Mathematics or Applied Mathematics is a compulsory subject in 10+2 for the five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong, IIFT Kakinada, etc. The IPM course is typically taken by students after class 12 to build a career in management. On completion of the course, you will receive management degrees.
IPM, being an MBA-equivalent course is subject to a high level of competition and difficult papers. In total, there are three main entrance exams for IPM, IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT.
Out of the three IPMAT exams, IPMAT Indore is the most difficult one, as its syllabus comprises higher mathematics topics and the paper includes subjective-type questions. There are a total of 3 sections in IPMAT, 2 of which are based on Quantitative Ability. Although there is no need to cover all the class 11 and 12 math topics, selected 8-9 topics will suffice.
To clear the IPMAT Indore exam, mathematics as a subject in class 10+2 plays a key role. If you don’t take math after class 10, you miss 50% of the options to study IPM. Basic maths chapters such as Algebra and Higher Mathematics topics like Permutations & Combinations or Set Theory are high-weighted in IPMAT Indore with 12+ questions every year as per the IPMAT Indore paper.
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Is Maths Compulsory for IPMAT?
Yes, mathematical aptitude is compulsory for IPMAT 2026, but mathematics as a subject is selectively compulsory. Out of the 10-15 colleges accepting IPMAT 2026, 3 colleges, namely, IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong and IIFT Kakinada, require maths or applied mathematics as a compulsory subject in 10+2. Mathematics, in general, plays a vital role in the IPMAT exam, especially within the eligibility requirements, exam pattern and overall performance of the candidate.
With a strong hold of mathematics concepts, students interested in IPM courses may significantly improve their chances of admission. IPMAT does not mandate maths, but having a deeper understanding of qualitative concepts helps build the following skills necessary to succeed in the IPMAT exam and IPM course.
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
- Pattern Recognition
- Boost Overall Exam Performance
- Helps in WAT and Interview Round
Role of Maths in the IPMAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams
Math plays an important role in not only the IPMAT exam but also other IPMAT exams such as IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT. Also, maths is important for management entrance exams beyond IPMAT, such as CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, NMAT, and so on. With respect to management entrance exams like IPMAT, mathematics knowledge is important.
IPMAT exam sections include QA topics such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and Data Interpretation to name a few. Although Math is not a compulsory requirement for IPMAT, without maths skills, students may struggle with speed, high scores or even accuracy. Topic-wise weightage for Quantitative Aptitude in IPMAT is covered in the tables below.
| IPMAT Indore Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus To Study | |
| Topics | Number of Questions Asked Every Year |
| Class 11 & 12 Math Topics | Most Important |
| Higher Mathematics | 12-13 |
| Algebra | 12+ |
| Arithmetic | 9+ (only 2-3 in IPMAT 2025) |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3+ (8+ Ques in IPMAT 2025) |
| Number System | 2+ |
| Integration, Differentiation, Limits, Derivatives & other topics from Class 11 and 12 Mathematics | Not asked in last 5 years |
Colleges That Do Not Require Math in 10+2 for IPM Admission
Despite these colleges accepting students with a non-math background, it is important to have basic knowledge of mathematics and 10+2-level mathematics. Here is a list of IPM colleges that do not require maths in 10+2 for IPM admission.
- IIM Indore
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- Nirma University
- TAPMI
- NFSU
- NALSAR
- IFMR
How Difficult Is It to Crack IPMAT As a Non-Math Student?
Every year, non-math students also crack IPMAT, similar to math students. Even if you can do it, the journey will be slightly difficult. While math background students find it easier to navigate IPMAT QA SA and QA MCQ sections (as per the IPMAT Indore exam pattern), non-math students must spend more time, hustle harder, focus on key topics, and remain consistent while preparing. There are no shortcuts to succeed in the IPMAT Indore or other IPMAT exams as a non-math student. It is crucial to focus on dedicated strategic IPMAT preparation.
