IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme & Section Weightage

The IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is a crucial aspect every aspirant must understand before starting serious preparation. IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak for admission into their prestigious 5-Year Integrated Program in Management (IPM).

This blog provides a student-focused, detailed, and exam-oriented explanation of the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026, including sections, number of questions, marking scheme, negative marking, and section weightage, helping you plan your preparation strategically.

IPMAT is a computer-based online test (CBT) conducted once a year. Although IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak both accept IPMAT scores, their exam patterns are slightly different, which makes pattern clarity even more important.

1.IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 – Overview

Feature	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration	120 Minutes
Total Sections	3
Total Questions	90 (Approx.)
Negative Marking	Yes
Medium	English
Conducting Body	IIM Indore / IIM Rohtak

The IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 tests candidates on quantitative aptitude and verbal ability, focusing on logical thinking, mathematical understanding, and language proficiency.

1.Quantitative Ability – High Risk, High Reward

Key Details

• Number of Questions: 30

• Marks per Question: +4

• Negative Marking: –1

• Total Marks: 120

Most Important Information

• This section tests speed + accuracy.

• Questions are concept-based but time-consuming.

• Negative marking makes random guessing dangerous.

• Plays a major role in sectional cutoff clearance.

Topics with Highest Weightage

• Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)

• Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

• Number System

• Geometry & Mensuration

2.Quantitative Ability– MOST SCORING SECTION

Key Details

• Number of Questions: 20

• Marks per Question: +4

• Negative Marking:  No

• Total Marks: 80

Most Important Information

• No negative marking = biggest scoring opportunity.

• Answers must be typed numerically (no options).

• Calculation accuracy is crucial—format mistakes lead to zero marks.

• Many toppers maximize their score only through this section.

Topics Asked Frequently

• Arithmetic

• Algebra basics

• Numbers & equations

• Word problems

3.Verbal Ability – Cutoff Deciding Section

Key Details

• Number of Questions: 40

• Marks per Question: +4

• Negative Marking: –1

• Total Marks: 160

Most Important Information

• Highest weightage in the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026.

• Sectional cutoff in Verbal eliminates many aspirants.

• Reading speed + comprehension accuracy are essential.

• Strong Verbal section can compensate for weaker Quant.

High-Weightage Topics

• Reading Comprehension (RCs)

• Vocabulary (context-based)

• Grammar & sentence correction

• Para jumbles & verbal reasoning

2.IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Section Weightage

Section	Weightage
Verbal Ability	~44%
Quantitative Ability (MCQs)	~33%
Quantitative Ability (SA)	~23%

Verbal Ability carries the highest weightage, making it a deciding factor in final selection.

 3.IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme

Question Type	Correct Answer	Wrong Answer
MCQs	+4 Marks	-1 Mark
Short Answer (SA)	+4 Marks	0

Key Insight: Students should attempt all SA questions confidently due to zero negative marking.

4.Why Understanding IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Is Important

Understanding the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is extremely important because it directly influences how you prepare, attempt the exam, and score marks. Many students fail to clear IPMAT not due to lack of knowledge, but because they do not align their preparation with the actual exam structure.

Here are the most important reasons why knowing the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is crucial:

1. Helps You Plan Section-Wise Preparation

The IPMAT exam has different sections with different formats—MCQs and Short Answer questions. Knowing this helps you decide:

• Where accuracy is more important than speed

• Which section requires calculation practice

• Which section needs reading and comprehension skills

This prevents wasting time on low-priority areas.

2. Saves Marks by Avoiding Negative Marking

In the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026, negative marking applies only to MCQs. Students who understand this:

• Avoid blind guessing

• Attempt only high-confidence questions

• Use the QA-SA section to score safely

This alone can improve your score significantly.

3. Improves Time Management

IPMAT is a section-timed exam, meaning you cannot switch between sections. Knowing the exact:

• Number of questions

• Time per section

• Difficulty level

helps you practice mock tests in the same real-exam environment, reducing panic on exam day.

4. Increases Chances of Clearing Sectional Cutoffs

Especially for IIM Indore, clearing sectional cutoffs is mandatory. Understanding the pattern helps you:

• Maintain balance across Quant and Verbal

• Avoid over-focusing on one section

• Secure minimum required marks in all sections

5. Helps in Smart Attempt Strategy

When you know the pattern, you can plan:

• How many questions to attempt in each section

• When to skip a question

• How to maximize score with minimum risk

This strategic approach is what separates selected candidates from average performers.

5.Preparation Strategy Based on IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

A smart preparation plan aligned with the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 can significantly improve your score and help you clear sectional as well as overall cutoffs. Since the exam is section-timed and accuracy-driven, your strategy must differ for each section.

1.Quantitative Ability – Strategy as per IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Why it matters: Quantitative Ability carries high weightage and includes both MCQs (with negative marking) and Short Answer (SA) questions (no negative marking).

1. Focus on Strong Basics

   • Percentages

   • Ratios & Proportions

   • Profit & Loss

   • Time & Work

   • Linear & Quadratic Algebra

   Strong fundamentals help you solve questions faster and avoid mistakes.

2. Prioritize Short Answer (SA) Questions

   • No negative marking makes SA the most scoring section

   • Attempt maximum SA questions with accuracy

   • Double-check calculations before submission

3. Balance Speed + Accuracy in MCQs

   • Do not guess blindly due to negative marking

   • Attempt only high-confidence questions

   • Practice mental math and shortcuts

2.Verbal Ability – Strategy as per IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Why it matters: Verbal Ability often becomes the cutoff-deciding section, especially for IIM Indore.

1. Build a Daily Reading Habit

   • Read editorials, articles, and non-fiction daily

   • Improve comprehension speed and understanding

   • Helps directly in Reading Comprehension (RCs)

2. Master Reading Comprehension (RCs)

   • Practice RCs regularly under time limits

   • Focus on inference-based and tone questions

   • Avoid personal assumptions, stick to passage logic

3. Regular Vocabulary & Grammar Revision

   • Learn words in context, not in isolation

   • Revise grammar rules weekly

   • Practice para-jumbles and sentence correction

3.Final Preparation Advice

• Practice section-timed mock tests only

• Track sectional accuracy weekly

• Focus on balance across sections

• Prepare strictly according to the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

A pattern-based approach ensures you study what matters most, avoid negative marking traps, and maximize your selection chances.

FAQs – IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Q1. Has the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 changed?

As of now, the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is expected to remain the same as previous years. Any official change will be clearly announced by IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak on their official websites.

Q2. Is there a sectional time limit in IPMAT 2026?

Yes, for IIM Indore there is a strict sectional time limit. Each section is time-bound, and candidates cannot switch sections once the allotted time ends. For IIM Rohtak, the exam is conducted in a single slot, but sectional cutoffs still apply.

Q3. Which section is most important in the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026?

There is no single “most important” section.

• Verbal Ability has the highest weightage and often decides cutoffs.

• Quantitative Ability (SA) is the most scoring due to no negative marking.

• Quantitative Ability (MCQs) requires accuracy because of negative marking.