IBSAT Preparation 2025: Check Toppers Tips, Strategy & Guide
ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2025 ( IBSAT )
Registration - 1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25
IBSAT 2025 test takers need to prepare well for the exam. Being nervous during the exam is natural, but in order to give one's best on test day, it is advisable to devise an effective IBSAT preparation plan. Tackling the exam fear will largely determine the success quotient, and it is important to keep a positive frame of mind throughout your preparation cycle.
Read below some useful IBSAT preparation tips and see how you can materialise them to score high and get admission to your dream college. One big relief is that there is no negative marking in IBSAT 2025. Therefore, this gives all the test takers the much-needed leverage to attempt as many questions as possible within two hours.
- How to Prepare for IBSAT 2025
- IBSAT Preparation in Six Months
- IBSAT Preparation in Three Months
- IBSAT Preparation in One Month
- IBSAT last-minute preparation tips
- Books for IBSAT Preparation 2025
- FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation
How to Prepare for IBSAT 2025
Devise a strategy and stick to it. The planning consists of:
IBSAT Preparation Plan
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 |
|
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 2025 Syllabus
The IBSAT syllabus 2025 comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) 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, viz.,
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 the IBSAT exam pattern, the question paper will be divided into four sections:
- Verbal Ability (VA): 50 questions
- Reading Comprehension (RC): 30 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 30 questions
- Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation (DA & DI): 30 questions
IBSAT Preparation in Six Months
Six months is a good time to prepare for the IBSAT 2025 exam. Ensure that you utilise the six-month time on following a smart exam preparation strategy. Divide the six months plan into three phases:
Phase 1: Complete all topics from the IBSAT syllabus
Phase 2: Practice IBSAT Mock Tests and Sample Papers
Phase 3: Revise Already Covered Topics
In the first phase, allot three months to cover the syllabus. Be thorough with all the topics from Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Adequacy of IBSAT question paper. Allot more time to cover all the topics from each section without a miss. Do not move to new topics without completing one topic. Also, do not touch on all the topics at one time. This can leave one in a confused state.
In the second phase, allot two months to solving IBSAT question papers and attempting IBSAT sectional mock tests. This will help to build analytical skills, improve competency to answer questions from Verbal ability sections, level up skills of mental calculation to solve problems from Quantitative Aptitude, and learn time management. Attempt not less than 30 mock tests and sample papers in this period. Analyze the performance after each mock test and check self-progress levels from time to time.
In the third phase, allot the last month to revision of the already completed topics from the IBSAT syllabus. Revise all the chapters, concepts, formulae and theorems repeatedly to fully prepare for the exam day.
Also read: IBSAT 6 months preparation strategy
Commonly asked questions
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.
Yes, candidates can appear for IBSAT mock test online. However, for better experience and analyse the performance accurately, 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:
- Put phone on do not disturb mode
- do not take any calls during the process
- keep additional phoen for internet connection or for any help rom helpdesk
IBSAT Preparation in Three Months
Can candidates crack IBSAT in a short span of three months? Well, this may seem to be a herculean task but if candidates put to use some smart work, it is possible. So, what should the right strategy crack the IBSAT 2025 exam? Read it below :
- Make your fundamentals strong and updated
- Apart from the books for IBSAT preparation, refer to online IBSAT preparation guides
- Take IBSAT mock test, measure your feeble areas and work on them
- Answer previous year's IBSAT question papers
- Be a regular on any online study group for IBSAT preparation
Also read: IBSAT 2025 preparation in three months
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?
Try this IBSAT Mock Test to get an idea about the type of questions that will be asked, the exam pattern and the marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and their explanations for Free. Click below to start the free online test now.
Free IBSAT Mock TestCommonly asked questions
There are 140 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in IBSAT 2025 question paper. The weightage of IBSAT sections are as follows:
Verbal Ability – 50
Reading Comprehension – 30
Quantitative Aptitude – 30
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency – 30
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 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:
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+
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 |
Read More:
FAQs Related to IBSAT Preparation
Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT preparation below:
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.
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.
Explore subject-wise topics asked in IBSAT
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IBSAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 weeks ago
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
D
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
IBSAT 2025 cutoff is decided based on the following parameters:
- Total number of students appearing for exam
- Difficulty level of the exam
- Number of seats in course and college
ICFAI Business School determines the IBSAT cutoff based on the above factors. Candidates meeting the cutoff criteria will be shor
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
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+
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
Once the IBSAT 2025 results are announced, candidates must appear for the following rounds:
- Selection briefing
- Micro presentation
- Personal interview
The IBSAT 2025 selection rounds will commence in second week of February 2026 at IBS Hyderabad. Candidates with IBSAT/CAT/NMAT/XAT or GMAT scores will be s
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
IBSAT 2025 scorecard will be issued online to all the test takers. Candidates who will appear for the online exam on December 27 and December 28 can download the result online at general.ibsindia.org. Candidates will not be issued the scorecard offline. To download the IBSAT result 2025, candidates
K
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
IBSAT 2025 result will be announced in last week of December 2025. Candidates who will appear for the exam can check their results online when released. IBSAT 2025 exam will be held on December 27 and December 28 in remote proctored mode. To download the IBSAT scorecrad, candidates must enter their
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
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.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidates can appear for IBSAT mock test online. However, for better experience and analyse the performance accurately, 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:
- Put phone o
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
To appear for the IBSAT 2025 exam online, candidates must follow the steps below
- Login with the IBSAT 2025 details shared on registered email ID and SMS
- Complete the online verification process by capturing the photo and showing the IBSAT 2025 admit card
- Read the IBSAT exam instructiosn to appear for e
N
Beginner-Level 5
3.9
NMAT 2025 Registration Window 1 Aug '25 - 10 Oct '25
Is it important to meet the sectional cutoff in IBSAT for admission?