IMAT 2024, held on September 17, 2024, proved to be an intriguing challenge for aspiring medical students.
While many regarded it as one of the more straightforward IMAT exams compared to previous years, it included unexpected elements that caught students off guard. Approximately 11,000 students participated in this highly competitive exam across international and Italian centers (often managed via Universitaly), all vying for a limited number of spots in English-taught medical programs in Italy.
A closer look at each section reveals both the exam’s accessibility and its nuanced difficulty.
2. IMAT 2024 Performance & Scoring
The overall difficulty was moderate, reflected in the total average score of 42.16/90. Notably, 39 students scored above 80, while 566 students achieved over 70 points.
Average Scores by Section
3. Deep Dive: IMAT 2024 Section Analysis
Biology in IMAT 2024 (23 Questions)
The biology section was notably one of the easiest in recent years, focusing on foundational knowledge. It allowed well-prepared students to achieve high scores, with questions primarily emphasizing Cell Biology.
Topics Covered in 2024 expand_more
- Cell Organelles: 4 Questions
- Genetics: 4 Questions
- Basic Concepts: 3 Questions
- Translation: 3 Questions
- Cellular Respiration: 2 Questions
- Nucleic Acids: 2 Questions
- Water Molecules: 1 Question
- Carbohydrates: 1 Question
- Transport: 1 Question
- Cell Membrane: 1 Question
- DNA Replication: 1 Question
- Fundamentals: Questions tested recall rather than advanced complexity.
- Cell Biology: A significant portion concentrated on this topic.
- Accessibility: Students covering only basics could still perform well.
- Scoring: It was feasible to answer 20–23 questions correctly.
Chemistry (15 Questions)
Similar to Biology, the Chemistry section was accessible, focusing heavily on basic problem-solving. However, many expected syllabus topics were surprisingly absent.
Topics Covered in 2024 expand_more
- Chemical Problems: 7 Questions
- Gas Laws: 2 Questions
- Acids and Bases: 2 Questions
- Organic Chemistry: 2 Questions
- Chemical Reactions: 1 Question
- Oxidation and Reduction: 1 Question
- Fundamentals: Tested basic principles; strong problem-solving needed.
- Problem Focus: Heavy concentration on calculation-based chemistry problems.
- Accessibility: Limited syllabus coverage reduced difficulty.
- Scoring: Feasible to answer 10–12 questions correctly.
Mathematics (7 Questions)
The difficulty was moderate, following trends from the previous year. Geometry remains a critical, high-yield topic.
Topics Covered in 2024 expand_more
- Geometry: 3 Questions
- Numerical Sets & Algebra: 2 Questions
- Functions: 1 Question
- Probability: 1 Question
- Year Comparison: 7 questions in 2024 vs. 8 in 2023.
- 2023 Context: Last year included Inequalities, logs, and algebraic simplification.
- Difficulty: Q48 & Q50 were direct. Q52 (Circle Geometry) & Q51 (Inequality) were advanced.
- Scoring: Strong students could get 5-6 correct; weaker students 3-4.
Physics (6 Questions)
Physics offered a mix of straightforward formula-based questions and tricky conceptual ones. Notably, there were no questions on fluid mechanics or physical quantities.
Topics Covered in 2024 expand_more
- Kinematics (inc. SHM): 2 Questions
- Electricity & Electromagnetism: 2 Questions
- Dynamics: 1 Question
- Thermodynamics: 1 Question
- Year Comparison: 6 questions in 2024 vs. 5 in 2023.
- Varied Difficulty: Q57 was straightforward (formula-based). Q56 & Q59 were moderate. Q58 was hard.
- Specific Error: Q55 was problematic as its options were incorrect.
- Concepts: Unexpected shift to Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM). Q58 required combining electromagnetism with circular motion.
Logics & General Knowledge
- Logics: Questions were not tricky. The pattern was similar to previous years. The best strategy is simple: practice!
- General Knowledge: Highly unpredictable. Covered history, current events, culture, and politics. There is no specific limit to the information included.
4. IMAT 2024 Key Takeaways
Emphasis on Fundamentals
Across Biology and Chemistry, most questions tested fundamental knowledge rather than advanced complexities. Students with an average understanding of basic principles found the exam accessible.
Unpredictable Physics
Physics shifted expectations by including Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) and excluding fluid mechanics. This proves that you cannot rely solely on "past trends" for Physics.
Scoring Potential
The simplicity of the Science sections meant high-scoring potential. A well-prepared student could feasibly get 20/23 in Biology and 10/12 in Chemistry.
5. Preparation Strategy for Future Exams
Master the Basics
For Biology and Chemistry, deep dives into obscure topics were less valuable than a rock-solid grasp of Cell Biology and Stoichiometry/Chemical Problems.
Practice Geometry
In Math, Geometry is high-yield. Focus on areas, volumes, and advanced theorems of circles and triangles.
Stay Flexible in Physics
Don't skip "smaller" topics like SHM or Electromagnetism. The exam is becoming more diverse and unpredictable.
General Knowledge
Stay informed on current events and history. This section remains the most unpredictable variable.