With thousands of aspirants competing for a limited number of seats, the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) has become one of the most popular entrance exams for students looking to secure a spot in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) right after their 12th grade. As the demand for early management education grows, the number of students who appear for IPMAT each year has become a crucial question for aspirants trying to gauge the level of competition.
The five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) is now recognized as a premier pathway into business and leadership, attracting students from diverse academic backgrounds. The appeal lies in the direct entry it offers into top IIMs like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak, allowing students to bypass the traditional undergraduate route and immerse themselves in world-class management education from an early stage. For aspirants aiming for a strong foundation in management and a head start in their careers, understanding the number of applicants and the growing competition is essential to plan their preparation effectively.
Understanding the IPMAT Exam
IPMAT is primarily conducted by multiple IIMs:
- IIM Indore: The most sought-after IPM program in the country
- IIM Rohtak: Conducts its own version of the exam with a slightly different structure
- IIM Ranchi: Accepts IPMAT Indore scores for admission
- IIM Jammu: Conducts the JIPMAT exam for its IPM program
- IIM Bodh Gaya: Conducts the JIPMAT exam along with IIM Jammu
- IIM Amritsar: Recently introduced an IPM program accepting IPMAT Indore scores
How Many Students Appear for IPMAT?
IPMAT Indore
IIM Indore’s IPMAT is the most competitive, attracting the highest number of candidates. Over the past few years, the number of students appearing for IPMAT Indore has steadily increased due to the growing awareness of the program and its benefits:
- 2019: Around 18,000 students appeared for the exam
- 2020: Approximately 20,000 candidates appeared
- 2021: The number increased to 22,000+
- 2022: Around 25,000 aspirants registered
- 2023: The figures went beyond 28,000
IPMAT Rohtak
IIM Rohtak has also witnessed a surge in applicants, though its numbers are relatively lower than IIM Indore’s. Here’s an estimate of the number of candidates appearing for IPMAT Rohtak over recent years:
- 2019: Around 7,000 aspirants
- 2020: Close to 9,000 candidates appeared
- 2021: Approximately 12,000 students took the test
- 2022: The number increased to 15,000+
- 2023: Around 18,000 candidates attempted the exam
JIPMAT (IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya)
The Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) is conducted for admission to IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. This exam has also seen an increasing number of applicants over the years:
- 2021: Around 6,000 candidates appeared
- 2022: The number rose to 8,000
- 2023: Nearly 10,000 students attempted the exam
IIM Ranchi & IIM Amritsar
IIM Amritsar has recently launched its new IPM course this year. Both IIM Ranchi and IIM Amritsar accept IPMAT Indore scores for admissions. The number of applicants is expected to grow in the coming years as awareness about the programs increases.
Seat Matrix of IIMs Offering IPM
| IIM | Number of Seats |
| IIM Indore | 150 |
| IIM Rohtak | 165 |
| IIM Ranchi | 60 |
| IIM Jammu | 140 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 120 |
| IIM Amritsar | To be announced |
Why Is IPMAT Gaining Popularity?
The increasing number of applicants for IPMAT can be attributed to several factors:
- Direct Entry into IIMs: Unlike CAT, which requires a bachelor’s degree, IPMAT allows students to secure a seat in IIMs right after Class 12.
- High Placement Records: IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak’s IPM graduates have been securing excellent placements, making the program highly attractive.
- Avoiding the CAT Competition: Since CAT sees lakhs of applicants competing for a few thousand seats, students see IPMAT as a smarter way to get into an IIM.
- Increasing Awareness: More students and parents are becoming aware of the benefits of IPM, leading to higher registration numbers.
- Flexible Career Options: The five-year integrated program includes internships, global exposure, and managerial training, preparing students for leadership roles early on.
IPMAT 2025 Exam Structure and Difficulty Level
Each IIM has a unique structure for its IPM entrance exam:
IPMAT Indore
- Quantitative Ability (MCQs and Short Answers) – 60 questions
- Verbal Ability (MCQs) – 40 questions
- Total Duration: 2 hours
- Selection Process: Aptitude Test + Written Ability Test (WAT) + Personal Interview (PI)
IPMAT Rohtak
- Quantitative Ability – 40 questions
- Logical Reasoning – 40 questions
- Verbal Ability – 40 questions
- Total Duration: 2 hours
- Selection Process: Aptitude Test + Personal Interview (PI)
JIPMAT (IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 33 questions
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning – 33 questions
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension – 34 questions
- Total Duration: 2.5 hours
IPMAT 2025 Preparation Strategy
Given the growing number of applicants, aspirants should focus on:
- Strong Fundamentals: Strengthen your basics in Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
- Mock Tests and Past Papers: Practice regularly to understand the exam pattern and time management.
- Strategy and Time Management: Given the intense competition, smart preparation strategies are crucial.
- Personal Interview Preparation: Focus on communication skills, general awareness, and clarity of thought for the PI round.
- Consistency in Preparation: Regular study and practice are key to cracking the exam.
IPMAT is growing in popularity, with thousands of students competing for a limited number of seats. While the numbers may seem daunting, with the right preparation and strategy, aspirants can increase their chances of securing a place in the prestigious IPM programs at IIMs. As awareness and competition rise, the exam is likely to become even more challenging, making early and strategic preparation essential for success.