top of page

365d

24h

60m

60s

IPMAT Countdown

IPMAT 2028 Complete Guide — Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Preparation Strategy

  • Apr 2
  • 12 min read

Updated: Apr 13

If you are a Class 11 or Class 12 student with a dream of studying at an IIM, you do not have to wait until graduation. IPMAT 2028 is your direct entry point into an IIM at age 17–18 — and this guide covers everything you need to know about it.

From exam dates and eligibility to the complete syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and real student success stories from Headache Tutorials — including Tanisq Chouhan who scored AIR 1 in JIPMAT and Jayant Prajapat who received 12 IIM calls in CAT 2025 — this is the only IPMAT 2028 guide you will need.

What is IPMAT?

IPMAT stands for Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test. It is the entrance exam for the 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) — a dual-degree programme that combines a BBA and MBA into a single course offered by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. You enter after Class 12 and graduate with an IIM degree at age 22–23.

Why IPMAT Is a Game Changer

You enter an IIM at 17–18 years old. You graduate with an IIM MBA-equivalent degree at 22–23. You save 3–4 years compared to the traditional CAT route. Placement packages from IIM Indore IPM are comparable to regular IIM MBA batches. The brand value of IIM on your CV starts from Day 1 of your career — not after 5–7 years of waiting.

Two Separate Exams — Indore and Rohtak

IPMAT is not a single centralised exam. IIM Indore conducts IPMAT Indore for its 5-Year IPM programme, and IIM Rohtak independently conducts IPMAT Rohtak for its own IPM programme. Both exams have different patterns, different dates, and different eligibility criteria. You can — and should — apply for both in 2028.

IPMAT 2028 Expected Exam Dates

Based on patterns from 2022 to 2025, here are the expected important dates for IPMAT 2028. Always verify on official websites — iimcat.ac.in for Indore and iimrohtak.ac.in for Rohtak.

IIM Indore IPMAT 2028 Schedule

Official Notification Release: January 2028 | Registration Opens: February 2028 | Registration Closes: March 2028 | Admit Card Release: April 2028 | IPMAT Exam Date: First week of May 2028 (approx. May 3–5) | Result Declaration: June 2028 | Personal Interview (PI) Round: June–July 2028 | Final Merit List: July 2028 | Programme Commencement: July–August 2028.

IIM Rohtak IPMAT 2028 Schedule

Official Notification Release: February 2028 | Registration Opens: February–March 2028 | Registration Closes: April 2028 | Admit Card Release: April 2028 | IPMAT Exam Date: Second week of May 2028 (approx. May 10–12) | Result Declaration: June 2028 | WAT-PI Round: June–July 2028 | Final Merit List: July 2028.

IPMAT 2028 Eligibility Criteria

IIM Indore IPMAT 2028 Eligibility

Minimum marks in Class 12: 60% aggregate for General and OBC-NC candidates, 55% for SC/ST/PwD. Stream: Any (Science, Commerce, or Arts). Age limit: Born on or after August 1, 2008. No attempt limit — you can appear every year. Class 12 students appearing in final board exams in 2028 are eligible to apply provisionally.

IIM Rohtak IPMAT 2028 Eligibility

Minimum marks in Class 10: 60% for General/OBC-NC, 55% for SC/ST/PwD. Minimum marks in Class 12: 60% for General/OBC-NC, 55% for SC/ST/PwD. Age limit: Maximum 20 years as of June 30, 2028. Stream: Any. Key difference from Indore — IIM Rohtak also requires 60% in Class 10, not just Class 12.

IPMAT 2028 Exam Pattern — Detailed Breakdown

IIM Indore IPMAT 2028 Pattern

IIM Indore's IPMAT has three sections: Quantitative Ability MCQ (30 questions, 40 minutes), Quantitative Ability Short Answer — SA (15 questions, 40 minutes), and Verbal Ability MCQ (45 questions, 40 minutes). Total: 90 questions in 120 minutes.

