Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Nov 6, 2025 13:40 IST
IBSAT will be conducted in remote proctored mode on December 27 and 28, 2025. Candidates appearing for the exam can check here strategy for IBSAT Preparation including test pattern, question papers, syllabus, section-wise preparation and more. Shiksha here brings you the detailed preparation guide for IBSAT exam.

IBSAT 2025 Preparation strategy must include knowing about the test pattern, subjects, section-wise syllabus, important topics and more. Get here preparation tips and strategies for IBSAT exam 2025.

IBSAT Exam Preparation

IBSAT Exam Preparation

IBSAT 2025 preparation requires focused approach to get admission to top ICFAI Business Schools. IBS Aptitude Test (IBSAT) is conducted by IBS Hyderabad for admissions to its MBA/PGDM courses offered at IBS Hyderabad, IBS Dehradun, IBS Jaipur, IBS Ahmedabad, IBS Bengaluru, IBS Gurgaon, IBS Kolkata, IBS Mumbai, and IBS Pune. IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus, hence, candidates must prepare for the exam accordingly. Candidates must create a study plan for IBSAT preparation covering the sections- Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. 

Creating a well planned IBSAT preparation dtrategy will help candidates manage time, develop concepts and increase speed in exam. Read this article below to know how to prepare for IBSAT 2025 exam.

Table of contents
  • IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  • IBSAT 2025 Syllabus
  • IBSAT Mock Tests
  • IBSAT Preparation Tips

IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern 

The preparation strategy for the exam should begin with knowing IBSAT 2025 pattern including subjects, type of questions, sectional weightage and other details mentioned below:

Features

Details

Exam mode

Remote Proctored Mode

Exam duration

Two hours

Subjects/Sections

Four sections –

  • Verbal Ability
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Type of questions

Multiple choices based questions  

Number of questions in each section

VA – 50 MCQs

RC – 30 MCQs

QA – 30 MCQs

DA&DI – 30 MCQs

Total marks

140

Marking scheme

  • One mark per question
  • No negative marking
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:   How is IBSAT final merit list prepared?
A: 

IBSAT final merit list is prepared on considering the following parameters- Micro Presentation, Personal Interview and past academic records and weightage. Check below to know the criterias:

  • Micro presentation: 25%
  • Personal Interview: 25%
  • Past academic record: 50%

Only candidates who will qualify the above criterias, will be offered final admission to MBA/PGDM programme of applied IBS campuses. IBSAT 2025 selection process result will be announced tentatively in April 2026.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of IBSAT?
A: 

The difficulty level of IBSAT is moderate to easy. IBSAT exam is easy in comparison to other MBA entrance examinations such as CAT, MAT, or CMAT. IBSAT question paper consists of total 140 questions across four sections. Each question carries one marks with no negative marking. IBSAT Data Interpretation can be time consuming. Students must practice with IBSAT previous year question papers to become familar with question paper pattern and difficulty level.

IBSAT 2025 Syllabus 

In the preparation phase, candidates must go through the IBSAT syllabus thoroughly. Below are some important topics from IBSAT 2025 syllabus for each section:

Important Topics for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Sections

Candidates must check topics given below specifically to score well in the Verbal Ability section:

  • 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

Important Topics for Quantitative Aptitude and Data Adequacy & Interpretation Sections

The sections include questions on basic problem-solving techniques, which require analytical and logical skills. Candidates can check here commonly asked topics in Quantitative Aptitude and DA& DI sections:

  • 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
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IBSAT Mock Tests

IBS India released IBSAT mock test on the official website. The mock test provides a real-time exam-taking experience to the candidates appearing for the exam. IBSAT mock test is for all candidates registered for the exam.

Mock tests are the most crucial steps in preparation. Without mock tests, candidates will not be able to gauge their preparation level or derive ways to improve their performances. Hence, it is a must for candidates to take IBSAT mock tests. 

Shiksha has also created an IBSAT mock test which the aspirants can attempt online. Click on the link below to access Shiksha’s free mock test for IBSAT 2025.

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I get admission in IBS Dehradun?
A: 

To get admission into ICFAI Business School (IBS) Dehradun, students need to go through a multi-step admission procedure. This includes application, selection, and admission confirmation. The institute admits students based on valid scores secured in either IBSAT or other accepted national-level exams (CAT/ GMAT, XAT, NMAT). Applicants are then shortlisted based on their entrance exam scores followed by Micro-presentation and PI. Selected students need to submit the required documents and pay the specified fees to secure their spots at the institute. 

Q:   What is the last date to apply for IBS Jaipur?
A: 

IBS Jaipur applications are open for 2026 session. Candidates have to fill out the application form on the institute's website. Aspirants have to pay an application fee and upload the documents to complete the application process. The application fee varies course-wise at IBS Jaipur.

