The IPMAT cutoff 2026 has been officially declared by IIM Indore. It was released on May 25, 2026, along with the Personal Interview shortlist. Only 838 candidates out of 17,916 positive scorers cleared all section cutoffs. The result and cutoff are available on iimidr.ac.in.
IIM Indore declared the IPMAT 2026 cutoff on May 25, 2026. General candidates needed 27 in QA MCQ, 28 in QA SA, and 111 in VA to get a PI call.
Here is what you need to know about the IPMAT cutoff 2026:
- The General category cutoffs are 27 in QA (MCQ), 28 in QA (SA), and 111 in Verbal Ability. All three must be cleared separately.
- The SC cutoffs are 18 in QA MCQ, 12 in QA SA, and 60 in VA. The ST and PwD cutoffs are 13, 8, and 40 in the three sections respectively.
- Only 838 of 17,916 positive-scorers cleared all section cutoffs – a shortlist rate of under 5% for the Personal Interview round.
- The QA (MCQ) cutoff fell from 81 marks in 2025 to 27 marks in 2026. That is a drop of 54 marks, reflecting a much harder MCQ paper in 2026.
- IIM Rohtak’s IPMAT uses percentile-based cutoffs. The General category there is expected around 80 to 85 percentile in 2026.
- The Personal Interview for IIM Indore was in the third week of July 2026. The final merit list is expected by August – September 2026.
- JIPMAT (for IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Jammu) has lower cutoffs. The General percentile there is around 70 to 80.
| Direct Link to IPMAT Cutoff 2026 (Out) |
| IIM Indore IPM Official Page – iimidr.ac.in |
Key Summary
- The IPMAT 2026 cutoff was officially declared on May 25, 2026. General candidates needed 27 in QA MCQ, 28 in QA SA, and 111 in VA to clear the shortlist.
- Only 838 of 17,916 positive-scorers cleared all section cutoffs – under 5%. The shortlist for 150 seats is very tight.
- The QA (MCQ) cutoff fell 54 marks from 2025 to 2026 – from 81 to 27. A harder MCQ paper drove this drop.
- IIM Rohtak and JIPMAT institutions offer IPM programmes with lower cutoffs. They are strong alternatives if you fall short of IIM Indore’s threshold.
- The final merit list is expected in August – September 2026 after PIs in the third week of July.
What is the IPMAT Cutoff 2026?
The IPMAT cutoff is the minimum score you must secure in the Written Test. IIM Indore releases it after declaring the result. It determines who gets a Personal Interview call.
There are two types of cutoffs. The Written Test (WT) cutoff is the section-wise minimum you need to get a PI call. The final admission cutoff is the composite score (WT + PI) that decides who gets a seat. Clearing the WT cutoff earns you an interview. It does not guarantee admission.
IPMAT has no single overall cutoff. IIM Indore sets a separate minimum score for each section. You must clear the minimum in QA (MCQ), QA (Short Answer), and Verbal Ability independently. Falling short in even one section means no PI call, no matter how high your total score is.
Previous Year Official IPMAT Cutoff
The table below shows the IIM Indore IPMAT official section-wise cutoffs from 2024 to 2026. The 2026 figures are officially declared. Earlier year totals are from official previous-cycle announcements.
| Year | Category | QA (MCQ) Min. (/160) | QA (SA) Min. (/80) | VA Min. (/160) | Overall Min. (/400) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | General | 27 | 28 | 111 | 166 |
| 2026 | EWS | 17 | 16 | 79 | 112 |
| 2026 | NC-OBC | 23 | 12 | 78 | 113 |
| 2026 | SC | 18 | 12 | 60 | 90 |
| 2026 | ST / PwD | 13 | 8 | 40 | 61 |
| 2025 | General | 81 | 24 | 112 | 217 |
| 2025 | NC-OBC | 15 | 12 | 78 | 105 |
| 2025 | EWS | 18 | 16 | 87 | 121 |
| 2025 | SC | 10 | 12 | 65 | 87 |
| 2025 | ST | 6 | 8 | 48 | 62 |
| 2024 | General | – | – | – | 172 |
| 2024 | NC-OBC | – | – | – | 113 |
| 2024 | EWS | – | – | – | 131 |
| 2024 | SC | – | – | – | 90 |
Section-wise data for 2024 was not separately published by IIM Indore. Only overall minimums are available for that year. The 2026 cutoffs are officially declared by IIM Indore.
The biggest year-on-year change is in QA (MCQ). The General cutoff there fell from 81 marks in 2025 to 27 marks in 2026. That is a drop of 54 marks. The Verbal Ability cutoff stayed nearly flat, at 112 in 2025 and 111 in 2026. This shows that paper difficulty in a single section can dramatically shift the overall minimum.
Ques. Why did the IPMAT 2026 QA (MCQ) cutoff drop so sharply from 2025?
