The Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is an annual entrance exam that is conducted by some Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to admit students into their Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), a five-year dual-degree programme in management.
With IIM Indore admitting its 15th batch of IPM in 2025, the IPMAT exam has now become one of India’s most competitive entrance exams to pursue management education right after Class 12.
In this article, we have knit up all the information you need to have about the IPMAT exam, the eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, and preparation strategy keeping into account the past trends of the results.
IPMAT Full Form
IPMAT stands for Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test. It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by various IIMs to select students for admission into their five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM).
Launched by IIM Indore in 2011, IPM (Integrated Programme in Management) is the first of its kind dual-degree undergraduate and postgraduate programme in India introduced with the objective to encourage young students with managerial potential. The programme promises to offer a holistic curriculum encompassing a diverse range of subjects like Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, Humanities, Computer Science and many more.
Treading the trail of IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak launched its IPM program in 2019, followed by IIM Ranchi, IIM Jammu, and IIM Bodh Gaya in 2021. In 2025, IIM Amritsar and IIM Shillong have also admitted their first batches of IPM students. As of now, there are a total of 7 IIMs offering the program.
Why IPMAT is Important
IPMAT is now among the most sought after and career defining entrance exams for school students for all the right reasons.
The traditional MBA route through the CAT exam is quite challenging because of the diversity in the backgrounds of the applicants. IPMAT, on the other hand lays a common ground for class 12 passouts to commence their management education, the five year degree not only gives them a headstart but also an early entry into one of the top-most B-schools of India.
The IPM curriculum is designed to teach the students academically as well as practically and make them industry-ready. The first three years focus on fostering the students’ critical thinking, decision making and analytical skills by teaching them a variety of subjects from statistics to sociology. In the last 2 years, they are trained rigorously for the management arena alongside regular MBA students.
By integrating the UG and PG studies, the programme ensures a continuous and holistic learning experience in one go without the requirement to prepare for separate UG and PG entrance exams, thereby saving the time and efforts of the students.
Moreover, graduating from IIMs gives the students a valuable edge in the job market. Top consulting firms, global corporations, and startups actively recruit IPM graduates. The IPM program also opens international avenues for students. Many IPM graduates pursue their higher education or exchange programs at global institutions.
Every year, more and more IIMs are adding to the list of those offering the IPM programme and the rapid increase in the number of IPMAT applicants over the years is a clear indication of the growing popularity of the programme.
Which IIMs accepts IPMAT Entrance Exam Score
The key aspect to get an early access to these IIMs is the entrance exam. The most important and the most difficult one is IIM Indore’s Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT). Not only IIM Indore, but also IIM Ranchi, IIM Shillong and IIM Amritsar take the scores of IPMAT Indore in order to select their IPM students.
IIM Rohtak conducts its independent entrance examination which is referred to as IPMAT Rohtak. On the other hand, IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya take the scores of their common entrance exam called JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test) which is conducted by NTA, the National Testing Agency of India, which also conducts exams like NEET, JEE etc.
If we talk about the undergraduate degrees, IIM Indore offers a BA (Foundations of Management), IIM Amritsar offers a BSc. in Quantitative Finance and Economics (BSQFE) and all the other IIMs offer a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) degree. While each one of these 7 IIMs have a unique undergraduate degree or curriculum for their IPM students, they offer an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree on completion of the five year programme.
Apart from the IIMs, universities like Nirma University, TAPMI, IIFT Kakinada, NALSAR Hyderabad, IFMR Chennai and NICMAR Pune also offer the IPM programme and accept the scores of IPMAT Indore.
IPMAT Eligibility Criteria
There are some eligibility factors that are common for all IIMs while some differ among them. The common ones include:
Academic Qualification: To be eligible for the exam in 2026, candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or be appearing in 2026.
Streams Accepted: Students from any academic stream (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) can apply, making it a truly inclusive program.
There are certain factors that vary among different IIMs, these include:
1. Minimum marks:
IIM Indore has no minimum 10th and 12th percentage requirement. For all the other IIMs, candidates belonging to the General and OBC-NCL categories must have at least 60% marks in both Class 10 and Class 12, while SC/ST/PwD candidates require 55% in both Class 10 and Class 12.
2. Age criteria:
- For IPMAT Indore 2026: Candidate must be born on or after 1 August, 2006.
- For IPMAT Rohtak 2026: Candidate must be born on or after 30 June, 2006.
- For JIPMAT 2026: There is no age criteria for IIM JAMMU. For IIM Bodh Gaya, the candidate must have completed class 12 in 2025 or later and class 10 in 2023 or later.
