Every topper’s journey starts with one thing: clarity. Before diving into mock tests and formulas, it’s crucial to understand the IPMAT exam pattern. Knowing what’s asked, how it’s marked, and where to focus can completely change your preparation game. Here’s a full breakdown of how IPMAT works for IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and JIPMAT aspirants.
What Is IPMAT?
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak for admission to their five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). It allows students to join an IIM directly after Class 12, bypassing the traditional MBA route.
The first three years lay a foundation in economics, business studies, and social sciences, while the last two years follow the core MBA curriculum, preparing future leaders and entrepreneurs.
Why Is IPMAT Important?
- Provides direct entry to top IIMs after school.
- Eliminates the need to prepare separately for the CAT later.
- Offers a comprehensive management education, shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
- Tests quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal skills, ensuring you’re ready for real-world problem-solving and communication challenges.
Get the detailed IPMAT Eligibility Criteria here
IPMAT Exam Pattern for IIM Indore
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the expected IPMAT Indore exam pattern:
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Limit |
| Quantitative Ability | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) | 30 | 120 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability | Descriptive (Short Answer) | 15 | 60 | 40 minutes |
| Verbal Ability | MCQs + TITA (Type in the Answer) | 45 | 180 | 40 minutes |
1. IPMAT Indore Exam Duration
- The exam spans 120 minutes (2 hours).
2. IPMAT Indore Total Marks
- Candidates can score up to 360 marks distributed across the three sections.
3. Sections in IPMAT Indore Exam
- Quantitative Ability (MCQ): 30 questions worth 120 marks
- Quantitative Ability (Short Answer): 15 questions worth 60 marks
- Verbal Ability (MCQ + TITA): 45 questions worth 180 marks
4. Sectional Time Limit in IPMAT Indore Exam
- Each section is allocated 40 minutes, and candidates cannot switch between sections. The questions must be answered in the specified order.
5. Pre-Specified Order
- All candidates must follow the same sequence of sections. Once the time for the current section has expired, the system automatically switches to the next section.
6. Sectional Cut-offs
- To qualify for the Personal Interview (PI) stage, candidates must clear the sectional cut-offs determined based on their respective categories.
7. Marking Scheme in IPMAT Indore Exam
- Correct answers fetch full marks for each question.
- There is a negative marking for incorrect MCQ answers, but there is no negative marking for short-answer (Descriptive) questions or TITA questions.
| Question Type | Correct Marks | Incorrect Marks |
| QA (SA) | +4 | 0 |
| QA (MCQ) | +4 | -1 |
| VA | +4 | -1 |
Discover the updated IPMAT Syllabus.
IPMAT Exam Pattern for IIM Rohtak
Below is a detailed IIM Rohtak’s IPMAT exam pattern:
1. Section-Wise Breakdown
| Section | Number of Questions | Time (in Minutes) |
| Quantitative Ability | 40 | 40 |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 | 40 |
| Verbal Ability | 40 | 40 |
2. Total Number of Questions in IPMAT Rohtak
The exam comprises 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections:
- Quantitative Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability
3. IPMAT Rohtak Maximum Marks
- The total marks for the exam are 480, with each correct response contributing positively to your overall score.
4. Question Type
- All questions are objective-type (MCQs), and candidates must select the most appropriate answer from the given options.
5. IPMAT Rohtak Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: Each correct response earns +4 marks.
- Wrong Answer: Each incorrect response results in a deduction of 1 mark (-1).
- Unattempted Questions: No marks are awarded or deducted for questions left unanswered.
6. IPMAT Rohtak Exam Duration
- The total duration of the test is 2 hours (120 minutes).
7. Important Note
- Since there are no sectional time limits, candidates have the flexibility to navigate between sections as they prefer within the overall time frame.
- Understanding this structure helps you allocate time wisely across sections and minimize errors due to negative markings.
Get complete details on IPMAT registration process now.
