If you wish to get admission into an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) after Class 12, it is important to know that your scope is not limited to one option; therefore, it is wise to broaden your horizon. To explain this better, students aspiring to get admission in the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) must know that IIM Indore conducts the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) for admission to the institute. Similarly, IIM Rohtak offers admission to those who have appeared for and qualified in IPMAT Rohtak. IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya accept the Joint Integrated Program in Management (JIPMAT), which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Lastly, IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar, IIM Shillong, and various non-IIM institutes also accept students for their respective IPM programs through IPMAT Indore itself.
This means that to be eligible for all the IIMs, you will be required to appear and qualify for three entrance examinations, namely IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT. In this article, Hitbullseye aims to tell you that with a well-planned schedule, very little tweaking, and huge motivation, you can prepare effectively and be eligible for more than five IIMs for their IPM Program. Bonus… a dual degree from an IIM (BBA+MBA) without having to compete for one of the most competitive entrance exams, the Common Admission Test (CAT)
The IPMAT and JIPMAT 2027 notifications are not out as of September 2026. Therefore, the below-listed dates are have been drawn tentatively after observing last year's trends. The pattern below is the 2026 working model, those aiming to seek some direction and inspiration can consult the table below.
JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: What Each Paper Expects…
The following table gives you a clear and readable view of all the three entrance exams. The table holds the name of the conducting agency, the IIMs that accept the required score, and the testing criteria.
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Exam Name
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Conducting Agency
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Accepting IIMs
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Admission Process
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IPMAT Indore
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IIM Indore
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- IIM Indore
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Shillong
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Written test + PI
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IPMAT Rohtak
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IIM Rohtak
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IIM Rohtak
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Written test + PI + Class 10/12
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JIPMAT
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NTA
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- No PI required
- IIM Jammu considers academics
- IIM Bodh Gaya relies on JIPMAT score
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Please note that in order to appear for all of these entrance exams, the aspirant will be required to do separate registrations. IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and the NTA have their own application process, form, fees, and admit cards. Further, the aspirant will also be required to fill up IIM Shillong and IIM Amritsar admission forms separately in due time to be eligible for admission to their IPM program.
JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: A Fair Comparison
Now that you have an idea of the basics of all three exams, it is important to understand the detailed exam pattern, sectional division, marking scheme, and other important highlights of the entrance exam. To do so comfortably, it is wise to have a side-by-side comparison of all three exams, which is listed below:
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IPMAT Indore
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IPMAT Rohtak
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JIPMAT
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Duration
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120 Minutes
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120 Minutes
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150 Minutes
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Questions
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90 Questions
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120 Questions
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100 Questions
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Total marks
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360 Marks
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480 Marks
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400 Marks
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Question type
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MCQ + Short Answer for QA
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All MCQ
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All MCQ
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Sections
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- Quantitative Ability (SA)
- Quantitative Ability (MCQ)
- Verbal Ability (MCQ)
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- Quantitative Ability
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability
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- Quantitative Ability
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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Sectional Division
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Marking Scheme
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- +4 for every correct answer
- −1 on incorrect MCQs
- No negative marking for SA
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- +4 for every correct answer
- −1 on incorrect answer
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- +4 for every correct answer
- −1 on incorrect answer
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Sectional Timing
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Yes, 40 minutes per section
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Yes, 40 minutes per section
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No sectional time limit
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JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: The Common Aspect
If you are committed to appear for all the three entrance examinations, it is important to know that you do not need three separate books for the similar section in all three exams. However, in order to make that smart decision, it is important to understand which sections are common.
The difficulty level in all three entrance exams sits close to the Class 10–11 syllabus. The main topics in the section include percentages, ratios, averages, time-speed-distance, time and work, profit-loss, linear and quadratic equations, basic geometry, numbers, and progressions. Additionally, JIPMAT’s official 2026 bulletin stated that the QA section tests understanding and application of concepts up to Class 10 mathematics. Indore goes further into algebra and higher-school problem solving, which is why the short-answer section exists. Therefore, a smart hack lies in buying one Quant book to start with the basics, one preparation strategy and one practice notebook.
Further, Verbal Ability is similar in nature for all three entrance examinations; however, there are some minor differences that need attention. Start by building a common reading habit for all three exams. Additionally, the common topics also stretch to passages, vocabulary in context, grammar, and para-jumbles. IPM’s Verbal Ability section rewards clean comprehension under a clock. If those two blocks are strong, two of the three papers are already half-built.
JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: The Difference
- IPMAT Indore’s Short Answer QA section
Fifteen questions, timed at 40 minutes, answers of which need to be typed in. This section is unique to IIM Indore’s IPMAT. If unaware of the pattern, it is obvious that the candidate is unprepared and ends up underperforming. Therefore, it is important to be better informed and prepare accordingly for this section. In an effort to mention an added benefit, it is wise to attempt all the questions since there is no negative marking. This makes the section highly scoreable.
