If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for IBSAT?

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.

Is there negative marking in IBSAT?

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.

Which are the important topics for IBSAT Verbal Ability section?

Some of the important topics for IBSAT Verbal Ability section are: Reading Comprehension Vocabulary Tenses Sentence Correction Para jumbles Idioms and Phrases

Is IBSAT syllabus similar to CAT?

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.

What is IBSAT syllabus?

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)

What will be the mode of IBSAT exam?

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.

How should I prepare for IBSAT?

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

What is the syllabus and exam pattern of IBSAT?

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.

Is there a time limit for IBSAT mock tests?

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.

What is the importance of taking IBSAT mock test?

Preparation for the IBSAT is incomplete without taking the mock tests/sample papers. Some of the advantages of the IBSAT mock test are: IBSAT mock test helps students know 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.

What is IBSAT 2025 schedule?

ICFAI Business School announced the IBSAT 2025 dates in first week of July 2025. IBSAT 2025 registration commenced on July 01, 2025 and exam was held on December 27 and December 28. IBSAT 2025 exam was 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.

IBSAT Syllabus 2026 PDF: Download Section-wise QA, VARC and DILR Syllabus

213 Students Q&A

Exam On - 27 Dec '26 - 28 Dec '26

Updated on Mar 8, 2026 11:38 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

IBSAT 2026 syllabus will be released online on official website- ibsindia.org. Candidates preparing for IBSAT exam must thoroughly know the detailed syllabus. IBSAT syllabus 2026 includes topics from Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation (DA/ DI) subjects. The IBSAT 2026 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 2026 exam will be held in last week of December 2026 in remote proctored mode. Check the IBSAT exam syllabus below.

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