IPMAT vs SET: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus

IPMAT vs SET: The decision between appearing for the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is a critical one for students aspiring to pursue a career in management after Class 12. Both are highly competitive entrance examinations, but they serve as gateways to fundamentally different types of programs and institutions. Understanding the core difference between IPMAT and SET is essential to aligning your preparation with your long-term career goals.

The IPMAT and SET comparison is often subjective, but in terms of curriculum depth, the IPMAT exam is generally considered to be the more challenging examination due to its focus on higher-level mathematics and the unique structure of its program. 

IPMAT vs SET Exam

The most fundamental difference between IPMAT and SET lies in the degree they offer and their exam structure. IPMAT leads to a dual-degree (BBA + MBA), while SET is for a standalone Bachelor's degree (BBA or others). The following table summarises the primary points of comparison for the IPMAT vs SET exam.

 IPMAT vs SET: Understanding the Programme and Institutions

The program structure is the single biggest factor when making an IPMAT vs SET comparison.

• Integrated Program in Management (IPM): The IPMAT exam is the gateway to the prestigious 5-year IPM program, which is a dual degree combining a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree (BBA + MBA). It is specifically designed for students who are certain about pursuing a management career from an early stage. IPMAT scores are primarily accepted by the IIMs (IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya) and a few other select institutions.

• Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET): The SET exam is a common entrance test for various undergraduate programs offered by the constituent institutes of Symbiosis International University (SIU). These programs include the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at institutes like SCMS Pune, SCMS Noida, and others, as well as courses in Law (SLAT), Engineering (SITEEE), Mass Communication, and Computer Studies. Upon completion, students receive a standalone Bachelor's degree.

IPMAT vs SET Eligibility Criteria

Both exams require a candidate to have passed Class 12 from a recognised board, but they differ in the minimum marks required and the age limit.

IPMAT vs SET Exam Pattern

To determine whether IPMAT or SET which is better for you, understanding the exam structure is crucial, as it dictates the preparation strategy.

IPMAT Exam Pattern (IIM Indore)

IPMAT exam is known for its rigour, with a unique pattern that includes two types of questions and a strict sectional time limit.

1. Sections: Three sections: Quantitative Ability (MCQs), Quantitative Ability (Short Answers or SA), and Verbal Ability (MCQs).

2. Duration & Timing: 120 minutes total, with a mandatory sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section.

3. Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct MCQ answer and -1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer. Crucially, the Short Answer (SA) section of Quantitative Ability has no negative marking.

4. Difficulty: Considered challenging due to the sectional time limits, high-level math, and the need for high accuracy.

SET Exam Pattern

SET exam is shorter in duration and has a more comprehensive array of sections, though it generally tests subjects at a more fundamental level.

1. Sections: Four sections: General English, Quantitative, Analytical & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.

2. Duration & Timing: 60 minutes total, with no sectional time limit, allowing students to manage their time across sections freely.

3. Marking Scheme: +1 mark for every correct answer, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses.

4. Difficulty: Generally considered an easier exam than IPMAT, focusing more on speed and basic aptitude.

Difference Between IPMAT and SET Syllabus

While the core subjects like Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability are common to both, the depth of the syllabus presents the biggest difference between IPMAT and SET.

• Quantitative Ability (Maths):

• IPMAT: The Quantitative section is the biggest differentiator. IPMAT (Indore) includes advanced mathematical topics up to the Class 12 level, such as Matrices, Determinants, Calculus (Differentiation and Integration), and Advanced Algebra. It is often compared to a "JEE Light" level of math preparation.

• SET: The Quantitative section in SET is based on basic mathematics up to the Class 10 level, focusing on Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work, etc.) and foundational Algebra.

• General Awareness/Knowledge:

• IPMAT: The IPMAT (Indore) paper does not have a General Awareness or General Knowledge section.

• SET: General Awareness is a dedicated and compulsory section in the SET exam.

• Logical Reasoning:

• IPMAT (Indore): Does not have a dedicated Logical Reasoning section, but elements of logical and analytical thinking are embedded in the Quantitative Ability section. (Note: IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT do have dedicated LR sections.)

• SET: Has a dedicated Analytical and Logical Reasoning section.

IPMAT or SET: Which is Better?

For students debating IPMAT or SET, which is better, the answer hinges entirely on their background and career ambition.

• For the Math-Strong Aspirant: IPMAT is often the better choice. Its demanding Quantitative Ability section (Class 12 syllabus) and the rigour of the sectional time limit and negative marking for MCQs make it a more challenging, speed-based exam. Excelling here directly leads to the prestige and secure career path of an IIM MBA.

• For the Commerce/Humanities Aspirant: SET is generally a more approachable option. The math section is less intense (Class 10 level), and the inclusion of General Awareness balances the overall paper. It is the ideal gateway for students targeting Symbiosis International University's highly-reputed BBA programs.

The selection process for IPMAT is also more extensive, involving an Aptitude Test score followed by a Personal Interview (PI), whereas SET admission relies primarily on the test score, followed by institute-specific selection rounds.

Colleges Accepting IPMAT and SET Scores

Both exams provide admission to respected institutions, but the pool of colleges and the nature of the program differ.

• Colleges Accepting IPMAT Scores: The primary institutions are the IIMs, which offer the 5-year IPM program: IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Jammu (JIPMAT), and IIM Bodh Gaya (JIPMAT). Other colleges also accept the score, such as Nirma University and IIFT.

• Colleges Accepting SET Scores: SET scores are accepted by all constituent institutions of Symbiosis International University (SIU) for their respective undergraduate programs. Key management institutes include Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) Pune, SCMS Noida, and Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR).