IPMAT Exam Pattern — Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT
Direct answer: The three IPMAT-route exams differ in structure. IIM Indore has QA Short-Answer, QA-MCQ and Verbal with a 40-minute sectional lock; IIM Rohtak adds Logical Reasoning with −1 across all sections and no lock; JIPMAT follows its official bulletin. Figures below are from the 2026-cycle module — re-verify before relying on them.
The three IPMAT exams at a glance
| Exam | Questions / Marks / Time | Sections | Sectional lock | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Indore | 90 Q · 360 marks · 120 min | QA-SA (15) · QA-MCQ (30) · VA (45) | 40 min / section | QA-SA: none · QA-MCQ & VA: −1 |
| IIM Rohtak | 120 Q · 480 marks · 120 min | QA · VA · LR (40 each) | None | −1 in all sections |
| JIPMAT (Jammu, Bodh Gaya) | 100 Q · 150 min | QA · DILR · VA | None | per official bulletin |
Exam & Marking
Frequently asked questions
What is IPMAT and which institutes use it?
IPMAT is the entrance test for five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) courses. IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak conduct their own IPMAT exams, while JIPMAT is used for IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. Each has its own pattern — verify the current structure on the official site.
Does IPMAT have negative marking?
Mostly yes. At IIM Indore, the Quantitative Aptitude Short-Answer section has no negative marking, while QA-MCQ and Verbal deduct −1 per wrong answer. IIM Rohtak applies −1 across all sections. Always attempt the no-negative SA section fully. Verify the current cycle officially.
Should I attempt every question in the IPMAT QA Short-Answer section?
Yes, at IIM Indore. The Short-Answer (type-in) section has no negative marking, so a blank is a guaranteed zero while a reasoned attempt can only help. Attempt all of them with your best approximation — there is no penalty for being wrong there.
What is the IPMAT Indore sectional time lock?
IIM Indore locks each section to a fixed 40-minute window; you cannot carry unused time between sections or return to a completed one. This means you must pace per section rather than across the whole paper. Confirm the current timing on iimidr.ac.in.
How does negative marking change my guessing strategy?
Under −1 marking, a blind guess among four options has a slightly positive expected value, but it is high-variance. Eliminating even one option shifts the odds clearly in your favour. So guess only after eliminating at least one choice; on no-negative sections, never leave a blank.
How is IPMAT Indore different from IIM Rohtak?
IIM Indore uses QA Short-Answer, QA-MCQ and Verbal with a 40-minute sectional lock and no negative marking on Short-Answer. IIM Rohtak adds Logical Reasoning, applies −1 across all sections and has no sectional lock — so you control your own time. Verify both for the current cycle.