The IIM Bangalore Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE) program has quickly emerged as one of the most prestigious undergraduate management pathways in India. Unlike the IPMAT (Indore/Rohtak) or JIPMAT, IIM Bangalore conducts its own entrance test, commonly referred to as the IIMB DBE Test, to shortlist candidates for this distinctive BBA program.
What makes the IIM B DBE syllabus 2026 so important is its holistic design. The exam is not just about testing math skills or grammar; it evaluates your ability to think critically, analyse data, communicate effectively, and stay updated with the business world.
With four sections
- Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR)
- General Awareness (GA)
…the test ensures aspirants are prepared for the digital-first, entrepreneurial business environment that awaits them at IIM Bangalore.
Unlike other BBA entrance exams, the DBE syllabus includes a General Awareness section with a mandatory cut-off, making it a game-changer in the shortlisting process. This means even if you’re strong in math or reasoning, you must also stay updated with current affairs, business events, and static GK.
Here’s a quick look at how the IIM B DBE syllabus is positioned compared to other major BBA exams:
| Feature | IIM B DBE (IIMB Test) | IPMAT Indore/Rohtak | JIPMAT |
| Conducting Body | IIM Bangalore | IIM Indore / Rohtak | NTA |
| Sections | 4 (QA & DI, VARC, LR, GA) | 3 [QA, VA, LR (only for Rohtak)] | 3 (QA, VARC, LR & DI combined) |
| GK/Current Affairs | Yes (mandatory cut-off) | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 120 minutes (Indore) / 120 minutes (Rohtak) | 150 minutes |
| No. of Questions | 60 | 90 (Indore) / 120 (Rohtak) | 150 |
| Negative Marking | Not officially disclosed (none in past trends) | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaway: The DBE syllabus demands balance. Unlike IPMAT, where Quant dominates, or JIPMAT, where LR-DI is clubbed, DBE aspirants must prepare equally for aptitude, reasoning, language, and GK.
IIM B DBE Entrance Exam 2026 – Overview
The IIM B DBE Entrance Exam is the official admission test for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE) program offered by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB).
It serves as a unique entry pathway for students immediately after Class 12, combining traditional management foundations with digital-first, entrepreneurial skills.
Unlike IPMAT Indore/Rohtak, where no GK is tested, the IIMB Test has an exclusive General Awareness (GA) section, making it distinct from other BBA entrance exams in India. Candidates can also apply through alternative pathways, such as CUET UG (General Test – Section III) or JEE Main scores (valid for 2023–2025).
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 |
| Program Offered | BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Level | Undergraduate (Post-Class 12) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 appearing or passed (any stream) with min. 60% (Gen/EWS/OBC) or 55% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Selection Process | IIMB Test / CUET UG (Sec III) / JEE Main (2023, 2024, 2025) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 60 (MCQs) |
| 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 | Not officially disclosed (no negative marking indicated) |
| Exam Medium | English |
| Location of Institute | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Key Highlight: The General Awareness section has historically carried a mandatory cut-off, making it the deciding factor in shortlisting. Aspirants must therefore balance aptitude with current affairs and GK prep.
IIM B DBE 2026 Exam Pattern
We have already covered the exam pattern in another blog from our IIM B DBE 2026 series. Please refer to the following link to explore the blog.
IIM B DBE 2026 Exam Section-Wise Question and Marks Distribution
However, for a quick overview of the section-wise distribution of questions, please refer to the table given below.
| Section | Approx. No. of Questions | Weightage (Indicative Marks) |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) | ~20 | ~20 |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | ~20 | ~20 |
| Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR) | ~10 | ~10 |
| General Awareness (GA) | ~10 | ~10 |
IIM B DBE 2026 Syllabus (Section-Wise Breakdown)
The IIMB Test syllabus is carefully designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical ability, language skills, logical reasoning, and global awareness. Unlike other BBA entrance exams, the inclusion of a General Awareness section with a mandatory cutoff makes this exam unique and diverse.
Below is the section-wise syllabus for the IIM B DBE 2026 entrance exam:
A. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section assesses your command over English, focusing on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
| Area | Topics |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Main idea & title identification, Inference-based questions, Vocabulary in context |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms & Antonyms, Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, Word usage and confusing words (e.g., affect vs. effect) |
| Grammar & Sentence Correction | Subject-verb agreement, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions, Error spotting, Sentence improvement |
| Sentence Completion | Fill in the blanks |
| Para Jumbles | Logical ordering of sentences to form coherent paragraphs |
| Word-Based Relationships | Analogies, Odd one out, Semantic outliers |
Question Types: RC passages with 3–5 questions, para jumbles, grammar-based MCQs, and word-meaning usage.
B. Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI)
This section checks numerical aptitude and data-handling skills. Most topics are drawn from Class 9–12 mathematics.
| Area | Topics |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time, Speed & Distance, Averages, Ratios & Mixtures, Time & Work |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Algebraic Identities, Progressions (AP, GP) |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Areas, Volumes, Perimeters |
| Modern Math | Permutations & Combinations (basic level), Probability (basic level) |
| Data Interpretation | Pie Charts, Radar Charts, Tables, Bar Graphs, Percentage change & comparison-based analysis |
Question Types: Word problems, DI sets involving charts/graphs, equation solving, and geometry applications.
C. Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR)
This section measures analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.
| Area | Topics |
| Verbal Reasoning | Statement & Conclusion, Cause & Effect, Syllogisms |
| Analytical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangements, Order & Ranking |
| Series | Number Series, Alphabet Series |
| Clocks & Calendars | Basic time-based logic |
| Analogies & Puzzles | Word/Number analogies, Logical puzzles |
Question Types: Seating arrangement sets, syllogism-based reasoning, coding-decoding problems, and logical puzzles.
D. General Awareness (GA)
This section differentiates the DBE exam from others. It includes Current Affairs (last 6–12 months) and Static GK.
| Area | Topics |
| Current Affairs (6–12 months) | Business & Economy, Sports, Awards & Honors, Government Schemes, Summits & Conferences (e.g., G20, COP), Science & Tech (e.g., ISRO launches) |
| Static GK | Geography (Capitals, Rivers, States), Indian History & Culture, Indian Economy basics, Constitution features, International Organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, etc.), Important Books & Authors |
Question Types: National & international events, economic updates, business leaders, awards, history, and geography MCQs.
Preparation Tip: Don’t underestimate the GA section. Although there are no sectional cut-offs in QA, VARC, and LR, GA has historically carried a mandatory cutoff, making it a decisive factor in selection.
IIM Bangalore BBA DBE Exam Previous Year Question Paper Analysis
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2024 IIM Bangalore BBA DBE Entrance Exam conducted on August 10, 2024. The analysis covers the section-wise types of questions asked, providing aspirants with a clearer view of the exam structure and difficulty.
Section A: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (20 Questions, 20 Marks)
- Reading Comprehension: One passage with 4 questions testing primary idea identification, vocabulary usage, and inferential reasoning.
- Vocabulary & Grammar: Items on synonyms, antonyms, idioms/phrases, phrasal verbs, word usage, and sentence correction.
- Prose & Para Jumbles: Sequencing sentences logically to form meaningful paragraphs.
- Analogies & Odd One Out: Checking semantic links and spotting outliers.
- Sentence Completion & Confusing Words: Focus on correct usage of homophones and commonly misused phrases.
Section B: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (20 Questions, 20 Marks)
- Arithmetic: Profit & loss, ratios, averages, time & work, time & distance.
- Algebra: Equations, inequalities, progressions, and functions.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Basics of triangles, area, and mensuration concepts.
- Data Interpretation: Caselets based on pie charts and radar graphs.
- Permutations & Combinations: Circular arrangements with specific conditions.
Section C: Logical & Analytical Reasoning (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
- Verbal & Analytical Reasoning: Seating arrangement, blood relations, order ranking, and direction sense.
- Critical Reasoning: Syllogisms and logical deductions.
- Puzzles & Series: Number and alphabet series completion.
- Clocks, Calendars & Analogies: Basic logical operations and relationship-based reasoning.
Section D: General Awareness (10 Questions, 10 Marks)
- Current Affairs: National & international updates, awards, and events (e.g., G7 Summit, World Junior Chess).
- Static GK: Indian history, geography, economy, culture, ISRO space launches, and notable business leaders.
Understanding IIM Bangalore BBA Sample Papers
To help candidates prepare effectively, IIM Bangalore releases official sample papers for its BBA (Digital Business & Entrepreneurship) entrance exam. These papers mirror the exam’s format, style, and level of difficulty, making them a must-use resource for serious aspirants.
Why Practice with Sample Papers?
