The IIM Bangalore Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE) Entrance Exam 2026 is one of the most anticipated undergraduate management tests in India. Designed exclusively by IIM Bangalore, it offers Class 12 students a unique pathway into the prestigious BBA (DBE) program – an innovative blend of business fundamentals, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
But to secure a seat, aspirants must first understand the exam pattern in detail. Unlike traditional BBA exams such as IPMAT or JIPMAT, the IIMB Test is carefully structured to test not just aptitude or language, but also real-world awareness through a General Awareness (GA) section with a mandatory cut-off. This makes the paper not only balanced but also distinctive.
Why is exam pattern knowledge so crucial?
- It determines how you allocate time across sections.
- It helps you identify the weightage of each subject.
- It prevents surprises on exam day by clarifying the marking scheme and duration.
- Most importantly, it prepares you to handle the 1.5 minutes per question pressure smartly.
In this blog, we will break down the paper structure, marking scheme, section-wise distribution, and time management strategies for the IIM B DBE 2026 exam. We’ll also compare it with other BBA entrance tests and share insights from previous year papers to give you a practical perspective.
Whether you’re just starting your preparation or already deep into mocks, this guide will serve as your go-to roadmap for mastering the DBE exam pattern.
IIM B DBE 2026 Exam Overview
The IIM Bangalore DBE Entrance Test 2026 is the official admission gateway for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship program. Conducted by IIM Bangalore, this exam provides Class 12 students with an opportunity to begin their IIM journey right after school.
Unlike IPMAT Indore/Rohtak or JIPMAT, the IIMB Test has a balanced four-section design. It introduces a General Awareness (GA) section with a mandatory cut-off, making it a game-changer in the BBA entrance exam space.
Here’s a snapshot of the IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026:
Feature | Details |
Exam Name | IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026 |
Full Form (DBE) | Digital Business and Entrepreneurship |
Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) |
Program Offered | 3-year BBA in Digital Business & Entrepreneurship (with exit options: Certificate after 1 year, Diploma after 2 years, Degree after 3 years) |
Mode of Exam | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Level | Undergraduate (Post-Class 12) |
Eligibility | Class 12 appearing/passed in any stream with:General/EWS/OBC: Minimum 60%SC/ST/PwD: Minimum 55% |
Duration | 90 minutes |
Total Questions | 60 (Multiple-Choice Questions) |
Exam Sections | 1. Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) 2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 3. Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR) 4. General Awareness (GA) |
Marking Scheme | past trends suggest +1 for correct answer, no negative marking |
Medium | English |
Selection Process | Primary: IIMB DBE Test Alternate: CUET UG (General Test – Section III) / JEE Main (2023–25 attempts) |
Special Highlight | General Awareness has a mandatory cut-off; all other sections are counted in aggregate |
Key Insight: The IIMB Test stands out for its holistic assessment—aptitude, reasoning, language, and awareness—making it more well-rounded compared to other BBA entrance exams.
IIM B DBE 2026 Exam Pattern – Core Structure
The IIM Bangalore DBE Entrance Exam 2026 is structured to evaluate students across aptitude, reasoning, language skills, and real-world awareness. The pattern is concise yet challenging, with only 90 minutes to solve 60 questions, giving candidates about 1.5 minutes per question.
Here are the core features of the exam pattern:
- Total Questions: 60 (MCQs)
- Duration: 90 minutes (no sectional time limits)
- Mode: Online, Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Sections: Four – QA & DI, VARC, LR, GA
- Marking Scheme: past papers indicate +1 per correct answer, no negative marking
- Sectional Cut-off: General Awareness (GA) has a mandatory cut-off; other sections are counted together in aggregate
- Exam Medium: English only
Why is this pattern unique?
Unlike IPMAT Indore/Rohtak, which is Quant-heavy, or JIPMAT, which combines LR & DI, the IIMB Test ensures an evenly distributed evaluation across all four skill areas. The GA section’s mandatory cut-off is the deciding factor in shortlisting.
