IPMAT 2023 Question Paper PDF Download with Section-Wise Analysis

Overview: The IPMAT 2023 question paper is one of the best resources for understanding the actual exam pattern followed by IIM Indore. Check out the guide and get the complete section-wise breakdown, important topics, expected cutoffs, and access to the IPMAT question paper 2023 PDF for practice.

By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how the exam was structured, which topics were important, and how to use previous-year papers to improve your preparation. 

This will really help you with your IPMAT 2027 Exam Preparation.

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What Is the IPMAT 2023 Question Paper?

The IPMAT question paper 2023  is the entrance exam conducted by IIM Indore for admission to its five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). This program allows students to start their management education directly after Class 12.

The exam tested students in three sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude (Short Answer)
• Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ)
• Verbal Ability (MCQ)

The QA-SA section required students to enter their answers themselves, while the MCQ sections included negative marking for incorrect answers.

The IPMAT 2023 question paper was designed to test a student's Maths skills, English proficiency, speed, accuracy, and time management. Performance on this exam determined who would advance to the IPMAT Personal Interview (PI) round, the final stage of the admission process.

For IPMAT aspirants, analysing the IPMAT 2023 paper is one of the best ways to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics for future exams.

Download IPMAT 2023 Official Question Paper PDF

For genuinely exam-like practice, working through a properly structured IPMAT sample paper alongside this analysis gives you both the pattern recognition and the hands-on practice you need.

Download IPMAT 2023 Question Paper PDF [Official]

What Topics Appeared in the QA (Short Answer) Section of the IPMAT 2023 Question Paper?

The IPMAT Quantitative Aptitude section (Short Answer), also known as QA-SA, is one of the most unique parts of the IPMAT 2023 exam paper.

Unlike regular multiple-choice questions, this section does not provide answer options. Students must solve the question completely and enter the exact numerical answer.

Because there are no options to eliminate or guess from, this section mainly tests your conceptual understanding, calculation skills, and accuracy.

Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 15
• Time Allotted: 40 Minutes
• Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer and 0 for every incorrect answer
• Negative Marking: No
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Advanced

Compared to the previous year, many students found the QA-SA section more challenging. Several questions required multiple concepts to be used together, making them more time-consuming than direct formula-based problems.

Important Topics Asked

The IPMAT 2023 question paper included questions from the following topics:

• Logarithms
• Determinants
• Functions
• Permutation & Combination
• Probability
• Geometry (Circles)
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Arithmetic (Percentages and Ratios)

Good Attempts 

Based on exam analysis and student feedback:

• Good Attempts: Around 9 questions
• Strong Score: Around 32 marks
• Target Accuracy: 85–90%
• Expected Cutoff: Around 20 marks (approximately 5 correct answers)

Although there is no negative marking, students should still focus on accuracy because each question can take a significant amount of time to solve.

Preparation Tip for IPMAT 2027 Aspirants

If you're preparing for IPMAT 2027, make sure you regularly practice questions without looking at answer options.

To improve your performance in the QA-SA section:

• Strengthen your basics in Arithmetic and Algebra
• Practice Logarithms, Functions, Probability, and Permutation & Combination regularly
• Improve calculation speed and accuracy
• Solve previous-year IPMAT question papers
• Attempt sectional tests under a strict 40-minute timer

The IPMAT 2023 question paper clearly showed that students with strong concepts and consistent practice performed best in the Quantitative Aptitude (Short Answer) section. A few extra correct answers here can make a big difference to your overall score and chances of clearing the cutoff.

Download Free IPMAT Previous Year Papers Now

What Topics Appeared in the Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) Section of the IPMAT 2023 Question Paper?

The Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) section tested students on a wide range of Maths topics and required both speed and accuracy. Unlike the Short Answer section, this part of the exam included answer options and negative marking, making smart question selection very important.

Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 30
• Time Allotted: 40 Minutes
• Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Most students found the Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) section slightly easier than the QA-SA section because the answer options provided some support. However, due to negative marking, guessing could be risky.

Important Topics Asked

The questions were spread across several important topics, including:

• Data Interpretation (DI)
• Progressions (AP & GP)
• Logarithms
• Probability
• Determinants
• Set Theory
• Matrices
• Functions
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Number System

Good Attempts and Expected Score

Based on student feedback and exam analysis:

• Good Attempts: Around 19 questions
• Strong Score: Around 60 marks
• Target Accuracy: 85–90%
• Expected Cutoff: Around 46 marks

Remember, because of negative marking, attempting fewer questions with high accuracy is often better than attempting every question and making unnecessary mistakes.

