IPMAT is one of the most challenging entrance exams for students aiming to secure a seat in the prestigious five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) right after class 12. The competition is intense, as thousands of students appear for the exam each year, but only a limited number of seats are available. This makes the admission process highly selective and demands a strategic approach from aspirants.
Another factor that makes it difficult is the multi-stage admission process. Unlike conventional undergraduate programs, IPM admissions do not rely solely on an entrance test score. Instead, candidates have to clear multiple rounds, including a written ability test (WAT) and a personal interview (PI), which assess academic knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, and overall personality. Many students may score well in the aptitude test but still fall short in the interview round, making it essential to prepare holistically.
The exam assesses quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning with questions that require higher order thinking skills and, therefore, aspirants must keep backup options while applying for IPMAT. To understand the options available for all students, let us explore all exams that an aspirant can give to join an IPM program in India:
Admission Through IPMAT Indore and IPMAT Rohtak Exam
IIM Indore pioneered the five-year Integrated Program in Management in 2011, marking the beginning of a new era in undergraduate management education in India. Seeing the success of IIM Indore’s program, IIM Rohtak introduced its own IPM program in 2019, expanding the opportunities for students aiming to pursue management from a young age.
Clearing IPMAT Indore or IPMAT Rohtak allows students to gain admission into some of the most prestigious management institutions in the country. Aspirants can also seek admission into IIM Ranchi and IIM Amritsar through the IPMAT Indore score. Additionally, a few private universities also consider IPMAT scores for admission into their undergraduate management programs. While their selection processes may differ, IPMAT scores can act as a gateway for students to explore multiple institutions and keep their options open beyond just IIMs.
Each of these institutes has designed its IPM curriculum to blend foundational business concepts with modern managerial techniques. This diversification in IPM offerings allows students to choose a program that aligns best with their aspirations. Moreover, these programs follow similar selection criteria, ensuring that aspirants who prepare for IPMAT have multiple opportunities to secure a seat in an IIM.
1) JIPMAT Exam
For students who may not be able to secure admission through IPMAT Indore or IPMAT Rohtak, JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test) serves as a great alternative. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), JIPMAT is the entrance exam for the IPM programs at IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. The syllabus and exam pattern are quite similar to IPMAT, making it an excellent backup option for students already preparing for IPMAT.
JIPMAT is relatively less competitive than IPMAT Indore and Rohtak, as fewer students appear for it. This increases the chances of securing admission to an IIM for those who may not meet the cutoffs for Indore or Rohtak. Since the curriculum and teaching methodology at these IIMs are on par with other institutes, students who opt for JIPMAT-based admissions still receive a high-quality education with excellent career prospects.
2) Other Management Entrance Exams
Apart from IPMAT, students can also explore other management entrance exams to increase their chances of getting into a reputed institution. Some of the most popular alternatives include NPAT (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Admission Test), SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test), and CUET (Christ University Entrance Test). These exams provide entry into top private universities like NMIMS, Symbiosis, and various central universities, which offer high-quality business education.
3) BBA Programs at Top Colleges via CUET UG Exam
If none of the entrance exams yield favorable results, students can still pursue a career in management by applying for BBA programs at reputed private and government colleges. Institutions like Christ University, St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Loyola College Chennai, and Madras Christian College (MCC) offer well-structured business programs that can serve as a strong foundation for future MBA aspirations.
Additionally, CUET has replaced DU-JAT as the entrance exam for Delhi University’s BBA and BMS programs. Delhi University has some of the best undergraduate business schools in the country, such as Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS), which is well known for its industry-oriented curriculum and impressive placement records. Opting for these alternative exams ensures that students have a broader range of institutions to apply to rather than solely relying on IPMAT.
These colleges offer a mix of academic rigor and industry exposure, ensuring that students are well-prepared for postgraduate studies or direct entry into the corporate world. Many of these institutions have tie-ups with industries, providing students with internship opportunities, industry visits, and practical learning experiences that enhance their employability.
Is Choosing a Backup Option Worth It?
Many students wonder whether they should invest time and effort in backup options if they are primarily focused on getting into an IIM via IPMAT. The reality is that while IPMAT is a prestigious and rewarding path, the intense competition means that even highly capable students may not secure a seat. Having a strong backup plan ensures that students do not waste an entire year if things do not go as planned.
Backup options such as JIPMAT, other IPM programs, and reputed BBA programs provide alternative pathways to a successful career in management. Many top BBA programs in India offer excellent faculty, strong industry connections, and impressive placement opportunities. Additionally, students who complete a BBA from a good institution can later pursue an MBA from an IIM or other reputed business schools through the CAT exam.
Thus, choosing a backup option is not just about settling for less; it is about keeping doors open for long-term success. Instead of seeing it as a compromise, students should view it as a strategic decision that maximizes their opportunities in the field of management. The key is to plan strategically, stay prepared for multiple entrance exams, and explore different pathways to achieve long-term career goals in the field of management.
If you’re preparing for either of these exams, don’t forget to check out iQuanta’s YouTube channel to get access to various free resources like PYQs, topicwise marathons, and much more!Â
