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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: What is IBSAT syllabus?

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?

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: What will be the mode of IBSAT exam?

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?

To prepare for the IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test), aspirants can follow these steps: Students must know IBSAT exam structure and exam pattern. Buy or collect relevant IBSAT preparation books and resources for each section. Understanding the important concepts of each section. Solve IBSAT previous year question papers or sample papers to improve speed and accuracy Solve the IBSAT question papers as per the exam duration and analyse the weak and strong areas

Q: 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.

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

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

Q: 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.

196 Students Q&A

Registration - 1 Jul '25 - 23 Dec '25

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

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is IBSAT syllabus?

Q: Is IBSAT syllabus similar to CAT?

View Syllabus

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

Q: Is there negative marking in IBSAT?

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

View list of Books

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

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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