IBSAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Total Marks & Exam Duration

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2026 ( IBSAT )

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Jul 28, 2026 21:58 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

IBSAT exam pattern 2026 is similar to most of the other MBA entrance exams in terms of test structure and marking scheme. Candidates have to attempt 140 MCQs in 120 minutes. The mode of IBSAT exam is remote proctored. Check out the details of the IBSAT exam pattern 2026 on this page below, including key highlights, section-wise weightage, and a brief description of each section. 

Table of contents
  • IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
  • IBSAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage
  • IBSAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
  • IBSAT 2026 Important Topics
  • FAQs on IBSAT Exam Pattern
IBSAT Logo

IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights

IBSAT is an easy exam and one can score well, if basic concepts are clear. Candidates can check the table below to know the IBSAT 2026 exam pattern highlights:

Exam Structure

Details on IBSAT Exam

Exam Mode

Home-Proctored Test

Duration of exam

120 minutes

Number of questions

140 MCQs

Total Marks

140 marks

Language of paper

English

Subjects

Number of sections

Four sections

Marking scheme

  • One mark for each correct answer
  • No negative marking
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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.
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:   How much time is requied to complete IBSAT syllabus?
A: 

Students preparing first time for IBSAT syllabus can complete the sullabus in three to four months whereas a candidate who has already preparing for CAT any other MBA entrance exam before can complete the syllabus in lesser time. The syllabus of IBSAT is same as CAT exam, so you will not face any problem in covering it as books are study material are available in abundance.

IBSAT Logo

IBSAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage

Candidates preparing for IBSAT 2026 exam can check the detailed pattern in the table below.  IBSAT question paper 2026will includes 140 questions.

Sections

Number of Questions

Weightage

Verbal Ability (VA)

50

36%

Reading Comprehension (RC)

30

21.5%

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

30

21.5%

Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation (DA/ DI)

30

21.5%

Total

140

100%

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the score pattern in IBSAT exam? How is the percentile calculated?
A: 

As per IBSAT exam pattern, the marking scheme for IBSAT is as follows:

  1. One mark for each correct answer
  2. No marks for wrong answers

Based on score obtained by candidates in IBSAT exam, they are shortlisted for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. 

Listed below is the IBSAT cutoff:

  1. CAT & XAT: 60 percentile and above 
  2. GMAT: 500+
  3. NMAT by GMACTM: 150+
Q:   What is IBSAT sectional time limit?
A: 

There is no IBSAT sectional time limit. Candidates can appear for IBSAT exam online and switch between sections anytime. IBSAT exam is conducted for 120 minutes in remote proctored mode.

IBSAT Logo

IBSAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme

IBSAT 2026 question paper is divided into four sections. Candidates can check the table below to know the IBSAT total marks and marking scheme:

Sections Total Marks
Verbal Ability 50
Reading Comprehension 30
Quantitative Aptitude 30
Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation 30
Total Marks 140 Marks

IBSAT 2026 Marking Scheme

IBS will follow the IBSAT 2026 marking scheme below to calculate the total score:

  • One mark will be given for each correct answer
  • No negative marking for any incorrect answer or a question not attempted
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is IBSAT good score?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is the format of IBSAT exam?
A: 

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 negative marking. For every correct answer, candidates will get one mark.

Q:   Is IBSAT easier than CAT?
A: 

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.

IBSAT Logo

IBSAT 2026 Important Topics

IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus. Candidates can check the table below to know section-wise IBSAT important topics:

Sections

IBSAT Syllabus

Verbal Ability

  • Analogies
  • Comprehension of passage
  • Contextual usage & English Usage
  • Incorrect words
  • Para Jumble
  • Punctuation
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Replace the missing words
  • Sentence completion
  • Grammar & Idioms, etc.

Reading Comprehension

  • Questions based on comprehension passages

Quantitative Techniques

  • Algebra & Geometry
  • Arithmetic Progression
  • Co-ordinate Geometry
  • LCM & HCF
  • Percentage
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Probability
  • Profit & Loss
  • Quadratic and linear equation
  • Time, Speed & Distance, etc.

Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

  • Bar graphs & Column graphs
  • Data Adequacy & Data Sufficiency
  • Pie chart
  • Tables
  • Venn- diagram

Candidates preparing for the IBSAT 2026 exam must ensure that they have to covered each and every topic listed above. They should not only understand the topics in theory but also practice a variety of questions based on them. Practice of sample questions will help candidates master the art of cracking MCQs in least time. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked 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:   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:   How many section does IBSAT exam has?
A: 

IBSAT exam includes four sections, which are:

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

FAQs on IBSAT Exam Pattern

Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT exam pattern below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What will be the mode of IBSAT exam?
A: 

IBS conducts IBSAT exam in remote proctired mode. In this mode of examination, exam can be taken from preferrable place. Students must make sure to fulfil the exam day guidelines to appear for online test.

Q:   What is IBSAT exam duration?
A: 

ICFAI Business School (IBS) conducts IBS Aptitue Test for a duration of 120 minutes. ICFAI Business School will conduct the IBSAT 2026 exam in remote proctored mode. Candidates can appear for the exam from their home on their own laptop or desktop.

Q:   Where can I check IBSAT exam pattern?
A: 

ICFAI Business School releases the IBSAT exam pattern online at ibsindia.org. Along with the oIBSAT fficial notification, the candidates will be able to access the details of the exam pattern. As per the IBSAT exam pattern, the entrance exam will be held as a remote-proctored test. During the 120 minutes of exam, the candidates will have to attempt 140 objective multiple-choice questions.

Q:   What is best score in IBSAT exam?
A: 

Candidates seeking admission to MBA or PGPM programme of IBS 9 campuses, candidates must score a minimum of 75 marks in IBSAT exam. This minimum score is typically required for admission to IBS Hyderabad campus.

MBA exams you must check out

Exams which are to be conducted soon

Exam D-day soon
About to start
Upcoming registrations
Counselling ongoing
IEMJEE 2026 Exam Dates - Phase 3

1 Jun '26 - 31 Aug '26

View allMBA exams
qna

IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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

Donthanapally, Hyderabad Private

Admissions 2026

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

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

Last date of SSU CET 2026 Admissions 30 Aug '26
IIHMR-U MAT Registration Deadline Nov '25 - Aug '26
MAT September 2026 Registration PBT 22 Jun '26 - 7 Sep '26
Last Date to Apply for CAT 2026 15 Sep '26
Karnataka PGCET 2026 Result Date Aug '26

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News