IBSAT Syllabus 2025 PDF (Available): Download Section-wise QA, VARC and DILR Syllabus

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2025 ( IBSAT )

Shruti Garg
Updated on Dec 23, 2025 17:40 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

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.

 

Table of contents
  • Section-Wise IBSAT Syllabus 2025
  • Best Books for IBSAT 2025 Preparation
  • IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  • FAQs on IBSAT Syllabus
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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

Number System

Work, Pipes and Cisterns

Discount

Average

Arithmetic Progression

Time and Work

Percentage

Algebra

Geometry

Co-ordinate Geometry

Mensuration

Probability

Instalment payments

Permutation & Combination

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

Comprehension of passage

Syllogisms

English Grammar

Punctuation

Incorrect Words

English Usage

Sentence Completion

Contextual Usage

Analogies

Vocabulary

Replace the missing words

Para Jumble

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 Interpretation

Data Sufficiency

Logical Reasoning

Cause and effects

Graphs representing area

Assumption-Premise-Conclusion

Pie-Chart

Venn diagram

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:

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:   Which are the important topics for IBSAT Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation section?
A: 

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
View Syllabus
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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

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:   If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for IBSAT?
A: 
If you are preparing for CAT exam then you don't need to prepare separately for IBSAT exam. The reason behind this is the topics which are asked in CAT exam are the same topics that are asked in IBSAT exam. So, both exams are almost same but the thing differs is difficulty level. CAT is tougher as compared to IBSAT. So, try to prepare for CAT exam because this can help you score good marks in IBSAT. IBSAT exam includes Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability (VA), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation (DA). Whereas, CAT exam includes Verbal Ability (VA), Reading Comprehension (RC), Data Interpretation (DI), Logical Reasoning (LR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). So, both the exams are having similar content. Preparing for CAT exam can cover the IBSAT exam syllabus too and this can help a candidate in every aspect.
View list of Books
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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:

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:   How should I prepare for IBSAT?
A: 

To prepare for the IBSAT

  1. Students must check IBSAT exam pattern and syllabus. 
  2. Get IBSAT preparation books and resources.
  3. Understand important concepts of each section.
  4. Solve IBSAT previous year question papers to improve speed
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FAQs on IBSAT Syllabus

Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT syllabus 2025 below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the syllabus and exam pattern of IBSAT?
A: 

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. 

Q:   Is there a time limit for IBSAT mock tests?
A: 

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.

Q:   What is the importance of taking IBSAT mock test?
A: 

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:

  1. IBSAT mock test helps students knowing the IBSAT pattern and difficulty level of the qustions. Mock tests help candidates know weak and strong areas.
  2. IBSAT mock test helps candidates get an actual exam environment. Candidates can analyse the time to be devoted in each section
  3. IBSAT mock tests helps candidates go through the syllabus completely.
  4. With the help of the IBSAT mock test candidates can assess their weak and strong areas 
Q:   What is IBSAT 2025 schedule?
A: 

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.

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IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

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

Dhanya Dhyani

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

Nishtha Arora

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

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

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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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