Key Takeaway: The test is designed for speed + accuracy. With no negative marking, aspirants are encouraged to attempt all questions confidently. However, cracking GA is non-negotiable due to the cut-off.
Section-Wise Distribution & Weightage
The IIM B DBE 2026 exam maintains a balanced structure across its four sections. Each area contributes significantly to the final score. Still, the General Awareness (GA) section carries a mandatory cut-off, making it a potential game-changer.
Here’s the section-wise distribution of questions and marks:
Section | Approx. No. of Questions | Indicative Weightage (Marks) | Key Focus Areas |
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | ~20 | ~20 | Arithmetic (P&L, ratios, averages, TSD, T&W), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, DI (Pie, Radar, Tables, Graphs) |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | ~20 | ~20 | RC passages, Grammar, Vocabulary, Para jumbles, Analogies, Odd-one-out |
Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR) | ~10 | ~10 | Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Series, Syllogisms, Puzzles |
General Awareness (GA) | ~10 | ~10 | Current Affairs (last 6–12 months), Business & Economy, Awards, ISRO launches, Static GK |
Key Insights:
- Balanced Paper: Unlike IPMAT Indore, which is Quant-heavy, the DBE test equally weighs all four sections.
- Mandatory GA Cut-off: Clearing GA is essential for shortlisting; candidates failing in this section are not considered, regardless of overall score.
- No Negative Marking: Encourages attempting all 60 questions.
- Time Pressure: With just 90 minutes, candidates get only 1.5 minutes per question—making time management critical.
Takeaway for Aspirants: Don’t ignore GA while focusing on QA/VARC/LR. Clearing the GA cut-off is non-negotiable for progressing in the admission process.
Sectional Breakdowns with Sample Question Types
The IIM B DBE 2026 exam is divided into four balanced sections, each designed to evaluate a specific skill set. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
This section tests numerical ability and problem-solving through both math questions and data sets.
- Key Topics: Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Profit & Loss), Algebra (Equations, Progressions), Geometry & Mensuration, Basic Probability & Permutations.
- Data Interpretation: Pie Charts, Radar Graphs, Tables, and Bar Graphs—often calculation-heavy.
Sample Questions:
Question 1:
A sum of Rs. 7,740 is divided between X, Y and Z such that the ratio of the share of X to the combined share of Y and Z is 4 : 11 and the ratio of the share of Z to the combined share of X and Y is 1 : 3. What is the share (in Rs.) of Y?
Options:
- ✘ 1,840
- ✘ 2,064
- ✘ 3,520
- ✔ 3,741
Question2:
A cylindrical vessel of base radius 42 cm contains water to a certain level. A solid cylinder of height 18 cm is dropped into it and is completely submerged in water. If the level of the water in the vessel rises by 8 cm, what is the total surface area (in cm²) of the solid cylinder? (Use π = 22/7) (Assuming no overflow.)
Options:
- ✘ 6570
- ✘ 7040
- ✘ 7568
- ✔ 8096
Question 3:
A bank offers 5% compound interest per annum, calculated on a half-yearly basis. A customer deposits Rs. 3200 each on 1st January and 1st July of a year. At the end of the year, the amount he would have gained by way of interest is:
Options:
- ✘ Rs. 240
- ✔ Rs. 242
- ✘ Rs. 340
- ✘ Rs. 342
Question 4:
While selling 15 items, a shopkeeper earned a profit equal to the total cost price of 3 items. If each item is marked 25% above its actual cost and a discount of Rs 2 is given while selling it, then what is the difference between the total cost price of 20 items and the total selling price of 12 items?
Options:
- ✔ Rs. 224
- ✘ Rs. 220
- ✘ Rs. 278
- ✘ Rs. 254
Question 5:
A train running between two towns arrives at its destination 10 minutes late when it goes at 60 km per hour and 16 minutes late when it goes at 40 km per hour. Determine the speed at which the train reaches on time.
