IMAT Topics and Question Distribution: 2026 Syllabus and 2023–2026 Analysis
IMAT covers more than Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. The exam also assesses English reading skills, logical reasoning, and general knowledge. On this page, you can explore the official syllabus, the 2026 IMAT question distribution, and section trends from 2023 to 2026.
Short answer: What topics are there in IMAT?
IMAT consists of English reading and general knowledge, logic and problem-solving, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The official syllabus determines the scope of these areas. However, the distribution of questions in past years should also be analyzed to understand which topic groups should be given more weight.
IMAT subject guides
Start with the guides below to organize your IMAT preparation by subject. Each guide includes the 2023–2026 question distribution, high-weight units and study strategies.
Knowing the IMAT subjects alone is not sufficient
IMAT subjects largely overlap with biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics taught in secondary education. Because the exam is in English, students must also understand the relevant scientific terminology. Quickly recognizing terms such as cell membrane, equilibrium, pressure, inference, assumption and genetic variation is essential for interpreting question stems, answer choices and scientific passages accurately.
IMAT 2026 Topics and Official Syllabus
This page has been updated according to the official IMAT 2026 syllabus published by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR). The study plan should be structured around the titles Reading / acquired knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics.
This section summarizes the official syllabus; the year-based distribution tables below have been prepared by IMAT Academy by classifying past exam questions according to their topics.
Official source information: The IMAT 2026 syllabus and exam format have been updated based on MUR's 2026 decision.
Reading and General Knowledge
EnglishEnglish reading comprehension, text analysis, general knowledge. Tests reading speed, inference, and logical interpretation of scientific and cultural texts.
Logical Reasoning and Problems
LogicArgument structure, claims, assumptions, supporting and weakening statements, data interpretation. Pattern recognition is essential.
Biology
BiologyChemistry of life, cell structure and function, cellular energetics, heredity, gene expression, evolution, ecology and anatomy/physiology.
Chemistry
ChemistryAtomic structure, molecular compounds, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, kinetics, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids/bases, inorganic and organic chemistry.
Mathematics
MathAlgebra, advanced functions, problem solving and data analysis, geometry, trigonometry, conics, exponential and logarithmic functions.
Physics
PhysicsFoundations and kinematics, translational and rotational mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electric forces and fields, circuits and magnetism.
2026 IMAT Question Distribution — Comparison Between Sections
The table below shows the number of questions by section in the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 IMAT exams. The data is based on past exam analysis by IMAT Academy.
| Chapter | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and General Knowledge | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 16 |
| Problem Solving and Logic | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 20 |
| Biology | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 92 |
| Chemistry | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 60 |
| Mathematics | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 28 |
| Physics | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 24 |
Data from 2023 to 2026 show that Biology has the highest weight in the IMAT science sections, while Chemistry remains the second-largest area. In 2026, Mathematics contained 6 questions and Physics contained 7. Although their question counts are lower, both sections remain important for the total score, time management, and university goals.
Past question distributions help determine study priorities; however, they do not guarantee the distribution for next year.
For a question-level examination of the exam structure, analytical difficulty and section profiles, explore the IMAT Research Lab publications and the 2026 IMAT Annual Report.
IMAT 2026 Question Distribution
4
Reading & GK
5
Logic
23
Biology
15
Chemistry
6
Mathematics
7
Physics
In the 2026 IMAT, Biology and Chemistry remained the two largest science sections with 23 and 15 questions. Reading Skills contained 4 questions, Logical Reasoning 5, Mathematics 6, and Physics 7. IMAT Academy Research Lab's complete 60-item technical coding also examines the difficulty and skill profile of each section.
IMAT 2025 Question Distribution
4
Reading & GK
5
Logic
23
Biology
15
Chemistry
7
Mathematics
6
Physics
In the 2025 IMAT, science questions were again predominantly biology-focused; the topics of Cellular Energetics and Animal Anatomy & Physiology stood out. Physics and mathematics together contained a total of 13 questions. This distribution does not guarantee the same for next year; however, it helps to determine study priorities.
IMAT 2024 Question Distribution
4
Reading & GK
5
Logic
23
Biology
15
Chemistry
7
Mathematics
6
Physics
In the 2024 IMAT, questions in biology focused on Cell Structure and Gene Expression stood out. In chemistry, Stoichiometry was prominent, while in physics, questions came on Rotational Motion and Circuits. This distribution does not guarantee anything for next year; however, it helps in determining study priorities.
