IPMAT Indore 2026 exam set for 4 May 2026; registration expected to begin in February

The IPMAT Indore 2026 exam, the gateway to the prestigious 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Indore, has been officially scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026. This early announcement provides clarity for high school aspirants seeking a management career straight after 12th grade. The online application window is tentatively set to open around February 14, 2026, and close by the end of March 2026. Prepare now for the test that determines entry into a program offering PGP-level placements, with an average CTC of over ₹25 LPA. Check the eligibility and exam pattern details to strategize your preparation.

The dream of securing an MBA from a top-tier Indian Institute of Management (IIM) right after Class 12 is becoming a reality for thousands of aspirants. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, the pioneering institute for the 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), has officially announced the date for its crucial entrance test: IPMAT 2026. The Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) 2026 will be conducted on Monday, May 4, 2026, during the afternoon shift.

​This early notification, released on the official IIM Indore website, allows candidates to structure their preparation well in advance, aligning their board exam strategy with the rigor of the IPMAT. The IPM program is a unique blend of undergraduate (BBA equivalent) and postgraduate (MBA equivalent) studies, culminating in a Master's degree and the same high-caliber placement opportunities as the flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP) students. Aspiring young leaders must keenly observe the registration window, which is expected to open in February 2026, for a chance to join this highly selective and rewarding program.

​ Key Dates and The IPMAT 2026 Application Roadmap

​Navigating the application process for IIM Indore’s IPM program requires strict adherence to the official timeline. Missing the registration deadline will mean missing the only opportunity to apply for the 2026-2031 batch.

• ​Official Exam Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday, Afternoon Shift).
• ​Tentative Registration Start: February 14, 2026 (Expected to open online on the IIM Indore website).
• ​Tentative Application Deadline:Late March to Early April 2026 (Candidates are advised to complete registration by the end of March to avoid a rush).
• ​Admit Card Release: Expected to be available for download in late April/early May 2026.
• ​Result Declaration: Tentatively scheduled for the first week of June 2026.
• ​Personal Interview (PI) Rounds: Shortlisted candidates will participate in the final selection rounds tentatively scheduled for July 2026.

​Aspirants must meet the strict eligibility criteria before applying. Candidates must have been born on or after August 1, 2006 (with a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD categories). Furthermore, applicants must have passed Standard XII/HSC or an equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025 or be appearing for it in 2026.

​ Exam Structure and Final Selection Process

​The IPMAT Indore is a highly competitive exam that tests candidates primarily on their quantitative and verbal abilities. Understanding the unique exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation, as it is distinct from other undergraduate entrance tests.

• ​IPMAT Indore 2026 Exam Pattern: 
  • ​Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
  • ​Number of Sections: 3 (Each with a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes).
  • ​Sectional Breakdown: 
    • ​Quantitative Ability (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQ): 30 Questions (40 minutes).
    • ​Quantitative Ability (Short Answer - SA): 15 Questions (40 minutes).
    • ​Verbal Ability (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQ): 45 Questions (40 minutes).
  • ​Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer. -1 for every incorrect MCQ. Importantly, there is NO negative marking for the Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) section.
• ​The Two-Stage Selection Process:
  • ​Stage I: Aptitude Test (AT): Performance in the IPMAT 2026.
  • ​Stage II: Personal Interview (PI): Candidates who meet the sectional and overall cut-offs will be called for the final PI round. The PI assesses communication skills, general awareness, confidence, and suitability for the management profession.
  • ​Final Score Calculation: The final merit list is generated based on a composite score that gives weightage to the IPMAT score, PI performance, and, in some cases, academic track record (Class 10 and 12 marks).

​ The IIM Indore IPM Advantage: Placements and ROI

​The IIM Indore IPM offers one of the best career launches available after high school, providing a high Return on Investment (ROI) by guaranteeing the academic rigor and placement opportunities of a top-tier MBA. IPM students merge with the flagship PGP batch in the final two years, participating in the same highly successful placement drive.

• ​Stellar Placement Record:
  • ​Average CTC: IPM graduates participate in the IIM Indore final placement process, which recently reported an average CTC of ₹25.68 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) for the combined PGP and IPM batch.
  • ​Highest CTC: The highest package offered in the recent placement drive touched ₹1 Crore PA.
  • ​100% Placement: The program consistently achieves a 100% placement rate, attracting major global recruiters like Accenture Strategy, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and JPMorgan.
• ​The Program Structure: The first three years focus on foundation building (Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Psychology, and Humanities) and a compulsory Social Internship. The last two years are dedicated to core management subjects, aligning with the PGP curriculum, including a Summer Internship.
• ​Fees and Financial Aid: The total program fee is approximately ₹35.53 lakhs for the five years. While this is a significant investment, the exceptional placement statistics ensure a quick and strong ROI. IIM Indore also offers a Need-Based Financial Assistance (NBFA) scheme to ensure no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints.

​Conclusion

​The official scheduling of the IPMAT Indore 2026 for May 4, 2026, marks the beginning of the race for the next batch of future IIM managers. With the online application set to open in February 2026, aspirants must immediately intensify their preparation, particularly focusing on the Quantitative Ability (both MCQ and Short Answer) and Verbal Ability sections. The 5-Year IPM is a commitment that promises a high-impact career trajectory, making the rigorous preparation for IPMAT a highly worthwhile investment.

For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on management entrance exams and courses, check here: Management Exams List.