IBSAT Preparation 2025: Check Toppers Tips, Strategy & Guide

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2025 ( IBSAT )

Shruti Garg
Updated on Dec 26, 2025 17:49 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

IBSAT 2025 has concluded. Candidates 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 2025. Therefore, this allows test takers to attempt as many questions as possible within two hours.

Table of contents
  • How to Prepare for IBSAT 2025
  • IBSAT last-minute preparation tips
  • IBSAT Preparation in One Month
  • IBSAT Preparation in Six Months
  • Books for IBSAT Preparation 2025
  • FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation
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How to Prepare for IBSAT 2025

Check below to know how to prepare for IBSAT 2025 exam:

IBSAT Preparation Plan

IBSAT Preparation Plan

 IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Highlights

Check the table below to check IBSAT 2025 exam pattern highlights:

Exam Structure

Details on IBSAT 2025

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

  • One mark for each correct answer
  • No negative marking

IBSAT Marking Scheme

Check the table below to know the marking breakup of the IBSAT question paper.

Section name

Total Questions

Marks

Verbal Ability

50

50

Reading Comprehension

30

30

Quantitative Aptitude

30

30

Data Adequacy/Sufficiency and Data Interpretation

30

30

IBSAT 2025 Syllabus

The IBSAT syllabus 2025 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

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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:   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
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IBSAT last-minute preparation tips

The last-minute preparation for the IBSAT 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:

More last-minute preparation tips for IBSAT

IBSAT 2025: Exam Day Checklist -Dos & Don’ts Day

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Commonly asked questions
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
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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?

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

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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
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Commonly asked 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:   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.

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Books for IBSAT Preparation 2025

Check the best books to read for IBSAT preparation 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

Check cut offs of top MBA entrance exams and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

Read More:

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:   Who conducts IBSAT exam?
A: 

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.

View list of Books
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FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation

Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT preparation below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many times is IBSAT conducted in a year?
A: 

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.

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.

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IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered a week ago

Ideally, students must practice with a minimum 10 IBSAT sample papers. Candidates can get the IBSAT question papers in preparation books or prepare while preparing for CAT Exam. IBS releases the IBSAT mock test online. Candidates can analyse their scores and win prizes.

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

IBSAT does not have negative marking. IBSAT question paper will include 140 questions. Candidates have advantage to solve maximum number of questions without the fear of negative amrking. Students must carefully mark their options.

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, IBSAT exam pattern is same as shown in sample papers. Students must note that IBSAT mock test and sample papers are designed according the prescribed exam pattern. With the help of IBSAT sample papers and mock test, students can prepare for exam well.

S

Satyendra Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates can check the table below to know the approximate good score for IBS admissions 2026 through IBSAT 2025 scores:

IBS CampusIBSAT Cut off 2025
IBS Hyderabad~ 75-80 percentile
IBS Mumbai~ 72-78 percentile
IBS Bengaluru~ 68-75 percentile
IBS Gurgaon~ 65-70 percentile
IBS Dehradun~ 59-65 percentile
IBS Jaipur~ 55-60 percentile
IBS Ahmedabad~ 62-68 percentile
IBS Pune~ 65-70 percentile
IBS Kolkata~ 60-68 percentile

78471190
Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10

10 Institutes accepting IBSAT

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad

Donthanapally, Hyderabad Private

ICFAI Busi
  • 17.01 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
  • 7.20 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Bangalore

Mysore Road, Bangalore Private

ICFAI Busi
  • 13.05 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

ICFAI Business School, Mumbai

Powai, Mumbai Private

ICFAI Busi
  • 8.29 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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