JIPMAT Exam Pattern
The JIPMAT exam, conducted by NTA, is accepted by IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. The JIPMAT exam pattern includes three sections, namely:
| Section | Description |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Tests understanding and application of concepts up to class 10 Mathematics. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Tests ability to interpret from the given dataset and reasoning ability. |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Tests basic understanding of the English language and ability to comprehend, interpret, and infer from the given passage. |
JIPMAT Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Breakdown
| Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks Allotted | Total Marks | Time |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 33 | 4 | 132 | – |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 33 | 4 | 132 | – |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 34 | 4 | 136 | – |
| Total | 100 | – | – | 150 minutes |
IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT
| Criteria | IPMAT Indore (Expected) | IPMAT Rohtak (Expected) | JIPMAT (Expected) |
| Total Sections | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Section Names | Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), Verbal Ability | Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability | Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| Total Questions | 90 | 120 | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 360 | 480 | 400 |
| Question Type | MCQs & Descriptive | MCQs | MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for MCQs only | +4 for correct, -1 for MCQs only | +4 for correct, -1 for MCQs only |
| Negative Marking | Yes (for MCQs only) | Yes | Yes |
| Sectional Time Limit | Yes (40 minutes per section) | No | No |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English | English | English |
Explore the Best IPMAT Colleges in India
Why Understanding IPMAT Paper Pattern Is Crucial?
- Strategic Preparation: Knowing the number of sections and question types helps you tailor your study plan effectively.
- Time Management: Understanding time limits for each section allows you to practice pacing yourself during mock tests and the actual exam.
- Section Prioritization: Helps identify which sections require more focus based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Familiarity Reduces Anxiety: Walking into the exam hall already familiar with the pattern boosts your confidence and reduces last-minute stress.
- Optimized Practice: Enables you to focus on practicing question types that are frequently asked, rather than wasting time on irrelevant topics.
- Marking Scheme Awareness: Understanding the marking scheme, including negative marking, helps you decide when to attempt or skip a question.
- Predicting Question Difficulty: Familiarity with past patterns can provide insight into which sections might be more challenging and require additional preparation.
- Competitive Edge: Many students overlook the exam pattern; being well-prepared gives you a leg up over the competition.
Check the IPMAT 2026 Exam Date now.
IPMAT Exam Pattern: Preparation Tips
Below are some practical tips to help you prepare better for IPMAT:
- Master the IPMAT Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with sections, question types (MCQs/short-answer for Indore), and the marking scheme to plan your strategy effectively.
- Time Management: Allocate time based on strengths. Follow sectional limits for Indore and prioritize easier questions first for Rohtak.
- Strengthen Quantitative Aptitude: Review Class 9–12 concepts. Focus on algebra, probability, and geometry. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Boost Verbal Ability: Improve grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Solve previous years’ papers to get used to question formats.
- Logical Reasoning (Rohtak): Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, and data interpretation. Quick thinking is key.
- IPMAT Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions, analyze performance, and work on weak areas.
- Speed and Accuracy: Avoid wild guesses. Focus on smart attempts with logical elimination to minimize negative marks.
- Revision Strategy: Keep concise notes of formulas, grammar rules, and vocabulary. Revise regularly.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Practice mindfulness and stay composed during the IPMAT exam.
FAQs About IPMAT Exam Pattern
You can access the CAT 2024 toppers list on the official CAT website by logging in with your CAT ID and password and downloading the merit list PDF.
The list provides overall scores, sectional raw scores (VARC, DILR, QA), percentiles, state-wise and gender-wise distribution, and academic backgrounds of the toppers.
In CAT 2024, 14 candidates achieved a 100th percentile.
Maharashtra had the highest number of toppers in the 100th percentile category, with 5 candidates. Other states with toppers include Delhi, Haryana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
Most toppers come from engineering backgrounds. In the 100th percentile, 13 out of 14 toppers were engineers, with only one from a non-engineering discipline.
Yes, the blog provides details of toppers from CAT 2023, 2022, and 2021, including their percentiles and scores.
After the results, IIMs begin shortlisting candidates for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Each IIM has its own minimum CAT cut-off, and only candidates who meet it can apply for the next stage online.
No, final selection also considers academic performance in Class 10 and Class 12, ensuring consistency across academics in addition to CAT performance.
Top IPMAT Coaching Program in India: