IPMAT vs JIPMAT 2026: Which is Easier, Eligibility, Dates and Difficulty
Priyanka Yadav30 Mar, 2026
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Choosing the right entrance exam after Class 12 is an important step for students aiming for a career in management. The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by top IIMs provides a direct route to a BBA + MBA degree, and two major exams for this pathway are IPMAT and JIPMAT. Understanding their differences in eligibility, exam pattern, participating IIMs, and difficulty level will help you make the right decision.
Introduction to IPMAT VS JIPMAT
IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) and JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test) are national-level entrance exams. They are gateways to the 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). This program leads to a combined Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Understanding the distinct features of each exam is vital for aspirants.
IPMAT And JIPMAT Full Form
It is important to know what these acronyms stand for:
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IPMAT: Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test
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JIPMAT: Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test
IPMAT And JIPMAT: Which Is Better
Deciding which exam is "better" depends on individual goals and preferences. Both exams lead to IIMs, but they are accepted by different institutes. IPMAT is conducted by IIM Indore, and its scores are also accepted by IIM Rohtak and IIM Ranchi. JIPMAT scores are accepted by IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya.
Participating IIMs
The choice often comes down to which IIM a student wishes to join.
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Participating IIMs |
|
|---|---|
|
Exam |
Accepting IIMs
|
|
IPMAT |
IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi |
|
JIPMAT |
IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya |
Seat Matrix And Competition
Both exams have limited seats, leading to high competition. IPMAT has a larger total seat count than JIPMAT.
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Seat Matrix And Competition |
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|---|---|
|
Exam |
Total Seats
|
|
IPMAT |
450 |
|
JIPMAT |
260 |
The acceptance rate for IPMAT is around 0.006. This means about 6-7 candidates get selected for every 1000 applicants. JIPMAT has an acceptance rate of about 0.02. This means about 20 candidates get selected for every 1000 applicants.
IPMAT And JIPMAT Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for both exams are similar, focusing on academic background and age.
Age Limit
Candidates must usually be below 20-22 years of age as of a specific date. Check official notifications for precise age limits each year.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have passed Class 10 and Class 12 with a minimum percentage of marks. Typically, this minimum is 60% for General and NC-OBC categories, and 55% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
IPMAT And JIPMAT Exam Dates
The exam dates for IPMAT and JIPMAT vary each year. Both exams are typically conducted in May or June. Aspirants should check the official IIM websites for the most current schedule and application deadlines.
Is IPMAT Easier Than JIPMAT
Regarding difficulty, both IPMAT and JIPMAT are generally considered to have a similar difficulty level. The core syllabus and exam patterns are quite alike. However, there can be minor differences in the number of questions asked per section or the specific weightage given to each section. It is crucial to prepare for both with the same level of seriousness.
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