IPMAT vs CUET: What To Choose?
IPMAT vs CUET: The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) serve as a gateway for UG admissions in India. Let’s compare IPMAT and CUET to find out which exam is better for your career. We will learn about their differences in exam pattern, eligibility, difficulty level, & the courses to make the best choice for your future.
Read More: IPMAT Indore 2025 – Exam Date, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card & Details
IPMAT vs CUET: Purpose and Usage
IPMAT is for five-year integrated management programs at IIMs like Indore and Rohtak, while CUET is for various undergraduate courses across multiple universities. The IPM combines undergraduate and MBA education into one seamless program. On the other hand, CUET is a broader exam for undergraduate admissions across central universities, including Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and others, covering a wide range of courses from arts to sciences.
Primary Differences and Highlights Between IPMAT and CUET:
| Particulars | IPMAT | CUET |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting body | Indian Institute of Management (Indore, Rohtak, Shillong) | National Test Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
| Duration of the course | 5 years | 3 years |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test mode | Hybrid Mode |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to Tough |
| Frequency | Annually | Annually |
| Courses | Integrated MBA (BBA+MBA) | Various undergraduate courses |
| Type of questions | MCQs and Short-answer type | MCQs |
| Medium of the exam | English | English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu |
| Official website | https://www.iimidr.ac.in/ | https://nta.ac.in/ |
IPMAT is developed for aspiring students who want to pursue a five-year integrated management program, combining undergraduate and postgraduate studies, leading to an MBA. It is conducted by prominent IIMs such as Indore and Rohtak with the aim of identifying talent for management education early on. The program nurtures future business leaders with a strong focus on skills relevant to management.
The CUET program is utilized for undergraduate admissions in central universities and other participating institutions. It covers a diverse range of courses. Its main goal is to streamline the admission process by replacing multiple entrance exams with a single test, and it is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
IPMAT vs CUET: Test Structure and Sections
IPMAT Indore:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Marks | Marking Scheme |
| Quantitative Aptitude (SA) | 15 | 40 mins | 60 | +4,0 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ) | 30 | 40 mins | 120 | +4, – 1 |
| Verbal Ability | 45 | 40 mins | 180 | +4, – 1 |
| Total | 90 | 120 mins | 360 |
CUET:
| CUET 2025 Exam Pattern | ||
| Section | Number of Questions (All Compulsory) | Duration of exam |
| Section I (Language) | 50 questions | 60 minutes |
| Section II (Domain Subject) | 50 questions | |
| Section III (General Test) | 50 questions | |
CUET 2025 Marking Scheme
As per the CUET marking scheme 2025,
- Each correct answer will get five marks.
- Each incorrect answer will receive a deduction of one mark.
- Unanswered or marked-for-review questions will receive no marks.
- Where more than one option is correct, selecting any of the correct options will be awarded five marks.
- Where all options are correct, attempting the question will be awarded five marks.
- Where no option is correct, or the question is flawed, attempting the question will be awarded five marks.
Read More: IPMAT Indore vs IPMAT Rohtak vs JIPMAT – All the different IPMAT exams
IPMAT vs CUET: Eligibility
IPMAT: To be eligible for IPM program,
- Candidates must fulfil the criteria given below to apply for the Five-Year Integrated Programme in Management of IIM Indore.
- Applicants must have been born on or after August 01, 2005. A five-year age relaxation is granted to candidates from the SC/ST/PwD categories, allowing them to be born on or after August 01, 2000.
- Applicants must have passed the Standard XII/HSC or equivalent examination in 2023 2024 or be appearing for it in 2025.
- Candidates must have successfully completed Standard X/SSC or an equivalent examination.
CUET:
- For general candidates, a minimum of 50% marks in 12th board examinations is required, while SC/ST candidates require a minimum of 45%.
- Applicant’s high school subjects should align with the subject requirements of the desired course and institution.
- Although there is no prescribed age limit, individual institutions have specific academic eligibility criteria that must be met.
