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IPMAT vs CUET for BBA Admissions 2026

After completing Class 12th many students aim to pursue a BBA course to build a strong foundation for a career in management. For such students IPMAT and CUET are the most common examinations. IPMAT provides direct entry into prestigious integrated management programs IIMs like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. While CUET opens admission to BBA, BMS, BBM at Delhi University, BHU and Jamia Millia Islamia. Since both exams are scheduled around the same period. So candidates should carefully choose the exam that aligns with their career goals and preferred course options. Scroll down to understand which exam suits your aspirations best.

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IPMAT vs CUET Exam Overview

Choosing between IPMAT and CUET is a bit confusing for students aiming for admission in BBA program after Class 12th. Candidates can refer to the table given below so as to which exam suits better as per your preference.

IPMAT vs CUET Exam Overview Table
Feature IPMAT (IIM Indore / IIM Rohtak) CUET (UG)
Full Form Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test Common University Entrance Test
Purpose Admission to 5-year Integrated MBA (BBA + MBA) Admission to various UG degrees (BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, etc.)
Official Website iimidr.ac.in / iimrohtak.ac.in cuet.nta.nic.in
Exam Duration 120 Minutes 60 Minutes
Exam Shifts
  • Morning (9 AM – 11 AM)
  • Afternoon (2 PM – 4 PM)
Morning, After Noon, Evening
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect(No negative for Short Answers in Indore)
  • +5 for correct
  • -1 for incorrect
Eligibility (Marks) Minimum 60% in Class 10 & 12(55% for SC/ST) Pass in Class 12 (criteria varies by university)
Age Limit Maximum 20 years (as on Aug 1, 2026) No age limit (as per NTA guidelines)
Difficulty Level High Moderate (Based on Class 12 NCERT)
Target Institutions IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIFT DU, BHU, JNU, Jamia, and 250+ universities
Contact Information Indore: 0731-2439686Rohtak: 01262-228539 NTA Helpline: 011-40759000Email: cuet-ug@nta.ac.in

IPMAT or CUET: Which Is Better for BBA Admissions?

IPMAT is an expensive course as both BBA+MBA degrees are given by IIMs but it also offers the advantage of high placement packages after completion. In contrast BBA admission through CUET UG exam is more affordable at universities like DU, BHU, and AMU making it a cost effective option for most students though the salary packages offered are mostly decent rather than very high. Candidates must do a detailed comparison between IPMAT and CUET UG so as to take admission in BBA program.

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IPMAT vs CUET Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirement is the first thing when deciding between IPMAT and CUET for BBA admission. Candidates can easily compare the different eligibility criteria required for appearing in the IPMAT and CUET exam.

IPMAT vs CUET Eligibility Criteria
Feature IPMAT (IIMs) CUET (NTA)
Class 12 Marks Minimum 60% (55% for SC/ST) Pass only (Colleges may ask for 50%)
Class 10 Marks Minimum 60% (55% for SC/ST) No requirement
Age Limit Max 20 Years (Born after Aug 1, 2006) No Age Limit
Passing Year Only 2024, 2025, or 2026 Any year (Gap years allowed)
Stream Any Stream (Science/Arts/Commerce) Any Stream
Maths Required? No (but the exam is math-heavy) Optional (depends on your course)

IPMAT vs CUET Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern helps aspirants to plan their exam preparation effectively and avoid surprises on exam day whether it is IPMAT exam or CUET exam.

IPMAT vs CUET Paper Pattern
Feature IPMAT (IIM Indore) CUET UG (NTA)
Total Questions 90 Questions 50
Total Time 120 Minutes 60 Minutes
Question Format MCQ + Short Answer MCQs Only
Sectional Timers Yes: 40 mins per section Yes: Timer per subject
Marking (Correct) +4 Marks +5 Marks
Negative Marking -1 (None for Short Answer) -1 (For all)
Calculator No (Strictly banned) No (Strictly banned)
Exam Medium English Only 13 Languages (incl. Hindi)
Core Sections 1. Quant (MCQ)

2. Quant (Short Answer)

3. Verbal Ability

1. Language Test

2. Domain Subjects

3. General Test

IPMAT vs CUET Courses Offered

IPMAT is used for admission to integrated management programs (IPM) offered by top IIMs such as IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Where students will pursue a 5-year BBA + MBA course after Class 12. Whereas CUET UG allows students to apply for a wide range of undergraduate courses such as BBA, BMS, BBM, BA and BCom in multiple universities offering more choices and flexibility in course selection.

IPMAT vs CUET Score Accepting Colleges

The table given below shows a list of top colleges that accept IPMAT and CUET scores. Candidates can go through the table given below and do a quick comparison as per the college and its location for taking admission.

IPMAT Score Accepting Colleges CUET Score Accepting Universities
  • IIM Indore
  • IIM Rohtak
  • IIM Ranchi
  • IIFT Kakinada
  • TAPMI Nirma University
  • NALSAR University
  • University of Delhi
  • Banaras Hindu University
  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • Ambedkar University Delhi
  • Amity University
    Galgotias University
Important Links for IPMAT Exam
Join IPMAT Online Batch IPMAT Indore Mock Test 2026
Attempt JIPMAT Mocks 2026 IPMAT Study Material
CUET UG Mock Test  CUET UG PYQs

FAQs

Which is better, IPMAT or CUET?

IPMAT is better for a direct BBA + MBA path at top IIMs, while CUET offers more universities and course options for BBA and related programs.

Can I get admission in BBA through CUET?

Yes, CUET scores are accepted for BBA, BMS, BBM, and other undergraduate courses in central, state, and private universities.

Can I do CUET and IPMAT together?

Yes, students can appear for both exams to keep their options open for IIMs as well as other universities offering BBA programs.