IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Marks & Stream-Wise Rules

The IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is one of the most important aspects every aspirant must clearly understand before filling out the application form. Even a small mistake related to age, marks, or academic stream can lead to rejection at later stages of the admission process.

This blog explains the latest IPMAT eligibility rules for 2026, covering age limit, minimum percentage, stream-wise eligibility (Commerce, Science, Arts), and IIM-specific conditions, in a student-friendly and exam-oriented manner.

1.IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026?

Understanding the IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the first and most important step before applying for the exam. Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions set by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak; failing to do so can lead to application rejection at any stage, even after clearing the exam.

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Exam Name	IPMAT 2026
Conducting IIMs	IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak
Minimum Qualification	Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent
Age Limit	Applicable (as per IIM norms)
Minimum Marks	Category-wise eligibility
Streams Allowed	Commerce, Science, Arts

Key Eligibility Insights

• Students from all streams—Commerce, Science, and Arts—are eligible to apply for IPMAT 2026.

• Mathematics in Class 12 is NOT mandatory, but strong quantitative aptitude is essential to clear the exam.

• Age limit and minimum marks criteria vary by category, so candidates must check category-specific rules carefully.

• Both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak have separate application forms, and eligibility is checked independently by each institute.

IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit & Minimum Marks

Understanding the age limit and minimum marks requirement under the IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is extremely important, as non-compliance can lead to disqualification, even after clearing the exam or interview.

2.IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit

As per previous years’ norms (expected to remain the same for 2026):

Category-Wise Age Limit

General / OBC / EWS

• Candidate must be born on or after 01 August 2006

SC / ST / PwD

• 5 years age relaxation

• Candidate must be born on or after 01 August 2001

Important Points to Note

• Age eligibility is calculated as per official documents only

• Date of birth must match Class 10 certificate

• Age is verified during document verification stage

• Any mismatch can result in cancellation of admission

3.IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Minimum Marks Required

To apply for IPMAT 2026, candidates must meet the minimum Class 12 marks requirement set by the IIMs.

Class 12 Marks Requirement (Category-Wise)

Category	Minimum Percentage Required
General	60%
OBC	60%
EWS	60%
SC	55%
ST	55%
PwD	55%

Stream-Wise IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

One of the biggest advantages of IPMAT is that the IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 allows students from all academic streams to apply. There is no stream restriction, making IPMAT a truly inclusive national-level exam.

4.IPMAT Eligibility 2026 for Commerce Students

Eligibility Status: 

Key Points

• Mathematics is helpful but NOT compulsory

• Background in Accounts, Economics, and Business Studies gives an edge

• Commerce students usually perform well in:

  • Arithmetic

  • Data interpretation

  • Verbal Ability

IPMAT Eligibility 2026 for Science Students

Eligible

Key Points

• PCM and PCB students can apply

• Strong advantage in:

  • Quantitative Ability

  • Logical thinking

  • Problem-solving speed

• Engineering-oriented maths helps in QA-SA & QA-MCQs

5.IPMAT Eligibility 2026 for Arts

Eligible

Key Points

• No restriction on subjects

• Strong advantage in:

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Vocabulary

  • Critical thinking

• Maths is not compulsory, but basic arithmetic preparation is essential

Important Stream-Wise Clarification

The IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 does NOT restrict candidates based on stream. Selection depends purely on:

• IPMAT exam score

• Sectional & overall cutoffs

• Personal Interview performance

IIM-Wise IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

IIM Indore

• Accepts IPMAT score

• Enforces strict sectional cutoffs

• Focuses on balanced academic + aptitude performance

IIM Rohtak

• Requires a separate IPMAT application

• Places higher emphasis on overall score

• No interview weightage difference based on stream

Both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak follow the same basic IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 related to age, marks, and stream.

6.IPMAT Eligibility 2026 for Appearing Candidates

Eligible

Key Conditions

• Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 can apply

• Final admission is subject to passing Class 12

• Candidates must submit:

  • Final marksheets

  • Passing certificates before admission confirmation

Final Takeaway

The IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is stream-neutral, giving equal opportunity to Commerce, Science, and Arts students. Success in IPMAT depends not on your stream, but on how well you prepare according to the exam pattern and cutoffs.

If you want, I can also help with:

• Stream-wise preparation strategy

• Common eligibility mistakes

• Eligibility FAQs for droppers & improvement candidates

7.Who Is NOT Eligible for IPMAT 2026?

While the IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is broad and allows students from all streams, certain candidates are NOT eligible to apply. Understanding these disqualifying conditions is crucial to avoid rejection at later stages.

Candidates NOT Eligible for IPMAT 2026

1. Candidates Exceeding the Age Limit

• General / OBC / EWS: Born before 01 August 2006

• SC / ST / PwD: Born before 01 August 2001

Age is verified using Class 10 certificates during document verification.

2. Candidates Who Do Not Meet Minimum Class 12 Marks

• General / OBC / EWS: Less than 60%

• SC / ST / PwD: Less than 55%

Marks must be from one single board examination.

3. Candidates Who Have Not Passed or Will Not Pass Class 12

• Students who fail Class 12

• Candidates with incomplete or invalid board results

Appearing students are eligible only if they pass before admission.

4. Candidates with Incorrect or Invalid Documents

• Wrong date of birth

• Incorrect category certificates

• Mismatch in academic records

Even after clearing IPMAT, admission can be cancelled due to document issues.

5. Candidates Expecting Stream-Based Relaxation

• There is no relaxation or preference based on:

  • Commerce

  • Science

8.Why IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 Matters So Much

The IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 is not just a formality—it is a non-negotiable requirement that directly determines whether a candidate can apply, appear, and finally secure admission to the IPM programs at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Ignoring or misunderstanding eligibility rules can cost students an entire academic year.

Here’s why it matters so much:

1. Application Can Be Cancelled at Any Stage

Even if your application is accepted initially, it can be cancelled later if:

• Age limit is not met

• Minimum marks criteria is not fulfilled

• Incorrect details are found during verification

Cancellation can happen before the exam, after the exam, or during admission.

2. Eligibility Is Verified Even After Selection

Clearing:

• IPMAT exam

• Cutoffs

• Personal Interview

does not guarantee admission unless eligibility is fully.

checks are done during document verification, and no relaxation is allowed beyond official norms.

3. Non-Eligible Candidates Lose Fees & Seat

• Application fees are non-refundable

• Admission offer can be withdrawn

• Seat is given to another eligible candidate

This leads to financial loss and loss of a prestigious IIM seat.

4. Ensures a Fair & Transparent Admission Process

Strict eligibility rules:

• Maintain equality among candidates

• Prevent unfair advantages

• Ensure only qualified students enter the IPM program

This protects the credibility of IIM admissions.

FAQs

Q1. Is Maths compulsory for IPMAT 2026?

No. Mathematics is NOT compulsory for IPMAT 2026. Students from Commerce, Science, and Arts/Humanities streams are all eligible. However, having Maths can be helpful for the Quantitative Ability section.

Q2. Can Arts students apply for IPMAT 2026?

Yes, absolutely. Arts/Humanities students are fully eligible under the IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026. Strong reading habits and verbal skills often help in the Verbal Ability section.

Q3. Is there any attempt limit in IPMAT?

No official attempt limit has been specified. Candidates can appear for IPMAT as long as they meet the age eligibility criteria for the respective year.

Q4. Will there be any change in IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026?

As of now, the eligibility criteria are expected to remain the same as previous years. Any changes, if announced, will be officially notified by IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak.