IPMAT: Exam Pattern, Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus & Importance

CL Team January 05 2026
9 min read

IPMAT: Exam Pattern, Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus & Importance

If you are a Class 11 or 12 student dreaming of studying at an IIM right after school, then IPMAT is the perfect opportunity for you. The Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is one of the most competitive and prestigious entrance exams in India for young management aspirants.


IPMAT Full Form

IPMAT stands for Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test.

It is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into the 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) offered by select Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).


What is the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM)?

The Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) is a dual-degree course designed for students after Class 12.

Program Structure

  • First 3 Years: Undergraduate foundation in Management, Economics, Statistics, and Humanities
  • Last 2 Years: Postgraduate MBA curriculum

Degree Awarded

  • Bachelor’s Degree + MBA (Master of Business Administration)

This program allows students to enter IIMs early without appearing for CAT after graduation.


IIMs Accepting IPMAT Scores

The following IIMs offer IPM or accept IPMAT scores:

  • IIM Indore – Conducts IPMAT Indore
  • IIM Rohtak – Conducts IPMAT Rohtak
  • IIM Ranchi – Accepts IPMAT Indore score
  • IIM Jammu – Accepts IPMAT Indore score
  • IIM Bodh Gaya – Accepts IPMAT Indore score

IPMAT Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria may vary slightly across IIMs, but the general requirements are as follows:

Educational Qualification

  • Passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board
  • Mathematics is mandatory, especially for IIM Indore

Minimum Marks

  • General / NC-OBC / EWS: Minimum 60% in Class 10 and 12
  • SC / ST / PwD: Minimum 55% in Class 10 and 12

Age Limit

  • Maximum 20 years at the time of application
  • 5-year relaxation for reserved categories (as per institute norms)

IPMAT Exam Pattern (IIM Indore)

IPMAT is a computer-based test (CBT) with three sections:

Section

Questions

Time

Quantitative Ability (MCQs)

30

40 minutes

Quantitative Ability (Short Answer)

20

40 minutes

Verbal Ability (MCQs)

40

40 minutes

Important Highlights

  • Total Duration: 120 minutes
  • Negative marking for MCQs
  • No negative marking for short-answer questions

(Note: IPMAT Rohtak follows a different pattern)


IPMAT Syllabus (Section-wise)

1. Quantitative Ability Syllabus

Arithmetic

  • Percentages
  • Profit & Loss
  • Time & Work
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Simple & Compound Interest

Algebra

  • Linear & Quadratic Equations
  • Inequalities

Number System

  • HCF & LCM
  • Remainders
  • Divisibility Rules

Modern Mathematics

  • Permutations & Combinations
  • Probability
  • Set Theory

2. Verbal Ability Syllabus

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary (Synonyms & Antonyms)
  • Para Jumbles
  • Sentence Completion
  • Grammar & Error Spotting
  • Verbal Reasoning

IPMAT Selection Process

The IPMAT selection process involves multiple stages:

  1. IPMAT Written Examination
  2. Shortlisting based on cutoff
  3. Personal Interview (PI) / Written Ability Test (WAT)
  4. Final Merit List (exam score + interview + academics)

Why is IPMAT Important?

1. Direct Entry into IIMs After Class 12

Students can secure admission to top IIMs without waiting for graduation.

2. No CAT Required

IPMAT students are exempted from CAT for continuing MBA at the same IIM.

3. Strong Management Foundation

Early exposure to:

  • Business Management
  • Economics & Finance
  • Leadership & Communication

4. Excellent Career Opportunities

IPM graduates work in:

  • Consulting firms
  • Investment banks
  • Corporate management roles
  • Startups & entrepreneurship

5. Global Exposure

Many IPM programs offer:

  • International exchange programs
  • Research projects
  • Summer internships

Role of Career Launcher in IPMAT Preparation

For students seeking expert guidance and structured preparation, Career Launcher is one of the top coaching institutes for IPMAT in India.

Why Career Launcher for IPMAT?

  • Dedicated IPMAT-focused curriculum
  • Highly experienced faculty
  • Comprehensive study material & mock tests
  • Personalized mentoring for PI/WAT
  • Online & offline coaching options

Career Launcher has a proven track record of IPMAT selections across IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other IIMs.


Who Should Appear for IPMAT?

IPMAT is ideal for students who:

  • Want a management career after Class 12
  • Have strong interest in business, economics, or leadership
  • Are comfortable with mathematics and logical reasoning
  • Aspire to study at IIMs at an early age

IPMAT Preparation Tips

  • Start preparation from Class 11
  • Build strong fundamentals in Quantitative Ability
  • Read newspapers & novels to improve Verbal Ability
  • Practice mock tests regularly
  • Analyze previous year question papers

Conclusion

The Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a golden opportunity for students who wish to pursue IIM-level management education right after school. With the right strategy, disciplined preparation, and expert guidance from institutes like Career Launcher, cracking IPMAT becomes a realistic and achievable goal.

If you are serious about becoming a future business leader or entrepreneur, IPMAT can be your first big step toward success

Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only. Details related to IPMAT, including exam pattern, eligibility, syllabus, and selection process, are subject to change as per official notifications by the respective IIMs. Readers are advised to verify all information from official IIM websites. Any mention of coaching institutes is purely informational and does not imply endorsement or guarantee of results.