Introduction
The UG Entrance exam of IIM Bangalore has rapidly become one of the most competitive post Class 12 management entrance tests. Having thousands of applicants to one of the most prestigious institutions of India, it becomes important to know the format of the exam and the marks-wise performance in each section. The 2026 exam follows the same format as the last cycle, and there is an equal representation of English, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation (QA and DI), and Logical Reasoning.
This paper has given an in-depth, evidence-based evaluation of the exam, pattern, performance expected and an idea as to how students can have attainable expectations of scoring high.
IIM Bangalore UG Exam Pattern 2026
The paper consists of 60 MCQ-based questions and is conducted for 120 minutes (60 min for quants and 30 minutes for VA & 30 minutes for LR) Negative marking increases the need for accuracy.
| Section | Total Questions |
| English Comprehension | 15 |
| Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 30 |
| Logical Reasoning | 15 |
| Total | 60 |
Marking Scheme
- +3mark for each correct answer
- –1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
The QA & DI section holds the highest weightage, contributing 50% of the total questions — making it a key differentiator in overall performance.
Section-Wise Analysis of the 2026 Paper
- English Comprehension
The English section was easy to moderate, making it a scoring area for most aspirants.
Key question types included:
- Reading Comprehension
- Para-jumbles
- Vocabulary-based questions
- Error spotting
- Fill-in-the-blanks
Most students who regularly practice reading-based questions were able to finish this section comfortably within time.
- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
This was the most challenging section of the exam, as expected.
Key topics observed:
- Arithmetic (major share)
- Algebra (moderate share)
- Data Interpretation sets using tables, bar charts, and caselets
Many aspirants struggled with calculation-intensive DI questions, indicating the importance of speed and conceptual clarity. Accuracy played a crucial role here due to negative marking.
- Logical Reasoning
A moderate-level section with a mix of analytical and verbal reasoning.
Common question types included:
- Seating arrangement puzzles
- Blood relations
- Syllogisms
- Coding–decoding
- Direction-based questions
Students who practiced puzzle-based questions were able to secure marks efficiently in this section.
Expected Good Attempts
Aspirants targeting top percentile scores were likely to achieve:
| Section | Good Attempts |
| English | 12–14 |
| quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation | 18–22 |
| Logical Reasoning | 10–12 |
| Overall | 40–48 |
Maintaining 80%+ accuracy is essential to score high due to negative marking.
Expected Cutoff for 2026
Based on pattern difficulty and expected performance trends:
| Category | Expected Cutoff (Marks) |
| General | 80–100 |
| EWS/OBC | 60-80 |
| SC/ST | 40-60 |
These values may vary based on exam difficulty and competition.
Section-Wise Analysis: Quantitative Ability
| Topic | No. of Questions |
| Number System | 2 |
| Time and Work | 1 |
| Modulus | 1 |
| Functions | 3–4 |
| Statistics | 1 (Variance) |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | 1 |
| Matrices and Determinants | 2 (AP–GP based) |
| Probability | 1 |
| Permutation and Combination | 1 |
| Mensuration | 1 |
| Algebra | 2 |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | 2 Sets |
| Progression | 1–2 |
Section-Wise Analysis: Logical Reasoning
| Topic | No. of Questions |
| Coding–Decoding | 2–3 |
| Blood Relations | 1 |
| Series | 2 |
| Directions | 1 |
| Seating Arrangements | 2 |
| Odd One Out | 1 |
| Syllogisms | 1 |
| Statement–Conclusions | 1 |
| Cause and Effect | 1 |
| Statement–Assumption | 1 |
| Statement–Conclusions | 1 |
Section-Wise Analysis: Verbal Ability
| Topics | No. of Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 2 Sets |
| Fill in the Blanks | 1 |
| Vocabulary | 1 |
| Idioms and Phrases | 1 |
| Grammar | 1 |
| Odd One Out | 1 |
| Para Jumble | 1 |
Conclusion
Though the IIM Bangalore UG Exam 2026 requires a balanced performance in all the sections, the area with the highest scoring is the QA & DI. Those students who paid attention to the clarity of concepts, ability to solve logical problems, and accuracy are supposed to be good. On the whole, the paper can be characterized as moderate, and Quantitative Ability and DI will be the determining factor in the best ranks.
The future applicants ought to focus on arithmetic, DI speed-building, and solve puzzles and be accurate in all portions.
FAQs
- How do many questions there are in the IIM Bangalore UG Exam?
The test will consist of 60 MCQs (English, QA, Logical Reasoning).
- Is there negative marking?
Yes, -1 mark on all wrong answers.
- What is the most difficult part?
The most difficult and lengthy is normally Quantitative Ability & Logical Reasoning.
- What is a good score to clear the exam?
A score of 80 -100 (General category) is usually deemed competitive.
- What are the priorities that students should work on?
There should be a focus on the arithmetic basics, DI exercises and logical reasoning puzzles.
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