Practicing with IIM Bangalore BBA sample papers provides multiple benefits:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Covers all four sections of the exam—QA & DI, VARC, LR, and GK—giving you a complete view of the paper. |
| Insight into Question Types | Helps you understand the kind of MCQs, puzzles, RC passages, and DI sets that may appear in the test. |
| Benchmarking Tool | Acts as a self-assessment tool to track progress, measure accuracy, and identify weak areas. |
| Strategic Preparation | Builds exam temperament, improves time management, and boosts confidence for the actual test day. |
Sample Questions from IIM Bangalore BBA Papers
Here are some representative questions (with solutions) drawn from official sample papers and aligned with the IIM B DBE syllabus 2026:
1. Logical & Analytical Reasoning
Q. A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting around a circular table facing the centre. A sits third to the right of E. C sits second to the left of G. G is not an immediate neighbour of E. B sits to the immediate right of F.
How many people sit between D and B when counted from the left of D?
Options: (1) Four (2) Two (3) None (4) One
Answer: (4) One
2. General Awareness
Q. Who is the founder of Reliance Industries?
Options: (1) Azim Premji (2) Ratan Tata (3) Mukesh Ambani (4) Dhirubhai Ambani
Answer: (4) Dhirubhai Ambani
3. Economics / GK
Q. Which of the following is considered a primary economic activity?
Options: (1) Banking (2) Agriculture (3) Manufacturing (4) Retail
Answer: (2) Agriculture
4. Verbal Ability
Q. Which of the following books is authored by Ruskin Bond?
Options: (1) The White Tiger (2) The God of Small Things (3) The Room on the Roof (4) Midnight’s Children
Answer: (3) The Room on the Roof
5. Indian Culture
Q. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Bharatanatyam?
Options: (1) Mask and Make Up (2) Tribhanga Posture (3) Natyarambha Posture (4) Tarangam
Answer: (3) Natyarambha Posture
6. Quantitative Aptitude
Q. Two circles of radii 21 cm each intersect in such a way that one of them passes through the centre of the other. What is the approximate perimeter (in cm) of the region bounded by these circles?
Options: (1) 170 (2) 171 (3) 174 (4) 176
Answer: (4) 176
7. Arithmetic Application
Q. A shopkeeper bought 10,000 kg rice for ₹1,50,000. He sold 60% of it at 20% profit and 90% of the remaining rice at 15% profit. The rest was spoilt. If he spent ₹21 per 100 kg for transportation, what is his profit/loss percentage?
Options: (1) Profit of 12% (2) Profit of 11.2% (3) Profit of 9.4% (4) Profit of 4.4%
Answer: (1) Profit of 12%
8. Clock & Reasoning
Q. An accurate clock shows 9:00 am. By approximately how many degrees will the hour hand rotate when the clock shows 2:30 pm?
Options: (1) 144° (2) 150° (3) 168° (4) 180°
Answer: (2) 150°
9. Alphabetical Series (Reasoning)
Q. MPQO is related to SVWU in a certain way. In the same way, DGHF is related to JMNL. To which of the following is KNOM related?
Options: (1) QTUS (2) ORSQ (3) QSTR (4) RUVT
Answer: (1) QTUS
Additional Sample Questions (Based on 2025 Syllabus)
To further illustrate the diversity of the exam, here are 5 more sample questions:
- Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Q. Drawing is arguably the most ancient form of visual art. It’s our first means of expression and creativity. From these statements, we can infer that:
a) Ancient cave drawings are among the early forms of visual expression by humans.
b) All artists begin by drawing and then move on to other media.
c) All humans are innately artistic, but we do not develop this inherent talent.
d) Our inherent drawing abilities have suffered due to lack of supportive environments.
- Logical Reasoning
Q. A train departs station X at 6:30 a.m. at a speed of 84 km/h. After one hour, another train departs station A in the same direction at 96 km/h. When do the two trains meet, and at what distance from station A?
a) 11:30 a.m. and 200 km
b) 2:30 p.m. and 672 km
c) 2:40 p.m. and 110 km
d) 3:30 p.m. and 450 km
- General Awareness
Q. Which of the following events marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement in India?
a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) The Non-Cooperation Movement
c) The Salt March (Dandi March)
d) The Quit India Movement
- Data Interpretation
Q. If the fiscal deficit of Country 3 amounted to Rs. x, surpassing that of Country 2 by 50%, what would be the debt (in Rs.) of Country 2 during the financial year 2022-23?
a) 10.36x
b) 11.62x
c) 12.12x
d) 13.48x
- Quantitative Aptitude
Q. A shopkeeper bought 10,000 kg of rice for ₹1,50,000. He sold 60% of it at 20% profit and 90% of the remaining rice at 15% profit. The left rice was spoilt and he had to throw it out. If he spent ₹21 per 100 kg for transportation at the time of buying the rice, what is his profit or loss percentage in this deal?
