The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is one of the most explosive entrance exams for students seeking entry into the five-year integrated management programs at IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak and other institutes. As more and more candidates flood towards this exam, candidates preparing for IPMAT 2026 must be familiar with the subject wise portion.
This article will cover the complete syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips and other necessary information which will help you plan your preparation in the best possible way.
Why is it important to know the IPMAT 2026 syllabus?
Before the commencement of preparation, students often ask whether it is more useful to focus on practice tests or be solving questions right away. It is important to note that practice is crucial, but knowing the syllabus by subject wise overviews ensures that you are heading in the right preparation direction. Knowing the syllabus saves time, avoids confusion, and helps you plan in advance for permitting a good study plan and strategy for the exam.
Exam Structure of IPMAT 2026
The IPMAT exam generally has three main exam heads of components:
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Quantitative Ability (Multiple Choice Questions)
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Quantitative Ability (Short Answer Questions)
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Verbal Ability (Multiple Choice Questions)
These components assess various skills such as different aspects of logical thinking, solving problems and language ability. Let’s take a more detailed look at these components.
Read More: What is the Cutoff for IPMAT out of 400?
Topic Wise portions of IPMAT 2026
1. Quantitative Ability (MCQs)
The quantitative ability section examines your mathematical and analytical ability and the syllabus is based on concepts you would have been exposed to up to class 12 but requires you to think on application based concepts.
Key Topics Include:
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Number System
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Algebraic Expressions and Equations
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Arithmetic Progression and Geometric Progression
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Probability and Permutations & Combinations
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Coordinate Geometry
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Trigonometry
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Functions and Graphs
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Inequalities
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Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
Preparation Tip:
Practice a lot of speed solving as the time is often tight in this section as the questions are often lengthy and in depth.
2. Quantitative Ability (Short Answer)
Short answer means that you will be solving the questions without options and therefore there is no chance to guess your way through the answers, so accuracy and clarity of concepts is critical for this portion.
Key Topics Include:
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Mensuration and Geometry
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Matrices and Determinants
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Complex Numbers
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Calculus Basics (Limits, Derivatives)
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Higher-order algebra
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Set Theory
Preparation Tip:
The focus should be to solve questions from standard books and ipmat previous year papers, as this would give the candidate an idea of the level as well as the pattern of questions.
3. Verbal Ability (MCQs)
The verbal ability section measures your grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary, so students must be a proficient reader/ analyzer of passages in order to do well.
Important Topics Include:
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Reading Comprehension (Short and Long Passages)
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Synonyms and Antonyms
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Sentence Correction and Error Spotting
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Para Jumbles
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Fill in the Blanks (Vocabulary & Grammar)
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Idioms and Phrases
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Sentence Rearrangement
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Analogies
Preparation Tip:
Reading newspapers, magazines, and novels daily will improve comprehension speed. Practice grammar-based exercises to boost accuracy.
Weightage of Subjects in IPMAT 2026
While the number of questions may vary slightly across institutes, the distribution generally looks like this:
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Quantitative Ability (MCQ): Around 40 questions
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Quantitative Ability (Short Answer): Around 20 questions
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Verbal Ability (MCQ): Around 40 questions
This division shows that Quantitative Ability has higher weightage, making it essential to focus more on this area.
Preparation Strategy for IPMAT 2026
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Understand the Pattern First
Go through ipmat solved paper 2026 and mock tests. This will help you recognize which areas need more attention. -
Divide Preparation Time Wisely
Allocate more time to Quantitative Ability since it has two separate sections. -
Focus on Fundamentals
A strong foundation in Class 10–12 Mathematics will make advanced topics easier to handle. -
Practice Consistently
Daily practice ensures that you not only learn concepts but also improve speed and accuracy. -
Mock Tests are Key
Solve sectional and full-length mock tests weekly. They help in improving time management and identifying weak areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping Short Answer Section: Many students focus only on MCQs and ignore short answer questions. This can cost valuable marks.
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Overdependence on Guesswork: Negative marking makes guesswork risky.
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Not Revising Vocabulary: Vocabulary preparation is a continuous process. Daily revision is necessary.
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Ignoring Time Management: Practicing without time limits may not prepare you for the actual exam environment.
Expert Tips for Subject-Wise Preparation
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Quantitative Ability: Break complex topics into smaller subtopics. Use flashcards for formulas.
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Verbal Ability: Focus on reading editorials from reputed newspapers like The Hindu or Economic Times.
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Revision Plan: Dedicate at least 1–2 hours daily in the last two months before the exam for revision alone.
FAQs About IPMAT 2026
Q1. How many sections are there in IPMAT 2026?
There are three sections: Quantitative Ability (MCQs), Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), and Verbal Ability (MCQs).
Q2. Is the syllabus the same as Class 12 Mathematics?
Yes, the syllabus is mostly based on Class 12 Mathematics, but the application level is higher, requiring analytical skills.
Q3. Which section is considered the toughest in IPMAT 2026?
The Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) section is usually the toughest since it has no options and requires precise answers.
Q4. Can I prepare for IPMAT without coaching?
Yes, self-study combined with consistent practice, mock tests, and good study material can help you crack IPMAT without coaching.
Q5. Are previous year papers helpful?
Absolutely. Solving previous year papers gives you clarity about exam trends, important topics, and time management strategies.
Final Words
The subject-wise portion of IPMAT 2026 may look vast at first, but with systematic preparation and smart planning, you can cover it effectively. Focusing on concepts, regular practice, and solving mock tests will give you the confidence needed to perform well. Make sure to go through ipmat solved paper 2026 and sample tests to build a strong exam strategy.
With dedication and the right approach, cracking IPMAT 2026 is definitely achievable!