IPMAT vs CAT: What to Choose in 2026?

Overview: Explore the key distinctions in the IPMAT vs CAT comparison, highlighting exam patterns, eligibility, and strategic insights for management aspirants deciding between undergraduate and postgraduate journeys.

IPMAT and CAT are different types of entrance exams that are conducted to provide admission to management courses.

IPMAT targets students after class 12 for an integrated management program, while CAT is designed for graduates aiming for postgraduate studies.

The syllabus of IPMAT vs CAT differ significantly, with IPMAT focusing on pre-university topics and CAT covering more advanced, graduate-level content.

While IPMAT challenges students at a board level, CAT demands higher analytical and problem-solving skills suitable for graduates.

Read through the post, which will give you a complete insight into the IPMAT and CAT, which is a better option for 2026, and more.

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Differences Between IPMAT and CAT 2026

There is no way to decide the winner for IPMAT vs CAT, as both are at their best from different perspectives.

Still, if you want a comparison, here is what the CAT vs IPMAT looks like.

Check out the table below to know the significant differences between IPMAT vs CAT:

Parameters	IPMAT Indore Entrance Exam	CAT Entrance Exam
Conducting Body	The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore)	The Indian Institutes of Management (IIM)
Exam Level	National Level exam	National Level Exam
Programs Offered	Foundation Courses in Maths & Statistics, Game Theory, Optimization, Mathematical Modelling, Micro and Macro-economics, Indian Economy, Econometrics, International Trade	Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Executive MBA (ePGP, PGPEx)
Participating Institutes	The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore)	The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Frequency of Exam	Once a year	Once a year
Eligibility	Age: You should be born on or after August 01, 2005 (5 years of relaxation will be given to the candidates from the SC/ST/PwD category).  Qualifying Exam: You should have passed Standard XII/ HSC or equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026.  No Minimum Percentage (%) in either grade X or XII is required.	General, EWS and CAT entrance exam eligibility criteria for OBA categories - Graduate with a minimum of 50% in Bachelor's degree. Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories - Graduate with a minimum of 45% of Bachelor’s degree. Candidates who have completed professional degrees CA/CS/ICWA/ Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India with the required percentage Final-year Bachelor’s degree students can also apply.
Appearing Candidates	30,000 (2025)	2,93,000 (2024)
Subjects in Exam	Quantitative ability (MCQs), Quantitative ability (short answer questions) & Verbal ability	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Question Pattern	Multiple choice questions with one correct answer & Short answer questions	Multiple Choice Questions and non-multiple choice questions

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Similarities between IPMAT vs CAT 2026 Exam

Feature	IPMAT Indore Exam	CAT Exam
Purpose	Admission to Integrated Program in Management at IIM Indore	Admission to MBA/PGDM programs in IIMs and other business schools
Exam Conducting Body	Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore	Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Frequency	Annually	Annually
Mode of Examination	Computer-Based Test (CBT)	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Sections	Generally includes Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability	Usually consists of Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Short Answer Questions	Primarily Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Eligibility Criteria	Higher Secondary Education or equivalent	Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent
Level of Difficulty	Moderate to High	High
Focus Areas	Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills	Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Language Skills
Negative Marking	+4 for a correct answer -1 for incorrect answer in QA-MCQ & VA-MCQ No negative marking in QA-SA	+ 3 for every correct answer -1 for every wrong answer

Read: IPMAT vs Other Management Entrance Exams in India

IPMAT Indore Examination & Eligibility 2026

The IPMAT Exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore).

This is an entrance exam for the students to get admission to the 5-year Integrated Program in Management at IIM Indore.

This is a national-level examination, i.e., any student from any corner of India can take this Aptitude Test for admission to the five-year Integrated Program of Management.

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) comprises two stages: a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI).