Ans. The QA (MCQ) paper in 2026 was considerably harder than in 2025. Scores across the board were lower in that section. IIM Indore adjusted the cutoff downward to maintain enough candidates in the shortlist pool. Only 838 students cleared all three section cutoffs out of 17,916 positive scorers.
Ques. What is the difference between the section cutoff and the final admission cutoff?
Ans. The section cutoff decides who gets a PI call. The final admission cutoff is the composite score (WT + PI) that decides who gets a seat. Clearing all section cutoffs earns you an interview. It does not guarantee admission.
IPMAT Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
The table below covers key dates in the IPMAT 2026 cutoff and selection cycle. The upcoming event appears first, followed by past events in chronological order.
| Event | Date (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Final Merit List and Admission Offers | August – September 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| IPMAT 2026 Application Window | February – March 2026 | Over |
| IPMAT 2026 Written Test | May 4, 2026 | Over |
| Final Answer Key Release | May 21, 2026 | Over |
| IPMAT 2026 Result and Cutoff Declaration | May 25, 2026 | Over |
| Personal Interview (PI) Rounds | Third week of July 2026 | Over |
The final merit list date is expected based on the previous year’s schedule. Check iimidr.ac.in for the official announcement.
Factors Affecting IPMAT Cutoff 2026
IIM Indore does not fix the cutoff in advance. Several factors determine the final numbers each year:
- Exam difficulty per section: A harder section leads to lower raw scores. IIM Indore then lowers the section cutoff to maintain the shortlist size. The 2026 QA MCQ cutoff fell 54 marks due to a tougher paper.
- Total candidates with positive scores: More candidates scoring above zero increases the pool. In 2026, 17,916 candidates had positive overall scores.
- Target shortlist size: IIM Indore aims to shortlist around 800 to 900 candidates for PI. The cutoff is set to reach that target number.
- Seats available: IIM Indore offers 150 seats plus 5 supernumerary for foreign nationals. The shortlist-to-seat ratio drives how competitive each stage is.
- Category-wise seat quota: Each category has a fixed seat quota. The cutoff for each category is set to shortlist candidates for those seats only.
- Score distribution: If most candidates cluster at similar scores, even small cutoff shifts have a large impact on who qualifies.
IPMAT Cutoff 2026: IIM-Wise Closing Score
Multiple IIMs offer 5-year IPM programmes. Each sets its own cutoff. IIM Indore is the most competitive. The table below compares the 2026 cutoffs or expected ranges across all IPM-offering institutes.
| Institute | Exam | Cutoff Type | General | NC-OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Indore | IPMAT (Indore) | Section-wise score (out of 400) | QA MCQ: 27 / QA SA: 28 / VA: 111 | QA MCQ: 23 / QA SA: 12 / VA: 78 | QA MCQ: 18 / QA SA: 12 / VA: 60 | QA MCQ: 13 / QA SA: 8 / VA: 40 |
| IIM Rohtak | IPMAT (Rohtak) | Percentile | 80 – 85 (expected) | 70 – 75 | 55 – 60 | 45 – 50 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | JIPMAT | Percentile | 75 – 80 (expected) | 65 – 70 | 50 – 55 | 40 – 45 |
| IIM Jammu | JIPMAT | Percentile | 70 – 75 (expected) | 60 – 65 | 45 – 50 | 38 – 43 |
| IIM Ranchi | JIPMAT | Percentile | 68 – 74 (expected) | 58 – 64 | 44 – 50 | 36 – 42 |
| IIM Sirmaur | JIPMAT | Percentile | 65 – 72 (expected) | 55 – 62 | 42 – 48 | 35 – 40 |
IIM Indore cutoffs are officially declared for 2026. IIM Rohtak and JIPMAT 2026 cutoffs are expected values based on previous year trends.
IIM Indore uses section-wise minimum scores, not percentile. JIPMAT and IIM Rohtak use percentile. If your IIM Indore score falls short, you can still apply to JIPMAT institutions. Their thresholds are lower and they offer strong IPM programmes.
Ques. Which IIM has the lowest IPMAT cutoff?
Ans. IIM Sirmaur and IIM Ranchi (via JIPMAT) tend to have the lowest cutoffs. The General percentile cutoff there is around 65 to 74. IIM Indore is far more competitive, requiring specific section minimums in all three sections. JIPMAT is a separate NTA-conducted exam.
IPMAT Cutoff 2026: Category-Wise Declared Cutoffs
IIM Indore released the category-wise section cutoffs on May 25, 2026. The table below shows the officially declared minimums for each category and section.
| Category | QA (MCQ) Min. (/160) | QA (SA) Min. (/80) | VA Min. (/160) | Overall Min. (/400) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 27 | 28 | 111 | 166 |
| EWS | 17 | 16 | 79 | 112 |
| NC-OBC | 23 | 12 | 78 | 113 |
| SC | 18 | 12 | 60 | 90 |
| ST | 13 | 8 | 40 | 61 |
| PwD | 13 | 8 | 40 | 61 |
Cutoffs officially declared by IIM Indore on May 25, 2026 along with the PI shortlist. All scores are out of the respective section maximum.