Options:
- ✔ 360 km/h
- ✘ 100 km/h
- ✘ 90 km/h
- ✘ 240 km/h
Tip: Start with quick arithmetic wins before attempting DI sets.
2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section evaluates language skills, comprehension, and vocabulary.
- Key Topics: Reading Comprehension (Inference, Main Idea, Tone), Grammar & Error Spotting, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms), Sentence Completion, Para Jumbles, Odd-One-Out.
Sample Questions:
Question 1:
Choose the CORRECT idiom that fits in the blank.
“As the summit on global trade policy unfolded, the delegations from developing nations and industrialized countries found themselves _____, grappling with entrenched positions on tariffs, subsidies, and market access, each side fiercely defending their economic interests and ideological principles amidst mounting diplomatic tension.”
Options:
- ✘ jump on the bandwagon
- ✘ take a shine to someone
- ✔ at loggerheads
- ✘ to throw caution to the wind
Question 2:
Replace the bold words in the sentence below with the CORRECT synonym.
“The Professor’s erudite lectures on astrophysics aroused curiosity in the minds of his students, inspiring them to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos.”
Options :
- ✘ perplexed
- ✔ intrigued
- ✘ confounded
- ✘ bewildered
Question 3:
Complete the sentence by choosing the word that best fits the context:
Despite the initial setbacks, the team remained _________ and determined to achieve their goals.
Options :
- ✘ perseverance
- ✔ Resilient
- ✘ Discouraged
- ✘ Persistence
Question 4:
Arrange the following sentences in the CORRECT sequence to form a coherent paragraph:
- Either glory means to me fame, or it means luminosity.
- As for the second, who wishes to become a kind of living electric light bulb?
- Glory suggests two ideas to me, of which one seems wicked and the other ridiculous.
- As for the first, since to be famous means to be better known than other people, the desire for fame appears to me as a competitive passion and therefore of hell rather than heaven.
Options :
- ✘ 3 – 1 – 4 – 2
- ✔ 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
- ✘ 1 – 3 – 4 – 2
- ✘ 2 – 3 – 1 – 4
Question 5:
A sentence has been removed from the end of the following passage. Please choose the CORRECT option that completes the passage in the most appropriate manner:
Audience segmentation used to be a blunt process—grouping people based on demographic information such as their age, gender, location, educational level, income, and so on. AI technologies can drill down into audience behaviors and help teams develop a sophisticated understanding of niche communities based on their shared values, behaviors, influences, brand affinities, and more. This provides a much more nuanced understanding of what really makes an audience tick, making it easier to create campaigns that resonate.
Options :
- ✘ None the less, implementing AI requires significant investment
- ✔ Unlike conventional market research tactics, it’s based on real-time data, which means the intelligence it gives you is never out of date.
- ✘ This newfound understanding allows for marketing based on blanket information.
- ✘ With AI, marketers can now target specific demographics.
Tip: Attempt vocab and grammar first (quick scoring), then move to RCs and para jumbles.
3. Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR)
LR measures your ability to recognise patterns, relationships, and logical structures.
- Key Topics: Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Order & Ranking, Syllogisms, Series (Number & Alphabet), Puzzles, Clocks & Calendars.
Sample Questions:
Question 1:
Read the given statements and conclusions carefully. Assuming that the information given in the statements is true, even if it appears to be at variance with commonly known facts, decide which of the given conclusions logically follow(s) from the statements.
Statements:
All mangoes are oranges.
No banana is orange.
Conclusions:
I. No mango is a banana.
II. At least some oranges are mangoes.
Options :
- ✘ Only I follows
- ✘ Only II follows
- ✔ Both I and II follow
- ✘ Neither I nor II follows
Question 2:
Rahul ranked 16th from the top and 27th from the bottom in his class. How many students are there in the class?
Options :
- ✘ 40
- ✘ 41
- ✔ 42
- ✘ 43
Question 3:
A, B, C, D and E have different ages. Only one person is elder than E. B is younger than C but elder than D. A is elder than C. How many people are elder than C?
