IBSAT Exam Analysis 2025: Get Detailed Paper Analysis & Review

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2026 ( IBSAT )

Shruti Garg
Updated on Mar 30, 2026 20:04 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

Overview

IBSAT 2025 detailed analysis has ben updated. The IBSAT 2025 exam was held in a remote proctored mode. IBSAT Question Paper consists of 140 objective-type questions. According to the analysis of IBSAT exam 2025 Day 1, difficulty level of the exam is easy to moderate. The exam pattern was on the expected lines, and there was no surprise element in the question paper. The sections were easy to moderately difficult. The Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency section was the most time-consuming.

Table of contents
  • Section-wise IBSAT Exam Analysis 2025
  • IBSAT Exam Analysis: Topic-Wise Questions & Marks
  • IBSAT Pattern 2025
  • FAQs on IBSAT Exam Analysis
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Section-wise IBSAT Exam Analysis 2025

Verbal Ability

IBSAT exam analysis of the Verbal Ability section had relatively easy questions, except a few tricky ones in the Vocabulary section, the rest of the questions were easy. The questions from the Grammar section were easy and primarily from topics such as synonyms/antonyms, the meaning of idioms, cloze test, picking out the errors in usage, word relation, one-word substitution, phrases, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, and jumbled paragraphs.

Experts believe scoring 32-34 marks within 25 minutes in the Verbal Ability section was easy.

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension (RC) section had some questions, which were direct and factual in nature while some were inferential. Inferential questions were time-consuming. The difficulty level of RC questions can be considered moderate to difficult level. Given below is the break-up of the Reading Comprehension section:

  • 30 questions from 4 RC passages
  • 500-600 words passages

Experts believe solving 20-22 questions accurately in 25 minutes from the section was easy.

Quantitative Ability

IBSAT exam analysis show that the Quantitative Ability section had a good mix of questions from various topics that were arithmetical and geometrical in nature. Questions were of moderate difficulty level. Majority of questions in the IBSAT 2024 question paper were from the following topics-

  • Number System
  • Speed, Time & Distance
  • Profit & Loss
  • Discount
  • Work & Time
  • Percentage
  • Ratio
  • Interest Calculation
  • Simplification
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Probability

Experts believe not required attempting 21 to 23 questions was easy with good preparation.

Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation

IBSAT exam analysis show Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation section had questions that focused strongly on data adequacy and logical thinking. The overall difficulty level of DA-DI section was moderate, except for a few difficult questions. The questions were asked from topics such as:

  • Pi graphs
  • Line graphs
  • Percentage change
  • Ratio between two values

Experts believe solving 17-20 questions with accuracy was easy with good preparation from this section.

Also Read

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is IBSAT compulsory for IBS Hyderabad?
A: 

IBSAT or IBS Aptitude Test is a national-level entrance exam conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (deemed to be University) for admission to MBA programme. However, it is not compulsory to appear for IBSAT. Candidates who have appeared for CAT/ NMAT/ GMAT/ XAT and scored well can also get admission to IBS Hyderabad MBA programme. 

IBSAT is a two-hour Computer-based test (CBT) comprising multiple-choice questions. IBSAT is a computer-based test that is generally conducted over a window of two days in December. 

Q:   What does IBSAT selection process comprise of?
A: 

IBSAT selection process comprises of two rounds:

  1. Micro Presentation: In this round, candidate will have to present on a topic in brief. Candidates will be given three topics and choose any one topic from it. This is done to test the communication skill of candidates.  
  2. Personal Interview (PI): Those who have successfully cleared the micro presentation round are called for PI round. This PI round judges your communications skills, confidence, business aptitude and general attitude. Candidates should remain cool and calm during this final round. 

Candidates who will qualify the IBSAT or any other national level entrance exam will have to appear for the IBS selection rounds which will be conducted in February/March 2025. 

Q:   How many courses are offered through IBSAT?
A: 

IBS offers Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) through IBSAT scores. Check the list of IBS colleges and courses offered through IBSAT below:

  1. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad: MBA
  2. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Ahmedabad: PGPM
  3. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Mumbai: PGPM
  4. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Dehradun: MBA
  5. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Kolkata: PGPM
  6. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Bangalore: MBA
  7. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Gurgaon: PGPM
  8. ICFAI Business School (IBS), Pune: PGPM
  9. ICFAI Business School, Jaipur: MBA
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IBSAT Exam Analysis: Topic-Wise Questions & Marks

There are 140 questions in total in IBSAT question paper. Each question carried 1 mark. The Verbal Ability section of IBSAT question paper carries the maximum marks (50) followed by Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation sections, each with 30 marks. The pie chart below depicts the number of questions in each section of the IBSAT question paper. Check it below.

