Is IPMAT tougher than SET Exam? Know the Key Differences and Similarities

Is IPMAT tougher than SET Exam? Know the Key Differences and Similarities

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Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Nov 19, 2024 12:40 IST

IPMAT VS SET Exam - IPMAT and SET are two of the most popular BBA entrance exams in India. Both the BBA entrance exams are accepted by the prestigious BBA institutes in the country. Read here the key differences between IPMAT and SET.

IPMAT vs SET

IPMAT vs SET

IPMAT vs SET Exam: Every year lakhs of students appear for BBA entrance exams to get admission to some of the top BBA colleges in India. Some of the popular BBA entrance exams include IPMAT, SET, UGAT, Christ University Entrance Test, CUET, etc. Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) are the two BBA entrance exams which are taken by many students aspiring to pursue the BBA course. There are about seven colleges which accept IPMAT scores for admission. These include IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, Nirma University, IIFT, etc. On the other hand, there are by about nine colleges accepting SET exam scores which include colleges such as SICSR, SCMS Pune, SCMS Noida, etc. Often students think about which entrance exam to take and whether is IPMAT tougher than SET. Comparing the difficulty level of the IPMAT and SET exam can be subjective and depends on various factors such as individual strengths, preparation, and familiarity with the exam pattern, etc.

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IPMAT 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on May 12, 2025. The SET 2025 exam will likely be conducted in the first and second week of May 2025. The IPMAT and SET exams are very similar in terms of syllabus but very different in terms of the exam pattern, marking scheme, difficulty level, programme, etc. In this article, Shiksha.com has presented a comparative study of the IPMAT and SET exam to understand if IPMAT is tougher than SET.

Q:   Is IPMAT IIM Indore better than IIM Rohtak's IPMAT?

A:

IPMAT and IPM Aptitude Test (IIM Rohtak) have similar syllabus but the difficulty level is different. Both exams have Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability sections. However, IIM Rohtak's IPMAT exam has an additional section- Logical Reasoning. While IPM Aptitude Test is an easy exam, IIM Indore's IPMAT is moderately tough but to say which is better totally depends upon the college a candidate is targeting for the five-year integrated programme. The participating colleges for both exams are different. If a candidate's dream college accepts IPMAT score, then they should appear for IPMAT exam. The IPMAT exam conducted by IIM Indore is accepted by other institutes such as IIFT, IIM Ranchi, Nirma University,  Alliance University,  NICMAR University,  Department of Management Studies and NALSAR University of Law. The benefit of IPMAT by IIM Indore is that the exam is accepted by multiple top management insitutes in country, whereas the one conducted by IIM Rohtak is only accepted by IIM Rohtak. 

Q:   Is MBA at SIU Pune better than Manipal University, Jaipur?

A:

Shiksha highlights SIU Pune's acclaim in delivering management degrees tailored to the dynamic business environment. Renowned for a curriculum aligned with industry demands, SIU Pune stands out. On the other hand, Manipal University Jaipur earns recognition for its unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch education marked by innovation in academics. Noteworthy is Manipal University Jaipur's commitment to ensuring quality learning experiences.

 

Both the universities share a common trait in providing satisfactory placement opportunities, enhancing the overall appeal for prospective students. SIU Pune, through its management programs, seeks to address the evolving needs of the corporate landscape, establishing itself as a hub for business education. Meanwhile, Manipal University Jaipur distinguishes itself by offering education that goes beyond conventional boundaries, fostering a culture of innovation.

 

The satisfaction in placement opportunities at both institutions underscores their commitment to equipping students with practical skills for the professional realm. In conclusion, SIU Pune and Manipal University Jaipur emerge as beacons of educational excellence, each with its unique strengths, be it SIU Pune's responsiveness to industry dynamics or Manipal University Jaipur's emphasis on quality and innovation in education. Together, they provide a promising platform for aspiring students seeking a blend of academic prowess and favorable career prospects.

Q:   Is IIM Indore better than IIM Trichy?

A:

According to the NIRF ranking 2023, IIM Indore has been ranked 9 in the Management category whereas IIM Trichy has been ranked 22 in the Management category. Further, according to the Business Today ranking 2023, IIM Indore has been ranked 6 and IIM Trichy has been ranked 19. From the above data, we can conclude that IIM Indore has been ranked better than IIM Trichy.

Also Read: Top BBA entrance exams you can take this year

IPMAT vs SET Exam: Conducting Body

IPMAT: IPMAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore). The exam is conducted for admission to the Integrated Program in Management (IPM). The exam is conducted in the computer-based test mode (CBT).

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SET: The SET exam is conducted by the Symbiosis International University. SET exam is also conducted in the computer-based test mode (CBT). The exam is conducted only once a year for admission to the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) course.

IPMAT vs SET: Eligibility Criteria

IPMAT Indore eligibility criteria: The students appearing for the IPMAT exam must have cleared Class 12 from a recognized board. Students must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate in Class 10 and Class 12. They must have also passed the qualifying exam in 2023, 2024 or 2025. Those completing Class 12 By July 30, 2025, are also eligible.

Q:   Is IIM Indore BBA better than IIM Rohtak?

A:

Below is a comparison drawn for IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak BBA programme based on various parameters:

IIMs offering IPM

Total Tuition Fee

NIRF Rank (2023)

IIM Indore

INR 35 lakh

8

IIM Rohtak

INR 33.9 lakh

12

Q:   Which is better for EMBA: IIM Indore or IIM Bangalore?

A:

Below is the comparison of IIM Indore and IIM Bangalore on certain parameters:

E-PGP Colleges

E-PGP Total Tuition Fee

E-PGP Average Salary

IIM Indore

INR 7.50 Lacs - INR 17.60 lakhINR 27.80 LPA

IIM Bangalore

INR 23 lakhINR 33.07 LPA

Note: The fee is sourced from an unofficial source. Hence, is indicative.

