August 25, 2026
If you are targeting the IPMAT Indore exam for 2027, you must practice last year's papers. The IPMAT Indore 2023 question paper is one of the PYPs you can use to practise.
You can download the official question paper PDF and use it as a realistic practice test, while our section-wise analysis helps you review Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), Quantitative Ability (MCQ), and Verbal Ability, along with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and overall difficulty.
Going through the 2023 paper can also help you identify the topics you are comfortable with and the areas that need more attention.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed look at the IPMAT Indore 2023 exam pattern, section-wise difficulty, important topics, expected cutoffs, good attempts, and common mistakes to avoid.
More importantly, you’ll learn how to use the IPMAT Indore 2023 question paper with answers as a benchmark for your preparation, so you can measure your progress and approach future mock tests with greater confidence.
Many aspirants look for the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper PDF to practise under real exam conditions.
Here is the direct link to download the IPMAT 2023 Indore Question Paper PDF
| IPMAT Indore Question Paper (2023) |
The IPMAT Indore 2023 Paper PDF presented a balanced challenge for aspirants.
While the overall paper remained moderately difficult, each section had its own characteristics.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) | Moderate to Difficult |
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | Moderate |
| Verbal Ability | Easy to Moderate |
Overall Verdict
Compared to 2022, candidates generally agreed that the Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) section became more challenging, while the Verbal Ability section became slightly easier.
The IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper PDF featured varying difficulty levels across its three sections.
While Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) was considered comparatively tougher than the previous year, the Verbal Ability section was relatively easier and offered scoring opportunities for well-prepared candidates.
The Short Answer section was widely regarded as the most challenging part of the IPMAT Indore examination.
Although there was no negative marking, the questions required strong conceptual understanding rather than formula-based solving.
Students with a solid foundation in Class 11 and 12 Mathematics found this section more manageable.
Major Topics Asked
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Good Attempt: 9–10 Questions
The absence of negative marking made it worthwhile to attempt almost every question after eliminating obvious mistakes.
| IPMAT Indore 2026 Question Paper | IPMAT Indore 2025 Question Paper | IPMAT Indore 2024 Question Paper |
The Quantitative Ability (MCQ) section in the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper maintained a difficulty level similar to the previous year.
Unlike the Short Answer section, candidates had to balance speed and accuracy because every incorrect response resulted in negative marking.
Most questions were concept-based rather than calculation-intensive, rewarding students who had built strong fundamentals and practised a variety of problem types.
Topics Asked in Quant MCQ
Based on student feedback and exam analysis, the following topics were covered:
Unlike in previous years, the paper maintained a balanced distribution of questions rather than heavily focusing on one or two topics.
The Verbal Ability section emerged as the highest-scoring part of the IPMAT Indore Question Paper 2023.
Most students found it easier than the Quantitative sections, but because of the relatively lower difficulty level, the expected cutoff for Verbal Ability was also higher.
The paper focused on testing comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and logical understanding of English rather than rote memorisation.
Topics Asked
| Topic | Approximate Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 21–22 |
| Vocabulary | 12 |
| Grammar | 5–6 |
| Para Jumbles | 5–6 |
One noticeable trend in the 2023 paper was the increased emphasis on phrasal verbs, while traditional idiom-based questions were relatively fewer.
Students with strong reading habits and regular newspaper reading found this section comparatively straightforward.
Since many candidates attempted a large number of questions in this section, accuracy played a crucial role in achieving a competitive score.