- Rohtak’s Logical Reasoning is a unique section in the paper
IPMAT Rohtak gives you 40 MCQs of Logical Reasoning, with topics like arrangements, series, blood relations, directions, coding-decoding, syllogisms and sets. That part is unique and has no similarity to other entrance exams. Indore tests only Quant and Verbal abilities. JIPMAT does test reasoning, but it mixes it with tables and graphs under the name DILR.
So if your weekly plan is only sums and reading comprehension, Rohtak’s middle section will feel new during the entrance exam. You cannot “pick it up from Quant.” Therefore, it is recommended that you practice one or two LR sets during the week.
- JIPMAT’s extra half hour is not extra comfort
JIPMAT is 100 questions in 150 minutes, with no section lock. The middle block is DILR: 33 questions of tables, charts and logic. Marking scheme is the same as IPMAT Rohtak, with the total number of questions split as 33 for QA, 33 for DILR, and 34 for VARC.
The extra 30 minutes look generous after Indore’s two-hour lock. They are not. With no section timing, students sink 20 minutes into one DI set and then rush Verbal. Write JIPMAT as its own paper: decide a time split before you start, and leave a set that does not open. Do not treat it as “Indore, but longer.”
- The scorecard is not the end; except at two campuses
After IPMAT Indore or Rohtak, the selection process is not over. IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar and IIM Shillong still call you for a personal interview. The written score only gets you into that room. On the other hand, IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya do not interview. Admission is built on the JIPMAT score (Jammu also uses Class 10 and 12 marks). That is why a JIPMAT number that would only be a PI shortlist at Indore can become a seat at Jammu.
Use that fact when you rank campuses. Do not use it as an excuse to write a sloppy paper. No PI still means the score must be evaluated on its own.
- Eligibility is not one sentence
“Any stream can apply” is true for IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya in the recent cycle. However, this rule is not true for all institutions in the IPMAT Indore umbrella.
- IIM Amritsar requires the student to have chosen Mathematics or Applied Mathematics in Class 12.
- IIM Shillong has required Mathematics or Applied Mathematics in Classes 11 and 12, with a higher boards bar (70% General in the 2026 policy).
- Age cut-offs are written as dates of birth, not “under 20,” and they differ by campus and category.
Therefore, it is important to read the official IIM page for accurate information on the eligibility criteria and other important details.
JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: How to Prepare Once & Sit Thrice?
Treat IPMAT Indore as the main exam. It is the hardest Quant paper, the only one with short answers, and the score that travels to IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar, and IIM Shillong.
Add two IPMAT Rohtak-only habits:
- Two or three LR sets a week; arrangements and grouping, not only critical reasoning
- One full 120-question Rohtak mock every fortnight from January, so that 120 items in 120 minutes feels normal.
Add two JIPMAT-only habits:
- One timed DILR set a week
- Starting in February, students should complete one 150-minute paper each month, allocating approximately 50 minutes for QA, 45 minutes for DILR, and 40 minutes for VARC, with additional time for review.
Lastly, keep Verbal and arithmetic sets common for all three exams.
JIPMAT, IPMAT Rohtak & Indore: A Tentative Timeline
If you start today, you have roughly seven months before your first IPM Entrance Exam is tentatively expected to be held. That timeline is tight if your Quant skills are weak; however, a good score is achievable if your reading and Class 10 maths skills are already in place. Nevertheless, it is important that you start now in order to get admission to your desired IIM. The following pointers outline a broad timeline you can use as inspiration if you plan to take one or all three IPM Entrance Examinations:
- October-December 2026: Start with foundation subjects and their concepts. Practice Quant, RC, and a bit of LR daily.
- January-March 2027: Keep an eye on application forms. IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak applications are expected to open around February, with JIPMAT being the last in the list, around April. So, it is important to check official websites for the latest notifications. Additionally, preparation-wise, it is vital that you have finished clearing up the concepts and are now working on appearing for mock tests and practice papers.
- April 2027: Since most candidates must be in Class 12, this is the time to shift your focus towards boards first. However, if you can devote time, keep it going with light QA-SA and LR so you stay in practice.
- May 2027: The month that asks you to appear for IPMAT Indore, then Rohtak, on respective days. Therefore, it is important to separate the entrance exams and appear accordingly.
- Early June 2027: Tentatively, the month for the JIPMAT entrance exam.
To conclude, remember that you do not need three separate attention spans. You need one Quant habit, one reading habit, a weekly LR hour, typed short-answer practice, and the humility to change tempo across three weekends. Register on each portal when it opens. Count the days without flinching. Prepare the common core once. Sit thrice.
Watch the official pages for 2027 dates and any pattern note. Until those PDFs exist, train on the 2026 papers. That is the closest official description you have.
All the best for those appearing in 2027…