3. Maths compulsory:
For being eligible for the IPM programs of IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong and IIFT Kakinada, candidates must have Mathematics as a subject in their class 12 or equivalent examination. No such criteria is present in case of the other IIMs.
IPMAT Exam Pattern
All the IPMAT exams test the same logical skills like quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. However, the exam structures of IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT differ slightly.
IIM Indore Exam Pattern
- Sections:
- Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) – 15 questions
- Quantitative Ability (Multiple Choice Questions) – 30 questions
- Verbal Ability (Multiple Choice Questions) – 45 questions
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
- Marking Scheme: +4 marks for correct answers, –1 for wrong MCQs, and no negative marking in the short-answer section.
IIM Rohtak Exam Pattern
- Sections:
- Quantitative Ability – 40 questions
- Logical Reasoning – 40 questions
- Verbal Ability – 40 questions
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers and –1 for incorrect ones.
JIPMAT Exam Pattern
- Sections:
- Quantitative Ability – 33 questions
- Logical Reasoning – 33 questions
- Verbal Ability – 34 questions
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers and –1 for incorrect ones.
IPMAT Syllabus
All the sections of the IPMAT exams hold equal weightage when the Aptitude Test Scores are calculated. So, we must consider all of them equally important in terms of preparation.
Quantitative Ability (QA):
The QA section tests mathematical aptitude, problem-solving speed, and conceptual understanding. Key topics include:
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Averages, Profit and Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion)
- Algebra (Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Progressions)
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Number Systems
- Data Interpretation
- Set Theory
- Modern Maths (Probability, Permutations & Combinations)
To ace this section, one must have a strong command over these topics and build upon their problem solving speed and accuracy.
Verbal Ability (VA):
The VA section checks a candidate’s grasp of English language and comprehension. Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar & Sentence Correction
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Usage)
- Para Jumbles & Para Completion
- Critical Reasoning and Inference-based questions
This section is challenging for students who do not have an active reading habit. Reading newspaper editorials, magazines, articles etc. helps enhance the comprehension skills required to perform well in the VARC section.
Logical Reasoning (for IIM Rohtak and JIPMAT):
The questions asked in this section are relatively easier and doable. Important topics include puzzles, seating arrangements, series, blood relations, and data sufficiency. Logical reasoning is often the most scoring section if practiced well.
Check out our detailed IPMAT Syllabus page where you can download the PDF as well.
Application Process & Important Dates
The application process for IPMAT is fully online and begins around February each year.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Registration: The exam registration is done through the official website of IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak or NTA in case of JIPMAT.
- Form Filling: The form requires the candidates to enter personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
- Document Upload: The required documents include scanned copies of the candidate’s photograph, signature, and mark sheets.
- Fee Payment: The IPMAT Indore application fee is ₹4,130 for General/NC-OBC and ₹2,065 for SC/ST/PwD. The IPMAT Rohtak fee is ₹4,937 for all categories, and the JIPMAT fee is ₹2,000 for General/NC-OBC and ₹1,000 for SC/ST/PwD/Transgender.
| Event | Tentative Date (2026) |
| Application Opens | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 04 May 2026 |
| Result Announcement | June 2026 |
| Interview Process | July 2026 |
It’s essential to regularly check official websites to stay updated on exact dates and notifications. The exam date for IPMAT Indore 2026 has been announced. It will be conducted on 4 May, 2026 in the afternoon shift.
Selection Process
IIM Jammu and IIM Bodhgaya have a one-stage selection process which is the JIPMAT exam. They calculate a composite score with 95% weightage to JIPMAT scores and 5% weightage to gender diversity. Both these IIMs release their list of selected candidates out of the ones meeting the overall cutoff solely based on their JIPMAT scores.
However, the IIMs that take the scores of IPMAT Indore and IPMAT Rohtak have a two-stage selection process which consists of :
1. Aptitude Test:
Candidates must meet cutoffs in the IPMAT exam to be eligible for the Stage-2 of shortlisting.
IIM Rohtak releases a category-wise overall cutoff based on the scores of IPMAT Rohtak.
IIM Ranchi and IIM Amritsar release a category-wise overall cutoff based on the scores of IPMAT Indore.
IIM Indore and IIM Shillong release a category-wise overall cutoff as well as sectional cutoff scores for each section.
2. Personal Interview (PI) Round:
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a Personal Interview (PI) round. During the interview, IIM faculty assess candidates on communication, confidence, and clarity of thought.
