effects, Assumption-Premise-Conclusion etc. Practice sample questions after completing a topic to know how much you have understood.
  1. Create Notes- When studying any topic, take notes of important points such as formulas or shortcuts. This approach helps immensely in recalling later what you studied earlier. While remembering book language is difficult for many, recalling what one writes in their own language is easier. Thus, create notes on every topic in systematic order so that in the last leg of IBSAT exam preparation you can utilize it for revision.
  2. Apply Peer Review Method- Discuss with your peers the topics covered by you. Do not just talk about your IBSAT exam preparation strategy but also learn from others what they have learned. Exchanging ideas and learning from others is considered one of the best techniques of any exam preparation and is quite fruitful. Check out what resources your friends are using to prepare for each topic.
  3. Master Time Management Using Online Resources
  1. Solve Sample Papers- For the right IBSAT exam preparation, ensure that you are also practising IBSAT Question Papers to understand the pattern of questions asked from each of topics in the syllabus. Practising previous years' question papers and sample papers give students a clear idea of their preparation level. Sample papers act as the best resource to evaluate self-progress and obtain accuracy level in answering various kinds of questions. When practising IBSAT sample papers, set a timer and try to solve questions within 120 minutes.
  2. Utilize IBSAT Mock Tests to its Best Potential- With three months of rigorous focus IBSAT exam preparation to cover the syllabus, students must devote the other three months left to attempt IBSAT Mock Tests. This will immensely help them level up the speed and accuracy in answering questions. It will also provide them with in-depth insight into the exam pattern.

Also read- IBSAT Exam Analysis

Books for IBSAT Exam Preparation

Sections

Authors

Verbal Ability

Wren and Martin High School English Grammar and composition

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT & other MBA Entrance Exams- Deepak Agarwal, DP Gupta

Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation for CAT and other MBA Exams- Trishna Knowledge Systems

Also read: IBSAT Exam Preparation: Top Books You Must Refer To

In addition, for IBSAT exam preparation, read newspapers and the editorial section of the paper regularly. Utilize critical thinking when reading opinion pieces. This will help you broaden your mind and crack any kind of problem easily. Avoid studying for long hours. Take small breaks in the middle and keep analyzing your preparation level from time to time.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I get direct admission to IBS Mumbai?
A: 

No, IBS Mumbai does not offer direct admission. The admission process is strictly entrance-based. Aspirants are required to take the IBSAT exam to become eligible for admission to the PGPM course. In addition, candidates with the required minimum score in CAT/XAT/NMAT or GMAT are also eligible to apply and are exempted from IBSAT exam. After this, the shortlisted candidates have to participate in the Micro Presentation and Personal Interview round for final selections. Check complete details about IBS Mumbai admission process.

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:   How can students apply for admission to various courses at IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

The entrance exam accepted by the college is CAT, NMAT, and IBSAT. IBSAT 2023 registrations are ongoing so fill out the application form. Start preparing for the IBSAT exam, give as much mock tests as possible. Follow the steps given below to apply for admission to various courses:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the college.

Step 2: Select the course.

Step 3: Pay the application fee.

Step 4: Submit the application form.

Q:   What is the admission procedure for BBA in IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

IBS Hyderabad admission to BBA course is based on merit in the last qualifying exam. The shortlisted candidates are further called for a personal interview round. The selected applicants will be given the selection letter on the date of interview and will be given provisional admission. The provisional admission is subject to payment of admission fee. Applicants who have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with at least 50% aggregate and above in English Medium can apply for IBS Hyderabad BBA course. 

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Q:   Can I get direct admission at IBS Pune?
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Candidates can get admission on the basis of score/rank secured in CAT/IBSAT/NMAT/XAT. Students are required to go through the national-level entrances and then appear for the university-level selection rounds for final admission. Applying to IBS Pune, candidates should register themselves for admission process, for that candidates needs to visit the official page of IBS Pune and click to "Apply to IBS" and verify your contact details. Fill out the registration form with the needed academic and personal details Provide the entrance exam score/rank required for the selected program, submitted the registration fee of INR 1800 via online gateway and proceed to submit the form with the required documents, After successful completion of registration, students will receive a unique ID and password to update and print the application form, Forms can also be collected from the IBS Pune campus. 

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About the Author
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Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Shruti Garg is a graduate in English and Education with over 7 years of experience in content writing/editing and education journalism. At Shiksha.com, Shruti covers UG and PG entrance exams like MBA entrance exams,

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered a month ago

Yes — the IBSAT cutoff does change every year.


 Why the IBSAT Cutoff Varies

  • Exam Difficulty: If the paper is tougher, the cutoff percentile may be lower; if easier, higher.
  • Number of Applicants: More applicants competing for limited seats can push the cutoff up.
  • Seat Availability: Each ICFAI Business Sc

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, IBSAT generally includes sectional cutoffs particularly for top campuses like IBS Hyderabad and IBS Mumbai. Candidates must meet the minimum score requirement to secue admission to MBA programme of these top IBS campuses.

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

IBS does not release the IBSAT cutoff details officially. Candidates can check the final scutoff on the scorecard or on release of the merit list. 

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

No, ICFAI Business School does not release the IBSAT answer key. IBSAT 2026 exam will be conducted in the last week of December 2026 and the results will be announced within 2-3 days from the date of examination.

N

Nishtha Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

IBSAT results 2026 will be declared online at ibsindia.org. Candidates who will appear for the exam will be able to check their section-wise and overall scores by entering the login details. It is expected that IBSAT result will be declared in last week of December 2026.

N

Nishtha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates who will appear for the IBSAT 2026 exam will likely get the notification on their registered email ID or number once the IBSAT scores are declared. Candidates can download the IBSAT result 2026 online by entering the login details.

N

Nishtha Pandey

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

IBSAT cutoff is not released officially by the colleges on the webiste. Candidates can check the IBSAT cutoff on downloading the IBSAT scorecard. Candidates can check the section-wise and overall score. The scorecard also mentions the qualifying status for Micro Presentation and Personal Interview r

...Read more

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

IBSAT scores are accepted for nine IBS campuses only for admission to MBA program. The nine campuses of IBS are:

  • IBS Hyderabad
  • IBS Mumbai
  • IBS Bangalore
  • IBS Gurgaon
  • IBS Pune
  • IBS Kolkata
  • IBS Ahmedabad
  • IBS Jaipur
  • IBS Dehradun

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

No, meeting the IBSAT cutoff will not guarantee admission to desired IBS campus. Meeting the cutoff criteria makes candidate eligible for the further selection rounds. Based on the candidate's performance in IBSAT exam, academics and selection process, IBS releases the final results.

N

Nishtha Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

IBS Mumbai conducts the application process for all courses in online mode. The step-wise IBSAT application process is given below:

  1. Visit the IBSAT registration portal.
  2. Fill out the admission form with all the information about personal and educational details.
  3. Upload the necessary documents.
  4. Proceed wi

...Read more

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Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10