What this section tests
The IMAT is a paper-based test in English, designed by Cambridge Assessment. It has 60 multiple-choice questions, each with 5 options and one correct answer, in 100 minutes. The topics are logical reasoning, general knowledge and reading comprehension, biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics.
This part is a skill, and skills improve with practice. If you want the full picture of what is tested, see our IMAT syllabus 2027 topics by section.
How many questions? Sources disagree
Different sources give different splits of the 60 questions:
| Section | Source A | Source B |
|---|---|---|
| General knowledge and reading | 4 | 12 |
| Logical reasoning | 5 | 10 |
| Biology | 23 | 18 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 12 |
| Maths and physics | 13 | 8 |
What both agree on: biology and chemistry carry the most weight. The exact split changes by year, so check the official annex of the current ministerial decree on the Ministry (MUR) site and Universitaly. Reasoning questions are worth the same marks as any other.
Question types in plain words
Treat these as a practice guide, not an official list.
| Type | What it asks you to do | Common trap |
|---|---|---|
| Arguments | Find the conclusion, or say what strengthens, weakens or is assumed by an argument. | Choosing an option that is true in real life but does not affect this argument. |
| Inference | Decide what must follow from the statements given. | Picking something that is likely, when the question asks for what is certain. |
| Data reading | Use a table or chart to calculate or compare. | Misreading units, or using the wrong row or column. |
| Short reading passages | Answer questions about the main point or details of a short text. | Using outside knowledge instead of what the text says. |
Good IMAT critical thinking means using what the text says, not what you assume or know from outside.
A 4-step method for every question
- Read the question first. Know whether you are looking for a conclusion, a weakness, a calculation or a detail before you read the passage. This saves a second read.
- Find the claim. In an argument, underline the conclusion (the thing the author wants you to believe) and the reason given for it. In data questions, find the exact numbers you need.
- Eliminate. Cross out options that are off-topic, too extreme (“always”, “never”), or only partly true. You rarely need to see the right answer straight away; you only need to remove wrong ones.
- Decide whether to answer. If you are down to one or two options, answer. If you have removed nothing, mark it and move on. See the next section for the arithmetic.
Why step 4 matters: negative marking
The score is +1.5 for a correct answer, -0.4 for a wrong one, and 0 for a blank, with a maximum of 90. A guess is worth it only if your chance of being right is above about 21%. This is arithmetic: the expected gain is P x 1.5, the expected loss is (1 – P) x 0.4, and they balance at P of roughly 21%. With 5 options a blind guess is 20%, slightly negative. If you eliminate even one option, you reach 25%, and guessing becomes positive. Our guide to IMAT scoring and negative marking goes through full examples.
Two practice examples
Both questions below are original and written for this article. They are not taken from any past paper.
Practice example by AlphaMedSchool: argument
A school notices that students who attend the optional after-class revision club score higher on the end-of-term test than students who do not. The principal concludes: “The revision club improves test scores.”
Which of the following, if true, most weakens the principal’s conclusion?
A. The revision club meets in a room with good lighting.
B. Most students who attend the club were already among the highest scorers before the club began.
C. Some students who skip the club still score well.
D. The test is the same for every student.
E. The club has been running for several years.
Answer: B.
Reasoning: The conclusion is that the club causes higher scores. The evidence is only that club members score higher. B offers another explanation: the members were strong students already, so the club may not be the cause. A, D and E do not touch the link between club and scores.
Practice example by AlphaMedSchool: data reading
A town library recorded the number of visitors on each weekday.
| Day | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitors | 40 | 55 | 30 | 55 | 20 |
What percentage of the week’s visitors came on Tuesday and Thursday together?
A. 45% B. 50% C. 55% D. 60% E. 65%
Answer: C.
Reasoning: The total is 40 + 55 + 30 + 55 + 20 = 200. Tuesday plus Thursday is 55 + 55 = 110. 110 out of 200 is 55%.
Time budget
With 100 minutes for 60 questions, the average is 100 / 60, or about 1 minute 40 seconds per question. Questions are not equal, so here is a suggestion, not a rule:
| Question kind | Suggested pace |
|---|---|
| Easy recall (a fact you already know) | About 1 minute or less |
| Typical question | About 1 minute 40 seconds |
| Reasoning, data and passage questions | About 2 minutes, more if needed |
As an illustration, 35 quick questions at 75 seconds take about 44 minutes. 25 reasoning-heavy questions at 2 minutes take 50 minutes. That leaves roughly 6 minutes for a final check. Your own pace will differ.
Two habits help IMAT time management. First, bank time on easy questions so you are not rushed on harder ones. Second, set a “move on” point: if you have spent about 2 minutes 30 seconds with no progress, make your best elimination, decide using step 4, and go. Read more about pacing across the whole paper in our IMAT study plan guide.
A weekly practice routine
Short, regular sessions work best. A sample week:
- Two or three untimed sessions (20-30 minutes): practise one question type, and write the conclusion or key numbers for every question.
- One timed set: use a free tool such as our free IMAT simulator, then more questions in IMAT practice. Count the time per question.
- One review session: for each mistake, note why it happened: misread, rushed, or did not know. Fix the cause, not just the answer.
If you prefer guided teaching with feedback, the IMAT course covers the whole exam.
Key takeaways
- Sources disagree on the number of reasoning and general knowledge questions; check the official decree annex.
- Biology and chemistry carry the most weight, but reasoning marks are worth exactly the same.
- Use the 4 steps: read the question, find the claim, eliminate, then decide whether to answer.
- The average is about 1 minute 40 seconds per question; consider going faster on easy recall to give reasoning more time.
- Practise weekly, time yourself, and review every mistake.
Frequently asked questions
How many logical reasoning questions are on the IMAT?
Sources disagree. One lists 5 logical reasoning questions and 4 general knowledge and reading questions out of 60; another lists 10 logic and 12 general knowledge. The split changes by year, so confirm it in the official annex of the current ministerial decree.
Can I revise for IMAT general knowledge?
Not in the same way as biology or chemistry. The best preparation is careful reading, regular practice with timed questions, and staying informed about the world. Check the official call for the exact description of the section.
Should I guess when I am unsure?
Blind guessing among 5 options gives a 20% chance, which is slightly negative under +1.5 / -0.4 marking. If you can remove even one option, your chance rises to 25% and a guess becomes worth it on the arithmetic.
How long should I spend on each question?
The test gives 100 minutes for 60 questions, so the average is about 1 minute 40 seconds. As a suggestion, move faster on easy recall questions and keep a little extra time for reasoning questions.
How often should I practise reasoning questions?
Short, frequent sessions work well. A common pattern is a few short untimed sessions to learn the method, one timed set, and one review session each week. Adjust it to how much time you have before the test.
Want help building your IMAT plan?
Our team can look at where you are now and suggest a realistic way to prepare. Book a free consultation, or start with the free IMAT simulator. No result can be guaranteed; admission depends on your score, the seats available and the official rules.
Sources & official links
- Universitaly: registration and official calls
- Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR): ministerial decrees and annexes
- Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing: test designer
- AlphaMedSchool articles hub
