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How Many Students Appear for IPMAT Exam Every Year

Learn how many students appear for IPMAT exam each year. Get details about the exam's popularity and competition levels among students.
authorImageAnil Solonki31 Jul, 2025
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How Many Students Appear for IPMAT Exam Every Year

Students Appear for IPMAT: The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a national-level entrance exam organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore each year. It is designed for students who have completed class 12 or are currently in class 12.

  • The exam is the gateway for admission to the Five Year Integrated Programme in Management (BBA+MBA) in IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, IIFT, TAPMI, and other renowned B-schools.
  • IPMAT is conducted in a computer-based format and comprises 90 questions covering Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability sections.
  • While the exam is moderately challenging, some Short Answer (SA) questions were found difficult by candidates in the previous year's test.
Although the exact number of candidates appearing for IPMAT is not disclosed, it is estimated that thousands of students participate in the exam, aiming to secure a seat in the prestigious Five Year Integrated Programme in Management offered by IIM Indore and other leading B-schools in India.

How Many Students Appear for IPMAT Exam

Every year, many students appear for the IPMAT exam to get admission in top IIMs' integrated management programs. The competition is high because students want a direct path to management education after school.

How many students Appeared for IPMAT 2025

In 2025, about 30,220 candidates appeared for the IPMAT exam at IIM Indore, while approximately 13,414 candidates took the IPMAT exam at IIM Rohtak. This shows a large number of aspirants competing for limited seats.

IPMAT  No of Candidates

The total number of candidates appearing for IPMAT across all centers typically ranges from around 12,000 to 30,000, with the Indore center seeing the highest number. This high turnout reflects the increasing popularity of the exam among management aspirants.

Number of Students Appear for IPMAT in India 

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a nationwide exam organized annually by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore. The number of students taking the IPMAT exam varies each year. In 2020, around 29,500 students applied, but due to the COVID pandemic and overlapping dates with DUJAT, only about 13,000 students appeared for the exam.
  • Although exact figures for 2021 are not available, an estimated 18,000 students took the test to compete for 120 seats offered by the IIM Indore IPM Program.
  • The competition for these seats is fierce; in 2022, more than 30,000 students registered, but only 22 candidates from IPM Careers secured admission to IIM Indore IPM.
  • The real competition lies among the top 5000 candidates who prepare for the exam, and the very best performers are the ones who secure coveted spots in the IIMs.
Number of Students Appear for IPMAT in India
Year Students Applied Students Appeared Positive Raw Score Shortlisted for Interview Total Seats Available
2019 20,000 17,500 13,000 - 440
2020 Approx. 29,500 13,000 8,000 - 460
2021 - - 10,248 847 500
2022 Approx. 30,000 18,000 12,553 3000+ (For PI) 600
2023 24,865 13,954 - - 650

Number of Students Selected for IPMAT Course

IIM Indore offers admission to approximately 130 students for its 5-year IPM course. The selection of students for this course varies each year, depending on factors such as the test's difficulty level, the number of candidates who participate and succeed in the exam, the available seats in the institute, and the lowest and average scores achieved by candidates in the IPMAT exam .
  • In 2018, out of 15,901 applicants, only 886 students made it to the interview round. In 2020, around 29,500 students applied, 13,000 attempted the exam, and only 8,000 students obtained a positive raw score.
  • In 2021, 10,248 students achieved a positive raw score, but only 847 were shortlisted for the interview.
  • Finally, in 2022, 22 students successfully secured admission to IIM Indore.
Number of Students Selected for IPMAT Course
Year Number of Applicants Number of Test Takers Number Shortlisted for Interview
2018 15,901 Not Specified 886
2020 29,500 13,000 8,000
2021 10,248 Not Specified 847
2022 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified

