IBSAT Books 2026: Check best books for exam preparation

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2026 ( IBSAT )

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Aug 11, 2026 21:00 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Selection of the right IBSAT preparation books is very important. IBSAT has unique features thus it is essential to study from recommended books only. The syllabus of IBSAT includes Quantitative, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. While shortlisting IBSAT books, choose the ones that cover each topic of the syllabus in theory and has a good number of pratice questions of various difficulty levels. 

IBSAT 2026 will be held tentatively in last week of December 2026. So,  start the exam preparation now. Shiksha has created a list of best books for IBSAT preparation 2026, based on popularity among MBA aspirants and experts. Check on this page below.

Table of contents
  • IBSAT Best Books 2026: VARC
  • IBSAT Best Books 2026: Quantitative Aptitude
  • IBSAT Best Books 2026: Data Interpretation
  • IBSAT Mock Tests 2026 and Model Papers
  • FAQs on IBSAT Preparation Books
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IBSAT Best Books 2026: VARC

In order to have a stronghold over IBSAT topics like- comprehension of passages, syllogism, punctuation, sentence completion, contextual usage and others, check out the best books mentioned below:

IBSAT Best Books: Verbal Ability

Books

Authors/ Publishers

English Proficiency

IMS India

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

High School English Grammar and Composition

Wren & Martin

Objective General English

RS Aggarwal, Vikas Aggarwal/ S Chand Publishing

English Plus ICSE for Class 10

Xavier Pinto

Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT

Ajay Singh

Business English and Communication

Clark

Verbal Ability Guide for CAT

PT Education Ltd.

CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Gautam Puri

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT

Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT and MBA Entrance Examination

TIME

Tuesday with Morrie

Mitch Albom

Also Read:

IBSAT 2026 Syllabus

IBSAT 2026 Pattern

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is IBSAT exam structure?
A: 

As per IBSAT exam pattern, question paper will be divided into four sections:

  • Verbal Ability: 50 questions
  • Reading Comprehension: 30 questions
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions
  • Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation: 30 questions
Q:   What is IBSAT syllabus?
A: 

The IBSAT syllabus covers four sections:   

  • Verbal Ability (Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension)

  • Reading Comprehension (Passages with questions)

  • Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics-based problems)

  • Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (Logical reasoning and analysis)

Q:   Where can I get best books for IBSAT to study?
A: 

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.

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IBSAT Best Books 2026: Quantitative Aptitude

To prepare for IBSAT quantitative aptitude section, candidates must have stronghold over topics like: number system, geometry, algebra, discount, arithmetic progression and others. Check IBSAT Quantitative Aptitude best books below.

Best Books: Quantitative Aptitude

Books

Authors/Publishers

Quantitative Ability

Nishit Sinha

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT from Pearson

Arun Sharma

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma/Arihant Publications

Quantitative Aptitude

Abhijit Guha

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

RS Aggarwal/ S Chand Publishing; Revised Edition

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT 2019

Sarvesh K Verma/ Arihant Publications; Tenth edition (10 June 2019)

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and MBA Entrance Examination

TIME

Quantitative Aptitude Numerical Ability (Fully Solved) 7000 + Objective Question

Pratiyogita Kiran & KICX Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan

Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Examination

Dinesh Khattar

 

Mathematics for MBA Entrance Exams

R.S. Aggarwal and S. Chand

Mathematics Class 11th and 12th

RD Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh K. Verma

Also read

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is IBSAT 2025 schedule?
A: 

ICFAI Business School announced the IBSAT 2025 dates in first week of July 2025. IBSAT 2025 registration commenced on July 01, 2025 and exam was held on December 27 and December 28. IBSAT 2025 exam was a online proctored examination administered across India. Candidates seeking admission to MBA/PGDM programme of IBS campuses must appear for IBSAT or have obtained score in national level examination conducted for MBA admissions.

Q:   What are IBSAT last minute preparation tips?
A: 

Some of last minute preparation tips for IBSAT exam are:

  1. Check exam pattern and syllabus
  2. Focus on strong areas
  3. Practice time management
  4. Revise important concepts
  5. Stay cam and positive
Q:   Are books allowed in IBSAT exam?
A: 

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.

View list of Books
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IBSAT Best Books 2026: Data Interpretation

Candidates preparing for IBSAT Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation section must prefer the books covering the important topics like- tables, Data Interpretation, data sufficiency, Logical Reasoning, graphs representing areas and others. Check the table below to know best books for Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation

IBSAT Best Books: Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Books

Authors/ Publishers

Data Interpretation MBA Entrance

Jaiswal

Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

Pearson Publication

Logical and Analytical Reasoning

Ashok Gupta

Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency

Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan

DI LR from Pearson

Nishit Sinha

TMH How to Prepare for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for the CAT 3rd Edition

Arun Sharma

Data Interpretation

K. Kundan

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Ananta Ashisha

Also read

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there negative marking in IBSAT?
A: 

No, there is no negative marking in IBSAT exam. IBSAT question paper will consist of 140 question of one mark each. Candidates will given two hours to attempt 140 MCQs. For any incorrect answer or not attempted question, no mark will be dedcuted. In this scenerio, candidates must attempt all questions even if they are not sure of correct answer.

