The IPMAT Exam 2026 pattern in IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak is slightly different, though both exams are structured as a two-hour online paper, whose main task is to evaluate the skills of an applicant in mathematics and English. Although the main goal of both tests is similar, that is, to test analytical thinking, numerical skills and understanding of the language, the structure, sections and focus of the tests differ between the two institutes. These differences in structures imply that the aspirants have to be aware of the exact format they are training to as opposed to considering IPMAT a single and standardised test.

The IPMAT Exam is usually judged to be of a medium to high level of difficulty in mathematics, with questions usually demanding good conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Arithmetic, algebra and problem-solving of higher levels may pose a great challenge, especially when time is strongly limited. Conversely, the oral component is normally of medium level, and it involves reading comprehension, vocabulary and simple grammar, though it also needs regular practice in order to remain accurate and fast. As these two parts are both taken in a short time period and the competition is involved, then last-minute or casual preparation can hardly be enough.

Pattern of the IPMAT Exam 2026: IIM Indore

The paper will be of 90 questions and will last 120 minutes, in the case of IIM Indore. It comprises 3 parts, and they are Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) and Verbal Ability (MCQ). 

Maths is divided into two forms in this structure. The MCQ section has negative marking, and the short-answer questions do not tend to have negative marks, affecting your decision to attempt the borderline questions. Verbal Ability assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar by use of multiple-choice questions and contributes a significant proportion of the total marks.

This IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is configured such that you have to balance speed and accuracy on a 40-minute block. Specifically, the short-answer section requires definite ideas since there is no choice to help you.

Pattern of examinations IPMAT 2026: IIM Rohtak

In the case of IIM Rohtak, the structure remains 120 questions within 120 minutes. These are Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability, which have approximately 40 questions. Questions are all multiple-choice, and no separate short-answer part.

In contrast to Indore, the Rohtak version does not require sectional timing; you are allowed to cross sections within the overall time. The marking scheme is usually +4 for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong answer. The pattern of this version of the IPMAT Exam 2026 gives more emphasis on the Logical Reasoning, which is absent in the Indore paper.

Due to the use of MCQs as all questions, the elimination technique and scrutiny of the choices become relevant. Simultaneously, the overall number of 120 questions implies that the paper is more time-sensitive than the Indore one, although separate questions may not be that challenging.

Difficulty level of IPMAT Exam: Recent Trend

Recent analysis in the case of Indore shows that Quantitative Ability MCQ has been the most demanding in the majority of cases. In 2024 and 2025, this section was rated moderate to hard, and the Quantitative Ability short-answer was easier, and Verbal Ability remained easy to moderate. This trend implies that the primary pressure is due to questions that are computation-intensive or concept-rich in maths.

In Rohtak, the general IPMAT Exam Difficulty Level in 2025 was said to be easy, and the questions in most parts were easy. Already, cut-offs may be high due to the fact that easy paper will increase average attempts and scores of serious candidates. A reduced difficulty tag is not an indication of reduced competitive selection.

In both exams, maths is the primary divider. Students who have strong background in algebra, arithmetic and data management tend to find the IPMAT Exam Difficulty Level easier, whereas the weak students do not pass even when verbal appears to be amiable.

Academic Rules: IPMAT Eligibility

The general IPMAT Eligibility criterion is that the candidates should have passed or should be attempting Class 12 in 2024 or 2026, according to the year of notification. The exam is not restricted to any stream as long as the candidate satisfies the marks and age requirements set by each institute.

In the case of IIM Indore, general, EWS and OBC-NCL candidates will have a minimum aggregate of approximately 60 per cent in Class 10 and Class 12, whereas SC, ST and PwD candidates will generally receive a 5-percentage-point concession. In the case of IIM Rohtak, the marks requirement is comparable in general terms, and there are slight differences that are indicated in the annual advertisement.

IPMAT Eligibility also contains restrictions on the number of attempts due to age restrictions. When you are near the upper age limit, the number of possible attempts that you have is automatically smaller, and it is a good idea to check it early.

IPMAT Eligibility: Age and Category Eligibility

Another summary in the case of Indore is that the general, EWS, and OBC-NCL IPMAT 2026 applicants must have been born on or after 1 August 2006. SC, ST and PwD applicants receive up to five years of relaxation, hence they can apply provided that they were born on or after 1 August 2001.

Another elaborate statement on IPMAT Eligibility states that in the case of Indore, the upper age limit is 20 years on 31 July 2026 in general, OBC, and EWS categories, and in the case of SC, ST, and PwD categories, the upper age limit is 22 years. These two descriptions are in the same spirit: younger general category aspirants and a specified relaxation of reserved categories.

In the case of Rohtak, the age requirements are synchronised on a general basis, but the formal notice might have a slight variation in calendar cut-off dates. Foreign nationals or NRIs who apply under alternative routes can have different conditions, and these are presented in the detailed IPMAT Eligibility documents.

Due to such numbers, students intending to drop a year will have to confirm that they will still be within the age limit they intend to pursue that particular session. Failure to meet the age window would render them ineligible despite satisfying marks and other requirements. For perfect understanding, check their recent guidelines. 

Difficulty: How Hard Is It

The IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 gives you a clue of what you are going to get on exam day: 90 questions, sectional timing, mixed formats in Indore, and 120 all-MCQ questions with reasoning added in Rohtak. The IPMAT Exam Difficulty Level of recent years demonstrates that even the sections on maths that are labelled as moderate may be challenging, so simple textbook drills are not normally sufficient.

IPMAT Eligibility provides the parameters according to which the candidates are to be eligible to take the exam. In case a student meets the age and marks conditions, the second step is to determine which pattern is more appropriate, and then construct a schedule that does not violate the trend of difficulty. As an illustration, a person who is good at reasoning but mediocre at high-level maths might be better suited to the Rohtak version, although both will demand serious work.

Combined, these three factors promote early planning. Knowing the IPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 will help you choose the mock tests and practice material which actually fit the exam. The reliable analysis of the IPMAT Exam Difficulty Level helps to maintain your expectations and demonstrates where to focus. It is better to prove that you are eligible to IPMAT first before you spend a year of your life preparing, so that you can be sure that your hard work can actually be translated into a valid application.

Having these points in mind, you are able to develop a preparation plan that can fit your age, background, and target campus rather than working in the dark and changing things afterwards.