Marking Scheme — IIM Indore: MCQ questions carry +4 for correct and -1 for incorrect. Short Answer (SA) questions carry +4 for correct and zero for incorrect — there is NO negative marking on SA questions. This makes the SA section extremely valuable. Always attempt all 15 SA questions, even when you are not fully confident in your answer.

IIM Rohtak IPMAT 2028 Pattern

IIM Rohtak's pattern has three equal sections: Quantitative Ability (40 questions, 40 minutes), Logical Reasoning (40 questions, 40 minutes), and Verbal Ability (40 questions, 40 minutes). Total: 120 questions in 120 minutes. Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect across all sections. Key difference: Rohtak includes a dedicated Logical Reasoning section which Indore does not have.

IPMAT 2028 Syllabus — Complete Topic List

Quantitative Ability (QA) Syllabus

Arithmetic (Highest Priority — 35–40% of QA): Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Mixtures and Alligations, Partnership.

Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities and Modulus, Functions and Graphs, Logarithms, Progressions (AP and GP). Geometry and Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, 2D and 3D Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry. Number System: Divisibility, Factors, HCF/LCM, Remainders, Cyclicity, Prime Numbers. Modern Mathematics: Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory.

Verbal Ability (VA) Syllabus

Reading Comprehension: Factual and inference-based passages, author's tone and attitude, main idea, vocabulary in context. Grammar: Subject-verb agreement, Tenses, Prepositions, Articles, Error identification. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms, word usage, Fill in the blanks, Idioms and phrases. Verbal Reasoning: Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Sentence completion, Odd sentence out.

Logical Reasoning Syllabus (IIM Rohtak Only)

Linear and Circular Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output, Direction Sense, Scheduling and Timetabling, Puzzles and Constraint-based problems. If you are targeting both Indore and Rohtak, ensure you dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to LR practice.

Seats, Competition and Acceptance Rate

IIM Indore offers approximately 150 seats with 30,000–40,000 applicants each year — an acceptance rate of roughly 0.4–0.5%. IIM Rohtak offers approximately 180–200 seats with 14,000–20,000 applicants — an acceptance rate of roughly 1–1.5%. IPMAT is highly competitive, but unlike JEE, it tests speed, accuracy, and strategic thinking — skills that improve significantly with structured coaching and consistent mock practice.

IPMAT vs JIPMAT — What Is the Difference?

IPMAT is conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak independently for their own IPM programmes. JIPMAT is conducted by NTA and is used for admission to IIM Jammu and IIM Bodhgaya's IPM programmes. JIPMAT is generally considered slightly less competitive than IPMAT Indore but equally valuable for students targeting those institutes. Our student Tanisq Chouhan scored AIR 1 in JIPMAT — proof that with the right coaching and preparation strategy, top ranks are achievable in any of these exams.

Complete IPMAT 2028 Preparation Strategy

When Should You Start Preparing?

Class 11 (2 years before): Ideal — thorough conceptual building plus extensive mock practice time. Class 12 (12 months before): Sufficient with structured coaching and daily discipline. 6 months before: Possible but requires 5–6 hours of intensive study every day. 3 months before: Very challenging — only feasible if a strong base already exists. The earlier you begin, the more thoroughly you can build fundamentals before shifting to intensive mock practice.

Phase 1 — Foundation (Months 1 and 2)

Focus: Build conceptual clarity. Do not rush into mocks yet. For QA: Begin with NCERT Maths (Class 9–10) to refresh basics. Cover Arithmetic first — Percentages, Ratio, Time-Speed-Distance. For VA: Start reading English daily — The Hindu editorials, Mint Lounge, and online essays. A minimum of 2 articles per day. Do not skip this habit — it is the foundation of your VA score. For LR (Rohtak aspirants): Practice basic seating arrangements and simple puzzles.