- When completing CUET application forms, applicants are required to apply to three participating universities and select a combination of three programs.
- While registration for the CUET examination is permissible before the completion of the 12th board examinations, submission of the mark sheet will be mandatory during the counselling process.
- You must be either of Indian nationality or a subject of Nepal and Bhutan. Tibetan refugees and people from the following countries who have permanently moved to India can also apply.
-
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
- Sri Lanka
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Malawi
- Zaire
- Ethiopia
- Vietnam
There are no limitations in this category. As long as you meet the educational requirements of the colleges, you’re free to re-apply as many times as you want.
Furthermore, adherence to the following reservation quotas and the aforementioned criteria is obligatory.
- SC – 15%
- ST – 7.5%
- OBC (Non-creamy layer) – 27%
- PwD – 5%
Always make sure to go through the official website and check out the qualification parameters for you and your preferred colleges.
Read More: IPMAT Indore Syllabus 2025: 3 Sections, Subject-wise Syllabus
CUET Syllabus
What’s the Difference Between IPMAT and CUET Syllabus?
While both IPM and CUET tests assess similar skills, they differ in structure, content, and focus areas. Below is a detailed comparison of their syllabi.
| IPMAT vs CUET: Syllabus | ||
| Particulars | IPMAT | CUET UG |
| Test Sections | Quantitative Aptitude (MCQs), Quantitative Aptitude (Short-Answer), Verbal Ability | Subjects based on choice (e.g., Mathematics, Business Studies) |
| Topics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Reasoning, Verbal Ability | General Awareness, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability |
| Exam Structure | 2 hours, 100 questions total (90 MCQs + Short Answers) | 3 sections with varying questions per subject (typically 40 questions each) |
| Key Differences | Focuses on higher-level questions for math and verbal skills; generally tougher | Broader range of subjects; seen as easier due to diversity |
| Preparation Strategy | Focus on understanding core concepts and developing a study routine | Practice a range of subjects and manage time effectively |
IPMAT vs CUET: Difficulty Level
IPMAT: This test is considered moderately challenging, with an emphasis on higher-level mathematics and verbal reasoning skills.
CUET: The difficulty level varies across subjects. Some sections may be less demanding, while others, like mathematics, may be more challenging.
Both tests require proper attention and study planning, so IMS is here to help you with study material and expert mentoring.
Read More: Top Colleges Accepting IPMAT Score in India
IPMAT vs CUET: Conclusion
The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) serve distinct objectives, with IPMAT directed towards management education and CUET providing a wider range of undergraduate disciplines. A comprehensive understanding of these distinctions enables students to make an informed decision regarding the examination that most closely corresponds to their professional ambitions, thereby facilitating focused preparation for their chosen career trajectory.
IPMAT vs CUET: FAQs
What is the IPMAT?
The IPMAT is the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test. It is designed for students who want to pursue a five-year integrated management program after completing their 12th-grade examination.
What is the CUET?
The CUET is the Common University Entrance Test. It is a broader exam used for undergraduate admissions across central universities and other participating institutions in India. It covers a wide range of courses.
What is the main difference between the IPMAT and the CUET?
The IPMAT is specifically for admission into five-year integrated management programs at certain IIMs, while the CUET is for admission into various undergraduate courses across multiple universities in India.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IPMAT?
To be eligible for the IPMAT, you must have been born on or after August 1, 2005, and have passed the Standard XII/HSC or equivalent exam in 2023 2024 or be appearing for it in 2025. You must also have passed the Standard X/SSC or equivalent examination.
What are the eligibility criteria for the CUET?
To be eligible for the CUET, you must have scored a minimum of 50% (for general category) or 45% (for SC/ST category) in your 12th board exams. Your high school subjects should also align with the requirements of the course you wish to apply for.
Which institutions accept the CUET?
The CUET is accepted by over 250 universities, including central universities like Delhi University, JNU, and Banaras Hindu University.
