IPMAT Vs JIPMAT: A Brief Comparision

Which grandiloquent tales of fierce competition or the eminence of campuses fascinate you more? Is your priority IPMAT or JIPMAT? In this article, we are going to compare IPMAT vs JIPMAT for IPM.

The growing popularity of management education has tethered the wires of our brains to sought-after examinations like IPMAT. Both the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and the Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) offer an opportunity to pursue a dynamic career in the management sector. The prestigious IIM brand value with top-class education serves as a perfect choice for the budding leaders of tomorrow. However, an aspirant is likely to juggle between IPMAT and JIPMAT when setting priorities during preparation. The two examinations have certain differences be it paper patterns or catering to different set of audience. This blog will provide a thorough analysis of both papers, which would aid you in making the right choice.

About IPMAT

The IPMAT examination is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) at Indore and Rohtak. It is the gateway to their prestigious 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM), blending undergraduate and postgraduate management education. This examination tests the critical and analytical thinking skills, which forms the basis for developing a problem-solving approach in the corporate world.

• Eligibility: Candidates must have completed Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum aggregate percentage as the respective institute prescribes. The minimum percentage is usually sixty percent and some institutes also take into account the extracurriculars during the selection process. Candidates are required to maintain an age criterion as well for this exam.
• Colleges Targeted: IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak are one of the top institutes which accept the IPMAT scores. There are however other institutes like IIFT Kakinada, NALSAR Hyderabad, Nirma University, to name a few, which also accept this examination for admission purposes. Key Information about these Institutes is as follows:
  • IIM Indore: Ranked 8^th in the management category by NIRF ranking, it is a premier institute for pursuing high-quality education. The IPM programme was started in the year 2011, with a vision to create socially-conscious leaders. 
  • IIM Rohtak: Ranked 12^th in the management category by NIRF ranking, IIM Rohtak has made a mark with its rapid growth. The institute focuses on creating well-rounded individuals. In the IPM category, it is generally considered the second best after IIM Indore.

The IPM program is a five-year integrated program that offers subjects like economics, mathematics, statistics, and social studies.

Both these institutes provide academic rigour and a plethora of opportunities for overall development of a student.

• IIM Ranchi: In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi secured the 17th position in the Management category. It’s unique subjects pertaining to media and marketing with experiential learning makes it one of the most unique courses.
• IIFT Kakinada: The institute aims to equip students with conceptual and interpersonal skills for managerial decision making. With a legacy of 58 years, the IPM students are placed with the entire IIFT batch irrespective of the branch, setting equal opportunities for all.
• NALSAR Hyderabad: NALSAR ranked 3^rd in the law category, offers an IPM program which is structured into fifteen terms over five years, with the initial three years focusing on foundational subjects such as philosophy, psychology, fine arts, mathematics, economics, law, and management. The subsequent two years emphasize advanced management education, preparing students to become legally aware managers equipped to handle dynamic business scenarios.

Everything You Should Know About IPMAT

• Fees: The average fee for IIM Indore, Rohtak and Ranchi ranges from 5-7 lakh for one year, placing these on the expensive side of the spectrum. 
• Exam Pattern: While the IPMAT Indore paper consists of three sections namely: Quantitative Ability (QA) – MCQs, Quantitative Ability (QA) – Short Answer (SA), and Verbal Ability (VA); the IPMAT Rohtak paper consists of sections that are slightly different namely: Quantitative aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. The exam duration is 2 hours.
• Difficulty Level: High, with a significant emphasis on quantitative skills. The sections assess the critical thinking of the candidates. Questions vary every year in terms of difficulty however special emphasis must be given on the Verbal Ability and Modern Mathematics part of IPMAT Indore.
• Competition level: Approximately 25,000-30,000 students appear for IPMAT annually, making it highly competitive
• Placement Scenario: The average package offered at placement ranges somewhere between 24-30 lakh pa CTC. This makes IPM one of the most sought-after and lucrative opportunities to take hold of.

About JIPMAT:

The JIPMAT, introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is specifically designed for admission to the 5-year IPM programs at IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. This exam is curated to open doors to the newer IIMs which provide the IPM program to students right after class 12^th. 

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria is similar to IPMAT, with specific percentage requirements in Class 10 and 12. Gender diversity also plays a role in the admission process in this exam.

