IMAT 2026: structure, syllabus, and preparation

Anyone approaching the IMAT for the first time usually carries the same doubts. There is confusion about how the test is structured, which subjects are included, what the official syllabus really covers, where to start when beginning from zero, how to plan study time across a few months, and which mistakes can compromise months of effort.

This article is built to answer those questions clearly and progressively, translating official rules into practical guidance. The goal is to help students understand what they are expected to do, when, and why, without adding stress or unnecessary complexity.

Everything explained here follows what is defined in the official admission notice and related documentation regulating the IMAT. At the time of writing, no specific IMAT 2026 notice has been published yet, so the most recent complete reference remains the official documentation from the 2025 edition. Until new material is released, the structure, subjects, scoring system, and syllabus remain unchanged.

The official IMAT test structure

The IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 possible answers, only one of which is correct. Candidates have 100 minutes to complete the test. This time constraint is not secondary: managing time is a core part of performance.

The questions are distributed across well-defined areas. The test opens with Reading Skills and Acquired Knowledge, assessing comprehension of English texts, logical interpretation, and general knowledge. This is followed by Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving, focused on analytical thinking rather than memorization.

The largest portion of the test is scientific and includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. These subjects account for the majority of the score and must be treated accordingly during preparation.

The scoring system directly affects test strategy. Each correct answer awards 1.5 points, each incorrect answer deducts 0.4 points, and unanswered questions score 0 points. This means that guessing without sufficient confidence can negatively impact the final result.

For this reason, preparation must include not only studying content but also training under real test conditions, learning when to answer and when to skip. Platforms like TestBuddy, which replicate the official format and calculate scores automatically, allow students to experience this dynamic early and reduce uncertainty.

The official syllabus and subjects covered

The IMAT syllabus is formally defined and structured into precise content areas. There is no ambiguity about what can be tested.

The Reading Skills and Acquired Knowledge section focuses on English language comprehension, including complex and scientific vocabulary, inference, and logical connections within texts. It also evaluates general cultural knowledge in historical, social, institutional, and economic contexts.

Logical Reasoning includes problems based on verbal or symbolic premises, abstract reasoning, and deduction. Success here depends on method and practice rather than memorizing formulas.

Biology represents the most substantial scientific area. It covers the chemistry of living organisms, cell structure, classical and molecular genetics, heredity, mutations, evolution, biotechnology, human anatomy and physiology, metabolism, and bioenergetics.

Chemistry includes atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, solutions, chemical equilibrium, kinetics, oxidation-reduction reactions, acids and bases, and fundamental organic chemistry with main functional groups.

Mathematics focuses on numerical sets, algebra, functions, geometry, probability, and statistics. Physics includes physical quantities, kinematics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, and electromagnetism.

Every topic studied should be traceable back to this syllabus. Anything outside of it does not contribute to performance. Tools like TestBuddy, which organize practice by official topic, help students stay aligned and avoid wasting time.

Where to start when beginning from zero

Starting from zero requires structure, not shortcuts. The first step is understanding the test format and syllabus in full, before diving into exercises.

Priority should be given to building a solid foundation in Biology and Chemistry, as they carry the greatest weight. At the same time, students must become comfortable with scientific English, since language comprehension directly affects accuracy.

Equally important is understanding administrative and procedural rules. Knowing how registration works, how preferences are managed, what is allowed in the exam room, and how answer sheets must be completed is essential. Procedural mistakes can invalidate an otherwise strong performance.

Studying in an environment that tracks progress, highlights weaknesses, and connects theory to practice reduces uncertainty. This is where TestBuddy supports students by centralizing study, practice, and performance analysis in one place, especially for those who do not know where to begin.

Planning study time across 1, 3, or 6 months

Official documents do not prescribe a study schedule, but they clearly define subject weight within the test, which should guide planning.

With 1 month available, preparation must be intensive and focused. Biology and Chemistry remain the priority, while Physics and Mathematics cannot be neglected. At this stage, full test simulations become crucial, as time does not allow for extended theoretical exploration.

With 3 months, students can cover the entire syllabus methodically, alternating theory, targeted exercises, and simulations. This timeframe allows for balanced preparation and correction of weaknesses.

With 6 months, preparation can be progressive. The first phase focuses on theory, the second on reinforcing weak areas, and the final phase on high-frequency simulations and score optimization. Performance tracking tools make this process more efficient and less stressful.

How preparation is defined by official regulations

The organizing authority does not provide a proprietary study method. Instead, it defines content, rules, format, and evaluation criteria.

Preparing correctly means aligning study with the official syllabus, understanding the English language requirement, respecting time limits, and mastering the scoring logic.

One of the most concrete official resources is the publication of previous IMAT exams, which show real difficulty levels and question styles. Practicing under these conditions is essential.

Using a simulator like TestBuddy, designed around the official structure, allows students to connect rules and content continuously, turning abstract regulations into measurable progress.

Common preparation mistakes and how to avoid them

A frequent mistake is ignoring the negative marking system, leading to excessive guessing. This behavior can significantly reduce the final score.

Another common error is underestimating answer sheet rules and exam room regulations. Certain behaviors or compilation mistakes can invalidate results entirely.

Many students also focus too much on theory and too little on time management and test format. Knowing content is not enough if it cannot be applied within 100 minutes.

Avoiding these mistakes requires early familiarity with official rules and repeated exposure to realistic simulations with objective performance feedback.

The final week and the day before the exam

The final week is not for building knowledge, but for stabilizing performance. Administrative checks must be completed, preferences confirmed, and procedural rules fully understood.

Study time should focus on targeted revision and realistic simulations, avoiding new material that increases anxiety.

The day before the exam is dedicated to clarity, not intensity. Knowing exactly how the test unfolds, how answers are recorded, and how time is managed helps maintain focus and calm during the exam itself.

Official reference documents

All information presented is derived exclusively from official institutional sources governing the IMAT:

• MUR Accesso Programmato Portal
• IMAT Admission Notice and Documentation 2025
• IMAT 2025 Official Notice
• Official IMAT Syllabus
• Official IMAT 2025 Exam Paper