Phase 2 — Core Preparation (Months 3 and 4)

Focus: Complete the full syllabus. Introduce timed practice. For QA: Move to RS Aggarwal and Arun Sharma. Cover Algebra, Geometry, Number System. For VA: Begin RC passages — 2 per day, timed. Add Para Jumbles practice. Use Norman Lewis for vocabulary building. For LR: Intermediate puzzles — blood relations, syllogisms, coding-decoding. Take your first full-length IPMAT mock at the end of Month 3. Use results as a diagnostic tool, not a performance measure.

Phase 3 — Intensive Practice (Month 5)

Focus: Mock tests 2–3 times per week with deep error analysis. Take one full-length IPMAT mock every 3 days. Spend equal time on mock analysis — identify error types: conceptual gap, careless mistake, or time pressure. For the SA section in Indore: practice writing numerical answers quickly and cleanly. Build a topic-wise error log and revisit flagged topics every week without fail.

Phase 4 — Final Sprint (Month 6)

Focus: Consistency, peak performance, and exam-day readiness. Take 3 or more full-length mocks per week. Introduce no new topics — revision and application only. Practice strict time management: 40 minutes per section is enforced. Simulate exam-day conditions — same time of day, no phone, no interruptions. Sleep 7–8 hours every night. Fatigue is the single biggest enemy of accuracy on exam day.

Tanisq Chouhan — AIR 1 in JIPMAT (Headache Tutorials Student)

Tanisq Chouhan is one of Headache Tutorials' most celebrated alumni. Starting his preparation in Class 11, Tanisq followed a structured two-year approach — building his conceptual foundation in the first year, then shifting to intensive mock practice in Class 12. His preparation was methodical: heavy focus on Arithmetic and Algebra first, a daily reading habit maintained for 18 months, mock tests begun only after completing the full syllabus, and more time spent analysing mocks than taking them.

The result was AIR 1 in JIPMAT — the highest rank in the national exam. Tanisq's advice: "Start with the basics. Do not jump to shortcuts before you understand the concept. And never underestimate the Short Answer section — those 15 questions with no negative marking can completely change your score."

Jayant Prajapat — 12 IIM Calls in CAT 2025 (Headache Tutorials Student)

Jayant Prajapat received 12 IIM calls in CAT 2025 — a result of the same systematic methodology that Headache Tutorials teaches. His preparation followed strict fundamentals first, rigorous mock analysis, section-balanced preparation, and a consistent daily routine maintained over 12 months. His story proves a fundamental truth: preparation structure beats raw talent, every time. The same principles that produced Jayant's CAT result apply equally to IPMAT preparation.

Recommended Books and Resources for IPMAT 2028

QA Foundation: NCERT Maths Class 9–10. QA Core: RS Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude. QA Advanced: Arun Sharma — Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. VA Foundation: Norman Lewis — Word Power Made Easy. VA and RC Practice: Previous year IPMAT question papers (2019–2025). Logical Reasoning (Rohtak): RS Aggarwal — A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning. Mock Tests: Headache Tutorials IPMAT mock series (Indore + Rohtak patterns).

After IPMAT — What Happens Next?

Clearing the IPMAT written exam is only Step 1. IIM Indore then shortlists candidates for a Personal Interview (PI) conducted on campus. Final selection is based on written test score plus PI performance plus academic record. IIM Rohtak shortlists candidates for a WAT (Written Ability Test) followed by a PI. Final selection combines written score, WAT-PI performance, and Class 10 and 12 academic record.

Career Prospects After IPM from IIM

Graduates of the 5-Year IPM programme are placed in the same companies that recruit from regular IIM MBA batches — top consulting firms, investment banking and financial services, product management at tech companies, FMCG brand management, and entrepreneurship. Average placement packages from IIM Indore IPM graduates have consistently been strong, with many students placed at packages exceeding Rs 15–20 LPA at the undergraduate level — an outcome that would take a conventional student 7–9 years to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions — IPMAT 2028

What is the IPMAT 2028 exam date for IIM Indore?

