The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) has emerged as a highly sought-after entrance exam for students aiming to secure admission to prestigious undergraduate management programs at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Designed specifically for candidates who have completed their 12th standard (or equivalent), IPMAT offers a direct path to the coveted five-year integrated management programs, combining undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Every year, thousands of students across India prepare rigorously for the IPMAT exam, aiming to make their mark and gain entry into top IIMs like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.
Understanding how many students appear for this exam annually is crucial for aspirants and their parents alike, as it helps gauge the level of competition, plan preparation strategies, and set realistic expectations.
This blog explores the number of candidates appearing for IPMAT each year, trends in registrations, factors driving participation, and what this means for you as an aspirant.
What is IPMAT, and Who Can Appear?
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is an entrance exam conducted by select Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their five-year integrated management programs. These programs combine a Bachelor’s degree with an MBA, offering a seamless path for students right after their 12th grade to pursue management education at a premier institute.
Eligibility Criteria for IPMAT
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (12th standard) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Age Limit: Usually, there is no strict upper age limit, but candidates must meet specific criteria set by the conducting IIM.
- Academic Performance: Many institutes require a minimum percentage in the 12th exam (often around 60% or equivalent) to be eligible for admission after clearing the IPMAT.
Institutes Accepting IPMAT Scores
Currently, IPMAT scores are primarily accepted by the following IIMs:
| Institute | Program Offered | Location |
| IIM Indore | 5-Year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) | Indore, MP |
| IIM Rohtak | 5-Year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) | Rohtak, Haryana |
These institutes provide world-class education and excellent placement opportunities, making IPMAT a highly competitive exam.
Overview of Annual IPMAT Registrations and Appearances
Every year, a significant number of students register to appear for the IPMAT exam, attracted by the opportunity to join premier IIMs right after 12th grade. However, not all registered candidates end up appearing for the exam. Understanding the gap between registrations and actual appearances can give aspirants a clearer picture of the competition they face.
Registration vs. Actual Appearance
- Registrations: The total number of candidates who apply and register for the IPMAT exam.
- Appearances: The number of candidates who actually sit for the exam on the exam day.
In recent years on average, about 40,000+ students register annually for the IPMAT across IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak combined. However, the actual number of candidates who appear tends to be slightly lower.
This difference happens due to reasons such as:
- Change of plans or interest by the candidates
- Scheduling conflicts or personal reasons
- Challenges in exam-day logistics or COVID-related issues in recent years
Growth Trend
The number of IPMAT registrations and appearances has seen a steady increase over the years, reflecting the growing popularity of the program among school-leavers. For example:
| Year | Registered Candidates | Candidates Appeared | %Attendance (Appeared/Registered) | Approximate Qualified Candidates* |
| 2019 | ||||
| 2020 | ||||
| 2021 | ||||
| 2022 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 |
Note: Data includes combined figures for IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak IPMAT exams.
The upward trend signals increasing competition, making early and focused preparation more important than ever.
Important Observations:
- There has been a consistent increase of about 1,000 registered candidates every year since 2019.
- The attendance percentage ranges between 80% to 88%, showing some drop-off from registrations to actual appearances.
- Qualified candidates constitute roughly 10-12% of those who appear, indicating high competition and selective admissions.
- The rise in candidate numbers shows increasing awareness about IPMAT as a premier management program pathway.
Factors Influencing the Number of IPMAT Candidates
The rising number of candidates appearing for the IPMAT exam each year is influenced by multiple factors. Understanding these can help aspirants and parents appreciate the competitive landscape and prepare accordingly.
1. Increasing Popularity of Integrated Management Programs
The unique five-year integrated management program offered by IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak attracts many students who want a direct route into top business schools without the need for a separate MBA entrance exam later. This convenience and prestige significantly boost registrations.
2. Expansion and Awareness
Greater awareness about IPMAT has been created through coaching institutes, online forums, and education counselors. The rise of dedicated coaching centers like Tarkashastra has played a vital role in spreading knowledge about the exam and its benefits.
3. Growing Aspirations Among 12th Pass Students
More students are now aspiring to enter management programs immediately after school, considering career growth, salary potential, and early professional exposure. This trend fuels increased participation in the IPMAT.
