Strategic planning and concentrated efforts are required for preparation for the IBSAT 2025 exam. Knowing the exam format and syllabus is key to knowing what is expected of you. Take a diagnostic mock test early in your preparation to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Build up your strong fundamentals in the weak areas using trusted books and curated study material. This article provides you an organized path to prepare in a systematic manner for the IBSAT exam. If you are systematic and focused, you will approach the exam confidently and with clarity.
IBSAT 2025 – Important Dates & Events
Event | Date(s) |
Notification & Application Start | July 1, 2025 |
Mock Tests Begin | Aug 31, 2025 (until Dec 7) |
Registration Closes | Mid‑December 2025 (~3rd week) |
Admit Cards Released | Dec 23, 2025 |
Exam Dates | Dec 27–28/29, 2025 |
Answer Key Release | Jan 2–3, 2026 |
Results & Scorecards | Jan 3–5, 2026 |
Selection Briefings (Group Discussion & Micro-presentation) | Jan 2–3 weeks, 2026 in ~70 cities |
Selection Process (PI & Micro-Presentation) | From Feb 2026, especially at IBS Hyderabad |
IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Section-wise Breakdown of Questions and Marks
The IBSAT 2025 exam pattern consists of a total of 140 MCQs (multiple-choice questions) designed to determine a candidate's aptitude in key areas. The test is divided into four primary sections which will be: Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. Verbal ability carries the most weightage, signifying the importance of strong communication skills to the exam; each question is a 1 mark question. There is no negative marking on the test. Each section is defined below in terms of the total number of questions and marks for IBSAT 2025 exam.
IBSAT Exam Pattern 2025
Exam Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
Verbal Ability | 50 | 50 |
Reading Comprehension | 30 | 30 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 |
Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation | 30 | 30 |
Total | 140 | 140 |
Books for IBSAT Preparation
Books | Authors/ Publishers |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT and MBA Entrance Examination | Nishit. K. Sinha |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback | Wilfred Funck & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster |
CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Gautam Puri |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT | Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT and MBA Entrance Examination | TIME |
Tuesday with Morrie | Mitch Albom |
Verbal Ability & Comprehension for CAT/XAT/GMAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank PO/SSC | Bharat Patodi and Aditya Choudhary |
IBSAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Highlights
Exam Structure | Details on IBSAT 2024 |
Exam mode | Home-proctored test mode |
Time alloted | 120 minutes |
Number of questions | 140 MCQs |
Total marks | 140 |
Number of sections | four sections |
Marking scheme |
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IBSAT 2025 Syllabus: All Section Topics to Study
The IBSAT 2025 syllabus aims to evaluate the analytical ability, language skills, and numerical ability of a candidate through multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the medium of English. The Exam is divided into four sections: Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency. Understanding important topics under each section is necessary in order to study strategically. The Verbal section has the largest number of questions, but all sections will contribute equally to a candidate's final score. The following sections provide important topics from each section to study:
Verbal Ability
- English Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary and One-word Substitutes
- Sentence Formation and Sentence Completion
- Idioms and Phrases
- Paragraph-Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement
Reading Comprehension
- 4 unseen passages
- Questions are based on inference, tone, and vocabulary of the passage
- Passage length can be long or short
- Skills tested include reading, understanding, and analysis
- Time management is essential, especially when reading a passage
Quantitative Ability
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work)
- Number System and Simplification
- Algebra (Equations, Expressions)
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Averages, Ratios, and Proportions
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
- Interpreting the graphs, charts, and tables
- Data Trends and Data Comparisons
- Caselets and Pie Charts
- Data Questions that are logically reasoning based
- Data Sufficiency - will test a candidate's analytical judgment
6-Month IBSAT 2025 Preparation Plan: A Strategic Phase-Wise Approach
Preparing for the IBSAT 2025 in 6 months is realistic and will work if you follow a smart, phase-wise study strategy. Preparing in three phases makes it easier to manage time, study the syllabus and practice for the exam. The first one is to study the syllabus, second to take mocks and sample papers, and the last to revise what was studied as well and the concepts behind it as well.
Additionally, this will give you the ability to study each of the four sections in a balanced fashion. Here is how you can study over the six months.
Key Phases of the IBSAT Preparation Plan
1.Phase 1- Completing Your Syllabus- Months 1 to 3:
Make sure to finish all topics in Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation & Sufficiency.
2. Organized Section-Wise Study Plan:
Assign a specific number of hours every week for each section. Do not hop around randomly to help reduce confusion while learning.
3. Phase 2- Mock Tests & Sample Papers- Months 4 to 5:
Take at least 30 full-length mocks and sectional tests. Whenever you do a mock, analyze the answers in order to identify weak areas and track progress.
4. Training Exam Taking Skills:
Use the mocks themselves to develop skills. Control speed and accuracy. Develop mental math skills, reading comprehension skills, and develop overall time management skills.
5. Phase 3- Final Revision- Month 6:
Use your last month to review all formulas, grammar rules, shortcut methods, theorems and concepts you have previously learned.
6. Steady Consistency instead of Cramming the Topics:
Do not scaredly/overambitiously try to cram through the topics. Complete one topic entirely before moving on to the next to help memory retention.
Having a six-month study plan for IBSAT 2025 will provide you with sufficient time to lay a strong foundation, focus on practice, and revise comprehensively. By breaking your study purpose into three distinct phases—syllabus coverage, mock test practice, and final revision—you will have clarity and conviction to cover every element of the exam and this will allow you to take the exam with confidence. Consistency, discipline, and self-analysis consistent will set you up to use your time effectively. Keep to your plan, track your performance and make changes where necessary. Effectively, cracking IBSAT 2025, not only becomes possible but likely.