IPMAT 2028 for IIM Indore is expected in the first week of May 2028, approximately around May 3–5, 2028. The official date will be announced in the notification expected in January 2028. Always verify confirmed dates on iimcat.ac.in.

Can Arts and Commerce students apply for IPMAT 2028?

Yes. IPMAT is open to students from all streams — Science, Commerce, and Arts. There is no stream restriction for either IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak. The only academic requirement is a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12 (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).

Can I apply to both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak in the same year?

Yes. Since IPMAT Indore and IPMAT Rohtak are conducted on different dates, you can appear for both exams in 2028. Most serious aspirants apply to both and prepare for both patterns simultaneously, since QA and VA preparation is common to both exams.

Is there an age limit for IPMAT 2028?

IIM Indore requires candidates to be born on or after August 1, 2008 for the 2028 exam. IIM Rohtak requires candidates to be a maximum of 20 years of age as of June 30, 2028. Both criteria effectively target Class 12 students and recent pass-outs.

How many seats are available in IPMAT 2028?

IIM Indore offers approximately 150 seats in the IPM programme. IIM Rohtak offers approximately 180–200 seats. Both programmes are extremely competitive with thousands of applicants competing for each seat. Starting early and preparing with a structured strategy significantly improves your odds.

Is IPMAT harder than JEE?

IPMAT and JEE test completely different skills. JEE tests deep conceptual knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. IPMAT tests speed, accuracy, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. A student who is strong in English, has solid arithmetic fundamentals, and practises consistently under timed conditions can crack IPMAT — regardless of whether they come from Science, Commerce, or Arts background.

What is the IPMAT 2028 application fee?

Based on previous years, the IPMAT Indore application fee is approximately Rs 4,130 for General and OBC-NC candidates and Rs 2,065 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. IIM Rohtak has a similar fee structure. Exact fees for 2028 will be confirmed in the official notification.

What is the difference between IPMAT and JIPMAT?

IPMAT is conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak independently for their own IPM programmes. JIPMAT is conducted by NTA for admission to IIM Jammu and IIM Bodhgaya. JIPMAT is generally considered slightly less competitive than IPMAT Indore, but it is equally rigorous. Our student Tanisq Chouhan scored AIR 1 in JIPMAT through Headache Tutorials' coaching programme.

How many attempts are allowed for IPMAT?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts. However, the age limit effectively restricts most candidates to 2–3 attempts — Class 12 appearing, Class 12 passed, and one additional year if the age criterion is still met. Most students who prepare seriously crack IPMAT within their first or second attempt.

What is a good score to get into IIM Indore through IPMAT 2028?

Based on previous years, a score of approximately 220 or above out of 360 (around 61%) is typically required to clear the IIM Indore IPMAT written test and receive a PI call. The actual cutoff varies each year based on exam difficulty and the number of applicants. Strong performance in the SA section (no negative marking) can significantly boost your score.

Is coaching necessary for IPMAT 2028?

Coaching significantly improves your chances by providing structured preparation, quality mock tests, and expert guidance. Disciplined self-study with the right resources is also viable. However, structured coaching gives you the framework to channel your effort effectively — which is why our student Tanisq Chouhan (AIR 1 JIPMAT) attributes his result to the systematic approach taught at Headache Tutorials.

When should I start preparing for IPMAT 2028?

If you are in Class 11 now (April 2026), you have approximately 24 months — the ideal starting point. If you are entering Class 12, start immediately — 12 months is sufficient with focused coaching. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to build fundamentals before switching to intensive mock practice in the final 3–4 months.

Can I prepare for IPMAT and board exams simultaneously?

Yes — and this is the reality for most Class 12 students. IPMAT preparation actually overlaps significantly with board syllabus in Mathematics and English. The key is structured time management. Many students find that IPMAT preparation strengthens their board exam performance as well, particularly in Maths.

What happens if I clear IPMAT but score below 60% in Class 12 boards?

