IMAT, or the International Medical Admissions Test, is a standardized exam tailored for students aiming to study medicine or surgery in English at Italian public universities. Organized annually by the Italian Ministry of Education in collaboration with Cambridge Assessment, the IMAT functions as a gateway for international and EU students looking to enroll in top medical schools in Italy. Its recognition has grown due to affordable tuition and internationally respected degrees.

The IMAT consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, organized into four sections: General Knowledge & Logical Thinking (20), Biology (15), Chemistry (15), and Physics & Math (10). Candidates are given 100 minutes to complete the exam. Each right answer earns 1.5 points, wrong choices  MBBS in italy for indian students 0.4 points, and blanks score 0. This grading method encourages strategic answering. Unlike other medical entry exams, the IMAT prioritizes reasoning skills.

To be able to take the IMAT, students must possess a high school diploma that allows entry into higher education in their home country. Registration opens in July through the official Universitaly website, where students select their university choices in order of preference. The test is usually held in September, with test centers around the world. You’ll need to pay a registration fee (around €130–€170), upload necessary paperwork, and finalize their registration before the deadline.

Getting ready for the IMAT requires a focused approach. Most students start early in the year, using a mix of A-Level or IB textbooks, IMAT prep books, online platforms, and past papers. Popular tools include BMAT practice for logic, video lessons, and student forums. Making a study plan and doing realistic practice tests is key to building confidence.

The logic and general knowledge section is considered the most challenging part of the IMAT. It tests your ability to analyze information, spot assumptions, and think logically. In contrast to Biology or Chemistry, this section isn’t based on a syllabus—it requires skill. Mastering this area means doing logic puzzles, reading arguments, and practicing inference-based questions.

Science questions on the IMAT cover key high school concepts. Biology often includes cell biology, Chemistry covers reactions, while Physics and Math focus on motion. These questions test more than memory—they require application of knowledge. Students are advised to review the syllabus thoroughly and focus on calculations and interpretation.