Study Strategies for the IMAT Test: How to Get the Most Points

The IMAT isn’t just any test.

It’s competitive, fast-paced and mentally challenging. To succeed, you need more than hard work: you need strategy .

1. Understand the Test Format

The test consists of 60 questions in 100 minutes, which is roughly 1.66 minutes per question. The topics span logic, general knowledge, biology, chemistry, physics, and maths. Each question is worth the same : +1.5 points for a correct answer, -0.4 for a wrong one, and 0 for a blank. What does this mean?

The IMAT isn’t about getting a perfect score; it’s about being efficient and tactical . Knowing when to skip , when to guess , and which questions to focus on can be more rewarding than trying to solve everything with no strategy.

2. Study with Purpose

Don’t try to remember every single detail of each subject, aim to understand and apply what you study.

The ideal study routine

1. Choose a topic

2. Review the theory with notes, videos, or a focused textbook

3. Practice IMAT-style questions on that exact topic

4. Analyse your mistakes : was it something you didn’t know at all? Did you misunderstand? Misread? Forget?

Simulate often

Taking full-length tests is not the final step — it’s part of your core preparation. After each simulation you should grade your test honestly, break down each error and review theory where needed.

Remember : a bad simulation score should not discourage you. Keep following the above routine and you will keep improving!

3.  Use Resources Built for the IMAT

Generic prep books can only take you so far. The IMAT has a unique format that standard materials sometimes miss.

Instead, work with tools designed specifically for this exam: real past IMAT papers , targeted question banks with detailed explanations and prep tools that mirror the structure of the actual exam.

Consider using the following tools to help you reach your goals:

·   The IMAT Question Bank with 2,000+ explained exercises

·   The IMAT Essential Theory eBook : a clear, practical guide covering only what matters

If you’re looking for a more in-depth preparation, check out our live and OnDemand IMAT courses — featuring theory and practice lessons, simulation strategies, and expert guidance on every topic.

If you’re struggling to organize your study plan, check out our other articles for more tips and guidance for a fool-proof study routine!

4. Be Honest with yourself

If you’re using tools like calculators or periodic tables during simulations, you’re setting yourself up for trouble on test day, since these tools are not allowed .

Just as important: be honest in your reviews. Don’t dismiss errors as silly mistakes; every error is feedback . Revisit questions you got wrong and even those that you guessed right but didn’t fully understand. That’s how you’ll truly learn!

5. Master time management

Let’s be honest, you won’t be able to spend exactly 1.66 minutes on every question during the test. That’s why time management is not just helpful, it’s essential.

You must learn to skip questions early if you don’t know the answer right away, identify your “ easy wins ” quickly and make strategic decisions about whether to guess or leave a question unanswered.

Understand the risk in guessing

Always keep the scoring system in mind — a correct answer earns you +1.5 points, a wrong one costs you –0.4 , and a blank gives you 0. This means guessing blindly can do more harm than good: train yourself to evaluate a calculated risk behind each potential guess.

Ask yourself: Can I confidently eliminate two or better three answer choices? Do I have a partial understanding of the topic? If the answer is yes, then a strategic guess may be worth the risk. But if you’re entirely unsure and can’t narrow the options down, leaving the question blank might be the smarter choice.

Strategic question management

Time management is key. Start by passing quickly through the exam and answering only the questions you’re certain of. Once you’ve covered those, go back and answer the ones that seem slightly more challenging. Leave the toughest questions, those that require deeper thought or extra time, at the end .

Don’t get stuck on a single question, the goal is to maximize your score, not to solve every problem. Remember: each question is worth the same, and your time is limited.

Your goal shouldn’t be to get a perfect score – though who wouldn’t want that? Your goal is to score better than most .

6. You’re Not Just Preparing for a Test: You’re Building Your Future

Every day that you spend studying and practising for the test, remember why you’re doing it . This will help you feel motivated , especially when the last thing you want to do is sit at your desk.

Keeping your goals in mind will help you realise that you’re not just trying to pass a test, you’re studying to achieve your purpose.

Want more tips on IMAT strategies: check out IMAT section on our blog!