Preparation Tip for IPMAT 2027 Aspirants

If you're preparing for IPMAT 2027, focus on building strong fundamentals before moving on to speed.

To improve your performance in the Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) section:

• Practice Data Interpretation sets regularly
• Strengthen concepts in Algebra, Probability, and Functions
• Improve calculation speed for Matrices and Determinants
• Solve previous-year IPMAT question papers
• Take sectional mock tests with a strict 40-minute timer

The IPMAT 2023 question paper showed that students who balanced speed with accuracy performed best in this section. A smart strategy and consistent practice can help you maximise your score while avoiding the impact of negative marking.

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What Topics Appeared in the Verbal Ability Section of the IPMAT 2023 Question Paper?

The IPMAT Verbal Ability section was the largest section in the IPMAT 2023 question paper, carrying the highest number of questions and marks. For many students, it was also the best opportunity to boost their overall score.

Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 45
• Time Allotted: 40 Minutes
• Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Compared to the previous year, most students found the Verbal Ability section easier and more manageable. Many candidates were able to attempt almost all the questions within the 40-minute time limit.

Important Topics Asked

The section included questions from the following areas:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) – 2 passages with around 12 questions
• Fill in the Blanks
• Para Jumbles
• Sentence Correction
• Word Usage
• Idioms and Phrases

Good Attempts and Expected Score

A strong performance in the Verbal Ability section looked like:

• Good Attempts: Around 40 out of 45 questions
• Strong Score: Around 140 marks
• Accuracy Required: Approximately 85–90%
• Expected Cutoff: Around 124 marks

Preparation Tip for IPMAT 2027 Aspirants

If you're preparing for IPMAT 2027, don't treat Verbal Ability as an easy section that can be prepared at the last moment. Building reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension skills takes time.

Make it a habit to:

• Read newspapers, articles, and editorials daily
• Practice Reading Comprehension passages regularly
• Learn new words, idioms, and phrases every week
• Solve previous-year IPMAT question papers and sectional mocks

A strong Verbal Ability score can often compensate for an average performance in Quantitative Ability, making it one of the most important sections in the IPMAT 2023 question paper and future IPMAT exams.

IPMAT 2023 Sample Questions and Answers to Practice

Quantitative Ability – Short Answer 

Q1. If three consecutive coefficients in the expansion of (x + y)ⁿ are in the ratio 1:9:63, then the value of n is ______.

Answer: 39

Solution: Let the three consecutive coefficients be ⁿCᵣ, ⁿCᵣ₊₁, ⁿCᵣ₊₂. Using the ratio of consecutive binomial coefficients, (r+1)/(n−r) = 1/9, we obtain 10r + 9 = n. Similarly, (r+2)/(n−r−1) = 1/7 gives 8r + 15 = n. Solving these two equations together gives r = 3, and substituting back gives n = 10(3) + 9 = 39.

Q2. The product of the roots of the equation log₂2^(log₂x)² − 5log₂x + 6 = 0 is ________.

Answer: 32

Solution: Substitute log₂x = y. The equation simplifies to a quadratic in y, giving y = 2 or y = 3, so x = 4 or x = 8. The product of the roots is 4 × 8 = 32.

Q3. The remainder when 1! + 2! + 3! + ⋯ + 95! is divided by 15 is ______.

Answer: 3

Solution: From 5! onward, every factorial contains both 3 and 5 as factors, making it divisible by 15. So only 1! + 2! + 3! + 4! = 1 + 2 + 6 + 24 = 33 matters. 33 divided by 15 leaves a remainder of 3.

Q4. Amisha can complete a task in twenty days. After working four days, she fell sick for four days and resumed on the ninth day at half her original rate, completing the task in twelve more days with a co-worker who joined from day nine. The number of days for the co-worker to complete the task alone would be ______.

Answer: 24

Solution: Taking total work as 20 units, Amisha's rate is 1 unit/day. She does 4 units in the first 4 days. From day 9, working at half-rate (0.5 units/day) with the co-worker (x units/day) for 12 days, the remaining 16 units must be completed: (0.5 + x) × 12 = 16, giving x = 5/6 units/day. Time for the co-worker alone = 20 ÷ (5/6) = 24 days.

Q5. In an election with two candidates, 15% of voters didn't vote and 50 votes were invalid. The winner got 44% of all listed voters and won by 200 votes. The number of voters in the voting list is ________.

Answer: 5000

Solution: Let total voters = x. Winner's votes = 44%x, loser's votes = 44%x − 200. Adding invalid votes: 44%x + (44%x − 200) + 50 = 85%x (since 15% didn't vote). Solving gives x = 5000.

