ATS stands for Aptitude Test Score in the IPMAT exam, representing a normalised score based on performance in quantitative ability and verbal ability sections. It holds roughly 65% weightage in the final selection for IIM Indore, making it crucial for securing an interview call.   

How to Calculate ATS? 

The Aptitude Test Score (ATS) for IPMAT Indore is calculated by normalizing sectional raw scores based on the highest and lowest scores among shortlisted candidates, then applying weights: 25 each for QA (MCQ) and QA (SA), and 50 for Verbal Ability. 

The Formula is: ATS = (Candidate’s Raw Score / Maximum Raw Score) * 100 

{Maximum Raw Score for QA (MCQs) – 25, for QA (SA) – 25 & for VA – 50} 

• Key Steps and Formulas 

Identify Component Scores: Determine your raw scores for the three sections: Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), and Verbal Ability. 

Understand Min/Max Scores: The calculation uses the minimum and maximum scores achieved by candidates in each section. 

Sectional Formula: 

• QA (MCQs) = 25 * (Your Score – Min Score / Max Score – Min Score) 

• QA (SA) = 25 * (Your Score – Min Score / Max Score – Min Score) 

• Verbal Ability (VA) = 50 * (Your Score – Min Score / Max Score – Min Score) 

Final ATS: Sum the calculated scores from all three sections. 

• Important Notes 

Weightage: The ATS represents 65% of the final selection, with the interview (PI) making up the remaining 35%. 

Raw Score & ATS 

IPMAT (IIM Indore), the raw score is the simple sum of correct answers minus incorrect ones, whereas the Aptitude Test Score (ATS) is a normalized score used for shortlisting that accounts for the maximum/minimum scores in the candidate pool.   

Here is the Key Difference between Raw Score & ATS 

Why is ATS Important in IPMAT 

The Aptitude Test Score (ATS) is the most crucial component in the IPMAT (specifically IIM Indore) selection process, carrying approximately 65% weightage toward the final selection. It acts as the primary determinant for getting shortlisted for the interview round and, due to its high weightage, significantly influences the final composite score for admission.  

Significance of ATS in IPMAT (IIM Indore): 

• High Weightage: The ATS constitutes 65% of the final merit list, making it far more critical than the Personal Interview (PI), which accounts for 35%. 

• Interview Shortlisting: A high ATS is essential to receive a call for the Personal Interview. 

• Normalisation: The ATS is not just the raw score but a normalised score, comparing a candidate’s performance against the highest and lowest scorers, ensuring a fair, relative ranking. 

• Components: The ATS combines scores from Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), Quantitative Ability (MCQ), and Verbal Ability, requiring a balanced performance across all sections, especially Verbal Ability which often carries high weightage. 

• Competitive Edge: Because the competition is stiff (thousands of candidates for a few seats), a stellar ATS is required to secure a seat, even if the interview performance is moderate. 

How to Improve ATS in IPMAT 

To improve your Aptitude Test Score (ATS) in IPMAT 2026, focus on maximizing your raw score in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section, as it holds higher weightage, while maintaining high accuracy to avoid negative marking in Verbal Ability (VA) and QA MCQ. Practice consistently with past papers, take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions, and master high-weightage topics like Algebra and Data Interpretation to boost performance.   

Key Strategies to Improve ATS 

• Prioritise QA Over VA: The Quantitative Ability section generally impacts the ATS more than the Verbal Ability section. 

• Target the Short Answer (SA) Section: The QA-SA section does not have negative markings, making it a critical area to maximise your score. 

• Accuracy is Key: Avoid reckless guessing in MCQ sections (QA and VA) to prevent negative marks that reduce your ATS. 

• Mock Test Analysis: Regularly take full-length mock tests to identify weak areas and improve time management. 

• Focus on High-Weightage Topics: Concentrate on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Logical Reasoning. 

• Use Past Papers: Solve previous year questions (PYQs) to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. 

Also Read: How to Prepare for IPMAT

Conclusion 

ATS computation for IPMAT holds a pivotal role in securing admission, comprising the bulk of your final merit tally. Grasping sectional normalisation via min-max scores empowers aspirants to prioritise precision over random attempts. With ATS outweighing PI rounds substantially, relentless drills, savvy question picks, and robust showings across sections—particularly QA Short Answer—are non-negotiable. Demystifying ATS formulas clears the fog, enabling sharper, IIM Indore-targeted prep strategies.