| How to Crack IPMAT as a Non-Math Student | |
| Core Practice Areas | Details |
| Class 9-10 Math Concepts | 60–70% IPMAT questions are based on class 9th and 10th math fundamentals. |
| Advanced Mathematics | Basic understanding of Advanced Mathematics is crucial to crack IPMAT questions |
| Math Intensity | Around 30-35 questions out of 45 are based on 10th grade math concepts like arithmetic, number systems, profit & loss, and percentages. |
| Focus Areas | Arithmetic, Basic Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation |
| Put in Extra Hours | Spend about 5-6 months on understanding concepts like Probability, Permutation & Combination, and Functions. |
| Mock Tests | 3+ per week close to the exam day |
| Study Resources | Self study or join IPMAT online coaching classes |
Maths VS Non-Maths Students: Who Cracks IPMAT Easily
There is a common myth in the IPM ecosystem which states that ‘Non-math students cannot crack IPMAT Indore’. But if you take the IPMAT Indore question papers of the last 4-5 years and analyze them thoroughly, you’ll find that the questions test your analytical and problem solving skills instead of testing core mathematical proficiency of the candidate. Questions asked in IPMAT Quantitative Ability are based on the following topics:
- Numbers
- Divisibility
- HCF and LCM
- Remainders
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Time and Work
- Mixtures
- Averages
- Linear and Quadratic Equations
- Set Theory
Some of these topics are familiar to non-math students through class 9th and 10th CBSE syllabus. In the IPMAT 2023 paper, out of 15 questions in QA SA section, 4 questions tested Math concepts learnt in 9th and 10th. Similarly, in the IPMAT 2023 QA MCQ section, 11 questions out of 30 tested 9th and 10th level math concepts. As a non-math student, even if you know the basics of advanced math concepts, it is likely you’ll be able to solve 2-3 more questions in QA SA and 4-5 more in QA MCQs.
Is Math Compulsory for BA Economics Hons at DU?
For Commerce students, Economics is a mandatory subject in 10+2. The economics subject has slight hints of basic mathematics mainly based on statistics and simple calculations. But if you decide to pursue BA Economics, it is true that you will move deeper into mathematics. More mathematical equations and models will surface.
The biggest question which then arises is whether Math is compulsory for BA Economics course at DU in 2026? The answer is yes, Math is compulsory for studying BA Economics Hons at DU. Check the table below for BA Hons Eligibility which mandates Math subject in CUET.
| BA Hons Economics DU CUET Eligibility Criteria | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Candidates must appear in CUET in the following subject combination | Any one Language from List A (available on DU website) + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from List B (available on DU website, includes Mathematics) |
| Admission Based on Merit | Merit will be based on the best CUET scores obtained from any of the subject combinations mentioned above. |
Tips for Non-Maths Students to Crack IPMAT Indore
The most important tip is to analyze previous years’ IPMAT question papers, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and build self-confidence to be able to solve the paper as efficiently as math-background students. It is crucial to understand the IPMAT exam pattern and treat it as an aptitude test rather than a mathematics exam. The whole idea is that while math students are easily able to crack the IPMAT Indore exam, non-math students may have consistent practice to be able to crack the exam.
- Develop NCERT-level Mathematics basics from class 6 to 10th
- Try to score well in the VA section
- Focus on solving and analyzing mock tests before the main exam
- Join a good IPMAT coaching centre and utilise their resources for effective preparation
- Consistency is important for non-math students to be able to crack IPMAT Indore
Key Takeaway: What You’ll Miss Without Math in 10+2
Without Math as a compulsory subject in 10+2, you’ll not be able to apply for the IPM course at top colleges such as IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong, NMIMS, and IIT Mandi (accepts JEE Advanced with 12th scores for IPM admission). Here is a list of all the colleges which you will miss if you do not choose Math in 11th and 12th standard.
- IIM Shillong
- IIM Amritsar
- IIFT Kakinada
- IIT Mandi
- NMIMS Mumbai
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies
There is no doubt math is important for MBA admission entrance tests like IPMAT Indore. To be able to get admission into the IPM course at these colleges, you’ll need to work on your math skills like logical reasoning, data interpretation, calculations, pattern recognition and so on. Other IIM options which remain open for you despite a non-math background are given below.
- IIM Indore
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Bodh Gaya
Few non-IIM options open for non-math background candidates are as follows:
- Nirma University
- TAPMI
- NFSU
- NALSAR
- IFMR
