The IMAT Starter Pack: Exam Structure & Scoring
What is the IMAT?
The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is the definitive entrance exam for students aiming to study Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary Medicine in English within Italy.
This critical test takes place just once a year, typically in September, making focused preparation essential. Currently, the exam serves as the gateway to 17 public universities:
Offered at 15 public universities.
Available at 2 universities (Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Siena).
Available at 1 university (University of Bologna), which recently joined the IMAT system.
The IMAT Exam Structure
Get ready for a classic exam experience. The IMAT exam structure is strictly paper-based and administered in-person.
Speed and precision are the name of the game. You have exactly 100 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions. If you do the math, that is roughly 1.6 minutes per question—so time management is your best friend.
The Structure:
- Format: 5 distinct options (A–E) per question, with only one correct answer.
- Timing: 100 Minutes total.
The Subject Breakdown
The 60 questions are distributed across five specific categories. As you can see, Biology and Chemistry make up the bulk of the exam, accounting for more than half of your total score.
| Section | Questions | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 23 | The heavyweight section. Topics range from Cell Biology and Genetics to Human Physiology and Anatomy. |
| Chemistry | 15 | Covers the essentials of both General Chemistry (stoichiometry, periodic table) and Organic Chemistry. |
| Physics & Math | 13 | A test of core concepts: Algebra, Geometry, and Functions for Math; Motion, Forces, and Energy for Physics. |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 | Evaluates your ability to analyze arguments, spot flaws in logic, and solve problems using deductive reasoning. |
| Reading Skills | 4 | Focuses on reading comprehension and general awareness of cultural, historical, and institutional contexts. |
The Scoring System
The IMAT isn't just about what you know—it's about knowing when to answer and when to walk away. The exam uses a positive-negative marking system designed to reward precision and penalize blind guessing.
Here is the math:
- +1.5 points for every correct answer.
- -0.4 points for every incorrect answer.
- 0 points for unanswered questions.
With a maximum possible score of 90 points, the strategy is clear: accuracy beats volume. If you are completely unsure about a question, leaving it blank is often statistically safer than risking the penalty.
IMAT Score Calculator
*Enter the number of questions. Unanswered questions count as 0.
Ranking Rules for Tie-Break Situations
In the highly competitive event of a tie (where two students achieve the exact same total score), the ranking is not random. Candidates will be ranked according to the following criteria, in strict order of priority:
- Higher score in Biology (The most critical subject)
- Higher score in Chemistry
- Higher score in Physics and Mathematics
- Higher score in Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving
- Higher score in Comprehension (Reading Skills)
- Language Certificate (Possession of a recognized English certificate)
- Disability (Certified disability status)
- Younger Age (The younger candidate takes precedence)
Important: Answer Sheet Rules
This might sound like a minor detail, but it is critical. The optical reader is unforgiving, and careless marking can result in null answers. Here is how to keep your answer sheet clean:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IMAT exam online or in-person?
The IMAT is strictly a paper-based, in-person test. You must attend an official test center either in Italy or at one of the authorized international venues.
What is the maximum score on the IMAT?
The maximum possible score is 90 points. This would require answering all 60 questions correctly without any errors.
How many questions are there?
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You have exactly 100 minutes to complete the test.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. You receive -0.4 points for every incorrect answer. Leaving a question blank results in 0 points.
How are ties broken in the ranking?
Ties are broken by section scores in this order: Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Math, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Skills. If scores are still identical, younger candidates are preferred.
Can I change my answer on the sheet?
Yes, but only once. You must completely black out the old box and mark your new choice with an 'X'.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the IMAT exam structure is more than just a memory test; it is a challenge that rewards clarity of thought, strategic pacing, and emotional resilience. With consistent, focused preparation and a smart strategy, the door to Italy’s renowned medical schools is wide open.