4. COVID-19 Impact and Online Exam Options
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and online exams, making it easier for candidates from remote or diverse locations to appear. This convenience likely contributed to higher registrations in 2021 and 2022.
5. Limited Seats vs. High Demand
With only around 180 seats available at IIM Indore and Rohtak combined, the number of applicants far exceeds the seats. This creates a highly competitive environment, driving more aspirants to attempt the exam every year.
Summary Table: Key Factors Impacting IPMAT Participation
| Factor | Impact on Candidate Numbers |
| The popularity of integrated programs | Steady increase in registrations |
| Coaching & Awareness campaigns | Wider reach, more students apply |
| Aspirations for early management career | Growing demand among 12th-pass students |
| Online exam facility during COVID | Increased participation due to accessibility |
| Seat availability vs demand | Intensifies competition, attracts more aspirants |
Comparison of IPMAT Exam Participation with Other Similar Entrance Exams
For students aiming to pursue undergraduate management programs, IPMAT is one of several popular entrance exams in India. Comparing the number of candidates appearing for IPMAT with other similar exams helps put the competition into perspective.
IPMAT vs. Other UG Management Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | Approx. Number of Candidates (Recent Year) | Exam Conducting Institute(s) | Key Programs Offered |
| IPMAT | IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak | 5-Year Integrated Management Program | |
| DU JAT | Delhi University | BMS, BBA (FIA), BA (Hons) Business Economics | |
| NMIMS NPAT | NMIMS Mumbai | BBA, B.Com, BMS, and other UG programs | |
| SET (Symbiosis) | Symbiosis International University | BBA, BBA (IB), B.Com |
Key Takeaways:
- IPMAT has relatively fewer candidates (around 7,000) compared to exams like NMIMS NPAT, which sees over 40,000 candidates. This means the exam is competitive but the scale is more manageable.
- DU JAT and SET attract larger crowds primarily due to multiple program offerings and broader eligibility.
- The relatively lower number of candidates for IPMAT reflects its niche appeal as a direct gateway to IIMs, maintaining a selective and high-quality candidate pool.
- This balance means that while competition is intense, focused preparation and strategic study can significantly improve the chances of success in IPMAT.
What the Number of Candidates Means for Aspirants
The rising number of candidates appearing for the IPMAT exam each year signals a few important things for aspirants and their parents:
1. Increased Competition
With around 7,000 students appearing every year for roughly 180 seats at IIM Indore and Rohtak combined, the competition is naturally stiff. This means only about 2.5% of the aspirants secure admission, highlighting the need for thorough and focused preparation.
2. Importance of Early and Consistent Preparation
Given the limited seats and high participation, aspirants cannot rely on last-minute preparation. Starting early—preferably from Class 11 or early Class 12—and following a consistent study plan can greatly improve chances.
3. Need for Quality Study Material and Coaching
With the level of competition increasing annually, quality guidance is critical. Coaching institutes like Tarkashastra specialize in IPMAT preparation, helping students build conceptual clarity and practice strategically.
4. Psychological Readiness and Time Management
Facing thousands of peers means managing exam stress and timing effectively. Mock tests and time-bound practice sessions are essential to build confidence and improve speed and accuracy.
5. Strategic Approach to Different Sections
IPMAT tests Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Understanding the exam pattern and prioritizing high-weightage topics can make preparation more efficient.
Summary Table: What Rising Candidate Numbers Imply for Aspirants
| Implication | How Aspirants Should Respond |
| High competition | Start early and prepare consistently |
| Limited seats | Focus on accuracy and speed |
| Need for strong concepts | Join quality coaching like Tarkashastra |
| Exam stress & timing | Practice with mock tests and time management |
| Balanced preparation | Allocate time effectively to all sections |
How Tarkashastra Helps Students Compete with Growing Competition
With the number of IPMAT aspirants steadily rising every year, standing out in the crowd requires more than just hard work; it demands smart preparation, expert guidance, and consistent practice. This is where Tarkashastra steps in as a trusted partner for students aiming to crack IPMAT.
Why Choose Tarkashastra for IPMAT Preparation?
- Experienced Faculty: Our mentors have a proven track record in IPMAT coaching, understanding the exam pattern and the evolving trends thoroughly.
- Comprehensive Study Material: We provide curated notes, practice questions, and papers from previous years designed to cover all crucial topics in quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.
