Speed vs Accuracy in IPMAT: Which Is More Important and How to Improve Both

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam that offers admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for their five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). Conducted by several IIMs including IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and IIM Jammu/Bodh Gaya, each version of the IPMAT differs in terms of exam patterns, difficulty levels, and syllabus. 

With thousands of aspiring students appearing for these exams each year, speed and accuracy are crucial factors that can determine success or failure. Students should check the complete details about the speed vs accuracy in IPMAT.

IPMAT Exam 2026 Overview

IPMAT exam is a key step for students aspiring to enter the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by various IIMs across India. The format of the IPMAT 2026 exam is expected to be similar to what the exam was in previous years; each IIM will have its own exam. 

In case of IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and IPMAT Jammu/Bodh Gaya, the exam pattern, syllabus and dates can be slightly different. The following table contains the most important information about IPMAT 2025 to have a general understanding of the structure of the exam:

Particulars	IPMAT Indore	IPMAT Rohtak
Exam Name	Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) Indore	Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) Rohtak
Conducting Authority	IIM Indore	IIM Rohtak
Mode of Exam	Online (Computer-Based Test)	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration	120 minutes (2 hours)	120 minutes (2 hours)
Total Sections	3	3
Sections	Quantitative Ability (MCQ & SA), Verbal Ability	Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability
Total Questions	90	120
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ), No negative for SA	+4 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ)
Overall Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult	Easy to Moderate

These variations underline the fact that while the broad structure remains the same, each IIM’s IPMAT has its own nuances that students must account for during preparation.

What’s more Important in the IPMAT Exam – Speed or Accuracy?

Speed and accuracy are also very important when it comes to preparing competitively such as an IPMAT exam. The final objective is to bring balance so that you are able to attempt the right number of questions in the restricted time correctly.

Accuracy:

• Accuracy refers to how correct your answers are. In IPMAT, a correct answer typically earns you +4 marks, but an incorrect answer results in a -1 penalty (in MCQ sections).
• The more accurate you are, the more marks you retain, and negative marking doesn’t erode your score.
• For sections without negative marking (like Quantitative Ability SA in IPMAT Indore), accuracy remains important but doesn’t lead to penalties.

Speed:

• Speed refers to how quickly you can solve questions. In exams like IPMAT, time is crucial, as you are often required to solve dozens of questions within a fixed time.
• For example, in IPMAT Indore, you have 2 hours (120 minutes) to answer 90 questions, meaning you need to spend about 1.33 minutes per question on average.
• Without the ability to maintain a good pace, even if you are accurate, you might run out of time before completing the exam.
  

The Verdict: Striking the Right Balance

Neither speed nor accuracy should be emphasized at the cost of the other. Both play a complementary role:

• High Accuracy, Low Speed: You may score well on the questions you attempt, but if you don’t attempt enough questions, your total score could be capped.
• High Speed, Low Accuracy: You might attempt many questions, but negative marking could drastically lower your overall score.

The ideal strategy for IPMAT preparation is to develop “accurate speed,” which allows you to solve questions both quickly and correctly. This balance will help you avoid unnecessary penalties while maximizing your attempts.

How to Improve Speed and Accuracy for the IPMAT Exam

Improving both speed and accuracy involves strategic preparation, regular practice, and focused efforts. Here are key strategies to help you hone these skills:

1. Master the Fundamentals:

• Make sure that you understand the key concepts regarding each part of the exam: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.
• Formula recall and mental math techniques will help speed up your problem-solving abilities.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice:

• Solve timed practice tests and mock exams regularly to simulate actual exam conditions and pressure.
• Work on sectional tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your accuracy in weaker areas.
• Expose yourself to a wide variety of question types and difficulty levels.

3. Effective Test-Taking Strategies:

• Question Selection: Identify the easiest and most straightforward questions first, and attempt them quickly. Leave difficult questions for later.
• Elimination Technique: For MCQs, practice eliminating at least two wrong options to increase the probability of making an educated guess.
• Reading Comprehension: For verbal sections, work on skimming through passages efficiently to grasp the main idea and locate key details.
• Mental Math Shortcuts: Develop shortcuts for frequently tested mathematical problems to avoid lengthy calculations.

4. Analyze Mock Tests Thoroughly:

• Error Analysis: Review every mistake in detail. Understand if it was a conceptual error, a calculation error, or simply a time mismanagement issue.
• Time Management: Identify sections where you spent too much time. Try to optimize your pacing for the actual exam.

5. Physical and Mental Well-being:

• Adequate sleep and stress management techniques (like deep breathing or mindfulness) can enhance your performance on the exam day.
• Ensure a healthy diet that supports cognitive function during your preparation.

If you are looking for a structured preparation for IPMAT along with 24×7 doubt solving, then you can go for iQuanta’s IPMAT Course

Speed vs. Accuracy in IPMAT FAQs