Quantitative Ability – MCQ

Q6. If a three-digit number is chosen at random, what is the probability that it is divisible neither by 3 nor by 4?
(a) 1/4

(b) 2/3

(c) ½

 (d) 1/3

Answer: (c) 1/2

Solution: Numbers divisible by 3 = 300, by 4 = 225, by both (12) = 75. Divisible by 3 or 4 = 300+225−75 = 450. Numbers divisible by neither = 900−450 = 450. Probability = 450/900 = 1/2.

Q7. A goldsmith bought a golden ball for ₹1,000,000 and melted it into beads, each with radius one-fifth of the original ball. He sold all beads at a 20% discount on the listed price and made a 20% profit overall. The listed price of each bead, in INR, was:

(a) 12000

(b) 9600

(c) 48000

 (d) 24000

Answer: (a) 12000

Solution: Number of beads = (R)³/(R/5)³ = 125. Cost per bead = 1,000,000/125 = ₹8000. Selling price with 20% profit = ₹9600. If listed price is x, then 0.8x = 9600, giving x = ₹12000.

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Q8. Consider an 8×8 chessboard. The number of ways 8 rooks can be placed such that no two share a row or column is:

(a) 7

(b) 8

(c) 7!

(d) 8!

Answer: (d) 8!

Solution: Placing rooks one at a time such that each avoids previously occupied rows/columns gives 8 × 7 × 6 × ... × 1 = 8! arrangements.

Q9. The minimum number of times a fair coin must be tossed so that the probability of getting at least one head exceeds 0.8 is:

(a) 5

(b) 7

(c) 3

(d) 6

Answer: (c) 3

Solution: P(at least one head) = 1 − (1/2)ⁿ > 0.8, so (1/2)ⁿ < 0.2, meaning 2ⁿ > 5. The smallest n satisfying this is n = 3.

Q10. In a group of 120 students, 80 are from Science and 40 from Commerce. 70 students support Mumbai Indians, the rest support Chennai Super Kings. The number of Science students who support Mumbai Indians is:
(a) Exactly 20

(b) Between 15 and 25

(c) Between 20 and 25

(d) 30 or more
Answer: (d) 30 or more
Solution: Maximum Commerce students supporting Mumbai Indians = 40 (all of them). So at least 70−40 = 30 Mumbai Indians supporters must be from Science. Hence, the number is 30 or more.

Q11. If A = [1 2; 3 a] and det(A³ − 3A² − 5A) = 0, then one of the values of a can be:
(a) 1

(b) 6

(c) 4

(d) 5

Answer: (b) 6

Solution: |A(A² − 3A − 5I)| = 0 implies |A| = 0 (since A² − 3A − 5I isn't necessarily singular). |A| = a×1 − 2×3 = 0, giving a = 6.

Q12. If the difference between compound interest and simple interest for a sum invested for 3 years at 10% annual interest is ₹527, the amount invested is:

(a) 170000

(b) 15000

(c) 150000

(d) 17000
 

Answer: (d) 17000

Solution: For 3 years, CI − SI = P[(R%)³ + 3(R%)²]. Substituting R = 10%: 527 = P[(0.1)³ + 3(0.1)²] = P × 0.031. Solving gives P = ₹17,000.

Q13. A helicopter flies along a square field of side 100 km, increasing speed by 100 kmph for each subsequent side, starting at 100 kmph. The average speed of the helicopter is:

(a) 184 kmph

(b) 200 kmph

(c) 250 kmph

(d) 192 kmph
 

Answer: (d) 192 kmph

Solution: Time for each side = 100/100, 100/200, 100/300, 100/400 hours = 1 + 0.5 + 0.333 + 0.25 = 25/12 hours. Total distance = 400 km. Average speed = 400 ÷ (25/12) = 192 kmph.

Q14. The equation x² + y² − 2x − 4y + 5 = 0 represents:
(a) a point

(b) a pair of straight lines

 (c) an ellipse

 (d) a circle

Answer: (a) a point

Solution: Comparing with the general circle equation, g = −1, f = −2, c = 5. Radius = √(g²+f²−c) = √(1+4−5) = 0. A circle with zero radius is just a point.

Q15. The probability that a randomly chosen positive divisor of 10²⁰²³ is an integer multiple of 10²⁰⁰¹ is:

(a) 23/2024

(b) 23²/2023²

(c) 23/2023

(d) 23²/2024²
Answer: (d) 23²/2024²

Solution: 10²⁰²³ has (2024)² total divisors. Divisors that are multiples of 10²⁰⁰¹ correspond to divisors of 10²² (i.e., 2²²×5²²), which number (23)². So the required probability is 23²/2024².

