
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 VARC section is split into two sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. IBSAT 2026 exam will be held in last week of December 2026 so candidates must aim to cover the syllabus for it by October so that there is enough time for mock test practice. Check on this page, detailed IBSAT exam syllabus.
- IBSAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
- IBSAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- IBSAT 2026 Verbal Ability Syllabus
- IBSAT 2026 Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation Syllabus
- IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
- IBSAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
- FAQs on IBSAT Syllabus
IBSAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
Candidates can download the IBSAT 2026 syllabus PDF for reference and preparation of exam, created by Shiksha. This IBSAT syllabus PDF is prepared on the basis of questions and topics that have appeared in the exam in the past years. IBSAT exam aspirants will find this PDF very useful in keeping a note of syllabus coverage status.
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Commonly asked questions
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
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.
IBSAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
Quantitative Ability focuses on candidate's ability to solve numerical data and problems. Check important topics for IBSAT Quantitative Ability 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 |
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.
No, it is not compulsory to attempt all sections of IBSAT exam. Some top tier IBSAT accepting colleges consider the minimum sectional scores to be shortlisted for admission. IBSAT exam does not involve any negative marking, hence candidates must focus on answering all 140 questions.
IBSAT 2026 Verbal Ability Syllabus
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 |
Commonly asked questions
IBSAT exam is conducted for a duration of two hours. It is a remote proctored test held across India. The IBSAT question paper consists of 140 multiple choice questions which have to completed in 120 minutes. The paper involves no negative marking.
Yes, IBSAT books are enough to cover the exam syllabus. Candidates can refer to the recommended books and study materials to prepare for the exam. Candidates must ensure that the books cover basic concepts, include section-wise practice questions and mock tests.
IBSAT exam is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty level compared to other major MBA exams like CAT and XAT. For an average student it is possible to score well in exam with good preparation strategy.
IBSAT 2026 Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation Syllabus
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 |
Commonly asked questions
The difficulty level of IBSAT syllabus is generally moderate. The syllabus for IBSAT is similar to the CAT syllabus. However, the IBSAT question paper includes more straightforward and less tricky questions compared to other MBA entrance examinations.
To cover the IBSAT syllabus timely, candidates must first prioritise the high weightage topics and follow the section-wise preparation timetable. Students must focus on conceptual clarity and take regular mock tests to identify the weak areas and strong areas in IBSAT syllabus.
IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
Candidates preparing for IBSAT exam 2026, must be familar with the exam pattern to know important sections and their weightage. Candidates can the highlights for IBSAT exam pattern 2026 below:
| Exam Structure |
Details on IBSAT Exam |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode |
Home-Proctored Test |
| Duration of exam |
120 minutes |
| Number of questions |
140 MCQs |
| Total Marks |
140 marks |
| Language of paper |
English |
| Subjects |
|
| Number of sections |
Four sections |
| Marking scheme |
|
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.
IBSAT 2026 exam will be held in remote proctored home. Candidates can take the test from any location with good internet connection. To appear for IBSAT online proctored examination, must have fulfilled the technical requirements to appear for exam.
ICFAI Business School (IBS) conducts IBSAT exam in English language only. IBSAT exam is not conducted in regional languages. Candidates have to appear for the online test in English language only.
IBSAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
A well-structured study plan plays an important role in IBSAT 2026 preparation. Creating preparation strategy help candidates to divide time effectively across all sections. Candidates can follow below IBSAT preparation 2026 strategy to score well in exam.
- Check IBSAT exam pattern and check detailed IBSAT syllabus to create a preparation strategy
- Buy IBSAT exam preparation books or study material for preparation
- Solve sample papers and identify weak and strong areas
- Focus on conceptual clarity and take note of important points
- To improve vocabulary, read newspapers/editorials regularly
- Take IBSAT mock test to analyse the final preparation level.
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.
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. 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.
IBSAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 6 days ago
IBSAT is a Remote Proctored Computer Based Test which can be taken from home. It has 140 MCQs. Test duration is 2 hours. The test is divided into four sections Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. IBSAT is scheduled In the month of Dece
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IBSAT question paper includes 140 multiple choice questions which are divided across four sections- verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative aptitude and date adequacy & data interpretation. Candidates will be required to attempt all questions within 120 minutes. IBSAT exam includes no ne
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, IBSAT exam is comparatively easier than CAT in terms of syllabus difficulty level and competition. CAT question paper requires high anlaytical solving skills to score well in exam, whereas IBSAT exam assesses candidate's speed and accuracy. The difficulty level of IBSAT exam is moderate.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
IBSAT cutoff varies for each IBS campus. Candidates seeking admission to top IBS campus must score a minimum of 80 percentile in IBSAT exam. Generally a score between 70 and 80 percentile in IBSAT exam is considered a good score.
D
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
To cover the IBSAT syllabus timely, candidates must first prioritise the high weightage topics and follow the section-wise preparation timetable. Students must focus on conceptual clarity and take regular mock tests to identify the weak areas and strong areas in IBSAT syllabus.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The difficulty level of IBSAT syllabus is generally moderate. The syllabus for IBSAT is similar to the CAT syllabus. However, the IBSAT question paper includes more straightforward and less tricky questions compared to other MBA entrance examinations.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
IBSAT exam is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty level compared to other major MBA exams like CAT and XAT. For an average student it is possible to score well in exam with good preparation strategy.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
IBSAT exam is conducted for a duration of two hours. It is a remote proctored test held across India. The IBSAT question paper consists of 140 multiple choice questions which have to completed in 120 minutes. The paper involves no negative marking.
K
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, IBSAT books are enough to cover the exam syllabus. Candidates can refer to the recommended books and study materials to prepare for the exam. Candidates must ensure that the books cover basic concepts, include section-wise practice questions and mock tests.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
No, it is not compulsory to attempt all sections of IBSAT exam. Some top tier IBSAT accepting colleges consider the minimum sectional scores to be shortlisted for admission. IBSAT exam does not involve any negative marking, hence candidates must focus on answering all 140 questions.
N
Contributor-Level 7
What is the format of IBSAT for MBA admission in IBS Hyderabad?