Options :
- ✘ 4
- ✘ 3
- ✔ 2
- ✘ 1
Question 4:
Meena is the wife of Nandu. Nandu is the father of Ovi. Ovi is the sister of Prakash. Prakash is the father of Sunita. Sunita is the wife of Rohan. How is Rohan related to Meena?
Options :
- ✘ Wife’s mother
- ✔ Wife’s father’s mother
- ✘ Mother
- ✘ Wife’s sister
Question 5:
Raj starts from point A and walks 7 kms towards West direction. He then takes a left turn and walks 11 kms, turns left and walks 11 kms, turns left and walks 7 kms. He then takes the final left turn, walks 4 kms and stops at point B. How far (shortest distance) and towards which direction should he drive in order to reach Point A again? (All turns are 90 degrees turns only unless specified)
Options :
- ✔ 4 kms towards North
- ✘ 4 kms towards South
- ✘ 3 kms towards North
- ✘ 3 kms towards South
Tip: Sketch diagrams/tables for seating and ranking sets to avoid confusion.
4. General Awareness (GA)
The GA section differentiates the IIMB Test from other BBA exams. It includes both current affairs and static GK, and carries a mandatory cut-off.
- Key Topics:
- Current Affairs (last 6–12 months): Business & Economy, Sports, Awards, Summits (G20/G7/COP), Govt. Schemes, ISRO/Science-Tech updates.
- Static GK: Indian Geography, History, Polity, Economy basics, Books & Authors, International Organisations.
Sample Questions:
Question 1:
Which Indian has won the World Junior Chess Championship (U-20 Girls) in June 2024, held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat?
Options :
- ✘ Koneru Humpy
- ✘ Soumya Swaminathan
- ✔ Divya Deshmukh
- ✘ Harika Dronavalli
Question 2:
Mahatma Gandhi started his famous Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, from which of the following places?
Options :
- ✘ Swaminarayan Temple, Gandhinagar
- ✘ Salt Panes, Dandi
- ✔ Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
- ✘ Kirti Mandir, Porbandar
Question 3:
Who is the founder of InMobi, who received ‘Future Leaders Award’ in 2015?
Options :
- ✘ Ritesh Agarwal
- ✔ Naveen Tewari
- ✘ P. C. Mustafa
- ✘ Sachin Bansal
Question 4:
The Vandemataram Movement was initiated in Andhra Pradesh in 1907 following the _____.
Options :
- ✘ Second World War
- ✘ Bengal famine
- ✘ Jalianwala Baug massacre
- ✔ Partition of Bengal
Question 5:
_____ is the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited as on 1st June 2024.
Options :
- ✘ Anant Ambani
- ✘ Mukesh Ambani
- ✘ Isha Ambani
- ✔ Akash Ambani
Tip: Revise weekly GK digests and maintain a one-pager with key facts for last-minute review.
Key Takeaway:
Each section is equally weighted in marks, but GA has the power to make or break your shortlisting. Focus on balanced preparation, with extra attention on GA for clearing the cut-off.
Marking Scheme & Cut-Off Rules
One of the most critical aspects of the IIM B DBE Exam Pattern 2026 is its marking and cut-off system. Unlike other entrance exams where negative marking adds extra pressure, the IIMB Test is designed to encourage maximum attempts. However, the General Awareness (GA) section carries a mandatory cut-off, which makes it a decisive factor in selection.
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 mark (as per past trends)
- Wrong Answer: No negative marking (not officially disclosed but consistent across previous years)
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty
- Total Marks: ~60 (indicative, as per number of questions)
Implication for Students:
With no negative marking, students should attempt all 60 questions. Even intelligent guessing can work in your favour.
Sectional Cut-Off Rules
Unlike QA, VARC, or LR, the General Awareness (GA) section has a mandatory cut-off. Candidates who fail to clear GA—even if they score high in other sections—are not shortlisted.