Q:   How many questions are there in IBSAT exam?
A: 

IBSAT question paper will include 140 Multiple Choice Questions. Check below to know IBSAT section wise questions:

  • Verbal Ability: 50 questions

  • Reading Comprehension: 30 questions

  • Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions

  • Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: 30 questions

Q:   How many students appear for IBSAT exam?
A: 

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
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IBSAT Mock Tests 2026 and Model Papers

IBS Hyderabad conducted IBSAT mock tests regularly for registered candidates to help them prepare for the exam better. For IBSAT 2026, the institute will be conducting 6 national level mock tests. These IBSAT National Mock Tests 2026 are being conducted from July to December. 

Check IBSAT 2026 Mock Test Dates and Process to Register

Candidates should also refer IBSAT Model Test Papers to practice sample questiond. These PDFs of IBSAT Model Test Papers are free to download.

IBSAT Model Papers PDF Link
IBSAT Model Paper 1 Download Link 
IBSAT Model Paper 2 Download Link 
IBSAT Model Paper 3 Download Link 
IBSAT Model Paper 4 Download Link 
IBSAT Model Paper 5 Download Link 
IBSAT Model Paper 6 Download Link 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the importance of taking IBSAT mock test?
A: 

Preparation for the IBSAT is incomplete without taking the mock tests/sample papers. Some of the advantages of the IBSAT mock test are:

  1. IBSAT mock test helps students know the IBSAT pattern and difficulty level of the qustions.
  2. Mock tests help candidates know weak and strong areas.
  3. IBSAT mock test helps candidates get an actual exam environment.
  4. Candidates can analyse the time to be devoted in each section
  5. IBSAT mock tests helps candidates go through the syllabus completely.
Q:   Can I take IBSAT exam more than once?
A: 

yes, candidates can take IBSAT exam more than once. The IBSAT exam is conducted annually. If candidate is not able to appear for the current session, he/she may apply for the next session examinations. ICFAI has not specified the number of attempts for IBSAT exam.

Q:   Which are the important topics for IBSAT Verbal Ability section?
A: 

Some of the important topics for IBSAT Verbal Ability section are:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Tenses
  • Sentence Correction
  • Para jumbles
  • Idioms and Phrases
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FAQs on IBSAT Preparation Books

Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT best books below:

Q:   Which are important topics for IBSAT Quantitative Ability?
A: 

IBSAT syllabus for Quantitative Ability is based on CAT syllabus. Based on previous year question paper analysis, some of the important topics for IBSAT quantitative ability are:

  • Percentages
  • Ratios and Proportions
  • Profit and Loss
  • Time and Work
  • Speed and Distance
  • Averages
  • Simple and Compound Interest.
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Number System
  • Data Interpretation
  • Probability and Statistics
Q:   Does ICFAI release IBSAT cutoff?
A: 

ICFAI School of Business specifies the cutoff for the following exam for admission to its MBA/PGPM programs:

  • CAT and XAT: 60 percentile and above
  • GMAT: 500+
  • NMAT by GMAC: 150+
Q:   Is it important to meet the sectional cutoff in IBSAT for admission?
A: 

For admission to ICFAI Business School, candidates must meet the overall cutoff criteria specified for CAT, XAT, GMAT and IBSAT. Based on the cutoff criteria, candidates will be shortlisted for the micro presentation and personal interview rounds. Candidates who are shortlisted through IBSAT scores will be notified on their registered email ID or SMS. Whereas, candidates applying through other national level entrance score, must meet the below criteria:

  • CAT and XAT: 60 percentile and above
  • GMAT: 500+
  • NMAT by GMAC: 150+
Q:   What are IBSAT last minute preparation tips?
A: 

Some of last minute preparation tips for IBSAT exam are:

  1. Check exam pattern and syllabus
  2. Focus on strong areas
  3. Practice time management
  4. Revise important concepts
  5. Stay cam and positive
Q:   Who releases IBSAT exam pattern?
A: 

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.

Q:   Are there subjective type questions in IBSAT exam?
A: 

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.

Q:   How to appear for IBSAT online exam?
A: 

IBSAT 2026 exam will be held in remote proctored mode. To appear for online exam, student must:

  • Login with IBSAT 2026 details on personal laptop/desktop
  • Show online admit card to the invigilator
  • Read IBSAT exam instructions
  • Start solving IBSAT questions
Q:   Can I appear for IBSAT mock test through mobile?
A: 

Yes, candidates can appear for IBSAT mock test online. However, for better experience and analyse the performance correctly, candidates must take the mock test on desktop or computer. If the candidate is appearing for IBSAT mock test on mobile, he/she must be careful of following things:

  1. Students must put phone on do-not-disturb mode
  2. Test takers must not take any calls during the process
  3. Candidate must keep additional phone for internet connection or for any help from helpdesk
Q:   What are the maximum marks for IBSAT exam?
A: 

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. 

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IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 4 weeks ago

ICFAI Business School Ahmedabad accepts 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 4 weeks 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 4 weeks 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 4 weeks 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

Answered 4 weeks ago

Students can apply for IBSAT entrance exam from diverse academic & professional backgrounds:  

  • Candidates who have completed graduation or are currently in their final year in any discipline (Commerce, BBA, Science, Engineering, Arts, etc.).  
  • Working Professionals with 2 to 3 years of work experience

...Read more

R

Rakshit Prabhakar

Contributor-Level 10

10 Institutes accepting IBSAT

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad

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