IBSAT Past 5 Years Paper Analysis and Preparation Tips

The IBSAT 2025 test will take place online with remote proctoring during the final week of December. If you want to take the test, you need to prepare frequently. Read this article by Career 360 to Understand the changes and trends from the previous five years that will help you determine what type of questions you'll encounter on the IBSAT exam.

This Story also Contains

1. IBSAT 2024 Overall Analysis
2. IBSAT 2024 Section Wise Analysis
3. IBSAT 2025 Preparation Tips
4. IBSAT Cutoff (Previous year)
5. IBSAT 2025 Exam Preparation Books
6. Other Important IBSAT 2025 Preparation Resources

IBSAT Past 5 Year Exam Analysis

The IBSAT was formerly conducted as a computer-based Test (CBT), but the IBSAT paper pattern has been changed to a remote proctored exam. One important aspect is that there is no negative grading, so you may answer as many questions as you like without losing points. This Careers360 article offers helpful preparation advice along with the test format for the last five years.

Past 5 Years IBSAT Exam Analysis

The following table will share the trend of IBSAT over the past 5 years.

• The duration of the IBSAT exam for past five years: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• The total number of Questions in IBSAT exam: 140 questions
• Choice per Questions in IBSAT past five years: 5 options
• Total number of sections: 4 sections

As you can see, IBSAT has maintained a fairly consistent pattern for the past 5 years. Prior to that, the patterns were flexible and saw several changes. The overall difficulty level is easy to moderate, which has been maintained over the years. Now we will share with you a detailed section-wise analysis of the IBSAT exam.

Check out the IBSAT Section-wise Difficulty Level & Review

IBSAT 2024 Overall Analysis

• IBSAT 2024 was organized in an online proctored format on December 28 and 29 in a number of slots.
• The paper was of the same pattern with 140 questions distributed across four sections, without negative marking.
• The difficulty level of the entire exam was easy to moderate, making well-prepared students attempt most of the questions with confidence.

• All questions were printed in uppercase; no lowercase letters were employed during the paper.

• There were visible differences in the subject matter and question types from the 2023 examination.

• Candidates were able to switch between sections without any restriction as there was no sectional timing.

• It was possible to attempt 32–34 questions per section within 25–30 minutes.

• 17–20 correct answers per section with a high level of accuracy were enough for a competitive score.

• The anticipated cut-off for ICFAI Hyderabad would be around 60–65 percentile, while other ICFAI campuses might have the same or slightly modified cut-offs.

• Experts opine that the highest percentile range would be between 80–90 for top-notch selection.

IBSAT 2024 Section Wise Analysis

As you have seen in the above table, there are four sections in the exam of equal weight. Each question carries one mark. The section-wise analysis is given as follows:

1. Verbal Ability

• This part was fairly straightforward, with questions being largely direct and grammar-based.
• Vocabulary-based questions were somewhat tricky but easy to handle with good English.
• Subjects covered were synonyms, antonyms, idioms, cloze tests, sentence correction, and jumbled paragraphs.
• Trying 32–34 questions within 25 minutes was easily achievable for adequately prepared candidates.

2. Reading Comprehension

• The section was divided into 4 passages, each approximately 500–600 words in length, with a total of 30 questions.
• They were a combination of direct factual and inferential types, with the latter taking more time.
• The level of difficulty was moderate to a bit challenging because of inference questions.
• It was a good benchmark to solve 20–22 questions correctly in about 25 minutes.

3. Quantitative Ability

• The Quant section had a balanced combination of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry-based questions.
• Difficulty overall was moderate, with questions demanding conceptual clarity as well as speed in calculation.
• Topics such as percentages, profit & loss, speed & time, algebra, permutations, and probability were common.
• Well-prepared candidates could attempt 21–23 questions with confidence in 25–30 minutes.

The difficulty level was a mix of moderate and tough questions. The topics included Percentages, likelihood, progressions, work problems, the ratio of proportion, distance and time, heights, etc. Very few questions can be classified as sitters, with most questions being of a moderate to high difficulty level. The quantitative part is definitely a notch higher in terms of difficulty, and a good student who prepared well should have been able to attempt around 15–18 questions correctly.

4. Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency

• In this section, data sufficiency, pie charts, line graphs, percentage change, and ratio-based problems were emphasized.
• The level of difficulty was moderate, with some questions being quite complicated.
• Logical reasoning and quick data analysis were the secrets to performing well in this section.
• Achieving 17–20 questions correct within 25–30 minutes was possible by well-prepared students.

Also check the Best Books for IBSAT Preparation

IBSAT 2025 Preparation Tips

As you have known by now, the difficulty level of the IBSAT is easy to moderate. Hence, the preparation should not take much toll on you. In case you have not started taking the mock test yet, here is your chance to download the IBSAT sample paper and practice. Since the IBSAT is conducted in a proctored home-based format, you will get an added advantage by solving the sample paper online.

If you have already prepared for CAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, or XAT, tackling IBSAT will not be of much difficulty for you. The difficulty level of IBSAT is lower in comparison to that of MAT, CAT, CMAT, and ATMA. The sections and syllabus are also on similar lines. Apart from practicing, revise the formulae, vocabulary, and grammar.

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IBSAT Cutoff (Previous year)

The minimum IBSAT cutoff scores for getting a GDPI call scheduled at IBS are given below.

IBSAT 2025 Exam Preparation Books

Getting help from trusted IBSAT study materials can really boost your preparation. Careers360 has put together a list of the best practice books for management exams to help you get ready. Check out the recommended books below:

Other Important IBSAT 2025 Preparation Resources

Candidates can also improve their IBSAT preparation by downloading and studying ebooks from Careers360. These ebooks are made to help with B-school exam prep and provide useful tips to improve understanding and performance. Using these resources can help candidates strengthen their knowledge and refine their study strategy for the IBSAT exam.