- a) Profit of 12%
- b) Profit of 11.2%
- c) Profit of 9.4%
- d) Profit of 4.4%
Key Takeaway
The sample papers reflect the diverse question mix—from RC passages to logical puzzles, DI sets, and GK events. Practising them regularly builds not just subject mastery but also the speed, accuracy, and confidence required to ace the IIMB Test.
Previous Year Question Paper Insights (2024–25)
Use these insights to align your 2026 prep with what actually appeared in the IIMB DBE entrance test.
A. Section-wise Snapshot (based on 2024 paper)
| Section | No. of Qs | Approx. Marks* | Dominant Question Types | Difficulty Trend | Typical Time Sink |
| VARC | 17 | 20 | 1 RC set (~4 Qs) on main idea/inference/vocab in context; para jumbles; grammar (error-spotting, correction); vocab/analogies/odd-one-out | Easy → Moderate | Para jumbles; close RC options |
| QA & DI | 17 | 20 | Arithmetic (P&L, ratio, averages, TSD, T&W), Algebra (eqns, progressions), basic Geometry/Mensuration; DI on pie/radar charts with percentage comparison | Moderate (calculation-heavy DI) | Multi-step DI; algebra with progressions |
| LR | 10 | 10 | Seating arrangement, blood relations, order/ranking, direction sense, syllogisms; series (number/alphabet), clocks/calendars | Easy → Moderate | Arrangement sets if started late |
| GA | 10 | 10 | Current affairs (6–12 months): awards, summits (e.g., G7), sports, business/economy; Static GK: history, geography, economy basics, ISRO, notable business leaders | Moderate (wide spread) | Fact traps; close business-GK pairs |
*Marks distribution is indicative; IIMB hasn’t officially disclosed the marking scheme. Past trend: no negative marking.
B. Topic Heatmap: What appeared more often
| Section | High-Frequency Focus | Also Seen | Low/Occasional |
| VARC | RC inference & tone; grammar (SVA, tenses, prepositions); vocab-in-context | para jumbles, sentence completion | para odd-one-out |
| QA & DI | P&L, ratio/mixture, averages; TSD/T&W; DI (pie/radar with % change) | linear/quadratic eqns; AP/GP; basic mensuration | probability/permutation (basic) |
| LR | Seating, blood relations, order/ranking | syllogisms, coding-decoding | clocks/calendars (few) |
| GA | Business & economy, national/international summits, awards, sports | ISRO launches; notable business founders | niche polity minutiae |
C. What This Means for 2026 Aspirants
- GK can decide the shortlist. Historically, GA has had a mandatory cut-off while QA/VARC/LR were counted in aggregate. Balance practice accordingly.
- Speed > Depth in QA/DI. Arithmetic + DI dominates; build a percentages/ratio toolkit and drill radar/pie interpretations.
- Single RC but not trivial. Expect concise answer choices—practice eliminating incorrect options and selecting evidence-based responses.
- LR is a score security. Crack one arrangement early, then sweep the shorter syllogism/series/direction questions.
D. Model Time Allocation (90 minutes, 60 Qs)
| Section | Suggested Time | Rationale |
| QA & DI | 27–30 min | Most scoring but calc-heavy; attempt DI after warming up with 4–5 quick arithmetic Qs |
| VARC | 22–24 min | Do vocab/grammar first (low hanging), then RC, then para jumbles |
| LR | 18–20 min | Start with the cleanest arrangement; then quick hits (series/syllogisms) |
| GA | 12–15 min | One pass; don’t overthink—mark and move |
Tip: Keep a 2–3 min buffer at the end for flagged questions.
E. Micro-Strategy by Section
VARC
- Order: Vocab/Grammar → RC → Para jumbles.
- RC: Read question stems first; mark keywords; avoid re-reading entire passage.
QA & DI
- 7–8 quick arithmetic wins → 1 DI set → remaining arithmetic/algebra.
- For DI: Pre-compute totals/sector angles; use ratio reasoning before the arithmetic grind.
LR
- Sketch clean tables/diagrams for arrangement; lock fixed positions early.
- Syllogisms: Use Venn intuition; avoid over-diagramming.