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Q16. Fill in the blank: If you ask me to give you a rough estimate for the cost of the project, _______ I would say thirty lakhs.

(a) off-the-mark

(b) off-the-grid

(c) off-the-cuff

(d) off-the-mike

Answer: (c) off-the-cuff

Solution: "Off-the-cuff" means an impromptu or unprepared remark, which fits the context of giving a rough, unplanned estimate. The other idioms don't relate to spontaneous speech.

Q17. Para-jumble: Sentences on heat strokes arrange the four sentences

(1) shock value of strokes leading to death,

(2) rising body temperature swelling organs,

 (3) people underestimating heat's effect on the body,

(4) heat strokes becoming more common into a logical paragraph.

Answer: 4-1-3-2

Solution: The paragraph logically opens by introducing the rising frequency of heat strokes (4), follows with the shocking fact that they often cause death (1), explains why this happens- underestimation of heat's impact (3) and closes with the physiological mechanism of organ swelling leading to death (2).

What Are the IPMAT 2023 Cutoffs by Category?

Since IPMAT 2023 used only sectional cutoffs (no combined overall cutoff), candidates needed to clear all three independently to get an interview call.

Category	QA (Short Answer)	QA (MCQ)	Verbal Ability
General	20	46	124
EWS	12	32	95
NC-OBC	8	22	75
SC	8	16	60
ST	4	10	45
PWD	4	10	45

Note: These are expert-estimated cutoffs based on paper difficulty and candidate feedback; always cross-check with official IIM Indore notifications for confirmed figures.

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Where Can You Download the IPMAT 2023 Question Paper PDF?

Many students look for the IPMAT 2023 question paper PDF to understand the exam pattern and practice with real questions. However, IIM Indore does not maintain a public archive of previous-year IPMAT papers on its official website.

You can usually find the IPMAT question paper PDF through our website by checking IPMAT previous year papers.

Or simply click on the download button provided in this blog to get the IPMAT exam paper PDF for 2023.

How Can the IPMAT 2023 Paper Help IPMAT 2027 Aspirants?

1. Focus on the QA-SA Section
The QA-SA (Quantitative Ability – Short Answer) section has no answer options to choose from. You need to solve the question and enter the correct answer yourself.

This section tests your concepts and calculations directly, so make sure you practice solving questions without relying on options. For structured practice, check these IPMAT Maths preparation tips and understand how topics like Coding and Decoding for IPMAT are approached.

2. Don't Ignore Verbal Ability
Many students focus heavily on Maths and underestimate Verbal Ability.

Since this section carries a large share of the total marks, a strong score here can significantly improve your overall result and help you clear the cutoff comfortably. Use these IIM IPMAT preparation tips to balance both sections.

3. Improve Your Calculation Speed
Topics like Matrices, Determinants, and Data Interpretation (DI) often require lengthy calculations.

The faster and more accurate you become with calculations, the more time you'll have for other questions in the exam. If you’re short on time, this 60 Days to IPMAT IIM Indore preparation plan helps build speed under pressure.

4. Practice Vocabulary Regularly
Questions based on Idioms, Phrases, Vocabulary, and Word Usage can be tricky if you haven't prepared for them.

Reading regularly and learning new words can help you score better in the Verbal Ability section. For crunch-time revision, see these last-minute preparation tips for IPMAT.

5. Balance IPMAT Preparation with Class 12 Studies
If you're preparing for IPMAT 2027 while studying in Class 12, try to maintain a balance between board exam preparation and entrance exam preparation.

A proper study schedule can help you perform well in both. Here’s a detailed guide on how to manage IPMAT preparation with board exams.

6. Follow a Proper Study Plan
Instead of jumping randomly from one topic to another, follow a structured study plan.

A clear roadmap helps you cover the IPMAT syllabus faster and revise more effectively before the exam. If you’re starting early, use this one-year preparation strategy for IPMAT. Droppers and repeaters can check the droppers vs freshers IPMAT preparation strategy for a tailored approach.

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Conclusion

The IPMAT 2023 question paper shows an important lesson for every aspirant: success in IPMAT comes from balanced preparation.

You cannot rely only on Maths or only on English. Since QA-SA, QA-MCQ, and Verbal Ability all have sectional cutoffs, you need to perform well in every section.

As you prepare for IPMAT 2027, make sure you solve the IPMAT 2023 question paper and regularly attempt timed  IPMAT mock tests. The more familiar you become with the exam pattern, the more confident you'll feel on exam day.

Most importantly, focus on consistent practice, smart revision, and effective time management; these three habits can make a huge difference in your final score.