The final selection is based on a composite score, the criteria for which is different for every IIM.
| Institute | Aptitude Test Score | Personal Interview (PI) | Class 10th % | Class 12th % | Gender Diversity | Remarks |
| IIM Indore | 65% | 35% | – | – | – | Selection is primarily based on Aptitude Test and PI performance. |
| IIM Rohtak | 55% | 15% | 10% | 20% | – | Academics (10th & 12th) play a significant role in final selection. |
| IIM Ranchi | 65% | 15% | – | 20% (based on Class 10th & 12th) | – | Balanced weightage among test, PI, and academics. |
| IIM Amritsar | 70% | 25% | – | – | 5% | Gender diversity carries bonus marks. |
| IIM Shillong | 30% | 50% | 10% | 10% | – | Heavier focus on Personal Interview performance. |
The process ensures that only all-rounder candidates, strong in academics, aptitude, and personality secure a seat in the IPM program.
Cutoff & Competition Trends
The rising number of applicants in the IPMAT Indore, Rohtak and JIPMAT examinations indicate the rising competition and popularity of the Integrated Programme in Management across IIMs.
| Exam | Institute(s) | Category | Safe Score (General) | Applicants (approx.) |
| IPMAT Indore | IIM Indore | General: 165–175 (expected) | 200+ | 14,000+ (2025) |
| IPMAT Rohtak | IIM Rohtak | General – 381EWS – 331NC-OBC – 297SC – 230ST – 138 | 400+ | 30,000+ (2025) (reported applicant surge; see analysis). |
| JIPMAT | IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya | General: 320–340 (expected) | 360+ | ~13,000 (2025) — up from ~8,000 (2021) (growing awareness). |
In a nutshell, with cutoffs and applications escalating each year, aspirants must aim to score significantly above the minimum thresholds.
IPMAT Preparation Tips
1. Figure out the syllabus first:
Start with breaking down the topics according to the level of difficulty and topics that need to be prioritised by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern.
2. Eyes on Basics:
In the subject domain like mathematics, you can’t solve questions unless you have a good conceptual clarity of the topics. Make yourself conceptually strong by revising class 9 and 10 books before advancing towards higher level questions .
3. Consistency is the key:
The more you practice the better you become. Quantitative ability needs daily practice. Regularize revising formulas and fix a few hours in your daily schedule for problem solving to improve yourself.
4. Enhance your Verbal Skills:
Read newspapers, novels, articles and different editorials to improve your comprehension and vocabulary. Also, don’t forget to practice grammar rules every once in a while.
5. Make mock tests a regular practice:
Mock tests help you with the real exam environment along with assessing the management. Analyze mocks thoroughly after giving them and work on the mistakes and weak areas by writing them down.
6. Try to meet deadlines consistently:
Allocation of time wisely to all the sections and learning to effectively manage time and making the most out of it is crucial. Practice by allocating time to each section to help build speed and accuracy. You can use timers or stopwatch for keeping track.
7. Prevent common mistakes:
Avoid focusing on a particular section or procrastinating regular revisions and skipping mock analysis as they can cost your valuable marks. Give equal importance to each section and religiously build command over every area from the syllabus.
Check out our detailed article on how to prepare for IPMAT and we do also divided the preparation plan in three different timelines:
FAQs
Q1. What is the full form of IPMAT?
The full form of IPMAT is the Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test.
Q2. Is Maths compulsory for IPMAT?
No, Maths as a subject is not compulsory for you to appear in the IPMAT examination. However, IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong and IIFT Kakinada have a criteria that Maths should be a subject in class 12th so you would not be eligible for these college applications.
Q3. Can students from any stream apply?
Yes, students from any academic stream can apply for the IPM programmes.
Q4. Which IIMs accept IPMAT scores?
IPMAT Indore scores are accepted by IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar and IIM Shillong. IPMAT Rohtak scores are accepted by IIM Rohtak, while IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya accept JIPMAT scores.
Q5. How many attempts are allowed?
You can attempt the IPMAT exams as long as you meet the age and academic eligibility criteria for that year.
Conclusion
Management education has become the buzzword today with more and more students exploring the field. What started as an experiment by IIM Indore to bring young minds to the campus has now become a stepping stone in the career of students in India. IPM is no longer “a road less traveled”. Applicants from every stream are now actively targeting the programme for their higher education.
The IPMAT exam plays a major role in a student’s journey to reach an IIM after class 12. By clearing the exam, students get the opportunity to expose themselves to an outstanding curriculum specifically designed for their overall learning and development as a student, professional and an individual.
The exam is now getting more competitive by the day because of the limited number of seats and increasing number of applicants. Hence, if you are a student preparing for IPMAT, you must buckle up and start your preparation if you haven’t already! Make sure you follow a strategic plan of action with good knowledge of the exam pattern and syllabus. And remember, that for any aptitude test, practice is the key!