GA
- Prioritise business/economy, awards, summits, sports, and ISRO from last 6–12 months; maintain a weekly revision loop.
F. Common Pitfalls & Fixes
| Pitfall | Fix |
| Spending 8–10 min on first DI/arrangement set | Cap any set at 6 min. If variables don’t lock by then, park and move. |
| Changing GA answers after first instinct | Unless you recall a hard fact, keep the first choice. |
| Forcing RC answers without line evidence | Underline signal words (however, therefore, in fact) and align options with the author’s stance. |
| Algebra errors in progressions/equations | Keep a formula sheet (AP/GP sums, quadratic roots) and re-check the substitution step. |
G. 2-Week Finisher Plan (just before exam)
Week 1:
- 3 full mocks (alternate days) + deep analysis next day.
- GK: 30 mins/day (awards, summits, business headlines, sports winners).
- QA/DI: Drill percentages/ratio/averages and 1 DI set/day (radar/pie).
Week 2:
- 2 mocks + 2 sectional tests each (QA/DI & VARC).
- LR: 1 arrangement/day + 10 short CR/series Qs.
- GK: Revise personal one-pager of 150–200 facts.
Conclusion
The IIM B DBE syllabus 2026 is completely balanced, combining aptitude (QA & DI), reasoning (LR), language (VARC), and general awareness (GA) to identify future-ready managers. Success isn’t about overemphasising one area; it’s about consistent, thoughtful preparation across all four sections, with special attention to GA because of its significant weight.
Build fundamentals, practice high-yield topics, analyse every mock, and revise with a tight checklist. This balanced approach raises accuracy, boosts attempts, and improves shortlisting odds.
Prep Smart, Win Big — Begin Your DBE 2026 Journey Today
Start early. Pair your study with Tarkashastra’s structured roadmap and 1-to-1 mentorship to stay focused and exam-ready for the IIMB Test.
FAQs
1) What is the IIM B DBE syllabus for 2026?
It covers four sections: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical & Analytical Reasoning (LR), and General Awareness (GA). Topics span Class 9–12 math, RC/grammar/vocab, reasoning puzzles, and current affairs + static GK.
2) How many questions and what duration for the IIMB Test?
The paper typically has 60 MCQs in 90 minutes across the four sections. The marking scheme has not been officially disclosed; however, previous cycles did not indicate negative marking.
3) Is there a sectional cut-off in IIM B DBE?
Historically, GA (General Awareness) carried a mandatory cutoff, while QA, VARC, and LR were counted collectively. Final rules are at the discretion of IIM Bangalore each year.
4) What are the most critical topics in QA & DI?
High-yield areas include percentages, ratios & mixture, averages, time–speed–distance, time & work, introductory algebra (linear/quadratic, AP/GP), and DI on pie/radar/tables with percentage comparison.
5) What type of VARC questions appear?
Expect one RC set (main idea, inference, tone, vocab-in-context), grammar/error spotting, sentence improvement, vocab/synonyms-antonyms, and para jumbles.
6) What should I focus on in LR?
Practice seating arrangements, blood relations, order & ranking, direction sense, syllogisms, series (number/alphabet), and basic clocks/calendars.
7) How should I prepare for GA for DBE 2026?
Cover the last 6–12 months of business & economy, awards, summits (G20/G7/COP), sports winners, government schemes, ISRO, plus static GK (geography, history, Constitution, global organisations, books/authors).
8) What’s a good time allocation strategy in the exam?
A proven split is QA&DI: 27–30 min, VARC: 22–24 min, LR: 18–20 min, GA: 12–15 min, with a 2–3 min buffer for flagged questions.
9) How many mocks should I take for DBE 2026?
Target 8–12 full-length mocks, plus sectional tests. Analyse each mock for concept/calculation/choice/time errors and create a redo list for DI sets, arrangements, and close-option RCs.
10) Are official sample papers proper?
Absolutely. They mirror the format, style, and difficulty, helping you benchmark speed and accuracy while revealing common question patterns across sections.
11) What are common mistakes to avoid?
Spending >6 minutes on a single DI/arrangement set, second-guessing GA without a hard fact, and answering RC without line evidence. Set a time cap, trust the first confident GA picks, and use text-based elimination in RC.
12) How can Tarkashastra help me crack IIM B DBE 2026?
Tarkashastra offers mentor-guided study plans, section-wise drills, high-quality mocks, GA one-pagers, and exam-day strategies—so you prep smart across all four sections and maximise your shortlist chances.
