The Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) 2026 is the gateway for students aspiring to secure admission into the prestigious 5-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) offered by IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Jammu.
As one of the most competitive BBA/IPM entrance exams in India, JIPMAT evaluates a candidate’s quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal skills — all essential for excelling in business management studies.
Before diving into preparation, it is essential to thoroughly understand the JIPMAT exam pattern. Knowing the paper structure, marking scheme, number of questions, and duration will help you:
- Build an effective preparation plan.
- Allocate time wisely across sections.
- Maximise attempts while minimising negative marking.
- Understand how JIPMAT differs from other BBA/IPM entrance tests like IPMAT Indore, NPAT, and SET.
In this blog, we will break down the JIPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 into simple parts — section-wise paper structure, marking scheme, duration, difficulty level, and preparation tips. This will ensure you are not just practising hard, but preparing smartly with the right approach.
Here’s a quick glimpse of what we’ll cover:
| Key Aspect | Details Covered |
| Exam Structure | Sections, number of questions, and marks distribution |
| Duration | Total time and sectional flexibility |
| Marking Scheme | Correct answers, negative marking, and score calculation |
| Sectional Weightage | Importance of QA, DILR, and VARC |
| Tips | Smart strategies to attempt the paper effectively |
By the end of this blog, you’ll have a complete understanding of the JIPMAT 2026 exam pattern and the exact strategy required to score high.
JIPMAT 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights (At a Glance)
Before starting your preparation, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the basic details of the JIPMAT 2026 exam. The table below summarises the most important highlights:
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Participating Institutes | IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya |
| Exam Level | National-level entrance exam |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
| Total Duration | 150 minutes (2.5 hours) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Sections | Quantitative AptitudeData Interpretation & Logical ReasoningVerbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Courses Offered | 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) |
This snapshot gives students a bird’s-eye view of what to expect on exam day.
Section-Wise JIPMAT Paper Structure 2026
The JIPMAT 2026 exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided across three significant sections. Each section tests different abilities — from mathematical concepts to logical problem-solving and language skills.
Here’s the section-wise breakdown:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Key Topics Covered | Difficulty Level |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 33 | 4 | 132 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Modern Math | Moderate to Difficult |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 33 | 4 | 132 | Graphs, Tables, Charts, Puzzles, Series, Syllogisms | Easy to Moderate |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 34 | 4 | 136 | RC Passages, Vocabulary, Grammar, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion | Easy to Moderate |
| Total | 100 | – | 400 | – | – |
Key Highlights of the Paper Structure
- Balanced distribution: All three sections carry almost equal weightage.
- No sectional time limit: Candidates can attempt sections in any order, as per their strength.
- QA section: Often found to be lengthier, requiring strong practice in arithmetic and algebra.
- DILR section: Considered scoring if approached with accuracy and brilliant selection of questions.
- VARC section: Mix of RC passages and short verbal ability questions — relatively manageable with regular reading practice.
JIPMAT 2026 Duration & Mode of Examination
The Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) 2026 will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple test centres in India. Here are the key details:
| Exam Parameter | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Medium | English only |
| Total Duration | 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) |
| Number of Questions | 100 (MCQs) |
| Sectional Time Limit | None – candidates can switch between sections freely |
| Answer Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Important Points About JIPMAT Duration & Mode
- Total time = 2.5 hours → Students need to balance speed and accuracy.
- No sectional time limit → Flexibility allows focusing first on stronger areas, but it also requires disciplined planning.
- CBT Mode → Answers are to be selected on a computer screen, so familiarity with online test-taking is essential.
- English medium only → Strong comprehension skills are necessary, especially for the VARC section.
Suggested Time Allocation Strategy
Though there is no fixed time per section, toppers recommend the following distribution for balanced attempts:
| Section | Suggested Time Allocation |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 55–60 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40–45 minutes |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 45–50 minutes |
JIPMAT Marking Scheme 2026
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for every JIPMAT aspirant. It helps in making better choices during the exam — when to attempt, when to skip, and how to avoid unnecessary negative marking.