• The official notification for the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) will be released on the official website: https://www.iimidr.ac.in.
• The IPMAT Application form (tentative) is due in February 2026.
• The last date to complete the IPMAT 2026 application form will be notified.
• The IPMAT admit card 2026 (tentative) will be out in May 2026.
• The IPMAT exam (tentative) is likely to be conducted in May 2026.
• This is a national-level examination, and students will have only one chance to take it in one year.
• The application fee for the Unreserved category (General) students is Rs. 4130/-, and for the Reserved category (SC/ST/PWD) students is Rs. 2065/-.

IPMAT Indore Eligibility Criteria 2026

• The students who have passed their 10+2 from a recognized board or any equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 are eligible to apply for this exam.
• To qualify for this examination, the student must score at least 60% in their higher senior secondary examination.
• Candidate should have been born on or after August 01, 2005 (5 years of relaxation to the candidates from SC/ST/PWS category will be given, i.e. born on or after August 01, 2000) 

Read: IPMAT Preparation Strategy 2026

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CAT Examination & Eligibility 2026

Every year, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) conducts a Common Admission Test (CAT) to admit students to the most prestigious management institute.

This standard admission test (CAT) is conducted to get admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course in one of the world’s best management institutes.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level examination. Any student from any corner of the world can apply for this test to get admission to the MBA course offered by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). 

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Common Admission Test (CAT) comprises one multiple-choice question and non-multiple choice questions.

• The official notification for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Common Admission Test (CAT) will be posted on the official website, https://iimcat.ac.in in July 2025 (tentative).
• The CAT Application form will be out in the first week of August 2026 (tentative).
• The last date to fill out the CAT application form will be announced shortly.
• The CAT admit card 2026 will be issued on the official website.
• The CAT exam 2026 is likely to be conducted in November 2025 (tentative).
• The CAT exam 2026 results will be out on the official website.
• This is a national-level examination, and students will have only one chance to take it in one year.
• The application fee (non-refundable) for the Unreserved category (General) students is Rs. 2,500/-, and for the Reserved category (SC/ST/PWD) students is Rs. 1,250/-.

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

• The students who have passed their 10 + 2 from a recognized board and completed their graduation or any equivalent examination in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 are eligible to apply for this exam.
• General/NC-OBC students must score at least 50% aggregate marks in their bachelor’s degree to qualify for this examination. SC, ST, and PWD/DA category students must have a minimum of 45% aggregate.
• There is no age limit for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026

Read further to know the difference between IPMAT vs CAT 2026.

Read: How to start CAT preparation in 2 months?

IPMAT vs CAT: Nature of Exams

IPMAT vs CAT are some of the most vigorous entrance examinations in India. Both exams are highly respected and hold equal importance.

However, the two have significant differences, and the hold and exam pattern is one of them.

To increase your preparation, you should opt for IPMAT Online Coaching and CAT Online Coaching.

The table below shows the IPMAT vs CAT exam pattern:

IPMAT Indore Exam Pattern 2026

Check out the table below to learn the detailed IPMAT exam pattern.

Specifications	IPMAT Indore 2026 Exam Pattern
Exam Mode	Online
Subjects	Quantitative ability (MCQs), Quantitative ability (short answer questions) & Verbal ability
Type of Questions	- Quantitative Ability - 30 multiple-choice questions - Quantitative ability - 15 short answer questions - Verbal Ability - 45 questions
Medium of Exam	English and Hindi
Duration of Exam	2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section)
Total Marks	360 Marks
Marking Scheme	For MCQs: +4 for each correct response; -1 for each incorrect response except Short Answers.

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CAT Exam Pattern 2026

Check out the table below to learn the detailed CAT exam pattern:

Particulars	CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Mode of Examination	Online
Medium of Examination	English and Hindi
Duration of the Exam	2 hours (120 minutes - 40 minutes for each section)
Subjects	- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning - Quantitative Aptitude.
Number of Questions	68 (Expected as CAT 2025)
Type of questions	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - 24 multiple-choice questions Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning - 22 multiple-choice questions Quantitative Aptitude - 22 multiple-choice questions.
Total Marks	204 Marks
Marking Scheme	For MCQs: +3 for each correct response; -1 for each incorrect response; Unattempted questions will not be marked.

