IBSAT EXAM GUIDE: Everything You Want To Know

What is IBSAT?

ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (a deemed to be University) conducts the IBS Aptitude Test (IBSAT) conducts entrance exam for admission to MBA/PGPM programs at its nine affiliated business schools.

Of these, IBS Dehradun and IBS Jaipur offer the MBA program. The other schools, IBS Hyderabad, IBS Mumbai, IBS Bengaluru, IBS Pune, IBS Gurgaon, IBS Kolkata, IBS Ahmedabad offer the Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM).

IBSAT Examination Essential Facts

IBSAT is held once a year as a computer-based online Test. For essential facts on the test, see this table:

IBSAT Exam FeaturesDetails
Name of the ExaminationICFAI Business School Aptitude Test
Name of the Conducting BodyICFAI Foundation for Higher Education
IBSAT 2019 convening bodyICFAI Business School
Level of the IBSAT ExaminationNational
Frequency of IBSAT Examination per YearOnce a year
Mode of IBSAT ExaminationOnline
Total Duration of IBSAT Examination120 minutes
IBSAT Examination Syllabus(1) Verbal Ability
(2)Quantitative Ability
(3)Reading Comprehension
(4)Data Adequacy and Data Interpretation
IBSAT Examination Pattern140 Questions in MCQs Format
LanguageEnglish
IBSAT Examination FeesINR 1,800
Number of Applications ReceivedApproximately 25,000 in 2018
Exam PurposeAdmission into 9 Campuses of IBS spread across
(1) Hyderabad,
(2) Dehradun,
(3) Jaipur,
(4) Ahmedabad,
(5) Gurgaon,
(6) Bengaluru,
(7) Kolkata,
(8) Pune, and
(9) Mumbai
Course OfferedMBA/PGPM
No. of Test Centres95
Exam Helpdesk No.040 - 23440963 (5 lines)
Exam Websitehttps://admissions.ibsindia.org/IBSAT2019/registration/indexregistration.asp

IBSAT Exam 2019 Schedule

Have a look at the IBSAT exam schedule 2019.

ScheduleIBSAT 2019 DatesSalient Features
IBSAT 2019 December registrations start01st-Jul-2019Registration process is online
Last Date to Apply for IBSAT 201917th-Dec-2019Closure of registration window was extended
Admit Card release for CBT IBSAT exam22nd-Nov-2019 to 21st-Dec-2019 ( 4:00 pm onwards)22-Nov-2019 to 21-Dec-2019 ( 4:00 pm onwards) Admit card was available on the official IBSAT website
IBSAT 2019 December exam (CBT)21st-Dec-2019 and 22nd-Dec-2019Was held in 95 test centres
Result Declaration26th-Dec-2019IBSAT scorecards are available at the official website

Colleges Accepting IBSAT Scores

IBS Hyderabad and 8 other colleges accept IBSAT score:

Sr. No.Institute Name
1IBS Hyderabad
2IBS Ahmedabad
3IBS Gurgaon
4IBS Dehradun
5IBS Kolkata
6IBS Jaipur
7IBS Bengaluru
8IBS Mumbai
9IBS Pune

IBSAT Eligibility Criteria 

You should be a graduate in any discipline with 50% percent and above marks in aggregate and English as the medium of instruction. Those who completed their graduation with any other language as a medium of instructions should submit TOEFL / NELT / IELTS score.

The test is also open to those in the final year of their bachelor’s degree course. You can also apply for direct admission if you have the score in any of these exams, namely, GMAT, CAT NMAT by GMAC.

Also Read: IBSAT Exam Pattern 

IBSAT Selection Process

Those shortlisted on the basis of the scores obtained in the entrance exam will be called for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. In these rounds, you will be evaluated on your positive approach, leadership qualities and negotiation skills. The final selection result will be announced soon after the conclusion of the final selection rounds, namely, the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

Also read: IBSAT Admit Card

IBSAT 2019 Exam Centres

IBSAT 2019 exam was held at test centres across 95 cities in India. The candidate’s admit card carries the details of the test centre including its address. As a candidate, you must also be aware that the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education reserves the right to change the exam centre for any reason before the exam date.