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark (negative marking) |
| Unattempted Question | 0 marks |
Example Score Calculations
To make it clearer, here are a few examples of how the scoring works:
| Attempts | Correct Answers | Incorrect Answers | Calculation | Final Score |
| 90 | 70 | 20 | (70 × 4) – (20 × 1) = 280 – 20 | 260 |
| 100 | 80 | 20 | (80 × 4) – (20 × 1) = 320 – 20 | 300 |
| 75 | 60 | 15 | (60 × 4) – (15 × 1) = 240 – 15 | 225 |
| 60 | 50 | 10 | (50 × 4) – (10 × 1) = 200 – 10 | 190 |
Key Takeaways
- Every incorrect attempt costs 1 mark, so blind guessing is a risky strategy.
- Attempting fewer but accurate questions can fetch a better score than attempting all with lower accuracy.
- With 100 questions, the maximum possible score is 400.
Difficulty Level & Analysis (Based on Previous Years)
While the JIPMAT exam pattern remains consistent, the difficulty level of each section can vary slightly from year to year. Based on the analysis of past exams (2021–2024), here’s how the sections generally compare:
| Section | Difficulty Level | Key Observations |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Moderate to Difficult | – Arithmetic dominates (profit & loss, time-speed-distance, averages). – Algebra and Geometry questions can be tricky. – Requires strong conceptual clarity and practice. |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Easy to Moderate | – Questions from tables, graphs, and pie charts are straightforward. – Logical reasoning puzzles are time-consuming but not very tough. – Considered a scoring section if attempted smartly. |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Easy to Moderate | – RC passages are short to medium in length with direct questions. – Vocabulary and grammar-based questions (synonyms, antonyms, error spotting) are simple. – Para jumbles may require careful reading. |
Overall Analysis
- QA is usually the most challenging section, consuming more time than the others.
- DILR offers scoring potential, especially if students manage time well.
- VARC is manageable, but consistent reading practice is needed to build speed and accuracy.
- Cut-offs tend to be high for JIPMAT, as DILR and VARC are generally considered easier than Quant.
JIPMAT vs. Other BBA/IPM Entrance Exams
Students often prepare for multiple management entrance tests, such as IPMAT Indore, NPAT, and SET, in addition to JIPMAT. While the core skills tested are similar, the exam pattern and focus areas differ.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Exam | Conducting Body | Sections | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Difficulty Level | Unique Feature |
| JIPMAT | NTA (for IIM Jammu & Bodh Gaya) | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 400 | 150 mins | Easy–Moderate | Equal weightage to all 3 sections; No sectional cutoff |
| IPMAT Indore | IIM Indore | Quant (MCQ + SA), VARC | 90 | 360 | 120 mins | Moderate–Difficult | Higher weightage to Quant; includes Short Answer (SA) questions |
| IPMAT Rohtak | IIM Rohtak | Quant, LR, VC | 120 | 480 | 120 mins | Moderate | Includes Logical Reasoning, only overall cutoff (no sectional cutoffs) |
| NPAT | NMIMS University | Quant, Logical, Verbal | 120 | 120 | 100 mins | Easy–Moderate | Speed-based; no negative marking |
| SET (BBA) | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University | General English, Quant, Reasoning, GA | 60 | 60 | 60 mins | Easy | GK included; fewer questions but high speed required |
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- JIPMAT = Balanced exam → All sections carry nearly equal weightage.
- IPMAT Indore = Quant heavy → Strong mathematics foundation required.
- IPMAT Rohtak = Overall cutoff matters → Less stressful than Indore.
- NPAT = Speed game → Many questions, less time, no negative marking.
- SET = Broad scope → Includes General Knowledge, unlike JIPMAT.
If you are preparing for multiple exams, ensure that you align your strategy by prioritising Quant for IPMAT, GK for SET, and maintaining a balanced practice approach for JIPMAT.
Preparation Tips Based on Exam Pattern
Since the JIPMAT 2026 exam pattern assigns nearly equal weightage to all three sections, a balanced preparation approach is crucial. Here are some practical tips:
1. Focus on Balanced Preparation
- Don’t ignore any section — each carries around one-third of the total marks.
- Build strong fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude (especially Arithmetic and Algebra).
- Regularly practice DILR sets, as they can be high-scoring.
