Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Dec 22, 2023 09:39 IST

IBSAT exam is approaching and you must be working out strategies to approach questions. But have you thought of last-minute preparation tips? Read here:

IBSAT 2023 (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test) will be held on December 23 and December 24, 2023. IBSAT registration has ended on December 20, 2023. You would be preparing for the exam putting all sorts of effort by now. Apart from the exam preparation tips, you need to be very clear on what needs to be done on the exam day. It is one of the most important strategies, the absence of which can spoil all your hard work. You won’t want to ruin your chances of making it to premier business schools such as IBS Hyderabad.  

So, what should you ideally do on IBSAT exam day? Should you go for one final mock test, or should you relax and stay calm? Read more about the last-minute preparation tips in this article.

But before that, let’s have a quick round of some key points regarding the IBSAT exam pattern and sectional marking scheme of the IBSAT exam.

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IBSAT exam pattern: Important points

  • Number of questions – 140
  • Sections – 4
  • Time allotted – 120 minutes
  • 1 mark for 1 right answer
  • No negative marking

Sectional marking scheme

By now, you know about the ‘no sectional time limit’ norms of IBSAT. This surely makes the exam less stressful than many MBA entrance exams. You can easily shift from one section to another without much hassle. Check below the number of questions asked in IBSAT and section-wise marks allotment.

Q:   What is IBSAT 2024 schedule?

A:

IBSAT is a national level exam conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (deemed to be University) for admission to MBA/ PGPM courses. IBSAT 2024 registration will commence in first week of July 2024 and candidates will be able to register themselves on the official website at general.ibsindia.org. IBSAT scores are accepted by nine ICFAI Business Schools (IBS), namely IBS Hyderabad, IBS Mumbai, IBS Bengaluru, IBS Pune, IBS Gurgaon, IBS Kolkata, IBS Ahmedabad, IBS Jaipur, and IBS Dehradun. Tabulated below is the tentative IBSAT 2023 schedule:

Events

Dates

IBSAT 2024 GD-PI

 10 Feb - 18 Feb '24.

IBSAT 2024 Selection Process Result

March 2025

 

Q:   How can I book my slots for IBSAT?

A:

IBSAT 2024 slot booking window is open. Only registered candidates who will complete the application process along with the payment of the application fee can book the exam slot. To book the IBSAT exam slot candidates must follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1- Visit the official website of IBS and login with the credentials

Step 2- Click on the tab ‘Schedule IBSAT’

Step 3- Click on the link provided for login

Step 4- Screen will now display the login page. Enter the credentials:

  • Application Number
  • Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY format)
  • Enter the captcha

Step 5- Click on the tab ‘Book a seat’

Step 6- Enter the following details:

  • Test name
  • City
  • Date
  • Test centre name
  • Test centre address

Step 7- Select the suitable exam timing and click on the tab ‘Book’

Step 8- Candidates will be given 1 minute to confirm the timing of the examination.

Step 9- Screen will now display the candidate and examination details.

Step 10- Download the IBSAT admit card.

Q:   When will be IBSAT exam conducted?

A:

IBSAT 2024 will be held on December 28 and December 29. IBSAT is an online aptitude test conducted by ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education for admission to MBA/PGPM programmes offered by IBS campsues. IBSAT will be a Computer Based Test conducted for a duration of two hours. IBSAT exam is conducted to assess candidates in quantitative techniques, data adequacy, data interpretation, reading comprehension and analytical reasoning. IBSAT question paper will include 140 multiple choice questions of one mark each. There will be no negative marking for any incorrect answers or not attempted questions. Candidates having scores in GMAT/NMAT by GMAC/XAT/CAT (from 2022 onwards) will be exempted from taking IBSAT 2024 exam. 

Section Name

Number of Questions

Total Marks

Time limit

Verbal Ability

50

50

No sectional limit

Reading Comprehension

30

30

No sectional limit

Quantitative Aptitude

30

30

No sectional limit

Data Adequacy/Sufficiency and Data Interpretation

30

30

No sectional limit

Now that we are done with IBSAT exam pattern, let’s come back to the last-minute preparation tips for IBSAT 2023. Let’s begin with time management.

Time Management

One of the most significant steps is to work on your time management skills. Though there is no sectional time limit in IBSAT exam, you need to make sure that you don’t end up consuming too much time on a particular section. You need to be very specific about how much time you are going to devote to each section. Ideally, reading comprehension section takes less time if you have your basics right. Try to cover it in 15-20 minutes. Try to attempt questions that you are 100% sure of. Even though there is no negative marking, don’t waste your time on questions you think are out of practice.

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Revision

A day prior to IBSAT 2023, you need to go through important formulae and tricks so that it remains fresh in your mind. Don’t study complicated topics, this might create confusion in your mind rather than helping. Stick to basic concepts and revise your strong points, which would provide you with strength and confidence to face the exam.