The VA section carries the heaviest weight in the cutoff. For General candidates, the VA minimum of 111 out of 160 is far higher relative to the QA sections. Strong Verbal Ability is non-negotiable for clearing the IPMAT Indore cutoff.
IPMAT Cutoff: Section-Wise Minimum Marks Explained
IPMAT’s three-section structure makes the cutoff unique. You must pass each section independently. The table shows each section’s format and how the 2026 and 2025 General cutoffs compare.
| Section | Questions | Marking | Max Marks | Gen Cutoff 2026 | Gen Cutoff 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 40 | +4 / −1 | 160 | 27 | 81 |
| Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) | 20 | +4 / No negative | 80 | 28 | 24 |
| Verbal Ability | 40 | +4 / −1 | 160 | 111 | 112 |
| Total | 100 | – | 400 | 166 | 217 |
The QA (Short Answer) section has no negative marking. This makes it safer to attempt. The QA (MCQ) and VA sections carry a −1 penalty per wrong answer. A poorly managed QA MCQ section can pull down your total. It can also cause you to miss the section cutoff. In 2026, many candidates scored below the 2025 QA MCQ minimum of 81.
IPMAT Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The IPMAT cutoff is not a simple straight-line trend. It varies each year based on paper difficulty. The table below shows the General category overall minimum (sum of all section cutoffs) across three years.
| Year | General (Min. Total) | NC-OBC (Min. Total) | EWS (Min. Total) | SC (Min. Total) | ST (Min. Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 166 | 113 | 112 | 90 | 61 |
| 2025 | 217 | 105 | 121 | 87 | 62 |
| 2024 | 172 | 113 | 131 | 90 | – |
Overall minimum = sum of all three section cutoffs for that category. 2026 and 2025 data are officially declared. 2024 data is from previous cycle announcements; ST 2024 not separately reported by all sources.
The General overall minimum fell from 217 in 2025 to 166 in 2026. That is a drop of 51 marks. This was driven almost entirely by the QA MCQ section, where the cutoff fell 54 marks (from 81 to 27). The VA cutoff stayed flat – from 112 to 111. The SC overall minimum held at 90 marks in both 2024 and 2026. The NC-OBC overall stayed at 113 in both 2024 and 2026, with 2025 being slightly lower at 105.
The key lesson: IPMAT cutoffs fluctuate heavily based on section difficulty. A hard paper in one section can drop the overall minimum by over 50 marks. Do not set a target based only on the previous year’s cutoff.
Ques. Does a lower IPMAT cutoff mean the exam was easier?
Ans. No. A lower cutoff usually means the paper was harder. In 2026, the QA MCQ paper was much tougher than 2025. Scores fell, and IIM Indore lowered the section cutoff to still shortlist around 838 candidates. A low cutoff reflects a hard paper, not an easier admission standard.
IPMAT Marks vs Score: What Score Gets You In?
Knowing where your total score places you helps you set a realistic preparation target. The table maps score ranges to expected outcomes at IIM Indore for General candidates. It uses the 2026 declared cutoffs and past trends.
| Total Score (out of 400) | Expected Outcome – General Category (IIM Indore) |
|---|---|
| 260 and above | Strong PI call and competitive for final admission |
| 220 – 259 | Good chance of PI call (if all section cutoffs cleared). Admission depends on PI performance. |
| 166 – 219 | At or above the 2026 minimum. PI call possible only if all three section cutoffs are cleared. |
| 120 – 165 | Below IIM Indore General minimum. Consider IIM Rohtak or JIPMAT institutions. |
| Below 120 | Not eligible for IIM Indore PI. Explore JIPMAT for IIM Bodh Gaya, Jammu, or Ranchi. |
A total of 166 marks cleared the 2026 General cutoff. But only 838 students cleared all three section minimums. Many candidates had totals above 166 but still failed a section. Your section balance matters as much as your total.
Aim for 220 or above in total and at least 111 in VA. The Verbal Ability minimum was the hardest threshold to clear for General candidates in 2026. A weak VA performance eliminates even high-total candidates from the shortlist.
IPMAT Cutoff 2026: Selection Process
Clearing the Written Test section cutoffs is only the first gate. Here is how the full selection process works at IIM Indore:
- Step 1 – Written Test: Candidates appear for the IPMAT Written Test. In 2026, it was held on May 4.
- Step 2 – Result and Cutoff: IIM Indore releases the result and section-wise cutoffs. In 2026, this was on May 25. Only candidates who cleared all three section cutoffs received a PI call.
