IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
Kiboo•6 September 2025•6minsThe IPMAT Exam is the exclusive pathway for admission into the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Thousands of aspirants attempt this exam every year, making it one of the most competitive management entrance tests in India.
If you are planning to appear for the IPMAT Exam 2026, knowing the exam pattern, marking scheme, negative marking rules, number of questions, and sectional distribution is the first step towards building a winning strategy.
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Table of Contents
- What is the IPMAT Exam?
- IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- IPMAT Indore Exam Pattern 2026
- IPMAT Rohtak Exam Pattern 2026
- IPMAT Marking Scheme 2026
- Number of Questions in IPMAT 2026
- IPMAT Exam Duration 2026
- IPMAT Indore vs Rohtak Pattern
- IPMAT Negative Marking 2026
- IPMAT Exam Structure 2026
What is the IPMAT Exam?
- IPMAT full form: Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test.
- Purpose: Admission into the 5-year IPM program (BBA + MBA equivalent) at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have completed Class 12th or be appearing in the same year.
- Exam Date: The IPMAT Exam 2026 is expected in May, with separate notifications for Indore and Rohtak.
The IPMAT Exam evaluates a candidate’s quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning (Rohtak only). It is designed to assess mathematical proficiency, analytical reasoning, and language skills—key abilities for future management leaders.
Related Read: IIM Admission Criteria
IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
Both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak conduct the IPMAT Exam, but their patterns differ significantly.
- IIM Indore: Combination of MCQs and Short Answer (SA) questions with strict sectional timing.
- IIM Rohtak: Fully MCQ-based exam with flexibility in time allocation.
| Institute | Total Questions | Duration | Total Marks | Sectional Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Indore | 90 | 120 mins | 360 | Yes (40 mins each) |
| IIM Rohtak | 120 | 120 mins | 480 | No (recommended 40 mins/section) |
IPMAT Indore Exam Pattern 2026
At IIM Indore, the IPMAT Exam consists of three sections:
| Section | Questions | Time Limit | Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (SA) | 15 | 40 mins | 60 | +4, 0 (no negative) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) | 30 | 40 mins | 120 | +4, –1 |
| Verbal Ability (MCQ) | 45 | 40 mins | 180 | +4, –1 |
| Total | 90 | 120 mins | 360 | — |
Key highlights:
- Each section has 40 minutes fixed; switching between sections is not allowed.
- The Short Answer section offers a scoring advantage since there is no negative marking.
IPMAT Rohtak Exam Pattern 2026
At IIM Rohtak, the IPMAT Exam has equal distribution across three sections:
| Section | Questions | Recommended Time | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | 40 | 40 mins | +4, –1 |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 | 40 mins | +4, –1 |
| Verbal Ability | 40 | 40 mins | +4, –1 |
| Total | 120 | 120 mins | +4, –1 |
Key highlights:
- No sectional time limit, but equal allocation (40 minutes each) is recommended.
- All questions are MCQ-based, making accuracy crucial due to negative marking.
Related Read: CAT DILR Questions
IPMAT Marking Scheme 2026
IIM Indore
| Sections | Marks | Marking Scheme |
| Quantitative Aptitude (SA) | 60 | +4, 0 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) | 120 | +4, -1 |
| Verbal Ability | 180 | +4, -1 |
| Total | 360 |
IIM Rohtak
| Sections | Marking Scheme |
| Quantitative Ability | +4, -1 |
| Logical Reasoning | +4, -1 |
| Verbal Ability | +4, -1 |
In both exams, negative marking applies to MCQs only. The SA section at Indore remains a safe scoring zone.
Number of Questions in IPMAT Exam 2026
IIM Indore
| Sections | Number of Questions |
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 15 questions |
| Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) | 30 questions |
| Verbal Ability (MCQ) | 45 questions |
| Total | 90 questions |
IIM Rohtak
| Sections | Number of Questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 40 questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 questions |
| Verbal Ability | 40 questions |
| Total | 120 questions |
Practice Zone: IPMAT Previous Year Papers
IPMAT Exam Duration 2026
The IPMAT Exam lasts for 120 minutes (2 hours) at both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. However, the way this time is managed differs between the two institutes.
- IIM Indore: Strict sectional timing of 40 minutes per section. Candidates cannot switch sections once the timer starts.
- IIM Rohtak: No sectional restriction. Candidates can freely divide the 120 minutes across Quant, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal as per their strengths.
| Institute | Total Duration | Sectional Timing | Flexibility | Mode of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Indore | 120 minutes (2 hours) | Fixed – 40 mins each for Quant SA, Quant MCQ, Verbal | No switching allowed | Online CBT (proctored) |
| IIM Rohtak | 120 minutes (2 hours) | No fixed limit per section (recommended 40 mins each) | Students can allocate time freely | Online CBT (proctored) |
Key takeaway:
- In Indore, focus on time discipline—each section is a “locked window.”
- In Rohtak, plan your own split—spend extra time on weaker areas while maintaining balance.
Download Free: CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF
IPMAT Indore vs Rohtak Exam Pattern
| Particulars | IIM Indore | IIM Rohtak |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 90 | 120 |
| Sectional Time Limit | Yes (40 mins each) | No (flexible) |
| Types of Questions | MCQ + SA | MCQ only |
| Negative Marking | Yes (except SA) | Yes (all MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 360 | 480 |
Related: CAT Quant Questions
IPMAT Negative Marking 2026
Negative marking plays a big role in how you attempt the IPMAT Exam.
- MCQs (Indore & Rohtak): +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect. Avoid blind guessing.
- Short Answer (SA – Indore only): +4 for correct, 0 for wrong. A safe scoring zone—attempt all 15.
- Rohtak: All sections are MCQ-based with negative marking, so accuracy is key.
Tip: In Indore, secure marks in SA first. In both exams, maintain at least 70% accuracy in MCQs to avoid losing marks.
Boost Verbal Prep: CAT VARC Questions
IPMAT Exam Structure 2026
The IPMAT Exam is built to assess aptitude across three skill areas:
- Mathematics (Quantitative Aptitude): Tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and applied problem-solving. Indore has MCQ + SA, while Rohtak has only MCQ.
- Verbal Ability: Checks reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and reasoning. Present in both Indore (45 Qs) and Rohtak (40 Qs).
- Logical Reasoning (Rohtak only): 40 MCQs on puzzles, seating, series, and deductions to test analytical skills.
Both Indore and Rohtak give 120 minutes total. Indore has 40 minutes fixed per section, while Rohtak allows flexible time allocation (though 40 minutes each is recommended).
Success in the IPMAT Exam depends on accuracy + speed: maximize SA attempts in Indore, be precise in MCQs, and balance time effectively across sections.
Build Skills: Reading Zone
The IPMAT Exam 2026 for Indore and Rohtak follows distinct structures:
- Indore: 90 questions, strict sectional timing, SA + MCQ, 360 marks.
- Rohtak: 120 MCQs, flexible time allocation, 480 marks.
Understanding these differences is crucial to tailor your preparation. With the right strategy, smart time management, and mock practice, aspirants can maximize their performance and improve their chances of admission to the IPM program.
Stay updated with official notifications, download the exam pattern PDF, and start preparation early. For more preparation resources, mock tests, and expert guidance, explore Coachify.
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