Many aspirants compare IPMAT last year's papers to understand changing exam trends.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Parameter | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Quant SA | Moderate | Tougher |
| Quant MCQ | Moderate | Similar |
| Verbal Ability | Moderate | Slightly Easier |
| Overall Paper | Moderate | Moderate |
This is why relying solely on selective topic preparation is risky. A strong conceptual foundation across the syllabus remains essential.
Before analysing individual sections, it's important to understand the IPMAT exam pattern.
The IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper consisted of three sections, each with a fixed sectional time limit of 40 minutes.
Candidates could not switch between sections until the allotted time expired, making sectional time management a crucial aspect of the exam.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) | 15 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 30 | 40 Minutes |
| Verbal Ability | 45 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 90 | 120 Minutes |
Unlike many other management entrance exams, the Short Answer section does not include negative marking.
This encourages candidates to attempt more questions without worrying about penalties for incorrect answers.
Related Read: If you're preparing for multiple management entrance exams, explore the Difference Between IPMAT and JIPMAT to understand how the exam patterns differ.
Understanding the marking scheme is just as important as solving the paper itself.
The IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper with Answers follows the marking pattern below:
| Response | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct MCQ | +4 |
| Incorrect MCQ | -1 |
| Unattempted Question | 0 |
| Short Answer (Wrong) | No Negative Marking |
What Does This Mean for Aspirants?
The absence of negative marking in the Short Answer section allows candidates to maximise their attempts.
However, in the MCQ sections, random guessing can significantly reduce your overall score due to the negative marking.
A balanced strategy that combines accuracy with intelligent attempts generally produces the best results.
Also Read: Learn how marks are calculated by understanding the complete JIPMAT Marking Scheme, which follows a different evaluation approach.
Q1. If a three-digit number is chosen at random, what is the probability that it is divisible neither by 3 nor by 4?
(a) ¼
(b) 2/3
(c) 1/2
(d) 1/3
Answer: (c) 1/2 Numbers divisible by 3 or 4 among 3-digit numbers = 450 out of 900, so neither = 450/900 = 1/2.
Q2. A goldsmith melted a golden ball worth ₹10,00,000 into beads with radius 1/5th of the original. After a 20% discount and 20% profit, what was the listed price of each bead?
(a) ₹12,000
(b) ₹9,600
(c) ₹48,000
(d) ₹24,000
Answer: (a) ₹12,000 125 beads formed; cost/bead = ₹8,000; SP after 20% profit = ₹9,600 = 80% of list price → list price = ₹12,000.
Q3. On an 8×8 chessboard, in how many ways can 8 identical rooks be placed so no two share a row or column?
(a) 7
(b) 8
(c) 7!
(d) 8!
Answer: (d) 8! Total arrangements (8!)² for distinct rooks, divided by 8! since rooks are identical = 8!.
Q4. If A = [[1,2],[3,a]] and det(A³ − 3A² − 5A) = 0, one value of a can be:
(a) 1
(b) 6
(c) 4
(d) 5
Answer: (b) 6 |A| must equal 0 → a×1 − 2×3 = 0 → a = 6.
Q 5. If the difference between CI and SI for 3 years at 10% p.a. is ₹527, find the principal.
(a) ₹1,70,000
(b) ₹15,000
(c) ₹1,50,000
(d) ₹17,000
Answer: (d) ₹17,000 Using CI–SI = P[(R%)³ + 3(R%)²], solving gives P = ₹17,000.
Q6. In a group of 120 students (80 Science, 40 Commerce), 70 support Mumbai Indians. How many Science students support MI?
(a) Exactly 20
(b) Between 15–25
(c) Between 20–25
(d) 30 or more
Answer: (d) 30 or more Max Commerce MI-supporters = 40; remaining 30 must come from Science, minimum.
Q 7. Minimum number of coin tosses so that P(at least one head) > 0.8:
(a) 5
(b) 7
(c) 3
(d) 6
Answer: (c) 3 1 − (1/2)ⁿ > 0.8 → 2ⁿ > 5 → n = 3.
Q8. A helicopter flies around a square field (side 100 km), increasing speed by 100 kmph each side (100, 200, 300, 400 kmph). Find average speed.
(a) 184 kmph
(b) 200 kmph
(c) 250 kmph
(d) 192 kmph
Answer: (d) 192 kmph Total distance = 400 km; total time = 25/12 hrs → average speed = 192 kmph.
Q 9. A rabbit climbs a 10-step staircase, one or two steps at a time. In how many ways can it reach the top?
(a) 34
(b) 55
(c) 144
(d) 89
Answer: (d) 89 Follows the Fibonacci sequence; F(11) = 89.