IBSAT: Topic- Wise Questions

IBSAT: Topic- Wise Questions

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IBSAT Pattern 2025

Check the table below to know the IBSAT exam pattrn highlights:

Exam Structure

Details on IBSAT Exam

Exam Mode

Computer-based test (CBT)

Duration of exam

120 minutes

Number of questions

140 MCQs

Total Marks

140 Marks

Language of paper

English

Subjects

Quantitative Aptitude

Verbal Ability

Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Reading Comprehension

Number of sections

4 Sections

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct answer

No negative marking

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is IBSAT syllabus similar to CAT?
A: 

IBSAT syllabus is closely similar to CAT syllabus with no negative marking. Candidates preparing for CAT will be able to prepare for IBSAT easily. The IBSAT syllabus is divided into four sections viz., Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation also, CAT syllabus includes the similar sections. 

Q:   Which is the easiest of MBA entrance exams in India out of these: NMAT, MAT, CAT, IIFT, SNAP, CMAT, IBSAT, XAT?
A: 

Candidates find the exam easy of difficult based on their prep level. The syllabus for MBA entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMATis mostly the same, with some minor differences.

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FAQs on IBSAT Exam Analysis

Check below the frequently asked questions on IBSAT exam analysis below:

Q:   What actions can lead to the disqualification of the candidate during the IBSAT online proctored examination?
A: 

If students are found not obeying rules of examination or trying to practice unfair means, they will be disqualified from the examination. The system will find any kind of unusual movements and will notify the online proctor for:

  1. Focus changed to a different window
  2. Browser not supported
  3. Webcam is disabled
  4. Face is not visible in the camera
  5. Several faces in front of the camera
  6. Face does not match the profile
  7. Microphone muted or its volume is low
  8. Conversation or noise in the background
  9. Screen activities are not shared
  10. Second display is used
  11. Full-screen mode is disabled
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:   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.
Q:   How to appear for IBSAT online test?
A: 

To appear for IBSAT online proctored examination, candidates must:

  • Login through the link shared on the registered email address and enter unique ID and Date of Birth to access the IBSAT exam
  • Complete the verification process. In the first level verify facial photo and in the second level of the verification process, candidate's will have to display their IBSAT hall ticket 2026 and valid ID proof when asked.
  • Read the exam instructions carefully.
  • Attempt the IBSAT exam online.

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IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered 4 days ago

IBSAT question paper includes 140 multiple choice questions which are divided across four sections- verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude and date adequacy & data interpretation. Candidates will be required to attempt all questions within 120 minutes. IBSAT exam includes no ne

...Read more

N

Nishtha Pandey

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, IBSAT exam is comparatively easier than CAT in terms of syllabus difficulty level and competition. CAT question paper requires high anlaytical solving skills to score well in exam, whereas IBSAT exam assesses candidate's speed and accuracy. The difficulty level of IBSAT exam is moderate.

N

Nishtha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 4 days ago

IBSAT cutoff varies for each IBS campus. Candidates seeking admission to top IBS campus must score a minimum of 80 percentile in IBSAT exam. Generally a score between 70 and 80 percentile in IBSAT exam is considered a good score.

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

To cover the IBSAT syllabus timely, candidates must first prioritise the high weightage topics and follow the section-wise preparation timetable. Students must focus on conceptual clarity and take regular mock tests to identify the weak areas and strong areas in IBSAT syllabus.

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

The difficulty level of IBSAT syllabus is generally moderate. The syllabus for IBSAT is similar to the CAT syllabus. However, the IBSAT question paper includes more straightforward and less tricky questions compared to other MBA entrance examinations.

S

Satyendra Kaur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

IBSAT exam is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty level compared to other major MBA exams like CAT and XAT. For an average student it is possible to score well in exam with good preparation strategy.

N

Nishtha Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

IBSAT exam is conducted for a duration of two hours. It is a remote proctored test held across India. The IBSAT question paper consists of 140 multiple choice questions which have to completed in 120 minutes. The paper involves no negative marking.

K

Kritika Malhotra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, IBSAT books are enough to cover the exam syllabus. Candidates can refer to the recommended books and study materials to prepare for the exam. Candidates must ensure that the books cover basic concepts, include section-wise practice questions and mock tests.

N

Nishtha Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

No, it is not compulsory to attempt all sections of IBSAT exam. Some top tier IBSAT accepting colleges consider the minimum sectional scores to be shortlisted for admission. IBSAT exam does not involve any negative marking, hence candidates must focus on answering all 140 questions.

N

Nishtha Datta

Contributor-Level 7

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

10 Institutes accepting IBSAT

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad

Donthanapally, Hyderabad Private

Admissions 2026

ICFAI Busi
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 17.01 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 7.20 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)
  • 8.29 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 13.05 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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