The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a prestigious and highly competitive entrance exam conducted by top Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) such as IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and IIM Jammu/Bodh Gaya. It opens doors to the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM), which combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies in management.
IPMAT Indore exam pattern has seen several changes in recent years. These unexpected changes have made the exam more dynamic and less predictable. As a result, students preparing for IPMAT 2026 must understand these possible shifts in pattern and plan their preparation accordingly. Students can check complete details about potential IPMAT exam pattern changes in 2026, topic shifts, and preparation strategies below.
Will IPMAT Exam Pattern Change in 2026?
If you’re asking, “Will IPMAT Indore pattern change again in 2026?”, the answer is — it’s highly likely.
There is a growing concern among aspirants regarding whether the IPMAT 2026 exam pattern will remain the same or undergo more changes. Although no official update has been released yet, recent trends from previous IPMAT Indore exams suggest that important changes in question distribution and topic weightage are likely.
In earlier years, the IPMAT exam had a relatively predictable structure. However, in recent exams, some unexpected shifts in question pattern have surprised aspirants. Topics that were once considered very important received less attention, while topics that were usually given lower weightage suddenly became highly significant.
This shift sends a clear message to all IPMAT 2026 aspirants: do not rely only on past trends. Every topic in the IPMAT syllabus is important and can be tested in the exam. Therefore, a balanced and complete preparation strategy is essential.
Targeting IPMAT Indore 2026: What Changes Can Be Expected?
Students preparing for IPMAT Indore 2026 should be especially cautious and ready for changes in the exam pattern. Based on the 2025 exam analysis, the following major changes were observed:
1. Reduced Weightage of Arithmetic in Quantitative Ability Section
Arithmetic has traditionally been the most important topic in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section of the IPMAT Indore exam. In earlier years, this topic alone would carry 9 or more questions. However, in the most recent exam, only about 3 questions were asked from Arithmetic.
This major reduction shows that IPMAT Indore does not follow a fixed topic distribution anymore. Even strong topics like Arithmetic may not play a major role in the upcoming exams.
2. Sudden Increase in Geometry Questions
Geometry was earlier considered a less important topic with only 2 to 3 questions each year. But in the latest IPMAT Indore paper, Geometry questions increased significantly, with nearly 8 questions asked from this topic alone.
- Key Takeaway: IPMAT Indore has no favorite topic anymore. The examiners seem to reward well-rounded preparation and conceptual clarity rather than selective learning. This change highlights the need to prepare for all topics in Quantitative Ability, including those that seemed less important in the past.
3. Higher Weightage for Reading Comprehension in Verbal Ability Section
In the Verbal Ability (VA) section of the IPMAT exam, Reading Comprehension (RC) has gained more importance recently. The number of RC-based questions has reportedly increased by almost 50% in the latest exam.
This means that students preparing for IPMAT 2026 must focus on improving their reading speed, comprehension skills, and vocabulary to do well in the Verbal section.
Previous Year IPMAT Exam Pattern
Although the IPMAT Indore exam pattern is subject to change, it is still useful to understand the typical structure used in the past. The exam usually consists of three sections:
- Quantitative Ability (MCQ) – Multiple-choice questions testing numerical and logical reasoning
- Quantitative Ability (Short Answer or SA) – Non-MCQ format, where students must write the correct numerical answer
- Verbal Ability (MCQ) – Tests English language skills such as grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning
| Previous Year IPMAT Exam Pattern | ||
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 30 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (SA) | 15 | 40 minutes |
| Verbal Ability (MCQ) | 45 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 90 | 120 minutes |
Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- −1 mark for every incorrect MCQ
- No negative marking for Short Answer (SA) section
It is important to note that while this format gives a rough idea, topic distribution and question weightage can still change, as seen in recent years.
How Should IPMAT 2026 Aspirants Prepare for a Changing Exam Pattern?
To succeed in an unpredictable exam like IPMAT Indore 2026, students must follow a well-rounded preparation strategy:
1. Cover the Entire IPMAT Syllabus
Avoid selective studying. Even if some topics had lower weightage in the past, they may become crucial in the current year. Prepare thoroughly for Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Number Systems, Modern Math, and Data Interpretation.
2. Build Strong Concepts in All Topics
Instead of just memorizing formulas or tricks, understand the logic behind every concept. This helps solve both easy and difficult questions accurately, even if the pattern changes.
3. Improve Reading and Language Skills for Verbal Ability
With the rising weightage of Reading Comprehension, focus on reading newspapers, editorials, and short articles daily. Practice answering RC-based questions, and revise grammar and vocabulary regularly.
4. Take Mock Tests and Analyze Your Performance
Give regular IPMAT mock tests and track your performance. Analyze your errors and note which sections take up too much time or where accuracy is low. Make improvements accordingly.
5. Stay Updated About Exam Notifications and Changes
Keep checking the official IIM Indore website and trusted education platforms for IPMAT 2026 updates. Any change in the exam pattern will be notified there first.
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
FAQs: IPMAT Indore Exam Pattern 2026
No official confirmation has yet been made, but the 2025 exam exhibited major changes of topics. Students are expected to anticipate changes and work towards this.
Arithmetic is relevant of course but you do not have to just rely on Arithmetic. Other subjects such as Geometry, Algebra and Data Interpretation are also significant.
More Reading Comprehension questions have been introduced in the Verbal Ability part. There is no more emphasis on grammar based skills, but it is replaced by comprehension based skills.
No. All the topics in IPMAT syllabus must be readied. The subjects that appeared to be of low-weightage previously may turn into the ones under high-weightage in the new exam.
Revise the complete syllabus, develop concept clarity, do practice tests regularly and develop time management skills. Be both high speed and precision in each part.