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Graduation + MBA Vs IPMAT, Which is Better?

Graduation + MBA vs IPMAT elaborates the difference between both the paths for securing a career in the management sector. Explore details of graduation + MBA vs IPMAT.

Shivani Kumari13 Aug, 2025

Graduation + MBA Vs IPMAT: When it comes to pursuing a career in management, candidates are provided with two paths. The most prominent paths students consider are the traditional route of Graduation followed by an MBA . Another way to gain an MBA degree is through a 5-year Integrated Management Program.

IPM is a relatively newer way to get a BBA+MBA degree , requiring candidates to clear only one entrance exam, that is IPMAT . Additionally, it is offered by esteemed IIMs, which has made it more popular. Still, many MBA aspirants aim to clear entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, etc. To pursue an MBA/PGDM after completing their basic graduation. In this article, we'll break down the key differences of graduation + MBA vs IPMAT, considering factors like duration, curriculum, entrance exams, career opportunities, and syllabus.

Understanding Graduation + MBA Pathway

To pursue an MBA degree, candidates primarily need to complete their basic bachelor's program in any stream. Additionally, they should clear MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, MAH CET , or other tests that are considered by their preferred B-schools. Here are the notable details of graduation + MBA pathway:

MBA Duration and Structure

To get an MBA, candidates first complete a 3-year UG degree. Further, they can join an MBA program with a 2-year course duration. Thus, the total duration for completing the Graduation + MBA pathway is a minimum of 5 years. This can increase if the undergraduate program is 4 years.

MBA Syllabus

When preparing for the MBA entrance exam, candidates need to cover several topics in subjects like quantitative ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, verbal ability, reading comprehension, and general awareness. However, after getting admission to an MBA program, candidates need to study core business management subjects, which include the following:

Core Subjects: Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and HR Management.
Specialisations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Information Technology, International Business, etc.
Practical Exposure: Case studies, internships, live projects, and industry interaction.

MBA Admission Requirements

For admission to MBA program candidates initially need to complete class 12 from a recognised board. Further, candidates should pursue a UG program from a university or college with a minimum of 50-60% marks as required by a specific MBA entrance exam.

Career Prospects

During the MBA program, students get the opportunity to gain work experience through internships and projects. These are part of the MBA curriculum and help improve students' managerial skills. After completing an MBA course, candidates are eligible to sit for college placements where they are able to get job offers in various sectors including consulting, finance, FMCG, IT, and more.

Understanding IPMAT for IPM Pathway

IPM is an integrated management course with a 5-year duration. It allows students to pursue a management education directly after Class 12, without completing a separate UG degree. Here are the details of the IPMAT Pathway:

Duration and Structure

The IPMAT for the IPM Pathway is designed as a comprehensive five-year integrated program. IPM program combines undergraduate and postgraduate management education. The program's duration is five years, offering students a structured approach to gain a strong foundation in both general education and management studies.

IPMAT Syllabus

The syllabus for IPMAT is diverse, covering several key areas. In the Quantitative Ability section, students must cover topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. The Verbal Ability section focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reasoning. The program incorporates a broad general education curriculum, including subjects such as economics, psychology, sociology, and humanities. As students progress, they can also explore various aspects of management education, including finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and organizational behavior.

IPM Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the IPM program, candidates must have completed their class 12th exam with a strong academic record. Admission to the program is through the IPMAT entrance exam , which is conducted by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak . This exam assesses the candidate's proficiency in quantitative and verbal skills.

Career Prospects

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for direct entry into managerial roles through college placement. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships with top companies during their IPM course, which further enhances their career prospects.

MBA vs IPM Detailed Comparison

Here’s a table summarizing the key points in the Graduation + MBA vs IPMAT debate:

Graduation + MBA Vs IPM
Factor	Graduation + MBA	IPM
Duration	5-6 years (3-4 years Graduation + 2 years MBA)	5 years
Curriculum	Separate for Graduation and MBA	Integrated and comprehensive
Specializations	Available at the MBA level	Usually not as specialized
Job Roles	After Graduation (entry-level roles) Managerial roles after MBA	Direct managerial roles
Cost	Generally higher due to separate fees for both	Cost-effective as a single integrated program
Entrance Exam	Score in MBA entrance exams like CAT, GMAT , CMAT, XAT , etc.	IPMAT or JIPMAT scores
Flexibility	More flexible, can choose different fields of specialization for MBA	Less flexible due to the integrated nature
Institutes	IIMs , top B-Schools in India and abroad	IIM Indore , IIM Rohtak , IIM Ranchi , IIM Bodh Gaya , IIM Jammu , IIFT Kakinada

IPMAT 2025 Preparation

To prepare effectively for IPMAT, candidates should follow a strategic study plan. Here are the IPMAT 2025 preparation tips candidates must follow to clear the exam with good marks:

Understand IPMAT syllabus topics and create a study plan by dividing the topics into small sections and allocating the necessary time to thoroughly cover them.
Solve sample questions from each topic to test understanding and identify weak areas.
Seek expert guidance to clarify doubts and strengthen conceptual understanding.
Solve IPMAT previous years' papers and mock tests in a timed manner. Following the completion of PYPs or mock tests candidates should analyse their performance to determine their mistakes and make progress in the next mock test.
Regularly revise learned topics to reinforce knowledge. Candidates should create concise notes or write important concepts in flashcards. This practice facilitates quick revision of the entire syllabus before the IPMAT exam.
Join the best IPMAT online coaching to attend regular live lectures from experienced experts. PW IPMAT Coaching is known to strengthen candidates' exam preparation by offering live and recorded video lessons, revised study materials, DPPs, mock tests with performance analysis, and real-time doubt clarification.

Graduation + MBA Vs IPMAT FAQs

Is IPMAT better than MBA?

Both IPMAT and MBA offer high-quality management education to students and help them get valuable job offers. Selecting between an IPMAT and an MBA depends on a candidate's professional goal and learning requirements.

What is the salary of IPM MBA?

The average salary offered to IPM graduates is INR 30.21 LPA.

Which is the best college for IPM?

The best colleges for pursuing a 5-year IPM course are IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Bodh Gaya.

What is the age requirement for IPM and MBA?

There is no maximum or minimum age requirement for an MBA. However, for the IPM course, candidates must be 20 years or younger.

Which exam do I need to clear for admission to IPM course?

For entering IPM courses offered by IIMs or other private B-schools, candidates should clear the IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT exam.