Accuracy and Speed

Though accuracy may not be a major hurdle in IBSAT owing to no negative marking policy, you need to ensure that you don’t attempt questions that you are not very confident about. No negative marking doesn’t mean wasting your precious time on almost every question. Remember you have only 120 minutes to answer 140 questions, some of which could be calculation based.  Speed in multiple-choice questions matters a lot. It becomes more important when you know that you have less than one minute to solve one question.

Q:   When will be IBSAT selection rounds conducted?

A:

IBSAT selection process commences soon after the declaration of results. IBSAT 2024 selection rounds will be held from February 15 to 24, 2025, at IBS Hyderabad. Only candidates who will qualify the IBSAT 2024 or have qualified any of the national level entrance examinations- NMAT by GMAC, CAT, XAT scores are also called for the selection process during the prescribed period. The IBSAT 2024 selection process will consist of micro presentation and personal interview. Te final selection of the candidates will be based on the past academic records and performance of the candidate in micro presentation and personal interview. Candidates must report for the IBS selection process on the given date and time, failing which candidates will not be considered for admission to IBS campuses.

Q:   Which items are prohibited during IBSAT exam?

A:

IBSAT 2024 exam will be conducted in online proctored mode. In this mode of examination candidates will be able to take the exam form their own laptops/desktops at their convenience. In such a case, no test taker shall be allowed to keep with him/her any book, study material, handwritten or printed notes, headphone, mobile phone, pager, earphone, digital diary, calculator, bluetooth device, laptop, palmtop, smart watch, health band or any other electronic device or gadget. Also, candidates are also not allowed to use pen/pencil and paper for the IBSAT online test. No person, other than the IBSAT registered candidate, shall be present for the test. Candidate should not talk to any one during the test or read questions / answers aloud. If found, such candidates will be disqualified.

Q:   When will IBSAT slot booking commence?

A:

IBSAT slot booking has commenced online. Candidates who registered for IBSAT 2024 can slot the exam as per their preffered time and date. IBSAT 2024 exam will be conducted in a two days winodw in online proctored mode. IBSAT 2024 will be held on December 28 and December 29, 2024. Only candidates who will book the IBSAT exam slot will be able to download the admit card soon after. The IBSAT admit card will mention the candidate's details and exam details. Check the steps below to know how to book a exam slot below:

Step 1- Visit the official website of ICFAI Business School

Step 2- Click on the tab 'IBSAT Login' and click on ‘Book a seat’ tab

Step 3- Enter the following details:

  • Test name
  • City
  • Date
  • Test centre name
  • Test centre address

Step 4- Select the suitable IBSAT exam timing and click on the tab ‘Book’

Step 5- Candidates will be given one minute to confirm the timing of the IBSAT examination.

Step 6- Screen will now display the candidate and examination details.

Step 7- Download the IBSAT admit card.

Q:   I am unable to book IBSAT exam slot. What should I do?

A:

Incase candidates are unable to book the IBSAT exam slot, in such a scenario, candidates must check the internet connection and login again and try booking the IBSAT 2024 exam slot again. If the problem persists, candidates must immediately contact at IBS  office helpline number- +91–040–2344 0963/62/61/60 on working days. Candidates can also register their complaint on ibsat (at)ibsindia.org. Candidates must also try the following measures to book IBSAT exam slot/download the admit card:

  1. Candidates must make sure that they have a secure and smooth internet connection to download the IBSAT admit card.
  2. Candidates must ensure that they have entered the correct login credentials: application number and Password.
  3. Candidates must clear the browser cache and cookies and try again.
  4. Candidates can also try a upgraded browser to access the IBS website.
  5. Candidates must ensure that they have filled the complete IBSAT application form along with the payment of application fee of INR 1800

Q:   When will IBSAT notification release?

A:

ICFAI Business School will release the IBSAT 2025 notification at general.ibsindia.org. Candidates seeking admission to MBA/PGDM programme of IBS must fill the online application form. Authorities will commence the IBSAT 2025 registrations in first week of July 2024 and will end in third week of December 2025. IBSAT 2025 registration will be an online process.

No last day hustle

This is a very important point for those candidates who have a habit of messing it up on D-day. You can appear for an exam only when you are clear-headed and devoid of any confusion and doubts. The exam day requires you to be calm and cool so that you put your entire focus on the questions. Keep important things related to the exam one day before the exam such as IBSAT Admit Card and valid ID proof (original and photocopy) so that you don’t become anxious for such things on the exam day. Reach at least one hour before the exam time at the exam centre.

These are some of the last-minute preparation tips which can help you prepare well for the exam.

Also read:

About the Author
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Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Shruti is a graduate in Education and Literature. She is a passionate writer. As her name suggests she is a good listener, a binge-watcher, and a great foodie. She loves playing badminton and doing meditation in her... Read Full Bio

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