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.
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, After Noon, Evening |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect(No negative for Short Answers in Indore) |
|
| 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.
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 |
|
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| 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 |


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