IPMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before You Aim for an IIM, Read This First
Before you open a single book or attempt your first mock test, pause for a moment and ask yourself one simple question:
“Am I actually eligible for IPMAT 2026?”
It may sound basic, but every year, bright and capable students lose their chance at an IIM for reasons that have nothing to do with preparation. A missed date, a wrong assumption, or a misunderstood rule is all it takes.
Why Eligibility Deserves Your Attention
IPMAT is one of the few exams that lets you enter an IIM straight after Class 12. Because of that, the rules around eligibility are taken very seriously.
You could write a great paper , You could even clear interviews.
But if, at any stage, your eligibility doesn’t match the criteria, your admission can be withdrawn. No second chances.So before you invest months of effort, eligibility is the first box you must tick.
What Exactly Is IPMAT?
IPMAT, or the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test, is conducted by
IIM Indore andIIM Rohtak.
It is meant for students who are certain that management is the path they want to takeand want to begin that journey right after school.
IPMAT 2026: Eligibility Explained Simply
The points below are based on how IPMAT eligibility has been defined in recent years. While the official 2026 notification will confirm the final details, these guidelines are reliable and safe to follow.
Age Limit
Your date of birth matters more than most students realize.
- General Category
You should be born on or after August 1, 2006 - SC / ST / PwD Category
You should be born on or after August 1, 2001 - Special Rule for IIM Rohtak
You must be 20 years old or younger as of June 30, 2026
Make sure your birth certificate and school records match exactly. Even small discrepancies can create problems later.
Educational Qualification
To be eligible, you must have:
- Completed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or
- Be appearing for Class 12 in 2026
And yes—students from Science, Commerce, and Humanities are all eligible. IPMAT does not favour one stream over another.
Minimum Marks: Where Institutes Differ
This is where students often get confused.
For IPMAT Rohtak
- General / EWS / NC-OBC: 60% in both Class 10 and 12
- SC / ST / PwD (DAP): 55% in both Class 10 and 12
For IPMAT Indore
- There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 10 or 12
Eligibility is decided based on age and year of passing.
Year of Passing
You are eligible only if:
- You passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025, or
- You are appearing in 2026
If you passed Class 12 before 2024, unfortunately, IPMAT 2026 will not be an option.
Nationality
IPMAT is open to primarily Indian citizens but Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and other categories mentioned in official notifications (admission rules for non-Indian categories may vary slightly).
Mistakes Students Often Regret Later
Over the years, we’ve seen the same issues repeat.
- Incorrect dates or names on documents
- Mismatch between marksheets and application forms
- Incorrect percentage calculation
- Category certificates that are expired or invalid
These are small things—but they can cost you an entire year.
How Eligibility Affects the Selection Process
Eligibility isn’t checked just once.
It is verified:
- When applications are screened
- During shortlisting
- Before final admission
If you’re found ineligible at any stage, the process stops there.
Common Questions Students Ask
Q1. Can I apply from any stream?
Yes. IPMAT is completely stream-neutral.
Q2. Are there any relaxations or exceptions?
No. The rules are applied strictly. Any changes are officially announced by the institutes.
Q3. What if I apply and later find out I’m not eligible?
Your candidature will be cancelled, even if you clear the exam.
One Final Thought
Think of IPMAT eligibility as the starting line, not the destination.
Once you’re sure you meet the criteria for IPMAT 2026, you can prepare without hesitation or doubt. That confidence matters more than most students realize.
At TCM Education, we always tell students:
Clear eligibility first. Preparation comes next.
If you’re eligible - you’re already one step closer to an IIM.
