IBSAT Preparation 2026: Check Toppers Tips, Strategy & Guide
ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2025 ( IBSAT )
Exam On - 27 Dec '26 - 28 Dec '26
Candidates preparing for IBSAT 2026 exam must focus on revision and important concepts. Candidates must create a preparation strategy to crack the exam. Read below some useful IBSAT preparation tips and see how to score high and get admission to dream IBS college. There is no negative marking in IBSAT 2026. Therefore, this allows test takers to attempt as many questions as possible within two hours. IBSAT 2026 exam will be held in last week of December 2026.
- How to Prepare for IBSAT 2026
- IBSAT last-minute preparation tips 2026
- IBSAT Preparation in One Month
- IBSAT Preparation in Six Months
- Books for IBSAT Preparation 2026
- FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation
How to Prepare for IBSAT 2026
Check below to know how to prepare for IBSAT 2026 exam:
IBSAT Preparation Plan
IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
Check the table below to check IBSAT 2026 exam pattern highlights:
| Exam Structure |
Details on IBSAT 2026 |
|---|---|
| Exam mode |
Home-proctored test mode |
| Time alloted |
120 minutes |
| Number of questions |
140 MCQs |
| Total marks |
140 |
| Number of sections |
four sections |
| Marking scheme |
|
IBSAT Marking Scheme
Check the table below to know the marking breakup of the IBSAT question paper.
| Section name |
Total Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 50 |
50 |
|
| 30 |
30 |
|
| 30 |
30 |
|
| 30 |
30 |
IBSAT 2026 Syllabus
The IBSAT syllabus 2026 comprises multiple-choice questions in the English language and consists of the below-mentioned topics:
- Verbal Ability: English Grammar, Sentence formation, Vocabulary usage, Idioms, Phrases, One-word substitution, Jumbled paragraphs, and others
- Reading Comprehension: 4 passages
- Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, Numbers system, Algebra, and others
- Data Interpretation and Sufficiency: Data Interpretation, Data comparison, Data trends, and Data sufficiency
Also read: Preparation strategy for IBSAT exam
| VARC Questions with Answers for Practice | Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice | DILR Questions with Answers for Practice |
Commonly asked questions
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)
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
IBSAT last-minute preparation tips 2026
The last-minute preparation for the IBSAT 2026 exam is equally important as is the month-long preparation. To make it effective, follow the checklist mentioned below:
- Understand the IBSAT pattern and test structure
- Know the topic-wise weightage of marks
- Revise the broad topics
- Time your revision method in the learning process
- Review the notes created
- Maintain a positive frame of mind
- Go through topper interviews to know how they overpowered their exam nervousness
- Say no to last-minute revision; do it one day before the exam
- Reach the exam centre an hour prior to the exam
- Be calm and say no to unhealthy junk food on the exam day because it can make you lazy and reduce your productivity
Also read:
Commonly asked questions
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+
Some of last minute preparation tips for IBSAT exam are:
- Check exam pattern and syllabus
- Focus on strong areas
- Practice time management
- Revise important concepts
- Stay cam and positive
IBSAT Preparation in One Month
IBSAT preparation in one month period is all about being precise and sticking to the goals. Check out the checklist of preparation plans below:
- Review the syllabus and shortlist topics
- Read topics to dig out important points
- Allow 2 hours per day for revision
- Attempt mocks & learn time management
- Focus on the areas of strengths
Also read: How to prepare for IBSAT in one month?
Commonly asked questions
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.
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
IBSAT Preparation in Six Months
Students can prepare for IBSAT in six months by:
- Preparing IBSAT time table
- Solving IBSAT previous year question papers
- Taking IBSAT national mock test
- Reading newspaper regularly
Commonly asked questions
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:
- Students must put phone on do-not-disturb mode
- Test takers must not take any calls during the process
- Candidate must keep additional phone for internet connection or for any help from helpdesk
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.
