When it comes to choosing the right entrance exam for your higher education, IPMAT and CUET often stand out as popular options. Both exams open doors to prestigious institutions, but they cater to different academic paths and career goals. If you’re struggling to decide between IPMAT and CUET, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed choice.
Understanding IPMAT and CUET
What is IPMAT?
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is conducted by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and a few other institutions to admit students into their 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). It is a gateway to prestigious IIMs for students who aspire to build a career in management right after their 12th grade.
Read more about IPMAT on the official IIM Indore website
What is CUET?
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into various undergraduate programs in central, state, and private universities across India. CUET offers a wide range of courses, including arts, commerce, science, law, and more.
Learn more about CUET on the official NTA website
Exam Pattern Comparison
| Feature | IPMAT | CUET |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak | NTA |
| Purpose | Admission to 5-year Integrated Management Program | Admission to UG programs in multiple universities |
| Subjects Tested | Quantitative Ability (MCQ + Short Answer), Verbal Ability | Language, Domain-Specific Subjects, General Test |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes (IIM Indore) / 120 minutes (IIM Rohtak) | Varies (Each section: 45-60 minutes) |
| Difficulty Level | High | Moderate to High (varies by subject) |
| Competition | Tough (limited seats in IIMs) | High (millions of applicants) |
Eligibility Criteria for IPMAT and CUET
| Exam | Eligibility |
| IPMAT | Candidates must have passed Class 12 or be appearing in Class 12 in the year of admission. Minimum of 60% marks in Class 10 and 12 (55% for SC/ST/PwD) Age should be below 20 years as on July 31, 2025. |
| CUET | Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 in the current academic session. No fixed minimum percentage, but eligibility may vary as per the university/program you’re applying to. |
Key Differences Between IPMAT and CUET
| Criteria | IPMAT | CUET |
| Course & Career Goals | Focused on management; leads directly to an IIM degree | Offers a variety of undergraduate courses in multiple fields |
| Mathematics Requirement | High; strong quantitative ability is required | Depends on the chosen subjects; math is optional in many courses |
| Exam Difficulty | More challenging, especially in math and logical reasoning | Moderate; subject-based difficulty varies |
| Preparation Strategy | Requires extensive practice in math, verbal ability, and logical reasoning | Focuses on domain-specific subjects and general test sections |
| University Options | Limited to IIMs and a few other institutions | Accepted by a wide range of universities across India |
| Career Prospects | Direct entry into IIM, strong corporate career path | Broader academic opportunities in various fields |
Exam Pattern
| Aspect | IPMAT | CUET |
| Sections | -Quantitative Ability -Quantitative Ability – Verbal Ability | Varies based on chosen subjects; typically includes: – Section IA: Language Test – Section IB: Additional Language (optional) – Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects – Section III: General Test |
| Number of Questions | Approximately 120 | Varies, each section typically has 40-50 questions |
| Duration | 2 hours | Varies, each section ranges from 45 to 60 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer | +5 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer |
| Questions type | MCQ | MCQ |
Colleges Accepting IPMAT and CUET Scores
Colleges Accepting IPMAT
- IIM Indore
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Ranchi (via IPMAT scores)
- NALSAR University (for its management program)
- IIFT Kakinada (5-year Integrated MBA)
Colleges Accepting CUET
- Delhi University (DU)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
- Central Universities like Hyderabad University, Allahabad University, and many more
- Private universities like Amity University, SRM University, and many others
Which Exam Should You Choose?
- Choose IPMAT if:
- You are passionate about management and business.
- You have a strong foundation in mathematics and reasoning.
- You aim to get into an IIM directly after class 12.
- Choose CUET if:
- You want to keep your options open for various courses and universities.
- You are more comfortable with language-based or domain-specific subjects rather than math.
- You prefer a less competitive route with a wider range of choices.
Still Confused Which One to Choose?
Don’t worry, FundaMakers got you! We are here for:
- One-to-one expert counseling to guide you based on your academic background, interests, and strengths.
- Demo classes for both exams, so you can experience the teaching methodology and choose accordingly.
- Free mock tests for both IPMAT and CUET to assess your performance.
- Analysis of past year question papers (PYQs) to help you understand the exam patterns.
- Personalized study plans tailored for your strengths and weaknesses.
- Exclusive study materials and doubt-solving sessions to ensure better conceptual clarity.
- Interactive workshops and strategy sessions to help you approach the exams confidently.
Check out IPMAT previous year question papers
Check out CUET previous year question papers
Both IPMAT and CUET have their unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your career aspirations, academic strengths, and long-term goals. If you are certain about a management career and want an IIM brand name, IPMAT is the best option. On the other hand, if you wish to explore different fields, universities, and career paths, CUET provides flexibility and diverse opportunities.
The best way to determine the right path is through self-analysis. Take a free mock test with FundaMakers today and get expert feedback to make an informed decision.
Still unsure? Book a one-on-one counseling session with our experts at FundaMakers and find your perfect career path!
FAQs
- Is IPMAT more challenging than CUET?
- The difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths. IPMAT focuses intensively on quantitative and verbal abilities, while CUET’s difficulty varies across subjects and chosen courses.
- Can I apply for both IPMAT and CUET?
- Yes, you can apply for both exams if you meet their respective eligibility criteria.
- Which exam offers more diverse course options?
- CUET offers a broader range of undergraduate courses across various disciplines, whereas IPMAT is specialized for integrated management programs.
- Do both exams have negative marking?
- Yes, both IPMAT and CUET have negative marking for incorrect answers.
- How should I decide which exam to take?
- Consider your career goals, preferred courses, and target institutions. Research the programs offered through each exam to determine the best fit for your aspirations.
Read More : https://fundamakers.com/10-past-year-papers-in-exam-format-the-ultimate-ipmat-preparation-hack/
