IBSAT Exam Pattern 2024: Exam in December Last Week; Check Overall & Sectional Pattern, Marking Scheme, Key Features
Conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (a deemed to be University), IBSAT 2024 is an important MBA entrance exam. It is the gateway to MBA/PGPM 2025-27 at 9 campuses of ICFAI Business School (IBS) located at Hyderabad, Dehradun, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. ICFAI Foundation releases the updated IBSAT exam pattern, much before the start of application process in July. The application for IBSAT 2024 exam can be submitted online as well as offline till 3rd week of December 2024. Expected IBSAT 2024 exam dates are December 21 & 22, 2024
Latest Updates
- Total questions in IBSAT 2024 are 140
- Exam is divided into 4 sections: VA, RC, QA, DIDS
- Computer Based Test of 2 Hours Duration
- No Negative Marking in IBSAT 2024
Shared below are the key features of IBSAT exam pattern 2024, number of questions in each section, IBSAT Exam duration, IBSAT 2024 marking scheme, weightage of each section in exam and more
Table of Contents
1. What is IBSAT Exam Pattern? IBSAT Pattern 2024: Key Highlights
2. IBSAT Pattern 2024: Sections, Number & Type of Questions
3. IBSAT Exam Pattern 2024 for Verbal Ability
4. IBSAT Exam Pattern 2024 for Reading Comprehension
5. IBSAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Quantitative Aptitude
6. IBSAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
7. IBSAT 2024 Marking Scheme
8. Exam Pattern for IBSAT 2024: Important Points for Test Takers
9. IBSAT Pattern 2024: How to answer IBSAT question?
10. IBSAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Difficulty Level
11. No GK in IBSAT Syllabus and Pattern 2024
12. IBSAT Vs Other MBA Entrance Exams: Comparative Analysis
1. What is IBSAT Exam Pattern? IBSAT Pattern 2024: Key Highlights
IBSAT 2024 is the entrance exam for MBA admission in ICFAI Business School (IBS) Hyderabad and 9 other IBS campuses. IBSAT 2024 Question Paper has 4 sections, namely– Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency. For the convenience of the test takers to understand the structure of IBSAT exam, and prepare accordingly, it may be noted that IBSAT exam pattern is similar to other leading national level MBA entrance exams like XAT, NMAT, MAT, ATMA but IBSAT has a lower difficulty level and does not have negative marking. You need to ensure high score in the exam to get admission in top IBS Colleges. Below are shared the key highlights of IBSAT Exam Pattern:
IBSAT 2024 Highlights
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IBSAT Exam Particulars
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Key Details
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IBSAT 2024 Conducting Body
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ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (a deemed to be University)
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IBSAT Official Website
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ibsindia.org/
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IBSAT Full Form
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ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test
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Top MBA colleges under IBSAT
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IBS Hyderabad, IBS Mumbai, IBS Gurgaon, IBS Bengaluru, IBS Pune, IBS Ahmedabad, IBS Kolkata, IBS Dehradun, IBS Jaipur
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IBSAT Exam Date 2024
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December 23 & 24, 2024
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IBSAT Testing Mode
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Online computer based test
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IBSAT Exam Time Duration
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2 Hours
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Total Questions in IBSAT 2024
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140
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IBSAT 2024 Scoring Pattern
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+1 Mark for Correct answer, No negative marking
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Sectional Division of IBSAT Exam 2024
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4 Sections on VA, RC, QA, DADI
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Number of questions in Each Section
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VA-50; RC-30; QA-30; DA&DI-30
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Type of Questions in IBSAT 2024
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MCQs
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Does IBSAT 2024 have Sectional Time Limit?
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No, you can attempt any question from any section within overall time limit
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IBSAT Exam Difficulty Level
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Easy to Moderate
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Importance of Taking IBSAT 2024 exam
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Offers Admission opportunity in 9 ICFAI B-schools
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Required IBSAT exam Percentile for MBA admission in Top ICFAI Colleges
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80-85
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IBSAT exam application process
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Online & Offline
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How to Register for the Exam?