Q:   What are the Do's and Don'ts for online IBSAT exam?
A: 
  1. Download the admit card from the official website. The IBSAT admit card is the most important document of proof of all the candidates appearing for IBSAT 2024 exam.
  2. Candidates must check the wifi connection for a table internet connection while giving the exam.
  3. Sit in the calm corners of the home to avoid any kind of distractions.
  4. Check your webcam before beginning the exam.
  5. Keep the copy of IBSAT 2024 admit card ready on the desktop. 
  6. Keep the device charge wheel in advance.
  7. Ensure that the web cam and mic is working properly while giving examination.
  8. Ensure proper lightening in the room.
  9. Take the exam from a silent place in the home.
  10. Webcam must focus on face and is clearly visible in the camera.
  11. Candidates must capture the photos before beginning with the examination.
  12. Candidates must wear transparent and non-reflection glasses/lenses
  13. Water bottle must be transparent and must be kept besides before the start of the examination.
  14. Do login only after 3 minds to resume your examination in case your examination crashes.

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IBSAT Preparation Tips

Read: Good reading skills are important to attempt each section of IBSAT question paper. In order to be able to read, interpret and solve the questions, the best strategy to follow is to build a reading habit. This would serve a dual purpose of improving the reading speed, as well as the comprehension ability. Newspapers and magazines would serve as the best reading materials to crack an MBA entrance exam like IBSAT. 

Time Management: The total duration for solving all the sections in IBSAT exam is two hours, therefore candidates should strategise smartly for the time required in attempting each section. Time management skills will be crucial because if candidates are able to save enough time in the end, then they can attempt difficult questions. Before starting the test, they must allocate time for each section and maintain it. For each question, candidates should not spend more than two to three minutes. 

Vocabulary and Grammar: The best way to ace Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension as well as DA & DI is to improve vocabulary and grammar. This save a lot of time and help student understand questions quickly too. Practice grammar papers, read books, play google word coach games to enhance vocabulary, antonyms, synonyms and more.

Calculation methods: It will be much easier to attempt QA and DA&DI sections if calculations skills are fine. Candidates should be quick in basic arithmetic. They should practice mental calculations, and simple methods of calculation to improve their quantitative aptitude. Working on shortcut techniques will help them manage time judiciously. After working out the shortcut techniques, they should write those down in a handy notebook and revise them regularly. 

Practice and Analysis: Regular practice or taking mock tests would improve the aspirant's preparation level. Not only will they be able to realise their preparation level, but they will also be able to work on time management. IBSAT aspirants should take at least two full-length mock tests each week and one sectional mock test a day and get them analysed by an expert or mentor. Based on the analysis, they have to modify their sectional preparation and test-taking approach. 

Dealing with Strengths and Weaknesses: Regular analysis of mock test performance will help the candidates understand the areas of strength and weakness. This is the right time to decide which topics are weak and not pursue those any further. As around one month is left, it is best to focus on the strength areas only and ensure that maximum marks can be scored by attempting questions from the strong areas. 

Read More

Check IBSAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting IBSAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all IBSAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IBSAT Admission Calls
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About the Author
author-image
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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Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

No, there are no subjective-type questions in IBSAT question paper. IBSAT exam is held in remote proctored mode. The question paper includes 140 multiple choice questions which have to be attempted in 120 minutes.

78471350
Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

IBSAT exam pattern is released by ICFAI Business School, the conducting body. The IBSAT exam pattern prescribes the number of questions, marking scheme, mode of examination and exam duration to help candidate prepare for exam day.

M

Mamona Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

The maximum marks for IBSAT exam is 140 marks. IBSAT question paper consists of 140 multiple-choice questions of one mark each. The questions are divided across three sections. 

N

Nishtha Datta

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

The number of students appearing for IBSAT exam is not disclosed by the conducting authority. IBSAT exam is held in online proctored mode. Candidates can apply for IBS admission 2027 through following scores:

  • IBSAT
  • CAT
  • NMAT by GMAC, and
  • GMAT

N

Nishtha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

To prepare for ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test, candidates can get the IBSAT best books online or offline from nearby book stores. Candidates must ensure to check the edition and author name for IBSAT books.

N

Nishtha Pandey

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

No, while appearing for IBSAT exam, candidates are not allowed to refer the books or any material. IBSAT exam is conducted in online proctored mode. Candidates practicing any unfair means will be disqualified from the examination.

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

IBSAT quantitative aptitude section will cover following topics:

Number System

Work, Pipes and Cisterns

Discount

Average

Arithmetic Progression

Time and Work

Percentage

Algebra

Geometry

Co-ordinate Geometry

Mensuration

Probability

Instalment payments

Permutation & Combination

Quadratic and linear equation

Profit & Loss

Alligation & mixtures

Time-Speed-Distance

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

No, IBSAT syllabus does not change every year. The IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT and NMAT exam syllabus. The IBSAT exam is comparatively easy in difficulty level compared to NMAT and CAT.

N

Nishtha Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

IBSAT question paper will cover the topics from the following sections:

  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Verbal Ability
  • Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation (DA/ DI)

S

Satyendra Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 6 days ago

To access the IBSAT mock test, candidates must visit the official website, ibsindia.org and click on tab showing 'National IBSAT Mock Test'. Candidates must make sure to register for exam to appear for mock test.

K

Kritika Malhotra

Contributor-Level 6