- Personalized Mentorship: Each student receives tailored feedback and doubt-solving sessions to address individual weaknesses and build strengths.
- Regular Mock Tests & Analysis: Practice under exam-like conditions with detailed performance analysis to identify improvement areas and track progress.
- Time Management & Exam Strategy: Learn effective strategies for sectional time allocation and question selection to maximize your score.
- Focused Approach for High Competition: With thousands competing for limited seats, our training focuses on efficiency, accuracy, and conceptual clarity to help students outperform the competition.
Success Stories & Results
Many students from Tarkashastra have successfully secured admission to IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak through IPMAT by leveraging our proven preparation methodology.
Join Tarkashastra – Your Partner in IPMAT Success
If you are serious about cracking IPMAT amid growing competition, Tarkashastra offers the guidance, resources, and support you need to succeed.
Conclusion
The IPMAT examination has steadily grown in popularity over the years, with approximately 6,000 to 7,500 students appearing annually for a limited number of seats at top IIMs like Indore and Rohtak. This growing candidate pool reflects the increasing demand for integrated management education right after 12th grade.
For aspirants, understanding the number of competitors helps highlight the importance of early, strategic, and consistent preparation. With only around 2.5% of candidates making it through, the competition is fierce—but not impossible to overcome with the right approach.
At Tarkashastra, we recognize these challenges and provide tailored coaching, study material, and mentorship to empower students to face this tough competition confidently.
If you or your child are planning to appear for IPMAT, staying informed about exam trends and preparing with expert guidance can make all the difference. Take the first step towards your management career today with Tarkashastra’s proven IPMAT coaching programs.
FAQs on IPMAT Participation and Exam Trends
- How many students appear for the IPMAT exam every year?
Around 6,000 to 7,500 candidates appear annually across IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.
- Has the number of IPMAT candidates increased recently?
Yes, registrations and appearances have steadily increased from about 6,000 in 2019 to over 7,500 in 2023.
- Why is there a difference between registered candidates and actual appearances?
Factors like personal reasons, scheduling conflicts, and exam-day issues lead some candidates not to appear after registering.
- What is the approximate acceptance rate of IPMAT?
With around 180 seats and over 7,000 candidates, the acceptance rate is roughly 2.5%.
- Are both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak conducting IPMAT separately?
Yes, both conduct their own IPMAT exams, and students can apply to either or both.
- Does the number of candidates appearing affect exam difficulty?
While more candidates mean tougher competition, the exam difficulty remains consistent with the previous years’ standards.
- How competitive is IPMAT compared to other UG management entrance exams?
IPMAT has fewer candidates than exams like NMIMS NPAT but is highly competitive due to limited seats and prestige.
- What percentage of registered candidates actually appear for the exam?
Usually between 80% to 88% of registered candidates appear for the exam.
- Do more candidates appear for IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak IPMAT?
IIM Indore’s IPMAT generally attracts more candidates than IIM Rohtak, but both are competitive.
- Has COVID-19 affected IPMAT participation?
The pandemic introduced online exam options, which increased accessibility and candidate numbers.
- What is the typical profile of an IPMAT candidate?
Most candidates are 12th pass students aspiring for early management education.
- Are there any reservation policies in IPMAT seats?
Yes, both IIM Indore and Rohtak follow government-mandated reservation policies for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories.
- How do coaching institutes affect IPMAT participation trends?
Growing coaching options raise awareness and increase the number of serious aspirants.
- Is it necessary to join coaching for IPMAT preparation?
While not mandatory, coaching significantly improves chances given the exam’s competitiveness.
- What is the trend for qualified candidates after the written exam?
About 10-12% of candidates who appear for the written test get shortlisted for the next stage.
- Are there any attempt limits for IPMAT?
There is generally no attempt limit, but candidates must meet the age and education eligibility criteria.
- Do IPMAT exam dates vary every year?
Yes, exam dates are announced annually by the respective IIMs and may vary slightly.
- Is IPMAT conducted online or offline?
In recent years, IPMAT has been conducted as a computer-based online test.
- What sections are tested in IPMAT?
Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning are the primary sections.
- How important is understanding participation trends for aspirants?
Knowing the number of candidates helps in strategizing preparation and setting realistic expectations.
