About IPMAT Eligibility
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) has specific eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to apply for admission. These criteria ensure that only qualified students are considered for the 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by IIMs.
The eligibility requirements include factors like age limit, educational qualifications, minimum percentage criteria, and board recognition. Additionally, certain exceptions and relaxations apply to candidates from reserved categories, gap-year students, and those from international boards.
Understanding these criteria is essential before applying to avoid disqualification during the admission process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements and exceptions for IPMAT applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for IMPAT 2026
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Criteria | General & OBC-NCL: Born on or after August 1, 2004 (subject to official notification). SC, ST & PwD: 5-year relaxation, born on or after August 1, 1999. |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024 or 2025. Must have passed Class 10 in 2021 or later. |
| Minimum Percentage Requirement | General & OBC-NCL: Minimum 60% marks in both Class 10 & 12. SC, ST & PwD: Minimum 55% marks in both Class 10 & 12. |
| Eligible Boards | Recognized State Boards, CBSE, ICSE, NIOS, IB, IGCSE, or equivalent. |
| Reservation Policy | OBC-NCL: 27% SC: 15% ST: 7.5% PwD: 5% EWS: 10% |
| Nationality | Candidates must be Indian nationals. OCI/PIO candidates may be eligible as per updated government rules. |
| Number of Attempts | A candidate can attempt the exam a maximum of two times in consecutive years. |
| Required Documents | Valid ID proof, Class 10 & Class 12 mark sheets, category certificate (if applicable), and passport-size photographs. |
Exceptions in Eligibility
| Exception Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidates Awaiting Results | Students appearing for Class 12 in 2025 can apply. Admission remains provisional until they submit proof of passing and meeting the required marks. |
| Year Drop & Gap Year Candidates | Candidates who took a gap year or repeated Class 12 can apply, provided they meet the age and percentage criteria. |
| NIOS & International Board Students | Candidates from NIOS, IB, and IGCSE are eligible but must ensure their qualification is recognized as equivalent to Class 12 by AIU (Association of Indian Universities). |
| Improvement Exam Candidates | Students who have appeared for improvement exams can apply if their final marks meet the eligibility criteria. |
| Foreign/NRI Candidates | Some IIMs accept SAT scores instead of IPMAT for Foreign/NRI candidates. They should check the specific criteria of the respective IIM. |
| Students Changing Streams | Candidates shifting from Science/Commerce to Arts or vice-versa after Class 10 or 11 are eligible as long as they meet the minimum marks and board recognition criteria. |
| Students with Supplementary Exams | Students who cleared supplementary/compartment exams are eligible if their final consolidated marksheet meets the required percentage criteria. |
| Candidates with Subject Variations | Students who did not study Mathematics in Class 12 may still be eligible for certain IIMs, depending on their specific admission guidelines. |
| Students from Vocational Streams | Candidates from vocational or skill-based Class 12 boards are eligible if their board is recognized and the qualification is considered equivalent to Class 12. |