- Improve reading speed and comprehension for VARC through daily reading habits (editorials, articles, etc.).
2. Time Management Hacks
- With 150 minutes for 100 questions, you have ~1.5 minutes per question.
- Start with your strongest section to build confidence.
- Don’t spend more than 2 minutes on a single question; mark it for review and move ahead.
- In mocks, practice distributing time as follows:
- QA → 55–60 mins
- DILR → 40–45 mins
- VARC → 45–50 mins
3. Accuracy Over Guesswork
- Remember the -1 negative marking rule.
- Avoid blind guessing — only attempt when at least 50% sure.
- A high accuracy rate (70–80%) is better than attempting all with low precision.
4. Mock Test Strategy
- Simulate exam-like conditions with 150-minute full-length mocks.
- After each mock, analyse mistakes section-wise to avoid repeating them.
- Track your accuracy rate and aim for 70% or higher correct attempts with minimal errors.
5. Section-Specific Micro Tips
- QA: Focus on NCERT basics + shortcut techniques for faster calculations.
- DILR: Learn to identify easy sets quickly; don’t get stuck on time-consuming puzzles.
- VARC: Practice at least 1 RC passage daily; revise grammar rules and vocabulary regularly.
Conclusion
The JIPMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to test a student’s quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal proficiency — three pillars of management education. With 100 questions, 400 marks, and 150 minutes, it is a balanced exam where all sections contribute equally to the overall score.
Key takeaways for aspirants:
- Equal weightage across Quant, DILR, and VARC → no section can be ignored.
- Negative marking (-1) makes accuracy as important as speed.
- No sectional time limit allows flexibility — but requires disciplined time management.
- Consistent mock practice, accuracy-focused attempts, and balanced preparation will maximize your chances of success.
At the end of the day, cracking JIPMAT is not just about hard work, but also about thoughtful and structured preparation.
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FAQs on JIPMAT Exam Pattern 2026
1. What is the JIPMAT 2026 exam pattern?
The JIPMAT 2026 consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into three sections — Quantitative Aptitude (33), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (33), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (34). Each question carries 4 marks, with a deduction of -1 for incorrect answers.
2. How many sections are there in JIPMAT 2026?
There are three sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
3. What is the duration of the JIPMAT 2026 exam?
The exam duration is 2.5 hours (150 minutes). There is no sectional time limit, giving students flexibility to manage their time.
4. What is the marking scheme of JIPMAT 2026?
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
5. How many questions are asked in JIPMAT 2026?
A total of 100 questions are asked in JIPMAT 2026: 33 in QA, 33 in DILR, and 34 in VARC.
6. What is the total score of JIPMAT 2026?
The exam carries a total of 400 marks.
7. Is there negative marking in JIPMAT 2026?
Yes, there is a penalty of -1 for each incorrect answer.
8. Is there a sectional cutoff in JIPMAT 2026?
Whether sectional cut-offs apply or not depends on the admission policies of the respective institutions. Candidates should verify the exact requirements with each institution individually.
9. Which section is toughest in JIPMAT?
Based on past trends, Quantitative Aptitude is generally considered the toughest. At the same time, DILR and VARC are relatively more straightforward and score more.
10. What is the mode of JIPMAT 2026?
The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at multiple centres across India.
11. Can I skip questions in JIPMAT without penalty?
Yes, unattempted questions carry 0 marks, so skipping a question is better than blind guessing.
12. How is JIPMAT different from IPMAT Indore?
Unlike IPMAT Indore (which has a higher weightage on Quant and includes short-answer questions), JIPMAT gives equal weightage to all three sections and consists only of MCQs.
13. Is JIPMAT easier than NPAT or SET?
JIPMAT is considered moderate in difficulty. NPAT is more speed-based, while SET includes General Knowledge. Many students find JIPMAT slightly tougher than NPAT but easier than IPMAT Indore.
14. How many IIMs accept JIPMAT 2026 scores?
Currently, two IIMs accept JIPMAT scores: IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya for admission into their 5-Year IPM programs.
15. What is a good score in JIPMAT 2026?
A score of around 270–300+ (out of 400) is generally considered competitive for admission to IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya. However, actual cut-offs may vary from year to year.