Colleges targeted

• IIM Jammu: Inaugurated in 2016, IIM Jammu has swiftly positioned itself as a notable institution in management studies. Located in the beautiful valleys of Jammu, the ambiance provides just the right amount of motivation for IPM and PGP students. The batch has the brightest minds which keeps all the students on toes in pursuing their goals.
• IIM Bodhgaya: Established in 2015, IIM Bodh Gaya has rapidly advanced in the realm of management education. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, it achieved the 33rd position in the management category, a significant leap from its 53rd rank in 2023. With a diverse student body from over 26 states, IIM Bodh Gaya emphasizes holistic development, innovative teaching methods, and strong industry collaborations.

Everything You Should Know About JIPMAT

• Average program fee: The average fee for the program at IIM Jammu and Bodhgaya vary somewhere between 6-7 lakh a year. This total includes tuition, hostel, and other academic resources over the duration of the program.
• Exam Pattern: The JIPMAT exam consists of three sections namely:
• Quantitative Aptitude
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Difficulty Level: The overall difficulty level of JIPMAT is considered moderate. Emphasis is placed on logical reasoning and basic quantitative concepts, making it less challenging than some other management entrance exams like IPMAT.
• Competition level: With IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya gaining popularity for their IPM programs, the competition is steadily increasing. Roughly ten thousand candidates sit for this examination every year competing for just 120-140 seats for each institute.
• Placement Scenario: Average package ranges between 14-16 lakh pa with IPM graduates benefitting from the strong placement networks of IIMs, which attract top recruiters from various industries.

All IPM programs blend management studies with foundational knowledge in social sciences, mathematics, and economics, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to learning.

Analysis of the Difference Between IPMAT and JIPMAT

Brief Conclusion

The preparation strategy for IPMAT and JIPMAT differs slightly. Familiarize yourself with the structure, syllabus, and question types of the respective exams. While IPMAT tests one on some modern maths with emphasis on logarithms and permutations and combination; JIPMAT tests on basic to moderate level maths involving arithmetic and algebra. The verbal ability section requires more or less the same level of preparation. One needs to be thorough with the type of questions asked. Regular practice of grammar and reading every day should be the primary focus of an aspirant. JIPMAT is also calculation-intensive especially in the Data Interpretation section. Hence, speed calculation should be practiced to get the answers right. Take regular mock tests to gauge your preparation and identify weak areas.

One needs to gauge the amount of effort and time one is willing to put into the preparation and also the kind of future goals they wish to focus on. A platform with new and diverse opportunities is available from both the examinations and one needs to assess his or her priorities. JIPMAT, with its more straightforward approach, is ideal for students who thrive on conceptual clarity and seek entry into emerging IIMs like Jammu and Bodh Gaya, where the emphasis is on nurturing managerial aptitude in a less intense competitive landscape. IPMAT, on the other hand, appeals to aspirants aiming for premier institutes like IIM Indore or Rohtak, requiring a higher proficiency in quantitative skills and critical reasoning. Its advanced difficulty level suits candidates with a strong mathematical background and a knack for problem-solving under pressure. The choice between the two should align with the aspirant’s career goals: those seeking a broader, accessible path may prefer JIPMAT, while individuals targeting top-tier programs with rigorous academic and peer competition should aim for IPMAT.

One unique distinction often overlooked is the difference in the types of opportunities the exams open up and the peer ecosystem they create. JIPMAT, catering to IIM Jammu and Bodh Gaya, is ideal for students who prefer a more personalized learning environment with smaller cohorts and emerging ecosystems where growth and flexibility are key. The peer group may be diverse in aspirations, with a blend of students exploring managerial skills alongside entrepreneurial ambitions. IPMAT, by contrast, not only offers entry into established IIMs like Indore and Rohtak but also immerses students in a highly competitive and ambitious peer network, often fostering sharper interpersonal and collaborative skills critical for leadership roles. Thus, while JIPMAT emphasizes accessibility and nurturing potential, IPMAT aligns with those prepared to thrive in a high-pressure, academically intense atmosphere that mirrors the corporate world’s rigor. This nuanced differentiation helps aspirants decide based on their personality, long-term goals, and learning preferences.

Both IPMAT and JIPMAT offer unique opportunities to kickstart your management education journey at prestigious IIMs. While IPMAT is more competitive and opens doors to the highly reputed IIM Indore and Rohtak, JIPMAT provides an excellent platform for students targeting IIM Jammu and Bodh Gaya. Evaluate your strengths, preferences, and career aspirations carefully before making your decision.

Whichever path you choose, commitment and consistent preparation will be the keys to success!