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Visit IBSAT official website and complete registration Or Apply Offline
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IBSAT Entrance Exam Application Fee
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Rs.1800
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Number of Times you can Take the IBSAT exam 2024
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Once
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IBSAT 2024 Preparation Strategy
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Best way to prepare is to improve skills
In English Language, Grammar, Vocabulary, Usage, RC Passage solving skills, Arithmetic and Data Interpretation
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2. IBSAT Pattern 2024: Sections, Number & Type of Questions
IBSAT Sectional Pattern for IBSAT 2024 exam is given below. The table shares the IBSAT exam pattern from Section-1 to Section-4, number and type of questions in each section and maximum scores
IBSAT 2024 Exam Pattern
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IBSAT Exam Component
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Verbal Ability
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50
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50
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Reading Comprehension
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30
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30
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Quantitative Aptitude
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30
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30
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Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation
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30
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30
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Total
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140
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140
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3. IBSAT Exam Pattern 2024 for Verbal Ability
The Verbal Ability section in IBSAT carries overall 36% Weightage in the exam. Out of total 140 questions, 50 questions are based on Verbal Ability. This VA section in IBSAT does not include Reading Comprehension which is a separate section. Below is shared the topic wise Verbal Ability sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual IBSAT questions that appeared in the exam to help you familiarise with the type of questions in IBSAT:
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: IBSAT 2023
Section: Verbal Ability
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions Appeared in 2023
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Verbal Ability
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Vocabulary
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Synonyms (5 Qs); Antonyms (5 Qs); Meaning of Idiom/Phrase (5)
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15
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Jumbled Paragraph
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Placing the Jumbled sentences in coherent paragraphs (5 Qs)
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5
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Fill in the Blanks
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Selecting appropriate words in the blank spaces of passage (5 Qs)
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5
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|
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Error Correction in Sentences based on Grammar and Tenses
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Spotting the error in sentences (5 Qs); Correction and replacement of part of sentences (10 Qs)
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15
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One Word Substitution
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Substituting a phrase/part of sentence with one word (5 Qs)
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5
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Reasoning
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Analogy – Word Relation
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5
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Total VA Questions
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--
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--
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50
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4. IBSAT Exam Pattern 2024 for Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension in IBSAT is a separate section and is not clubbed with Verbal Ability. The Reading Comprehension section in IBSAT carries overall 21% Weightage. Out of total 140 questions, 30 questions are based on Reading Comprehension only. The questions are based on long and short RC passages on different topics. Below is shared the topic wise Reading Comprehension sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual questions to help you familiarise with the type of questions:
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: IBSAT 2023
Section: Reading Comprehension
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions Appeared in 2023
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Reading Comprehension
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Includes Long and Short RC Passages on Literature, History, Business & Economics, Social Issues, Current Affairs
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Long RC Passages: 3 Passages of 600-700 words with 8Qs each;
Short RC Passage: 1 Passage of 500 Words followed by 6 questions
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30
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Total Questions
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--
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--
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30
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5. IBSAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude Section in IBSAT also carries overall 21% Weight in the exam. The section comprises 30 questions out of total 140 questions. Major topics on which questions are based include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number system among others. Below is shared the topic wise Quantitative Aptitude sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual questions to help you familiarise with the type of questions:
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: IBSAT 2023
Section: Quantitative Aptitude
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions Appeared in 2023
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Arithmetic
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TSD, T&W
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Time & Work (1 Q); Time Speed & Distance (2 Qs)
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3
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Arithmetic
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Percentage, Profit & Loss
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Profit and Loss (2 Qs), Percentages (4 Qs)
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6
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Algebra
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Equation, Formulae
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Equation and Other Topics (4 Qs)
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4
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Modern Math
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Probability, Log, Underroot
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Probability (2 Qs), Underroots (3 Qs)
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5
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Number System
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Dvisions, Multiples
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Divisibility, Factors, Multiplicity
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3
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Geometry
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Angles, Circles, Rectangles, Others
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Angles (2 Qs); Circles (2 Qs); Rectangles (1 Qs); Area/Circumference (1 Qs)
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6
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Trigonometry, Mensuration Etc
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Trigonometry (1 Q), Mensuration (2 Qs)
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3
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Total Questions
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---
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--
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30
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6. IBSAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
The Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency (DIDS) Section in IBSAT also carries overall 21% Weight in the exam. The section comprises 30 questions out of total 140 questions. Major topics on which questions are based include Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Tables, Problems with data followed by statement questions confirming data sufficiency among others. Below is shared the topic wise DIDS sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual questions to help you familiarise with the type of questions:
Exam Wise Section wise Topics & Types of Questions Table
Year: IBSAT 2023
Section: Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
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Sub-section/ Topic
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Type of Questions
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Description
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No of Questions Appeared in 2023
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Data Interpretation
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Bar Graphs, Data Table, Pie Chart
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Bar Graph (5 Qs); Data Table (5 Qs); Pie Chart (5 Qs)
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15
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Data Sufficiency
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Statements, Clocks & Calendars, Data Based Relations, Data Surveys
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Statements based on Data (2 Qs); Relationship (1 Q); Volume (1Q); Arithmetic based (2 Qs); Clocks, Calendar & Dates (2 Qs); Teams & Surveys (2 Qs); Geometry based (2 Qs); Data Divisibility (1 Q); Integer based statement (1 Q); Others (1 Q)
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15
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Total Questions
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--
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--
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30
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7. IBSAT 2024 Marking Scheme
Each correct answer is awarded +1 mark in IBSAT. There is no negative marking scheme in the exam. As such each wrong answer gets 0 mark but no deduction is made from the already obtained score.
