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:   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.

Q:   On what basis is the final merit list prepared for IBS Mumbai PGPM selection?
A: 

IBS Mumbai PGPM final selection is based on entrance test scores, past academic record, and performance in Micro Presentation and PI. Admissions are strictly merit-based and there is no direct admission. Perform well across all components to secure a seat. This keeps the selection process transparent.

Q:   How can I get seats in IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

IBS Hyderabad admission is a multi-step process. Check below the step-wise admission process: Check below the steps to get a seat in IBS Hyderabad:

Application: The mode of application is both online and offline. Candidates need to pay an application fee of INR 750 for BBA and INR 1,800 for MBA course. 

Selection rounds: IBS conducts IBSAT for admission to MBA courses. The institute also accepts CAT, XAT, etc. for MBA admission. Selected aspirants are further called for a Micro Presentation and PI round. For BBA, admission is based on merit in the last qualifying exam followed by a personal interview round.

Admission Confirmation: After completion of the selection rounds, candidates will recieve a provisional letter. Candidates need to pay the IBS Hyderabad fee to confirm their seat in the institute.

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:   Are admissions open at IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

IBS Hyderabad admissions are open. Currently, the applications are open for MBA programme. Candidates can apply online on the official website of the university. The application fee for MBA programme is INR 1,800. Besides, aspirants can also apply offline for admission at IBS Hyderabad. Admission to courses is both merit and entrance-based.

Q:   How many marks are required in IBSAT to get admission in IBS Gurgaon?
A: 

IBS Gurgaon doesn't declare a specific IBSAT cut-off mark. Shortlisting happens on the basis of performance in IBSAT or other approved entrance tests along with academic performance. Better scores enhance possibilities at the time of selection rounds. Final selection also relies upon the interview and presentation performance.

Q:   What is the IBS Mumbai admission process for PGPM?
A: 

ICFAI Business School, Mumbai admission process for PGPM programme is entirely entrance-based. The applicants are shortlisted based on merit in the accepted exams such as IBSAT/CATGMAT /NMAT by GMAC/XAT. Candidates fulfilling the prescribed criteria are exempted from IBSAT exam. Further, the shortlisted candidates are called for personal interview and group discussion round. The final selection is done based on performance in the selection rounds. Read more on admission process, here.

Q:   What is the eligibility for PGPM at IBS Pune?
A: 

IBS Pune accepts multiple entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, IBSAT, and NMAT for admission to its PG-level courses. Hence, it can be considered that IBS Pune admission is entrance-based for most of its courses. Eligibility is completely based on merit in the last qualifying exam. Students are required to go through the national-level entrances and then appear for the university-level selection rounds for final admission. The eligibility and selection criteria is given below: 

Course

Eligibility

Selection

MBA/PGDM

Graduation with 50%

XAT,  CAT,  NMAT,  IBSAT

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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
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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

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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

84134530
Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10