
IBSAT 2025 syllabus has been released online on official website ibsindia.org. Candidates preparing for IBSAT exam must thoroughly know the detailed syllabus. IBSAT syllabus 2025 includes topics from Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation (DA/ DI) subjects. The IBSAT 2025 syllabus is largely similar to the CAT exam syllabus. However, IBSAT does not have a General Awareness section like CAT. The syllabus of the IBSAT exam is divided into four sections. The VARC section is split into two sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. IBSAT 2025 exam has been concluded in remote proctored mode. Check the IBSAT exam syllabus below.
- Section-Wise IBSAT Syllabus 2025
- Best Books for IBSAT 2025 Preparation
- IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- FAQs on IBSAT Syllabus
Section-Wise IBSAT Syllabus 2025
Section 1: Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative ability section focus on candidate's ability to solve numerical data and problems. Check important topics for Quantitative Aptitude Section below:
| IBSAT Syllabus for QA Section |
|
|---|---|
| Work, Pipes and Cisterns |
|
| Discount |
Average |
| Arithmetic Progression |
Time and Work |
| Algebra |
|
| Geometry |
Co-ordinate Geometry |
| Instalment payments |
|
| Quadratic and linear equation |
Profit & Loss |
| Alligation & mixtures |
Time-Speed-Distance |
Section 2: Verbal Ability
This section focuses on candidate's ability in sentence formation skills and vocabulary. Check IBSAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability section below.
| IBSAT Syllabus for VA Section |
|
|---|---|
| Syllogisms |
|
| English Grammar |
Punctuation |
| Incorrect Words |
|
| Sentence Completion |
Contextual Usage |
| Analogies |
Vocabulary |
| Replace the missing words |
|
| Idioms |
One-word Substitution |
| Different usage of the same word |
Fill in the Blanks |
Section 3: Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation
In data interpretation, candidates have to review the data to conclude. Take a look at the syllabus for DA & DI section of IBSAT.
| IBSAT Syllabus for DA&DI Section |
|
|---|---|
| Tables |
|
| Data Sufficiency |
|
| Cause and effects |
Graphs representing area |
| Assumption-Premise-Conclusion |
Pie-Chart |
| Critical-Reasoning |
|
| Visual reasoning |
Bar-Graphs |
| Column graphs |
Statements and Conclusions |
| Matrix arrangements |
Linear Arrangements |
| Line Charts |
Syllogisms |
| VARC Questions with Answers for Practice | Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice | DILR Questions with Answers for Practice |
Also Read:
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)
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.
Candidates preparing for IBSAT 2025 can check below to know the important topics for IBSAT Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation:
- Tables, charts, graphs (bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts), and Venn diagrams.
- Data Sufficiency
- Data Analysis topics such as averages, percentages, ratios, and comparisons.
- Logical Reasoning includes topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, coding-decoding, series completion, and analytical puzzles.
- Caselets
Best Books for IBSAT 2025 Preparation
The best source of IBSAT 2025 preparation is the study material suggested by experts, which includes IBSAT preparation books, sample papers, mock tests, etc. Listed below are section-wise best books for IBSAT 2025.
Best Books for IBSAT: Verbal Ability
Check out the best books for the Verbal Ability section of IBSAT in the table below.
| Book |
Publication/ Author |
|---|---|
| Objective General English 10,000+ questions |
R.S. Aggarwal |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT |
Ajay Singh |
| Business English and Communication |
Clark |
Best Books for IBSAT: Quantitative Section
Take a look at the table below to know the best books for the Quantitative Aptitude section.
| Book |
Publication/ Author |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability |
Nishit Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
Abhijit Guha |
Best Books for IBSAT: Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation
Check out the best books to read for Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation.
| Book |
Publication/ Author |
|---|---|
| Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning |
Pearson Publication |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning |
Ashok Gupta |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
Arun Sharma |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency |
Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan |
Best Books for IBSAT: Reading Comprehension
The table below depicts the best books to read to ace the RC section of the IBSAT 2025 exam.
| Book |
Publication/ Author |
|---|---|
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback |
Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster |
| CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Gautam Puri |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC |
Bharat Patodi and Aditya Choudhary |
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 2025 Exam Pattern
Check highlights of exam pattern of IBSAT 2025 below:
-
There is no negative marking for wrong answers
-
The question paper will have 140 questions, carrying one mark each
-
There is no sectional time limit
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
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.
To prepare for the IBSAT
- Students must check IBSAT exam pattern and syllabus.
- Get IBSAT preparation books and resources.
- Understand important concepts of each section.
- Solve IBSAT previous year question papers to improve speed
FAQs on IBSAT Syllabus
Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT syllabus 2025 below:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates who wish to pursue MBA/ PGPM programme from ICFAI Business School (IBS) need to appear for IBSAT exam. This is held in computer-based mode. IBSAT comprises Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that are distributed among 4 sections Verbal Ability. Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Sufficiency and Data Interpretation. The total number of questions asked in the exam is 140. Exam is of 120 minutes without negative marking. Find below the section-wise syllabus:
1. Verbal Ability: The questions are based on sentence correction, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, grammar, idioms etc. The No. of questions asked in Verbal Ability section is 50.
2. Reading Comprehension: The candidates are required to read the passages and answer the questions based on these passages. No. of question asked is 25.
3. Quantitative Aptitude: Question are from numerical ability and problem-solving skills of the candidates. The questions are based on topics like algebra, LCM, HCF, mensuration, ratio & proportion, geometry, time & speed, statistics, probability, simple & compound interest, permutations & combinations etc.
4. Data Sufficiency & Data Interpretation: The questions are based on pie charts, tables, bar/ line graphs etc. These questions must be answered on the basis of quick calculations.
Yes, IBSAT mock tests have a time limit as of the actual exam. Mock tests are a simulation of the IBSAT exam. As soon as the student proceeds to take the IBSAT mock test, the timer will start on the top right side of the screen. The IBSAT mock test will be similar to the actual exam. Therefore, candidates are advised to check the software/hardware requirements and analyse their performance before the actual IBSAT exam. Candidates will be required to answer 140 MCQs within a time duration of two hours or 120 minutes. Timer for 120 minutes will start as soon as the candidate clicks the 'Start IBSAT Mock Test' button.
Preparation for the IBSAT is incomplete without taking the mock tests/sample papers. IBSAT mock tests are a important part of the preparation stage. Some of the advantages of the IBSAT mock test are:
- IBSAT mock test helps students knowing the IBSAT pattern and difficulty level of the qustions. Mock tests help candidates know weak and strong areas.
- IBSAT mock test helps candidates get an actual exam environment. Candidates can analyse the time to be devoted in each section
- IBSAT mock tests helps candidates go through the syllabus completely.
- With the help of the IBSAT mock test candidates can assess their weak and strong areas
ICFAI Business School will announce the IBSAT 2025 dates in first week of July 2025. However, it is expected that IBSAT 2025 registration will commence on July 01, 2025 and exam will be scheduled in last week of December 2025. IBSAT 2025 exam will be 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.
Explore subject-wise topics asked in IBSAT
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IBSAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days 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
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days 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
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 Campus | IBSAT 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 |
How many IBSAT sample papers should I solve before exam?