Q:   Which one is better for MBA: IIM Indore or IIM Lucknow?

A:

PGP is the flagship course of all the IIMs. Below is the comparison between IIM Lucknow and IIM Calcutta based on PGP fee, NIRF ranking and average package:

PGP CollegesPGP FeeAverage PackageNIRF Ranking (2023)
IIM IndoreINR 17.30 Lacs - INR 35 lakhINR 22.65 LPA8
IIM LucknowINR 9.50 Lacs - INR 12.60 lakhINR 32.20 LPA6

Q:   Is SIU Pune best in Pune?

A:

SIT, a private engineering college located in Pune, India, secured the 38th position among Indian universities and ranked 68th overall in 2021. This was a notable recognition of its academic standing and contribution to the education sector. In the preceding year, 2020, India Today positioned SIT at the 48th spot specifically among engineering colleges, further emphasizing its significance in the realm of technical education.

 

The institution, known as the Symbiosis Institute of Technology, has evidently garnered attention and acknowledgment for its commitment to academic excellence. Its consistent presence in various rankings reflects its standing within the academic landscape of India. Achieving the 38th position among Indian universities underscores its comprehensive approach to education, encompassing a variety of disciplines beyond engineering.

 

Pune, a city renowned for its educational institutions, hosts SIT, contributing to the city's reputation as an academic hub. The rankings serve as a quantitative measure of the institution's performance and impact, providing prospective students and stakeholders with valuable insights into its academic prowess.

 

As educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping future professionals and contributing to societal progress, SIT's placement in these rankings positions it as a key player in the Indian education system, with a focus on engineering and related disciplines.

The student must be a maximum of 20 years of age as of July 30, 2025.

Also Read: Detailed IPMAT eligibility criteria

SET eligibility criteria: The students appearing for the SET exam must have also cleared Class 12 from a recognized board. They must have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in Class 12. Students appearing for the Class 12 Board exams are also eligible to apply for the SET exam.

There is no age limit to appear for the SET exam.

Also Read: Detailed SET eligibility criteria

IPMAT vs SET: Fees

IPMAT: The registration fee is INR 4,130 for General and NC-OBC candidates. For SC/ST/PWD (DA) categories, the fee is INR 2,065.

SET: The registration fee for SET is INR 2,250 for one paper. Candidates need to pay INR 1,000 for each institute to which they choose to send their SET scores. 

Also Read: 

IPMAT vs SET: Exam Pattern

To understand if the IPMAT Indore is tougher than the SET exam, one needs to understand the exam pattern of both exams.

Details

IPMAT

SET

Number of questions

100

60

Total marks

400

60

Exam duration

2 hours

1 hour

Marking Scheme

+4 marks for a correct answer -1 mark for an incorrect answer

+1 for correct answers. No negative marking

Type of Questions

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Short-Answer Type Questions (SA)

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Sectional time limit

Yes

40 minutes per section

No sectional time limit

There are 100 questions in the IIM Indore IPMAT which are to be solved within 120 minutes, whereas, there are only 60 questions in the SET BBA exam which are to be solved in 60 minutes. This means, the students will get one minute per question to solve each question in the SET exam. But since the IPMAT exam has short-answer type questions as well and there is a sectional time limit too, IPMAT becomes a speed-based exam. This also makes IPMAT a tougher exam in terms of execution. However, if the candidates prepare for IPMAT keeping the sectional time limit in mind, they can easily score well. 

Also Read:

IPMAT vs SET: Syllabus

The syllabus of both these exams is not very different from each other, but there are three sections in the IPMAT exam whereas there are four sections in the SET question paper. IPMAT question paper has three sections based on two subjects- Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability. Look at the table below to know the syllabus of the two exams.

IPMAT

SET

Quantitative Ability (MCQs)

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Ability (Short-Answers)

General Awareness

Verbal Ability

General English

 

Analytical and Logical Reasoning

Also Read:

IPMAT vs SET: Programme

IPMAT: The IPMAT exam is conducted for admission to the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). IPMAT is a combination of a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree (under the dual-degree programme) offered by the IPMAT score-accepting institutes. Students will be provided with a BA (Foundations of Management) and an MBA by IIM Indore at the end of the programme. Students choosing IIFT as their college will be awarded a BBA (Business Analytics) and MBA (International Business) after the programme.

SET: The SET exam is a gateway for admissions to undergraduate courses offered by SIU such as Management, Law, Engineering, Economics, Mass Communication and Computer Studies. On completing the course through SET, students will only be awarded a bachelor's degree.

Also Read:

Colleges Accepting IPMAT Scores

Given below is the list of colleges in India accepting IPMAT score.

Colleges Accepting IPMAT Scores in India

Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM Indore)

Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi (IIM Ranchi)

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kakinada

Nirma University

TA Pai Management Institute

Department of Management Studies, NALSAR University

Colleges Accepting SET Exam Scores

SET exam is conducted by SIU and is accepted by the colleges affiliated to Symbiosis International University. Check the table below to know the colleges accepting SET exam scores:

Colleges Accepting SET Scores in India

Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research [SICSR], Pune

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies [SCMS], Pune

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies [SCMS], Noida

Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication [SCMC], Pune 

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Nagpur

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Bangalore

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Hyderabad

SSI, Pune

Symbiosis School of Economics [SSE], Pune

 

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About the Author
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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

With over 7 years of editorial experience, Saumya has been a writer at Shiksha for over four years. With a bachelor's degree in English literature from Delhi University, she loves to write. A true Delhiite and her l... Read Full Bio