Books for IBSAT Preparation 2026
IBSAT books are best source to prepare for exam. Candidates preparing for IBSAT exam can check the list of best books for IBSAT exam section wise in the table below:
| IBSAT section |
IBSAT books |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
Business Communication by Clark Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis |
| Verbal Ability |
English Proficiency by IMS India |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma |
| Data Adequacy and Interpretation |
Nishit Sinha’s Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
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.
ICFAI Business School Aptitue Test (IBSAT) is administered by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education for admission to MBA or PGPM programme. The courses are offered across nine campuses of IBS. Candidates seeking admission to IBS campus must appear for IBSAT exam or must have a valid score in any national level MBA entrance examination.
FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation
Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT preparation below:
Commonly asked questions
IBSAT is conducted once in a year. IBS usually conducts IBSAT in last week of December annually. The registrations for IBSAT commence in first week of July and ends in third week of December. Registered candidates get the opprtunity to book the exam slot and time to appear for the IBSAT exam. IBS conducts the IBSAT exam in remote proctored mode every year.
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.
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Feb '26
5 Jan '26 - 4 Mar '26
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IBSAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 17 hours ago
ICFAI Business School offers MBA/PGDM programmes at 9 IBS campuses in offline mode. For admission to IBS campus, candidates must appear for IBSAT, CAT, XAT, NMAT by GMAC, or GMAT examination to qualify for admission process.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 17 hours ago
Yes, candidates can apply for MBA/PGDM admission at IBS campuses without ISAT scores. Such candidates must have a valid score in any of the national-level MBA entrance exam:
- CAT: Top 75 candidates with a minimum score of 90 percentile and above
- XAT: Top 25 candidates with a minimum score of 80 percent
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 17 hours ago
There is no prescribed sectional time limit for IBSAT exam. Candidates appearing for IBSAT exam can attempt any section as per their order preference and can switch between sections while attempting questions. Candidates must carefully review the pending questions.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 17 hours ago
There are no prescribed IBSAT qualifying marks. Candidates preparing for IBSAT exam can check the expected IBSAT cutoff marks for IBS campuses below:
- IBS Hyderabad: 72-80+ marks
- IBS Mumbai: 70-78+ marks
- IBS Bangalore: 65-75+ marks
- IBS Gurgaon: 62-75+ marks
- IBS Pune: 60-70+ marks
- IBS Dehradun: 55-65+ marks
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 17 hours ago
ICFAI Business School does not release the official IBSAT syllabus PDF on its official webiste. However, candidates preparing for IBSAT exam can refer to CAT syllabus. IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus. Candidates can check the important topics for CAT and prepare for IBSAT exam accordingly.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can apply for IBS MBA/PGPM admissions without IBSAT. Candidates must ensure to have score in any of the following national entrance examinations for admissions:
- CAT
- XAT
- NMAT by GMAC
- GMAT
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
To complete the IBSAT application form 2026, candidates will be required to enter the below details:
- Personal details
- Academic details
- Address
- Contact details
- Upload required documents
- IBSAT payment details
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can fill IBSAT 2026 application form in offline mode. To apply offline, candidates must purchase the application form and prospectus offline from the designated ICFAI campus of INR 1800. Candidates must complete the IBSAT application form and submit at designated centres.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
ICFAI Business School prescribes the IBSAT marking scheme. As per the marking scheme, the candidate gets one mark for every correct answer and there is no negative marking for any wrong answer or not attempted question. IBSAT quwstion paper includes 140 questions of one mark each.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
IBS Aptitude Test is conducted once in a year. The exam is scheduled in last week of December conducted by IBS Hyderabad in remote proctored mode. IBSAT exam is conducted in a two days window. The exam is codncuted for admission to MBA or PGPM programme of IBS campuses. The admission to IBS campuses
N
Contributor-Level 6
IBSAT Notifications
3.9
In which mode is MBA/PGDM course offered at IBS?