Top IIMs Seats and Distribution

In India, there are currently 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) divided into three categories based on their establishment: first generation, second generation, and third generation IIMs, often known as old, new, and baby IIMs. As of 2020, the total number of seats in all IIMs is more than 5100.
  • The seats are distributed among these IIMs, with varying numbers in each institute.
  • For example, IIM Calcutta has 462 seats, IIM Ahmedabad has 385 seats, and so on. Due to the limited number of seats, the competition to get into IIMs is intense.
  • Every year, over 2 lakh students appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) to secure one of these seats.
However, with only about 5000 seats available, nearly 97% of the students are unable to secure admission, making the selection process highly competitive.
Top IIMs Seats and Distribution
Generation IIM Names Number of Seats
First Generation IIM Calcutta 462
IIM Ahmedabad 385
IIM Bangalore 412
IIM Lucknow 436
Second Generation IIM Indore 450
IIM Kozhikode 375
IIM Shillong 180
IIM Rohtak 240
IIM Ranchi 185
IIM Raipur 210
IIM Trichy 180
IIM Kashipur 210
IIM Udaipur 150
Third Generation IIM Nagpur 240
IIM Amritsar 240
IIM Bodh Gaya 120
IIM Sirmaur 170
IIM Vishakapatnam 120
IIM Sambalpur 120
IIM Jammu 120

Factors affect the IPMAT Students Selection Ratio

The IPMAT selection ratio depends on these factors and can fluctuate annually based on candidates' performance and the criteria set by the IIM Indore IPM program. Several factors impact the IPMAT selection ratio:
  1. Exam Difficulty: The complexity of the IPMAT exam influences how many candidates score high, determining who qualifies for the next round.
  2. Number of Participants: More candidates mean increased competition, affecting how many proceed to the next selection stage.
  3. Exam Scores: IPMAT scores are pivotal in deciding if candidates move forward in the selection process.
  4. Criteria Weightage: Different criteria, like test scores, past academics, and interviews, have varying importance. Their combined score determines candidates' eligibility for the IPM program.
  5. Question Choices: Candidates selections in the IPMAT exam influence correct answers and final scores.

Reasons Why Students Choose IPMAT Exam

The Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is an important exam for students who want to study management right after finishing high school. Here are the main reasons why students choose to take the IPMAT exam:
  1. Direct Entry into Top Colleges: IPMAT gives students a chance to join well-known Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) without needing to do a separate college degree first. This means students can start their management career early, with a combined 5-year course that includes both bachelor's and master's degrees.
  2. Complete Management Education: The IPM program, which uses the IPMAT exam, gives a broad education in management. It covers important subjects like math skills, language skills, and logical thinking. This helps students get ready for different business challenges.
  3. Saves Time and Money: By joining the IPM program through IPMAT, students save time and money by getting both degrees (bachelor's and master's) in one continuous course. They don’t need to take extra entrance exams like CAT after finishing their college degree.
  4. Good Job Opportunities: The IPM program includes internships and projects during the five years, giving students hands-on experience. This real-world learning helps them get better job offers from top companies after they graduate.
  5. Inclusive and Fair Admission: IPMAT makes management education available to students from all backgrounds. It has a merit-based admission system, meaning talented students can follow their dreams, no matter their financial or personal situation.
  6. Organized Learning: The IPM program has a clear, structured plan that helps students build their knowledge step by step. The program also focuses on personal development through courses in communication, soft skills, and other important areas.
  7. Early Career Start: For many students, IPMAT matches their career goals right after high school. The focus on management prepares them for leadership jobs early, giving them an advantage over students who take the traditional route.
  8. Less Stressful Competition: Some students find IPMAT less competitive compared to other entrance exams like JEE or CAT ,especially if they are better at language and logical thinking than at advanced math. This makes IPMAT an attractive choice for those looking for a different path into higher education without too much stress.
Strengthen your IPMAT exam preparation by seeking guidance from PW IPMAT Online Coaching faculties.

How Many Students Appear for IPMAT Examination Every Year FAQs

Is there a specific trend in the number of students taking the IPMAT exam each year?

Yes, there is a general trend of increasing participation each year due to the growing popularity of the IPMAT program offered by IIMs.

How many students typically appear for the IPMAT examination each year?

The number of students appearing for the IPMAT examination varies annually. However, it usually ranges in thousands, showcasing a high level of competitiveness.

What factors influence the fluctuation in the number of IPMAT exam takers annually?

Factors such as awareness about the IPMAT program, changes in the examination pattern, and the reputation of the participating institutes can influence the number of students appearing for the exam.

Are there any notable variations in IPMAT exam participation due to external factors?

Yes, external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic can impact the number of students appearing for the IPMAT exam, as seen in the year 2020 when the number of candidates was affected.

Does the number of IPMAT exam takers affect the overall competitiveness of the examination?

Absolutely. The higher the number of candidates, the more competitive the IPMAT examination becomes, as students compete for a limited number of seats available in the IPM program.
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