8. Exam Pattern for IBSAT 2024: Important Points for Test Takers
The online computer based IBSAT 2024 exam Pattern with 2 hours of test duration on both exam days has following important points to note for test takers before taking the exam:
- Exam Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Number of Answer Options: 5
- Section Split: Only Exam with Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension with separate sections
- Maximum Weightage Section: Verbal Ability with 50 MCQs, all others have 30 MCQs each
- Negative Marking: No
- Sectional Time Limit: No Sectional Time Limit. You can switch from one section to other within overall time limit of 2 hours
- Scoring Pattern: +1 Mark for each correct answer and no marks for un attempted question or wrong answer
- IBSAT Cut off for IBS Hyderabad: Not Very High
9. IBSAT Pattern 2024: How to answer IBSAT question?
- You have to choose the correct answer option out of the multiple choices given below the question on the computer screen
- Click and Mark the correct answer option, save and proceed for next question
- Can make safe guess work. There is No penalty for Wrong answer
10. IBSAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Difficulty Level
Although IBSAT Exam pattern and Syllabus contains all the topics on which questions are asked in other MBA entrance exams also, the past IBSAT paper pattern reveals that IBSAT syllabus and pattern does not throw tough questions in the IBSAT exam.
11. No GK in IBSAT Syllabus and Pattern 2024
Unlike many other MBA entrance exams, like CMAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, there is no GK section in IBSAT exam pattern and syllabus. The IBSAT syllabus and pattern for each section does not ask you to prepare GK for the IBSAT test pattern, although it will be required to clear the final selection round of MBA colleges accepting IBSAT score.
12. IBSAT Vs Other MBA Entrance Exams: Comparative Analysis
IBSAT exam pattern as compared to XAT, NMAT, MAT, ATMA has many similarities. A comparative analysis of IBSAT Vs other Exams is shared below:
12.1 IBSAT Exam Pattern V/s XAT
IBSAT exam pattern 2024 and XLRI XAT have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their sectional and overall exam preparation. Still IBSAT pattern has a few dissimilarities as compared to XAT:
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Component
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IBSAT 2024 Paper Pattern
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XLRI – XAT Pattern
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Total Questions
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140
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101
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Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
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2 hours
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3 hours & 30 Minutes
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Question Format
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All MCQs
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100 MCQs + 1 Descriptive Essay Writing Test
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Answer Options for each MCQ
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5
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5
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Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer
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1
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1
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Negative Marking
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Not applicable
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0.25 mark; No negative marking for GK section
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Exam Difficulty Level
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Easy to Moderate
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Moderate to High
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Number of Sections
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4
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5
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Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
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Verbal Ability: 50
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English Language & Logical Reasoning- 26
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Section-2: Name and Number of Questions
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Reading Comprehension: 30
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Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation- 28
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Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
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Quantitative Ability:30
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Decision Making-21
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Section-4: Name and Number of Questions
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Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy: 30
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General Awareness-25
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Section-5: Name and Number of Questions
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Not Applicable
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Essay Writing Test-1 Question
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Sectional Score Not Counted for Percentile Calculation
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None
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General Awareness and Essay Writing Test
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Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions
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Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
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Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
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Individual Sectional Time Limit
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No
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No
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Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score
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IBS Hyderabad; IBS Dehradun; IBS Jaipur and other 6 ICFAI colleges
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XLRI, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, XIMB, Great Lakes, LIBA, BIMTECH, XIME among 150 B-schools
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12.2 IBSAT Exam Pattern V/s NMAT by GMAC
IBSAT exam pattern 2024 and NMAT by GMAC have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their sectional and overall exam preparation. Still IBSAT pattern has a few dissimilarities as compared to NMAT:
|
Component
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IBSAT Paper Pattern 2024
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NMAT by GMAC
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Total Questions
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140
|
108
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Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
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2 hours
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2 hours
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Question Format
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All MCQs
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All MCQs
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Answer Options for each MCQ
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5
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5
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Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer
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1
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1
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Negative Marking
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Not Applicable
