Getting ready for the IMAT exam can feel scary. But don’t worry! When you know the IMAT exam format, it becomes a lot easier. It’s just like playing a game—when you understand the rules, you can play better and feel less nervous.
This guide is here to help you understand everything about the IMAT exam format. We will talk about the different parts of the test, how many questions are in each part, and how much time you get to finish the whole exam.
And guess what? This guide is super simple and perfect for beginners! Even if this is your first time learning about the IMAT, you will understand it easily. Let’s break it down so you feel ready and confident!
1. Understanding the IMAT Exam Format
The IMAT is a test with multiple-choice questions. That means you get a few answer choices for every question and have to pick the correct one. It’s kind of like a quiz where only one answer is correct!
This test is made for students who want to study medicine in Italy. To do that, you need to show that you’re good at both thinking skills and science subjects.
You will answer questions from different subjects, like biology, chemistry, physics, math, logic, and general knowledge. Some questions will ask you to solve puzzles or find patterns, and others will ask you about how the body works or how chemicals react.
So, the IMAT exam format checks two big things:
- Can you think clearly and solve problems?
- Do you know science facts that future doctors need to learn?
Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot—once you know what to expect, it’s much easier to prepare!
2. Sections in the IMAT Exam Format
The IMAT exam format has four main sections. Each one has questions on a different subject. Let’s look at them one by one so you know what to expect!
2.1 Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge Section
This part has 22 questions.
In this section, you’ll get fun but tricky questions! Some are like puzzles. Others ask you to find patterns or finish a sentence most smartly. You might also get questions about history, famous people, or news from the world (called current events).
This section checks how well you think and how much general stuff you know. To do well here:
- Read a lot of books or news.
- Practice logic puzzles online or from books.
- Try brain games—they help a lot!
2.2 Biology Section
This part has 18 questions.
Biology is the science of living things. In this section, you’ll answer questions about:
- Cells (the tiny parts that make up your body),
- DNA (the special code inside us),
- Body systems (like the heart, lungs, and brain).
Biology is super important for future doctors. That’s why it’s a big part of the IMAT exam format. If you understand how the body works, you’ll do great in medical school!
2.3 Chemistry Section
This part has 12 questions.
Chemistry is the study of atoms, molecules, and how things mix or change. In this section, you’ll see questions about:
- The periodic table,
- Chemical reactions,
- Different elements and compounds.
Tip: Just go over your high school chemistry notes. Review the basics and practice a few problems. That’s all you need to get started!
2.4 Physics and Math Section
This section has 8 questions.
Even though there are fewer questions here, it’s still important. You’ll get questions from:
- Physics (like force, speed, motion, and energy),
- Math (like algebra, equations, and simple calculations).
It’s okay if this section feels a little hard at first. Many students find it tricky. But with some practice and patience, you can get better!
Try solving small math problems every day. Watch a few physics videos to understand the basics. Little steps go a long way!
3. Total Number of Questions in the IMAT Exam Format
Now that we’ve looked at all the sections, let’s see how many questions there are in total.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Logical Reasoning & General Knowledge – 22 questions
- Biology – 18 questions
- Chemistry – 12 questions
- Physics and Math – 8 questions
If we add them all up, the IMAT has 60 questions in total.
Each question is worth 1.5 points. That means if you get a question right, you earn one and a half points. But be careful! The IMAT uses negative marking too. If you answer a question wrong, you lose 0.4 points. If you leave a question blank, you don’t lose or gain anything. So, sometimes it’s smart to skip a question if you’re unsure. Guess only when you have a good feeling about the answer!
So, remember:
- Right answer = +1.5 points
- Wrong answer = −0.4 points
- No answer = 0 points
That’s why it’s important to think carefully and stay calm during the test!
4. Time Limit in the IMAT Exam Format
The total time you get for the IMAT exam is 100 minutes. That’s a little over an hour and a half to finish all 60 questions.
If we do a quick math trick:
- 100 minutes ÷ 60 questions = about 1.6 minutes per question
That means you have less than 2 minutes to answer each question!
This is why time management is super important during the test. You don’t want to waste too much time on just one question. If you get stuck, it’s okay—skip it and come back later.
Here are some quick tips:
- Keep an eye on the clock while you work.
- Don’t panic if one question is hard—just move on.
- Try to finish the faster questions first so you have more time for the tricky ones.
The key is to stay calm and smart. Use your time wisely, and you’ll do great!
5. IMAT Exam Format Strategy Tips
Now that you know the IMAT exam format, let’s talk about some smart tips to help you do your best on test day!
1. Start with Your Strongest Section
Begin with the part of the exam that you feel most confident about. If you’re great at biology, do that first! This helps you earn easy points quickly and boosts your confidence early in the test.
2. Skip Hard Questions First
Don’t get stuck on a question that feels too hard. Just skip it and come back later. This saves time and lets you focus on the questions you can answer easily.
3. Use a Timer When You Practice
When you’re practicing at home, use a timer to copy the real exam feeling. Try to finish each question in less than 2 minutes. This will help you stay fast and focused on the real test.
4. Practice with Old IMAT Papers
Doing old IMAT tests is super helpful. It shows you the kinds of questions you’ll see and helps you feel more ready. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be!
6. IMAT Exam Format Table
| Section | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning & General Knowledge | 22 |
| Biology | 18 |
| Chemistry | 12 |
| Physics and Math | 8 |
| Total | 60 |
7. Final Thoughts on the IMAT Exam Format
The IMAT exam format might look big at first, but don’t worry—it’s not scary once you understand how it works! When you know the sections, the number of questions, and how much time you get, everything becomes much easier.
The best way to feel ready is simple:
Practice, practice, practice!
The more you practice, the braver and better you’ll get. Try past papers, set a timer, and get used to the question styles. With smart planning and a good understanding of the format, you’re already on the path to success. You don’t need to be perfect—just stay calm, be prepared, and believe in yourself.