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

ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test 2025 ( IBSAT )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25

Shruti Garg
Updated on Sep 23, 2025 10:51 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 will be conducted in remote proctored mode on December 27 and December 28. Check the IBSAT exam syllabus below.

 

Table of content
  • 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 analyses the candidate's ability to handle numerical data and solve problems. Take a look at topics of IBSAT syllabus for the Quantitative Aptitude Section.

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 assesses the candidate's ability in sentence formation skills and vocabulary. Take a look at the 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 arrive at a conclusion. 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, 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)

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. 

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

For a better understanding of the IBSAT exam, take a look at the exam pattern of IBSAT 2025 as mentioned below:

  • There is no negative marking in the IBSAT exam

  • The question paper will contain 140 questions, carrying one mark each

  • The total marks allotted for the IBSAT exam is 140

  • There is no sectional time limit in the IBSAT exam 

Read More:

Try this IBSAT Mock Test to get an idea about the type of questions that will be asked, the exam pattern and 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 Test

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What will be the mode of IBSAT exam?
A: 

The IBSAT exam (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test), is conducted in an Computer-Based online mode. It is a computer-based test (CBT) wherein candidates are required to take the exam on a computer/laptop from their own homes. The exam is proctored remotely to ensure fairness and prevent any malpractice. During the IBSAT exam, aspirants are provided with a computer interface that allows them to answer MCQs within a specified time limit. IBSAT exam typically consists of sections covering Quantitative Aptitude verbal ability, data adequacy and interpretation, and reading comprehension. IBSAT exam is conducted for a duration of 120 minutes in which candidates have to attempt 140 questions of one mark each.

Q:   How should I prepare for IBSAT?
A: 

To prepare for the IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test), aspirants can follow these steps:

  1. Students must know IBSAT exam structure and exam pattern. 
  2. Buy or collect relevant IBSAT preparation books and resources for each section.
  3. Understanding the important concepts of each section.
  4. Solve IBSAT previous year question papers or sample papers to improve speed and accuracy 
  5. Solve the IBSAT question papers as per the exam duration and analyse the weak and strong areas 
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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:   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:   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.

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IBSAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered a month 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

...Read more

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

N

Nishtha Kumar

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

Satyendra Kaur

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

N

Nishtha Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

K

Kritika Malhotra

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

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Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month 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

Mamona Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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:

  1. Put phone o

...Read more

N

Nishtha Datta

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month 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

...Read more

N

Nishtha Bhandari

Beginner-Level 5

10 Institutes accepting IBSAT

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Hyderabad

Donthanapally, Hyderabad Private

ICFAI Busi
  • 16.21 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
  • 7.20 Lakh
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

ICFAI Business School (IBS), Bangalore

Mysore Road, Bangalore Private

ICFAI Busi
  • 12.25 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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