Career Outcomes & Placement Trends

Whereas both IPMAT and CAT provide access to the IIM universe, their placement scenarios differ in subtle yet significant ways. IPM graduates at IIM Indore have been getting impressive offers, with the average CTC in recent years being between ₹20-25 LPA, and top domestic offers going up to ₹40+ LPA.

Recruiters include consulting firms, FMCG companies, and financial services, with a consistent rise in tech and product management positions.

CAT pass-outs, however, usually have better bargaining power upon entering the market, as a result of the maturity and previous work experience of some of the candidates.

Average packages for premier IIM PGP pass-outs are ₹25-32 LPA, with foreign offers occasionally more than ₹1 crore.

The base of recruiters is also wider, with a larger percentage of leadership and strategic positions.

Aspect	IPMAT (Integrated MBA)	CAT (PGP MBA)
Average CTC	₹20-25 LPA	₹25-32 LPA
Highest CTC	₹40+ LPA (domestic)	₹1 Cr+ (international)
Top Recruiters	Consulting, FMCG, Finance	Consulting, Finance, Tech, Strategy
Role Level	Entry-level managerial	Mid-level / leadership-track

Long-term Career Impact

The timing of your entry into management education can shape your long-term trajectory.

Beginning from IPMAT immediately after Class 12 enables you to join the corporate world at a younger age - typically 22 or 23 - that can result in premature promotions and an advanced start toward developing your career portfolio.

Younger graduates, however, at times might need to put in more effort to gain respect in senior or client-facing roles because age and perceived maturity can affect trust in leadership positions.

CAT, as a postgraduate program, is usually preferred by candidates with 1-4 years of work experience.

Such previous industry exposure makes peer-to-peer learning and class discussion more effective, and may even result in faster leadership-track opportunities upon graduation.

Many recruiters find this maturity and established professional experience to be desirable factors.

Factor	IPMAT	CAT
Entry Age into Corporate	22-23 years	25-27 years
Advantage	Earlier promotions, longer career runway	Maturity, stronger peer learning
Challenge	May face credibility gaps in senior roles initially	Later career start compared to IPMAT grads

Best Preparation Strategies from IPMAT Toppers

Cost vs ROI

The money and time spent on each path is other important deciding factor.

Factor	IPMAT (5-Year)	CAT (2-Year after UG)
Tuition Fee (approx.)	₹35-45 lakhs	₹20-25 lakhs
Study Duration	5 years continuous	2 years (after UG)
Start Earning	At age 22-23	At age 25-27
ROI	Early, but spread over 5 years	High within 2-3 years post-MBA

Work Experience Advantage

One of the most glaring differences between IPMAT and CAT candidates is whether or not they have work experience.

IPMAT graduates usually enter the corporate world as freshers. Though this doesn't prevent them from getting good jobs, they usually start in lower-level managerial jobs and gradually move to mid-level positions.

CAT alumni generally possess some form of prior working experience and are thus qualified for higher or specialized roles upon MBA completion.

This generally translates to quicker career advancements, particularly in consulting, product management, or leadership-track functions.

Aspect	IPMAT	CAT
Work Experience Before MBA	Usually none	1-4 years common
Initial Roles	Entry-level management	Senior associate / mid-level
Impact	Grow into leadership over time	Immediate access to leadership-track roles

Preparation Timeline & Overlap

Preparation for IPMAT and CAT also differs in intensity and timing.

For IPMAT, the best preparation period is in Class 11 or early Class 12. The syllabus for IPMAT overlaps heavily with board-level Mathematics and English, and hence, preparation may be harmonized along with school studies.

For CAT, a sharp preparation window of 6-12 months is typical, sometimes while balancing graduation studies or a full-time job.

The test needs a higher level of difficulty in quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and reading comprehension, calling for regular practice and sophisticated problem-solving techniques.

