IPMAT vs Other BBA Entrance Exams: Understanding the Differences

CL Team March 15 2025
17 min read

Choosing the right BBA entrance exam is a crucial decision for students aspiring to pursue a career in management. With multiple entrance tests available, such as IPMAT, JIPMAT, NPAT, SET, CUET, Christ University Entrance Test, XUB UGAT, and AIMA UGAT, understanding their syllabus, difficulty level, and admission scope is essential. This blog provides an in-depth comparison to help students make an informed choice.

1. IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test)

IPMAT is the entrance exam for the 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. It is one of the most challenging BBA entrance exams, as it includes advanced quantitative aptitude questions.

Exam Pattern

Sections

IIM Indore

IIM Rohtak

Quantitative Ability (MCQ)

30

40

Quantitative Ability (Short Answer)

15

-

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

45

40

Logical Reasoning

-

40

Total Questions

90

120

Difficulty Level

  • Quantitative Ability: Higher than other BBA exams (includes Class 12-level math).
  • Verbal Ability: Moderate to high difficulty with a strong focus on comprehension and vocabulary.
  • Logical Reasoning: Only in IPMAT Rohtak.

Ideal For

  • Students strong in math and analytical reasoning.
  • Those aiming for IIMs' integrated management program.

2. JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test)

JIPMAT is conducted for admission to the 5-year IPM program at IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. Compared to IPMAT, it has a less difficult quantitative section.

Exam Pattern

Sections

No. of Questions

Quantitative Aptitude

33

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

33

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

34

Total Questions

100

Key Differences from IPMAT

  • Easier math: JIPMAT does not include advanced topics like matrices or calculus.
  • More emphasis on reasoning skills.
  • Ideal for students who prefer a balanced mix of math, logic, and language.

3. NPAT (NMIMS Programs After Twelfth)

NPAT is conducted by NMIMS for admission to BBA, B.Com (Hons.), and other UG programs.

Exam Pattern

Sections

No. of Questions

Quantitative & Numerical Ability

40

Reasoning & General Intelligence

40

Proficiency in English

40

Total Questions

120

How NPAT Differs from IPMAT

  • No short-answer questions in NPAT.
  • Emphasis on general intelligence & reasoning.
  • Math difficulty is moderate (unlike IPMAT, which has higher-level math).

4. SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)

SET is the entrance test for Symbiosis International University’s (SIU) BBA program.

Exam Pattern

Sections

No. of Questions

General English

16

Quantitative Aptitude

16

General Awareness

16

Analytical & Logical Reasoning

12

Total Questions

60

Differences from IPMAT

  • No high-level math (basic arithmetic & algebra).
  • Includes General Awareness (important for SET, not in IPMAT).
  • Easier difficulty level than IPMAT.

5. CUET (Common University Entrance Test - UG)

CUET (UG) is conducted by NTA for admission to various universities across India.

Exam Pattern

Sections

Topics Covered

Language Test

English/Hindi (Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary)

Domain-Specific Subjects

Business Studies, Economics, Accountancy, Mathematics

General Test

Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Data Interpretation

Differences from IPMAT

  • Focus on subject knowledge (Business Studies, Economics, etc.).
  • No extensive higher-level math.
  • Includes a language proficiency test.

6. Christ University Entrance Test (CUET - Christ University)

CUET (Christ) is required for BBA admission at Christ University, Bangalore.

Exam Pattern

Sections

No. of Questions

Fundamental Mathematics

20

English Language

20

Reasoning & Data Analysis

20

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

20

Total Questions

80

Differences from IPMAT

  • Lower math difficulty.
  • Emphasis on Current Affairs and General Knowledge.
  • Shorter exam duration than IPMAT.

7. XUB UGAT (Xavier University Bhubaneswar)

Exam Pattern

Sections

Topics Covered

Quantitative Ability

Arithmetic, Algebra

Verbal Ability

Grammar, Reading Comprehension

Reasoning

Logical Thinking, Series & Patterns

General Knowledge

Current Affairs, Business Awareness

How It Compares to IPMAT

  • Math is easier than in IPMAT.
  • Focus on business awareness and logical reasoning.
  • No subjective (short answer) questions.

8. UGAT (Under Graduate Aptitude Test - AIMA)

UGAT is conducted by AIMA for BBA, BCA, BHM, and other UG courses.

Exam Pattern

Sections

Topics Covered

English Language

Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary

Logical Reasoning

Syllogisms, Series, Puzzles

General Knowledge

Static & Current Affairs

Numerical & Data Analysis

Arithmetic, Data Interpretation

Differences from IPMAT

  • More focus on English & General Knowledge.
  • Less complex mathematics.
  • Ideal for students with strong verbal & general knowledge skills.

 

Summary: Which Exam Should You Choose?

  • For IIM aspirants: IPMAT or JIPMAT.
  • For NMIMS aspirants: NPAT.
  • For Symbiosis aspirants: SET.
  • For Christ University: CUET (Christ).
  • For general university admissions: CUET (UG), XUB UGAT, or AIMA UGAT.

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