- Step 3 – Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for the PI. In 2026, PI was in the third week of July. The interview tests communication, reasoning, awareness, and motivation.
- Step 4 – Composite Score: IIM Indore calculates a composite score using WT and PI scores. The exact weightage is published each year in the Selection Policy on iimidr.ac.in.
- Step 5 – Final Merit List: Candidates rank within their category by composite score. Admission offers go in merit order within each category’s seat quota.
- Step 6 – Fee Payment: Selected candidates confirm admission by paying within the deadline. Waitlisted candidates get offers if earlier admits decline.
IIM Rohtak and JIPMAT institutes follow a similar multi-stage process. Their PI format and composite weightage may differ. Check each institute’s official Selection Policy for exact details.
Ques. What is the weightage of WT vs PI in IPMAT Indore final selection?
Ans. IIM Indore typically assigns around 50 to 60 marks to the Written Test in the composite score. Around 40 to 50 marks go to the Personal Interview. The exact split is published in the Selection Policy each year on iimidr.ac.in. Always verify the current year’s document before your PI.
IPMAT Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the IPMAT 2026 cutoff for General category at IIM Indore?
Ans. IIM Indore officially declared the 2026 cutoffs on May 25, 2026. General candidates needed at least 27 in QA (MCQ), 28 in QA (SA), and 111 in Verbal Ability. The overall minimum is 166 out of 400. All three sections must be cleared independently.
Ques. How many candidates cleared the IPMAT 2026 cutoff?
Ans. Only 838 candidates cleared all three section cutoffs out of 17,916 who had positive overall scores. This is a very tight shortlist for 150 seats. The PI stage narrows it further to arrive at the final admitted cohort.
Ques. Is there negative marking in IPMAT and how does it affect the cutoff?
Ans. Yes. QA (MCQ) and Verbal Ability carry a −1 penalty per wrong answer. Only QA (Short Answer) has no negative marking. In 2026, a hard MCQ paper caused widespread low scores. The General QA MCQ cutoff fell from 81 in 2025 to 27 in 2026 as a result.
Ques. What happens if I clear the overall cutoff but miss a section cutoff?
Ans. You will not get a PI call. IIM Indore requires you to clear the section minimum in all three sections, not just the overall total. A high total score with one weak section is not enough for shortlisting.
Ques. What is the IPMAT cutoff for IIM Rohtak?
Ans. IIM Rohtak sets its cutoff in percentile, not raw marks. The General category cutoff is expected around 80 to 85 percentile in 2026. IIM Rohtak conducts its own IPMAT separately from IIM Indore. You must apply and appear for each exam independently.
Ques. When will the IPMAT 2026 final merit list be released?
Ans. Personal Interviews were scheduled for the third week of July 2026. The final merit list and admission offers are expected in August – September 2026. Check iimidr.ac.in for the official announcement.
Ques. Can I apply to both IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak with the same IPMAT score?
Ans. No. IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak conduct separate IPMAT exams with separate applications. JIPMAT is a third separate NTA-conducted exam. It is accepted by IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Sirmaur. You must apply and appear for each exam separately.
Ques. What is the IPMAT cutoff for SC and ST categories at IIM Indore in 2026?
Ans. The officially declared 2026 SC cutoffs are: QA MCQ – 18, QA SA – 12, VA – 60 (overall: 90 marks). The ST cutoffs are: QA MCQ – 13, QA SA – 8, VA – 40 (overall: 61 marks). In 2025, the SC overall minimum was 87 and ST was 62.
Ques. What is a safe score to target in IPMAT 2026?
Ans. The declared 2026 General minimum is 166 marks out of 400. But clearing just the minimum is not enough for a competitive position. Aim for 220 or above in total. Also aim for 111 or above in VA. That gives you a buffer and a stronger composite score heading into the PI.
Ques. Does JIPMAT cutoff differ from the IPMAT cutoff?
Ans. Yes. JIPMAT is an NTA-conducted exam for IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu, IIM Ranchi, and IIM Sirmaur. The cutoff is percentile-based and lower than IIM Indore’s section-wise score cutoff. A score that misses IIM Indore’s threshold may still qualify you for JIPMAT-based institutes.
Ques. Is the IPMAT Written Test cutoff the same as the final admission cutoff?
Ans. No. The WT cutoff is the section-wise minimum that earns you a PI shortlist call. The final admission cutoff is the composite score (WT + PI) that decides who gets a seat. Clearing the WT cutoff is mandatory. But many students who clear it still miss a seat at the PI stage.
Ques. How is the IPMAT 2026 final merit list prepared?
Ans. IIM Indore prepares the merit list using a composite score of WT and PI marks. The weightage is announced each year in the official Selection Policy. Candidates rank within their category quota. Top-ranked candidates get admission offers first. Waitlisted candidates get offers if others decline.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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