Also read: IBSAT Exam Analysis

IBSAT Exam Day Guidelines

  • You should report to your allotted test centre at least an hour before the start of the test for document verification and other formalities
  • You should carry the IBSAT test admit card, without which you would not be allowed entry to the exam centre
  • Along with the IBSAT admit card, photo identification is needed. You could present your Voter ID, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or even the College ID card
  • Remember not to take electronic gadgets, jewellery, wrist-watch, headphone, calculator, study material, bag or stationery items inside the exam centre

Follow the instructions of the exam invigilator and refrain from unethical practices like copying during the test Candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria to apply for IBSAT exam.

Also read:

IBSAT Exam FAQs 

Q: How do I apply for IBSAT Exam?

A: IBSAT application forms will be available in both online and offline mode. The registration fee is Rs 1800.

Q: What is the fee for MBA/PGPM program at IBS?

A: IBS Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune charge a course fee of Rs 8,01,000 for the PGPM program. IBS Dehradun and Jaipur have a fee of Rs 5,67,000 for the MBA program. Those selected for the MBA program at these two campuses and students belonging to Uttarakhand and Rajasthan get a   concession of Rs 50,000 in the fee.


Q: What is selection briefing?

A: Selection briefing is a seminar series to inform you about the programs and processes at IBS. Group Discussion and Personal Interview follow the briefing.

Q: What is IBSAT exam pattern?

A: The question paper has four sections. You will be tested in Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation. The test has a total number of 140 questions to be attempted in 2 hours. Check details here- IBSAT exam pattern

Q: Which books are recommended for IBSAT exam?

A: Among the highly recommended books by experts are Mathematics for MBA entrance exam by RS Aggarwal, Quantitative aptitude for MBA Entrance Examination by Abhijit Guha. You could also have a look at Objective English 6e: For Competitive Examination, by Thorpe, Data Interpretation MBA Entrance by Jaiswal, Verbal Ability Guide for CAT by PT Education Ltd.

Q: How difficult is IBSAT exam?

A: The difficulty level in IBSAT is rated as moderate to high. It is at the average level when compared to other standardized tests for MBA admissions like CAT, XAT, IIFT, IBSAT

Q: How should I prepare for IBSAT exam?

A: You should collect preparation material like books and study guides. Draw up a schedule to cover the entire syllabus. Undertake mock tests to develop an understanding of your weak spots and rectify them at the earliest.

Q: How long does IBSAT score remain valid?

A: IBSAT exam score is valid for one year. During this period, you could apply for admission to the MBA program in any of the 9 ICFAI business schools on the basis of test score.

Q: Is there negative marking in IBSAT test?

A: No, there is no negative marking in IBSAT exam that has a total of 140 questions carrying one mark each.

Q: What is the mode of the exam?

A: IBSAT is an online computer-based aptitude test.

Q: What is the total number of questions in the IBSAT test?

A: IBSAT has 140 questions of one mark each. The VA section has 50 Questions, RC 30 questions, QA 30 and DA/DI 30 questions.

Q: I am yet to complete Bachelors Degree, can I appear for IBSAT exam?

A: Yes, anyone who is in the final year Bachelors Degree course can apply and appear in the IBSAT exam.

Q: What will be the PGPM program fee?

A: At present, the fee is pegged at Rs 4,005 lakh per annum.

Q: Is work experience compulsory for IBSAT selection process?

A: No, even though the work experience is not counted in the selection process, it could put you in an advantageous position.

Q: What is the fee for the MBA program at IBS Dehradun and IBS Jaipur?

A: For domicile candidates, the fee is Rs 2.585 Lakh per annum and for non-domicile Rs 2.835 Lakh per annum.

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