IBSAT 2026: December 1 deadline for MBA admissions across 9 IBS campuses

By TUF News Desk · Published 7 November 2026 · 3 min read

Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy

MBA aspirants looking at ICFAI Business School have a date to work with. IBS has opened applications for IBSAT 2026, the entrance test for its two-year, full-time MBA and PGPM programmes. The first registration deadline is December 1, 2026, and the first test dates are December 5 and 6.

One application covers all nine IBS campuses: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Dehradun, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Candidates register online through the official IBSAT portal, and physical application forms are also available at IBS information offices. The Hyderabad campus is part of the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education.

The exam: four weekends, taken from home

IBSAT 2026 runs in four weekend cycles through December, starting on December 5 and 6. The test is remote-proctored, so candidates take it from home instead of travelling to a centre. Each day has two slots, 11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm, and results for each weekend cycle are published on the following Monday.

The paper has 140 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 140 minutes, across four sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation. There is no negative marking, which means an uncertain answer costs nothing beyond the time spent on it.

Scholarships and the final selection round

IBS is continuing its Rs 10 crore merit scholarship scheme for the coming academic year. Scholarships of Rs 2 lakh each will go to 500 top performers, judged on IBSAT scores or scores in other recognised national entrance exams. Candidates weighing the cost of an MBA can compare what is on offer in our guide to scholarships for Indian university students.

Shortlisted candidates move to the final selection process in February 2027, which has micro-presentations and personal interviews. IBS also accepts CAT, XAT, NMAT by GMAC and GMAT scores, so applicants holding one of those scores can apply through the same form.

IBS says its institutions have placed more than 90% of students for over 30 years. The network counts nearly 79,000 alumni, with 40% in senior management roles and 10% working in international roles. For students still narrowing down where to apply, our guide to choosing a university in India explains how to compare institutes beyond the entrance exam.

For candidates planning around the calendar, December 1 is the date that matters first. It is the cutoff for the first exam phase, and December 5 and 6 are the first chance to sit the test. Registration is open now at the official IBSAT portal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date to register for IBSAT 2026?

December 1, 2026 is the deadline for the first exam phase. Testing begins on December 5 and 6, with more weekend cycles through the month.

How is IBSAT 2026 conducted?

It is a 140-minute remote-proctored online test of 140 multiple-choice questions, taken from home in one of two daily slots, 11 am to 1 pm or 3 pm to 5 pm. There is no negative marking.

Which campuses can I apply to through IBSAT 2026?

One application covers all nine IBS campuses: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Dehradun, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

Does IBS accept CAT or other exam scores instead of IBSAT?

Yes. IBS also accepts CAT, XAT, NMAT by GMAC and GMAT scores for admission to its MBA and PGPM programmes.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: The Tribune, The Hindu BusinessLine, Business Standard