The IPMAT 2025 for IIM Indore concluded successfully on 12th May, 2025 in the afternoon shift across multiple test centres nationwide. While the overall experience was rated moderate by many, students and coaching experts agree that this year’s paper was more demanding compared to previous editions — particularly the Quantitative Aptitude MCQ section.

The 2-hour examination, held between 2 PM and 4 PM in computer-based format, had three segments: Quantitative Ability – Short Answer (SA), Quantitative Ability – MCQ, and Verbal Ability. Each segment had a time limit of 40 minutes, with structural similarity to the trend of last year.

Hardest Nut: Quantitative MCQs

According to analysis by coaching center Supergrads, the Quant section based on MCQ was the most time-consuming and conceptually challenging. Permutation & Combination, Probability, Logarithms, and Coordinate Geometry were some of the sections that left many out of their wits.

Karan Mehta, Co-founder at Toprankers, echoed similar observations. “The Quant MCQ section stood out as the toughest portion of this year’s paper. Many students struggled with time management, especially with calculation-intensive questions,” he said.

Conversely, the Quant short-answer portion, consisting of 15 questions, was regarded as the easiest. Students saw a combination of straightforward and moderately challenging questions on subjects such as Time and Work, Modulus, and Determinants.

Verbal Throws a Curveball

The Verbal Ability section caught most by surprise with three reading comprehension passages, as opposed to the traditional two .The section consisted of a good combination of vocabulary-based and inference-laden questions, which were testing sharpness of observation and quick understanding. Grammar, parajumbles, and paracompletion questions dominated the section.

Student Sentiment: "Tougher Than Last Year"

Ground feedback collected by Supergrads mentors showed that this year's question paper was slightly difficult relative to IPMAT Indore 2024. There were a couple of students who pointed out vague language in a couple of the short-answer Quant questions, while others pointed out the MCQs as calc-intensive and time-constrained.

“The paper required a blend of conceptual clarity and time management. QA (MCQ) especially felt intense,” said one test taker.

Expected Cut-Offs Lower Than 2024

Based on expert inputs, this year’s cut-offs may dip slightly — with expected safe scores in the range of:
• QA – SA: 24–28 marks
• QA – MCQ: 25–28 marks
• Verbal Ability: 91–96 marks

Karan Mehta puts it, “IPMAT is not just about solving tough questions, but solving them fast and accurately. Strategy and practice go hand in hand.”