Here’s a look at the cut-off benchmarks from IIM B DBE 2024 (Previous Year):
Category | Minimum GA Section Cut-Off | Combined Score Cut-Off (QA + VARC + LR) |
General | 20% | 50% and above |
NC-OBC / EWS | 20% | 45% and above |
SC / ST / PwD | 20% | 40% and above |
Key Insights
- GA is non-negotiable – clearing this section is compulsory.
- QA, VARC, and LR are considered in aggregate (no sectional cut-offs individually).
- Overall cut-offs vary by category, but GA remains constant at ~20% for all.
- With no PI/GD rounds, the written exam score alone determines selection.
Takeaway for Aspirants: Focus not just on aptitude and reasoning, but give equal (or more) importance to GA preparation, since it has historically been the make-or-break factor.
Time Management Insights
The IIM B DBE 2026 exam gives candidates 90 minutes to solve 60 MCQs—that’s 1.5 minutes per question on average. While this may sound manageable, sections like Data Interpretation and Reasoning puzzles can easily consume more time if not handled smartly.
Efficient time management is the real difference between an average and a top score.
Suggested Time Allocation (Section-Wise)
Section | Suggested Time | Strategy |
Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | 33-35 mins | Start with easy arithmetic problems for quick wins, then move to 1 DI set. Don’t spend more than 6 mins on a single set. |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22–24 mins | Attempt vocab & grammar first (fast scoring), then RC passage, and finally para jumbles. |
Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR) | 18–20 mins | Begin with short reasoning (series, syllogisms), then move to 1 seating arrangement. Cap each puzzle at 6 mins. |
General Awareness (GA) | 8–10 mins | One-pass approach: answer confidently, avoid overthinking. Don’t change answers unless you’re 100% sure. |
Buffer Time | 2–3 mins | Use at the end to revisit flagged or doubtful questions. |
Key Tips for Smart Time Use
- Play to your strengths first: Start with your strongest section to build momentum.
- Don’t get stuck: If a DI set or LR puzzle doesn’t crack in 5–6 mins, move on.
- Maximise GA: Since GA has a mandatory cut-off, give it at least one clear sweep.
- Flag & return: Use buffer time for tricky questions instead of wasting extra minutes mid-exam.
Takeaway: The exam rewards speed + accuracy. Stick to your time plan, avoid time sinks, and ensure you clear the GA cut-off while optimising overall attempts.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Aspirants
The IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026 is not just about solving 60 MCQs—it’s about strategy, balance, and thoughtful preparation. Here are the most critical lessons from the exam pattern and previous year insights:
Balanced Paper, Not Quant-Heavy
- Unlike IPMAT, where Quant dominates, DBE equally weighs QA, VARC, LR, and GA.
General Awareness = Game-Changer
- GA has a mandatory cut-off (~20%). Even if you ace other sections, you won’t be shortlisted without clearing GA.
No Negative Marking Advantage
- Attempt all 60 questions confidently—intelligent guesses can boost your score.
Time Management is Critical
- Follow the 33-35 (QA & DI), 22–24 (VARC), 18–20 (LR), 12–15 (GA) split, keeping 2–3 minutes as a buffer.
Mocks + Sample Papers = Success Formula
- Sample papers mirror the actual test.
- Mock tests help with speed, accuracy, and pressure handling.
Focus on High-Yield Topics
- QA: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, TSD, DI (Pie/Radar).
- VARC: RC inference, Grammar error-spotting, Vocab.
- LR: Seating, Blood Relations, Series.
- GA: Business, Economy, Awards, Summits, ISRO, Books.
Learn from Past Trends
- The 2024 paper showed calculation-heavy DI, close-option RC, and widespread GA.
- Avoid common pitfalls like overthinking GA or spending too long on one puzzle.
Bottom Line: Cracking IIM B DBE 2026 requires a holistic approach—balance all four sections, clear the GA cut-off, and sharpen your exam temperament with mocks.