Q10. If p is a positive integer such that the unit digit of p³ is 4, what are the possible unit digits of (p+3)³?
(a) 1, 7, 9
(b) 4, 7
(c) 1, 3, 7
(d) 3
Answer: (d) 3 Unit digit of p must be 4 → unit digit of (p+3) = 7 → 7³ = 343 → unit digit 3.
Q11. If you ask me to give 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 "Off-the-cuff" means an impromptu, unprepared response — fits the context of a rough estimate.
Q12. The new car has disappointed its buyers in many ways, and good mileage is its only ___.
(a) saving grace
(b) saving face
(c) saving praise
(d) saving case
Answer: (a) saving grace "Saving grace" = the one redeeming quality in an otherwise disappointing situation.
Q13. Some big shots escape the law, but it is the ___ who are more often apprehended and punished.
(a) small fry
(b) tiny shots
(c) tiny fish
(d) small fish
Answer: (a) small fry "Small fry" is the standard idiom for people of little importance/influence.
Q14. A few brands tailor pants so people with prosthetic legs can wear them easily. This is how they ___.
(a) go to the extra level
(b) go to the extreme level
(c) go the extra mile
(d) go the entire mile
Answer: (c) go the extra mile "Go the extra mile" = making an additional, special effort.
Q15. When you play 'Secret Santa', you buy a gift for ___ you are assigned, without revealing yourself.
(a) whomever you are assigned
(b) who you are assigned
(c) whoever you are assigned
(d) whom you are assigned
Answer: (a) whomever you are assigned "Whomever" is the object of the preposition "for" — grammatically correct in formal usage.
Practising the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper with Answers is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. However, many aspirants fail to get the maximum benefit because they repeat the same mistakes during practice.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
One of the biggest mistakes is solving the paper without following the actual exam conditions.
Remember, the IPMAT exam allows 40 minutes for each section, and you cannot carry forward unused time. Practising with a single 120-minute timer doesn't reflect the real exam experience.
What to do instead: Set separate timers for each section to improve your time management skills.
Many students spend most of their preparation on MCQs and overlook the Short Answer section.
Since there is no negative marking in this section, it can significantly improve your overall score if attempted wisely.
Tip: Practice writing accurate numerical answers quickly to build confidence.
A common misconception is that scoring well on a previous year paper means you're fully prepared.
In reality, your analysis after the test is far more important than the score itself.
Ask yourself:
The answers to these questions help you refine your preparation strategy.
Previous year papers are meant to help you understand the exam pattern and question types, not to predict the exact questions in future exams.
IIM Indore regularly changes the framing of questions while testing the same underlying concepts.
Instead of memorising solutions, focus on understanding the logic behind each question.
Many aspirants repeatedly solve topics they are already comfortable with while avoiding difficult chapters.
This creates a false sense of confidence.
After solving the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper PDF, prepare a list of topics where you struggled and dedicate extra practice sessions to those areas.
The IPMAT Indore 2023 question paper can be your guide to practice the real exam questions and can give you a much clearer idea of what to expect in the actual exam.
Instead of simply looking at the questions, pay attention to the topics covered, the way questions are framed, and the time you need to solve each section.
This makes the paper useful for understanding the exam pattern and getting a feel for the level of questions asked by IIM Indore.
Try solving the IPMAT Indore 2023 question paper PDF in one sitting and stick to the actual time limit.
Once you finish, use the IPMAT Indore 2023 question paper with answers to check not only your score but also where you lost marks and which topics took too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper difficult?

Does the Short Answer section have negative marking?

Is solving one previous year paper enough for IPMAT preparation?

Why should I solve the IPMAT Indore 2023 Question Paper with Answers?

What topics were asked in the Quant Short Answer section of IPMAT Indore 2023?

How much time is given for each section in IPMAT Indore?

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