The IPMAT exam stands for the Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test that is the door to the 5 year IPM program (Integrated Program in Management) which is offered by Indian Institutes of Management. This exam attracts thousands of students who are dreaming of a management career from the top IIMs. It is designed to evaluate both the QA (Quantitative Ability) as well as VA (Verbal Ability) which tests your logical as well as language skills along with the problem-solving ability.
But there is a frequent question that is being asked by aspirants is – Does IPMAT favor students from a Maths background? While any candidate having a strong background in mathematics can make the Quantitative Ability section easier, the previous data or past trends shows that students coming from the non-maths background have also secured high percentiles through strategy, consistent practice as well as focused preparation. This blog covers the IPMAT exam pattern 2026, compares maths vs non-maths background students as well as preparation strategy to do well in the IPMAT 2026 exam.
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IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Overview)
This section covers the expected IPMAT exam pattern 2026 according to the previous trends and analysis. First, we will discuss the IPMAT Indore exam pattern and then move forward with the IPMAT Rohtak exam pattern.
IPMAT Indore Exam Pattern
The IPMAT Indore has the most different exam pattern among all the IPMAT exams. This exam has a sectional cutoff, unlike others, also IPMAT Indore has a short-answer section where the questions have to be answered in the TITA (Type In The Answer) format. The following are the sections and the no. of questions in the IPMAT exam.
| Subjects | Questions | Time (in minutes) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (SA) | 15 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) | 30 | 40 |
| Verbal Ability | 45 | 40 |
| Total | 90 | 120 |
| SA- Short Answer MCQ- Multiple Choice Questions |
IPMAT Rohtak Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of the IPMAT Rohtak exam is quite different than IPMAT Indore. There’s no sectional cutoff in this exam and the whole paper consists of multiple-choice questions. The following are the sections and the no. of questions involved in the IPMAT Rohtak exam.
| Subjects | Questions | Time (in minutes) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 40 | 40 |
| Logical Reasoning | 40 | 40 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 40 | 40 |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Also Read : IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026
Does IPMAT Favor Students from Maths Background?
Many candidates think having a Maths background gives a competitive focus in the IPMAT exam, especially in the QA (Quantitative Ability) section. It is logically true that if any candidate is having prior knowledge of Geometry, Arithmetic as well as Algebra then covering these topics in the IPMAT is easier along with solving questions faster. The IPMAT exam is designed by the IIM Indore and the IIM Rohtak to assess overall aptitude including verbal skills as well as logical reasoning, so a strong maths background alone doesn’t guarantee to have success in the IPMAT exam.
On the other hand, the non-math candidates can equally perform well because IPMAT majorly covers maths till class 10th and mostly students having mathematics subject in their class 10th. Past trends or analysis shows that toppers coming from a different background proves the IPMAT overall rewards preparation, strategy as well as consistency over the academic background. Therefore, having the maths background can help candidates but it does not make or break any candidate’s chance in the IPMAT exam.
Maths vs Non-Maths Background Students in IPMAT
| Particulars | Maths Background Students | Non-Maths Background Students |
| Familiarity with Quantitative Concepts | High as they are more comfortable with algebra, arithmetic, geometry | moderate need extra practice for QA concepts |
| Speed in Solving QA Questions | Usually faster due to prior knowledge | May be slower initially, improves with practice |
| Accuracy in Calculations | Often high | Can improve with formulae and shortcuts |
| Verbal Ability Performance | Similar to non-maths students | Similar to maths students |
| Preparation Focus | Practice tricky questions & speed | Build QA fundamentals & focus on shortcuts |
Preparation Strategy for the IPMAT Exam 2026
There are some preparation strategy or tips mentioned below that help candidates in the IPMAT exam 2026.
- It is important to solve problems or questions daily to improve speed as well as accuracy for both the maths as well as non-maths students.
- Consistently works on the RCs (Reading Comprehensions), vocabulary as well as grammar to score well in the Verbal Ability section.
- Take mock tests after completing your IPMAT syllabus to actually reflect your practice with the real exam-like conditions and also to improve the time management.
- Revise formulae everyday and practice different calculation techniques to solve the Quantitative Ability section.
Conclusion: Does IPMAT favor students from Maths background?
While students who have strong maths concepts or background can make the overall QA (Quantitative Ability) section easier, the complete IPMAT exam is not dependent upon a single section. So, to succeed in the IPMAT exam students also have to focus on other sections along with the Quantitative Ability section. Ultimately, it is true that success in the exam depends on more preparation or practice rather than the academic background of a candidate.
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