Dreaming of IIM Bangalore right after Class 12? It's now a reality. But how do you get in? What's the entrance exam like, what's the syllabus, and how do you prepare? Let's break it down.
Here's what you'll learn:
- The complete IIM Bangalore UG exam pattern and marking scheme.
- A detailed, section-wise breakdown of the updated syllabus.
- A practical strategy with target attempts and safe scores for 2026.
The new gateway to IIM bangalore
For the first time, IIM Bangalore has opened its doors to undergraduate students. They've launched two full-time, four-year residential programs: a BSc (Honours) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and a BSc (Honours) in Economics. These are not your average BBA or BCom degrees. These are rigorous, specialised programs designed for the sharpest minds.
Since this is a new opportunity, the initial competition might be lower than for established exams like IPMAT Indore. Many aspirants don't even know about it yet. This gives you a massive first-mover advantage. Start early, prepare smart, and you could be part of the founding batch at IIMB's UG program.
Exam pattern and marking scheme
The structure is straightforward and designed to test your core aptitude. It's a single online test with three sections, all carrying equal weight. You have 120 minutes to solve 60 questions.
Here is a clear breakdown of the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam pattern:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 20 | +4 | -1 | 80 |
| Verbal Ability & RC (VARC) | 20 | +4 | -1 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 20 | +4 | -1 | 80 |
| Total | 60 | 240 |
The marking scheme is simple: +4 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect answer, and 0 for any question you leave unanswered. This negative marking means you can't afford to guess blindly. Your accuracy is just as important as your speed.
IIM Bangalore won't lower its standards for a UG exam. Expect a paper that tests deep conceptual clarity, not just surface-level formulas.
Section-wise syllabus: quantitative aptitude (QA)
This section will test your mathematical foundation. Don't expect direct formula-based questions. IIMB will test your ability to apply concepts to solve problems. The difficulty level will be moderate to high, similar to other management entrance exams.
Key topics to master include:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance.
- Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Functions, Logarithms, Progressions.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, 2D and 3D figures.
- Modern Maths: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory.
Your focus should be on building rock-solid fundamentals. If your concepts are clear, you can tackle any question they throw at you.
Section-wise syllabus: VARC
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is all about your command over the English language and your ability to understand complex texts. A consistent reading habit is the only way to crack this section. You should expect 2-3 Reading Comprehension passages followed by questions.
Important topics in the VARC section are:
- Reading Comprehension (RC): The core of the section. Passages can be on diverse topics.
- Para Jumbles: Arranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Para Summary & Completion: Summarising a given paragraph or completing the last sentence.
- Odd One Out: Identifying the sentence that doesn't fit in a given set.
- Grammar & Vocabulary: Foundational skills tested through various question formats.
Section-wise syllabus: logical reasoning (LR)
The LR section tests your problem-solving abilities and presence of mind under pressure. These questions don't require pre-learned formulas but rely on your ability to think logically and structure information. Consistent practice is the key to improving your speed and accuracy here.
Expect questions from these areas:
- Arrangements: Linear, Circular, and Matrix-based arrangements.
- Puzzles: Logic-based puzzles that require you to connect multiple data points.
- Blood Relations & Direction Sense: Classic LR topics.
- Series, Coding-Decoding, and Analogies: Pattern recognition questions.
The winning strategy for 2026
Knowing the syllabus is only half the battle. How you prepare and perform on exam day is what counts. The real challenge is not just solving questions, but solving them with both speed and accuracy.
Based on the expected difficulty, a good attempt would be around 45-50 questions out of 60. To be safe, you should aim for a score in the 150-160 range out of 240. This is an approximate target based on past trends for similar exams. Don't rely on random PDFs from the internet. You need high-quality questions that mirror the actual exam's level.
Your preparation must focus on concept clarity. IIM Bangalore will not ask superficial questions. They will test how well you understand the fundamentals. This is why a structured preparation plan with a reliable coaching partner makes all the difference.
For a deeper dive into the strategy, watch the full discussion on our YouTube channel.
Ready to start your journey to IIM Bangalore? Get a realistic assessment of your chances with our expert counsellors. Connect with us on WhatsApp at +91 82994 70392 or explore our free tools at register.ipmcareer.com.
FAQs
What is the IIM Bangalore UG entrance exam?+
It is the admission test for IIM Bangalore's new 4-year undergraduate programs: BSc (Hons) in Data Science & AI and BSc (Hons) in Economics. The exam has 60 questions across Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & RC, and Logical Reasoning, to be solved in 120 minutes.
Is there negative marking in the IIM Bangalore UG exam?+
Yes. You get +4 marks for a correct answer and -1 mark for an incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks. This marking scheme makes accuracy extremely important.
What is a good score for the IIM Bangalore UG exam?+
While official cutoffs for the first year are yet to be released, a safe score is estimated to be around 150-160 out of 240. This would require attempting about 45-50 questions with high accuracy (over 85%).