Factor	IPMAT	CAT
Ideal Prep Start	Class 11 or early Class 12	Final year of UG or during a job
Syllabus Overlap	Board-level Maths & English	Advanced Quant, LRDI, RC
Prep Duration	8-12 months	6-12 months (more intense)

Flexibility & Exit Options

IPMAT provides flexibility through an exit option after three years. Students graduate with a BBA degree and then have the option to sit for CAT, GMAT, or other exams for an MBA from another institution. This is attractive to those who do not want to lock themselves into postgraduate courses.

CAT, being a postgraduate-only path, offers candidates the option to choose any undergraduate course in advance - from engineering to economics - that can expand their skill set before joining an MBA program.

This flexibility provides candidates with an opportunity to look into various fields prior to committing fully to a management career.

Feature	IPMAT	CAT
Exit Option	Yes, after 3 years with BBA	Not applicable
Switch Institute	Possible after BBA	Choose any UG before MBA
Career Flexibility	Early entry, but fixed path	Explore the UG stream before the MBA

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Specialization Scope

Both IPMAT and CAT ultimately result in MBA-level specializations, but the depth and scope may vary.

IPMAT's architecture provides a firm grounding in economics, math, and social sciences in the first three years, followed by core MBA specializations in the last two years.

CAT-guided MBA programs, especially in older IIMs, tend to provide more electives, international exchange programs, dual-degree programs, and specializations in niche areas (e.g., sustainability, digitalization, public policy) due to their long-standing faculty and industry connections.

Aspect	IPMAT	CAT
Foundation	Economics, Maths, Social Sciences	Business fundamentals in MBA
Elective Range	Moderate, expands in MBA phase	Broad, includes niche areas & dual degrees
Global Exposure	Limited but growing	Strong, with many global exchange options

Alumni Network Depth

Networking is a long-term value of any management program, and history counts here.

IPMAT at IIM Indore has been operational since 2011, so its alumni base is still emerging. Although close-knit and familial, the network is not yet as extensive as that of decades-old MBA programs.

CAT provides access to alumni networks in all the IIMs, quite a number of which have been churning out alumni for more than 50 years.

That means a larger, wider, and internationally connected network, which can be a valuable career strength, particularly for international positions or entrepreneurship.

Factor	IPMAT	CAT
Program Start Year	2011 (IIM Indore)	1961+ (Older IIMs)
Alumni Size	Smaller, close-knit	Large, global, influential
Networking Power	Strong within a niche	Strong across industries & geographies

Final Verdict: IPMAT vs CAT?

• CAT is better for graduates or final-year undergraduates aiming for a traditional 2-year MBA at various top business schools, including IIMs. It's highly competitive, with about 2,93,000 candidates appeared for the exam in 2024.
• IPMAT Indore is suitable for students who have completed 12th grade and wish to join a 5-year integrated BBA+MBA program directly. It's less competitive than CAT, with around 30,000 candidates in 2025.

After gaining work experience or an undergraduate degree, you can choose CAT for a postgraduate MBA or IPMAT Indore for an integrated management program right after school.

IPMAT vs CAT is the optimal topic if you are confused about whether to go for a regular master's degree or an integrated program.

Both exams have different outcomes; some favour one's needs while others don't. So, plan your future for these exams wisely.

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Key Takeaways:

• IPMAT vs CAT 2026 Purpose: IPMAT targets students post-class 12 for an integrated BBA+MBA, while CAT is for graduates aiming for a traditional MBA.
• Content: IPMAT includes short answer questions; CAT focuses solely on multiple-choice questions, covering additional topics like logical reasoning.
• Competitiveness: CAT is more competitive, with around 2,93,000 candidates, compared to about 28,596 for IPMAT.
• Eligibility: IPMAT has no minimum percentage requirement for prior academics, whereas CAT requires a minimum of 50% in undergraduate studies.
• Strategic Fit for IPMAT vs CAT: Choose IPMAT for direct entry into management after school or CAT for advanced studies post-graduation.