Conclusion
The IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026 is unlike any other undergraduate management test in India. With its balanced four-section design and a mandatory General Awareness cut-off, it demands not just academic preparation but also strategic planning.
- If you can master speed in QA & DI,
- Maintain accuracy in VARC and LR, and
- Consistently revise GK to clear the cut-off.
…you stand a strong chance of securing your place at IIM Bangalore’s pioneering BBA in Digital Business & Entrepreneurship program.
At the end of the day, success isn’t about studying harder—it’s about studying smarter with the right tools and guidance.
Start Your DBE Prep with Tarkashastra
At Tarkashastra, we specialise in helping aspirants crack elite entrance exams like the IIMB DBE Test. With:
- Mentor-guided study plans designed for 2026
- High-quality mocks & sectional tests mirroring the IIMB pattern
- General Awareness one-pagers to tackle the cut-off
- 1-to-1 mentorship sessions with experts
… you’ll have a structured, focused, and confidence-driven approach to your preparation.
Don’t just prepare—prepare smart with Tarkashastra and maximise your chances of becoming part of the IIM Bangalore legacy.
FAQs on IIM B DBE Exam Pattern 2026
1. What is the exam pattern for IIM B DBE 2026?
The IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026 has 60 MCQs across four sections—QA & DI, VARC, LR, and GA. The duration is 90 minutes, with no sectional time limits.
2. How many questions are asked in the IIMB DBE Test?
The test includes 60 multiple-choice questions, equally spread across aptitude, reasoning, language, and general awareness.
3. What is the duration of the IIM B DBE 2026 exam?
The exam is 90 minutes long, giving candidates about 1.5 minutes per question on average.
4. Is there negative marking in IIM B DBE 2026?
No official scheme has been disclosed, but past trends suggest no negative marking, encouraging students to attempt all questions.
5. What are the sections in the IIMB DBE exam?
The four sections are:
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR)
- General Awareness (GA)
6. Does the IIMB DBE exam have a sectional cut-off?
Yes. General Awareness (GA) has a mandatory cut-off (~20%), while the other three sections are considered in aggregate.
7. What topics are covered in QA & DI?
QA & DI includes Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, TSD, Averages, P&L), Algebra, Geometry, Progressions, and DI sets (Pie, Radar, Tables, Graphs).
8. What type of VARC questions are asked?
VARC covers Reading Comprehension, Grammar error-spotting, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Analogies, and Odd-One-Out.
9. What reasoning topics appear in the LR section?
The LR section includes Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Order & Ranking, Syllogisms, Series, Puzzles, and Clocks & Calendars.
10. Why is General Awareness important in DBE 2026?
GA has a mandatory cut-off, covering current affairs (business, economy, sports, awards, ISRO) and static GK (history, geography, polity, books/authors). Not clearing GA leads to disqualification.
11. How does the IIMB DBE exam differ from IPMAT and JIPMAT?
Unlike IPMAT Indore (Quant-heavy) and JIPMAT (no GA), the IIMB Test is balanced across four sections. It uniquely includes General Awareness with a mandatory cut-off.
12. What is the marking scheme of the IIMB Test?
Past papers suggest +1 mark per correct answer and no penalty for wrong/unattempted answers, making it advantageous to attempt all questions.
13. How should I manage time in the IIM B DBE exam?
A smart split is: QA & DI – 27–30 mins, VARC – 22–24 mins, LR – 18–20 mins, GA – 12–15 mins, with 2–3 mins buffer for flagged questions.
14. What was the cut-off trend in 2024?
For the 2024 cycle:
- General Category: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 50%
- OBC/EWS: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 45%
- SC/ST/PwD: GA ≥ 20%, Overall ≥ 40%
15. How can I prepare effectively for IIM B DBE 2026?
Balance all four sections, prioritise GA daily, and practice with official sample papers and mocks. Using structured material like Tarkashastra’s study guides, mocks, and GA one-pagers ensures targeted preparation.