To join the IPM programme, you must meet the minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 — 60% for General category candidates. If you clear IPMAT but score below this in your board exams, your admission offer will be withdrawn. Board preparation cannot be neglected under any circumstances.

Is the IPMAT Rohtak selection process different from Indore?

Yes. IIM Rohtak conducts a WAT (Written Ability Test) in addition to the Personal Interview, while IIM Indore only conducts a PI. Both institutes consider the IPMAT written score, interview performance, and academic record in Class 10 and 12 when building the final merit list.

Start Your IPMAT 2028 Journey with Headache Tutorials

Headache Tutorials has produced Tanisq Chouhan (AIR 1 in JIPMAT) and Jayant Prajapat (12 IIM calls in CAT 2025). Our IPMAT 2028 coaching programme includes a structured topic-wise curriculum from Class 11 or 12, 80+ full-length IPMAT mock tests for both Indore and Rohtak patterns, dedicated Short Answer section training, Personal Interview preparation and mock PI sessions, one-on-one mentorship from IIM alumni, and weekly progress tracking with doubt-resolution sessions.

The journey to your IIM dream begins right here. Tanisq got AIR 1. Your rank is waiting to be written.


Frequently Asked Questions — IPMAT 2028 Complete Guide


What is IPMAT 2028?

IPMAT (Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test) 2028 is the entrance exam for the 5-year IPM (Integrated Programme in Management) at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. It allows students after Class 12 to directly enter a prestigious management programme without a separate MBA entrance exam later.


What is the IPM programme at IIM Indore?

IPM at IIM Indore is a 5-year integrated programme (3 years BBA + 2 years MBA). Students who complete all 5 years receive an MBA degree from IIM Indore. The first 3 years are in Indore, and students may go abroad for exchange. It is one of the most prestigious undergraduate management programmes in India.


How many seats are available in IPMAT 2028?

IIM Indore IPM has approximately 150-160 seats. IIM Rohtak has around 120 seats. There are also seats at IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sirmaur, and IIM Ranchi through JIPMAT. Total IPM seats across all IIMs combined are around 500-600.


What is the difference between IPMAT and JIPMAT?

IPMAT is conducted by IIM Indore for its own IPM programme. JIPMAT is a separate exam conducted by NTA for IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. IPMAT is harder and more prestigious. A student can appear in both. JIPMAT also accepts scores for IIM Sirmaur and IIM Ranchi.


What is a good score in IPMAT 2028?

Based on previous year cutoffs: 200+ out of 400 is generally considered a competitive score for IIM Indore shortlist. Top candidates score 250-320. For IIM Rohtak via IPMAT, 180+ is typically sufficient for shortlist. Scores vary year to year based on difficulty and competition.


What is the IPMAT 2028 selection process?

Selection process: Step 1 — IPMAT exam (May 2028). Step 2 — Shortlist based on sectional and overall cutoffs. Step 3 — Personal Interview at IIM Indore campus. Step 4 — Final merit list based on IPMAT score (approx 60%) + PI (approx 25%) + academic profile (approx 15%).


Can I prepare for IPMAT 2028 and Class 12 boards simultaneously?

Yes, and it is the recommended approach. Class 12 Maths directly overlaps with IPMAT QA. English boards help VA. The main additions are Arithmetic (P&L, TSD, SI/CI) and practice with MCQ speed. With a structured plan of 1.5-2 hours daily for IPMAT alongside boards, both are achievable.


What are the career prospects after IPM at IIM Indore?

IPM graduates get full access to IIM Indore's placement process. Average packages are ₹20-25 LPA for BBA completers (after 3 years) and ₹28-35 LPA for MBA completers (after 5 years). Top recruiters include McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and leading Indian conglomerates.


 
 
 

Related Posts

See All

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
Study group

Join Whats app Group

Join our WhatsApp group for free materials and classes plus doubt clearing. Enhance your knowledge in a supportive community!

Female Teacher during a Math Class

Free classes 

Join our free classes and learn from best faculty with time saving short cuts 

bottom of page