Last Updated: April 2026
IPMAT (Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test) conducted by IIM Indore is the gateway to a 5-year BBA+MBA programme. In 2025, over 32,000 students appeared for IPMAT Indore — competing for just 150 seats. Quantitative Ability is the most differentiating section, with 40 out of 100 questions and a difficulty level comparable to CAT quant.
IPMAT 2026 Exam Pattern — IIM Indore
| Section | Questions | Type | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 20 | MCQ (-1 negative) | 80 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Ability (SA) | 20 | Short Answer (no negative) | 80 | 40 min |
| Verbal Ability | 60 | MCQ (-1 negative) | 240 | 40 min |
IPMAT Quantitative Ability — Chapter-wise Weightage
| Topic | Avg Questions | Difficulty | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Systems (HCF, LCM, Remainders) | 4-5 | Medium-High | HIGHEST |
| Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Profit-Loss, Time-Work) | 6-8 | Medium | HIGHEST |
| Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions) | 4-5 | High | HIGH |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 3-4 | Medium-High | HIGH |
| Data Interpretation | 4-5 | Medium | HIGH |
| Permutations and Combinations | 2-3 | High | MEDIUM |
| Probability | 2-3 | Medium | MEDIUM |
| Progressions (AP, GP) | 2 | Medium | MEDIUM |
Number Systems — High-Yield Concepts
- Divisibility Rules: 2 (last digit even), 3 (digit sum divisible by 3), 4 (last 2 digits), 9 (digit sum by 9), 11 (alternating sum)
- HCF and LCM: HCF x LCM = Product of two numbers
- Remainder Theorem: Fermat’s Little Theorem and Euler’s Theorem for IPMAT-level questions
- Unit Digits: Cyclicity of powers — 2 has cyclicity 4 (2,4,8,6); 3 has cyclicity 4 (3,9,7,1)
- Perfect Squares and Cubes: Know squares up to 30 and cubes up to 15
Arithmetic Speed Techniques for IPMAT
| Topic | Key Formula or Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Percentage change | Final – Initial divided by Initial, times 100 |
| Successive discounts (a% then b%) | Net discount = a + b – ab/100 |
| Time and Work (combined) | 1/A + 1/B = 1 divided by days together |
| Speed-Distance-Time | Avg speed = 2xy/(x+y) for equal distances at speeds x and y |
| Simple Interest | SI = PRT/100 |
| Compound Interest | A = P times (1 + R/100) to the power n |
IPMAT vs JIPMAT — Key Differences 2026
| Parameter | IPMAT Indore | JIPMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | IIM Indore | NTA (for IIM Jammu and Bodh Gaya) |
| Total seats | 150 | 120 combined |
| Sections | QA-MCQ + QA-SA + VA | QA + VA + LR |
| Total questions | 100 | 100 |
| Negative marking | Yes (MCQ sections) | Yes |
| Difficulty | Higher (CAT-level quant) | Moderate |
| Programme duration | 5 years (BBA+MBA) | 5 years (BBA+MBA) |
Frequently Asked Questions — IPMAT Quantitative Ability
What is the difficulty level of IPMAT Quantitative Ability?
IPMAT QA is significantly harder than standard Class 12 maths — it is comparable to CAT quantitative aptitude at a moderate level. Number theory questions can be tricky, and algebra questions often involve multiple steps. Students from science background with strong Class 11-12 maths typically find it manageable with 3-4 months of dedicated preparation.
How is IPMAT Indore different from JIPMAT?
IPMAT Indore is conducted by IIM Indore for its own IPM programme (150 seats). JIPMAT is conducted by NTA for IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya (combined 120 seats). IPMAT Indore is more difficult and prestigious. JIPMAT is slightly easier and serves as a good backup for IPMAT aspirants.
What is the Short Answer section in IPMAT and how should I prepare?
The Short Answer (SA) section has 20 QA questions where you type the numerical answer — no options given, no negative marking. This makes it a high-opportunity section. Preparation tip: focus on accuracy over speed here since there is no negative marking. Practice mental calculation and neat working to avoid careless errors.
Is there Geometry in IPMAT 2026?
Yes — Geometry and Mensuration contribute 3-4 questions in IPMAT. Key topics: properties of triangles, circles, areas and perimeters of standard shapes, and coordinate geometry basics. This is unlike CLAT which has zero geometry. IPMAT aspirants must prepare Class 9-10 geometry and Class 11 coordinate geometry.
Prepare for IPMAT with structured quant and verbal courses at IPM Gurukul.
