IBSAT exam pattern 2026 is similar to most of the other MBA entrance exams in terms of test structure and marking scheme. Candidates have to attempt 140 MCQs in 120 minutes. The mode of IBSAT exam is remote proctored. Check out the details of the IBSAT exam pattern 2026 on this page below, including key highlights, section-wise weightage, and a brief description of each section.
- IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
- IBSAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage
- IBSAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
- IBSAT 2026 Important Topics
- FAQs on IBSAT Exam Pattern
IBSAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Highlights
IBSAT is an easy exam and one can score well, if basic concepts are clear. Candidates can check the table below to know the IBSAT 2026 exam pattern highlights:
| 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 |
|
Commonly asked questions
As per IBSAT exam pattern, question paper will be divided into four sections:
- Verbal Ability: 50 questions
- Reading Comprehension: 30 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions
- Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation: 30 questions
To appear for IBSAT online proctored examination, candidates must:
- Login through the link shared on the registered email address and enter unique ID and Date of Birth to access the IBSAT exam
- Complete the verification process. In the first level verify facial photo and in the second level of the verification process, candidate's will have to display their IBSAT hall ticket 2026 and valid ID proof when asked.
- Read the exam instructions carefully.
- Attempt the IBSAT exam online.
Students preparing first time for IBSAT syllabus can complete the sullabus in three to four months whereas a candidate who has already preparing for CAT any other MBA entrance exam before can complete the syllabus in lesser time. The syllabus of IBSAT is same as CAT exam, so you will not face any problem in covering it as books are study material are available in abundance.
IBSAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Weightage
Candidates preparing for IBSAT 2026 exam can check the detailed pattern in the table below. IBSAT question paper 2026will includes 140 questions.
| Sections |
Number of Questions |
Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability (VA) |
50 |
36% |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) |
30 |
21.5% |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
30 |
21.5% |
| Data Adequacy/ Sufficiency and Data Interpretation (DA/ DI) |
30 |
21.5% |
| Total |
140 |
100% |
Commonly asked questions
Yes, IBSAT exam is conducted in online mode. The exam is held in remote proctored mode. Applicants can book the exam slot after completing the IBSAT application process online. To appear for the online mode of examination, candidates must have a desktop or laptop and download the required software to appear for the exam.
IBSAT 2026 exam will be held tentatively in last week of December. Candidates can book the exam slot tentatively from October 2026.
As per IBSAT exam pattern, the marking scheme for IBSAT is as follows:
- One mark for each correct answer
- No marks for wrong answers
Based on score obtained by candidates in IBSAT exam, they are shortlisted for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds.
Listed below is the IBSAT cutoff:
- CAT & XAT: 60 percentile and above
- GMAT: 500+
- NMAT by GMACTM: 150+
There is no IBSAT sectional time limit. Candidates can appear for IBSAT exam online and switch between sections anytime. IBSAT exam is conducted for 120 minutes in remote proctored mode.
IBSAT 2026 Total Marks and Marking Scheme
IBSAT 2026 question paper is divided into four sections. Candidates can check the table below to know the IBSAT total marks and marking scheme:
| Sections | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 50 |
| Reading Comprehension | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 |
| Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation | 30 |
| Total Marks | 140 Marks |
IBSAT 2026 Marking Scheme
IBS will follow the IBSAT 2026 marking scheme below to calculate the total score:
- One mark will be given for each correct answer
- No negative marking for any incorrect answer or a question not attempted
Commonly asked questions
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.
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 negative marking. For every correct answer, candidates will get one mark.
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.
IBSAT 2026 Important Topics
IBSAT syllabus is similar to CAT syllabus. Candidates can check the table below to know section-wise IBSAT important topics:
| Sections |
IBSAT Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability |
|
| Reading Comprehension |
|
| Quantitative Techniques |
|
| Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation |
|
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.
IBSAT exam includes four sections, which are:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal Ability
- Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation
- Reading Comprehension
FAQs on IBSAT Exam Pattern
Check frequently asked questions on IBSAT exam pattern below:
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.
ICFAI Business School (IBS) conducts IBS Aptitue Test for a duration of 120 minutes. ICFAI Business School will conduct the IBSAT 2026 exam in remote proctored mode. Candidates can appear for the exam from their home on their own laptop or desktop.
ICFAI Business School releases the IBSAT exam pattern online at ibsindia.org. Along with the oIBSAT fficial notification, the candidates will be able to access the details of the exam pattern. As per the IBSAT exam pattern, the entrance exam will be held as a remote-proctored test. During the 120 minutes of exam, the candidates will have to attempt 140 objective multiple-choice questions.
Candidates seeking admission to MBA or PGPM programme of IBS 9 campuses, candidates must score a minimum of 75 marks in IBSAT exam. This minimum score is typically required for admission to IBS Hyderabad campus.
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IBSAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 weeks 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
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What is the format of IBSAT for MBA admission in IBS Hyderabad?