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No Negative marking
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Exam Difficulty Level
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Easy to Moderate
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Moderate to High
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Number of Sections
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4
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3
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Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
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Verbal Ability: 50
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Language Skills-36
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Section-2: Name and Number of Questions
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Reading Comprehension: 30
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Logical Reasoning-36
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Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
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Quantitative Ability:30
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Quantitative Skills-36
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Section-4: Name and Number of Questions
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Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy: 30
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Not applicable
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Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions
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Yes, Any question from any section within overall time limit
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Yes, but once chosen the order, has to follow
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Individual Sectional Time Limit
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No
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Yes, varying time limit of 28 minutes to 52 minutes
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Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score
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IBS Hyderabad; IBS Dehradun; IBS Jaipur and other 6 ICFAI colleges
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NMIMS, VIT, XIMB, IBS-ICFAI,
MISB Bocconi, Alliance University
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12.3 IBSAT Exam Pattern V/s MAT
IBSAT exam pattern 2024 and AIMA MAT have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their sectional and overall exam preparation. Still IBSAT pattern has a few dissimilarities as compared to MAT:
|
Component
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IBSAT 2024 paper pattern
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MAT 2024
|
|
Total Questions
|
140
|
150
|
|
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
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2 Hours
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2 hours
|
|
Question Format
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All MCQs
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All MCQs
|
|
Answer Options for each MCQ
|
5
|
4
|
|
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer
|
1
|
1
|
|
Negative Marking
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Nil
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0.25 mark
|
|
Exam Difficulty Level
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Easy to Moderate
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
Number of Sections
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4
|
5
|
|
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
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Verbal Ability: 50
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Language Comprehension: 30
|
|
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions
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Reading Comprehension: 30
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Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: 30
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Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
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Quantitative Ability:30
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Data Analysis & Sufficiency: 30
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Section-4: Name and Number of Questions
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Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy: 30
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Mathematical Skills: 30
|
|
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions
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Not Applicable
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Economic & Business Environment: 30
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Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions
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Any question from any section within overall time limit
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Any question from any section within overall time limit
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Individual Sectional Time Limit
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No
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No
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|
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score
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IBS Hyderabad; IBS Dehradun; IBS Jaipur and other 6 ICFAI colleges
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Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 600 MBA colleges
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12.4 IBSAT Exam Pattern V/s ATMA
IBSAT exam pattern 2024 and AIMS ATMA exam have many similarities which give the opportunity to the candidates to synchronize their sectional and overall exam preparation. Still IBSAT pattern has a few dissimilarities as compared to ATMA:
|
Component
|
IBSAT 2024 paper pattern
|
ATMA 2024
|
|
Total Questions
|
140
|
180
|
|
Overall Time Limit to Attempt the Exam
|
2 hours
|
3 hours
|
|
Question Format
|
All MCQs
|
All MCQs
|
|
Answer Options for each MCQ
|
5
|
4
|
|
Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer
|
1
|
1
|
|
Negative Marking
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Nil
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0.25 mark
|
|
Exam Difficulty Level
|
Easy to Moderate
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
Number of Sections
|
4
|
6
|
|
Section-1: Name and Number of Questions
|
Verbal Ability: 50
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Analytical Reasoning Skills-1: 30
|
|
Section-2: Name and Number of Questions
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Reading Comprehension: 30
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Verbal Skills-1: 30
|
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Section-3: Name and Number of Questions
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Quantitative Ability:30
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Quantitative Skills-1: 30
|
|
Section-4: Name and Number of Questions
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Data Interpretation & Data Adequacy: 30
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Verbal Skills-2: 30
|
|
Section-5: Name and Number of Questions
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Not applicable
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Analytical Reasoning Skills-2: 30
|
|
Section-6: Name and Number of Questions
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Not applicable
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Quantitative Skills-2: 30
|
|
Facility to Choose Order of Sections & Questions
|
Yes, any question from any section within overall time limit
|
No, should follow pre defined order
|
|
Individual Sectional Time Limit
|
No
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Yes, 30 Minutes for each Section
|
|
Top MBA Colleges Accepting Exam Score
|
IBS Hyderabad; IBS Dehradun; IBS Jaipur and other 6 ICFAI colleges
|
PUMBA, Dy Patil, IFIM, Welingkar, Christ University, NDIM, DSIMS, IPE, IESMCRC, FIIB among 100 MBA colleges
|