IMAT 2023 Question Distribution
4
Reading & GK
5
Logic
23
Biology
15
Chemistry
8
Mathematics
5
Physics
In the 2023 IMAT, mathematics reached the highest number in three years with 8 questions. In biology, the topics Gene Expression and Cellular Energetics were strong; in physics, there were questions on Thermodynamics and Electric Force. This distribution does not guarantee anything for next year; however, it helps in determining study priorities.
IMAT Biology Topics and 2023–2026 Distribution
The table below has been prepared by IMAT Academy by classifying the 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 exam questions according to the official syllabus headings.
| Topic / Unit | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry of Life | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | |
| Cell Structure and Function | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 16 | |
| Cellular Energetics | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 19 | |
| Cell Communication and Cell Cycle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Heredity | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 8 | |
| Gene Expression and Regulation | 5 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 18 | |
| Natural Selection | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Ecology | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Animal and Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 20 |
Across 2023–2026, the most frequently recurring areas in Biology are Cellular Energetics, Animal and Human Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Structure and Function, and Gene Expression and Regulation. Biology preparation should therefore be built around cell processes, energy metabolism, gene expression, and human physiology rather than memorisation alone.
This analysis has been prepared by classifying past IMAT questions according to the official syllabus headings by IMAT Academy. IMAT Academy updates these tables by following changes in the exam format and subject coverage.
IMAT Chemistry Topics and 2023–2026 Distribution
In the Chemistry department, 15 questions come up every year, and the topic distribution varies by year.
| Topic / Unit | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atomic Structure and Properties | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | |
| Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | |
| Intermolecular Forces and Properties | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | |
| Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 9 | |
| Kinetics | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Thermodynamics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Equilibrium | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Acids and Bases | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | |
| Basic Inorganic Chemistry | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | |
| Basic Organic Chemistry | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
In chemistry, acids and bases, basic inorganic chemistry, basic organic chemistry, intermolecular forces, and stoichiometry stand out. In this section, it is important not only to know the topic but also to recognize the concept in English question language and to reduce basic calculation mistakes.
This analysis has been prepared by classifying past IMAT questions according to the official syllabus headings by IMAT Academy. IMAT Academy updates these tables by following changes in the exam format and subject coverage.
IMAT Physics Topics and 2023–2026 Distribution
The physics department contains 6 questions in 2025. Although the total number of questions seems low, each correct answer is worth +1.5 points.
| Topic / Unit | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Kinematics | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| Translational Mechanics | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | |
| Rotational and Oscillatory Motion | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fluids | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Thermodynamics | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Electric Force and Fields | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |
| Circuits and Magnetism | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
| Waves | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
In physics, translational mechanics, circuits and magnetism, and thermodynamics have come to the fore in recent years. Physics study should be based more on correctly applying the concept and fast problem-solving strategy than on memorizing formulas.
This analysis has been prepared by classifying past IMAT questions according to the official syllabus headings by IMAT Academy. IMAT Academy updates these tables by following changes in the exam format and subject coverage.
IMAT Mathematics Topics and 2023–2026 Distribution
The mathematics section contained 7 questions in 2024 and 2025. Algebra and Geometry/Trigonometry/Conics are the topics with the highest cumulative weight over the three years.
| Topic / Unit | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | |
| Advanced Math and Functions | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
| Problem Solving and Data | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |
| Geometry, Trigonometry and Conics | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | |
| Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
Across 2023–2026, Algebra and Geometry/Trigonometry/Conics remain high-weight areas, while Functions and exponential/logarithmic relationships stand out in the 2026 Mathematics section. Problem Solving and Data require attention, interpretation, and quick decision-making rather than procedural knowledge alone.
This analysis has been prepared by classifying past IMAT questions according to the official syllabus headings by IMAT Academy. IMAT Academy updates these tables by following changes in the exam format and subject coverage.
Knowing the IMAT subjects alone is not sufficient
The official syllabus states that the ability to understand and analyze English texts is a cross-cutting skill for the entire exam. Therefore, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics topics should be studied along with English terminology.
Quickly recognizing terms such as “cell membrane,” “equilibrium,” “stoichiometry,” “inference,” and “genetic variation” in question stems is just as important as subject knowledge.
How can you study the topic distribution with IMAT Academy?
The topic analyses on this page are intended to determine study priorities. IMAT Academy, on the other hand, makes these priorities applicable with exams, topic-based question practice, and analysis tools.
Topic-based question practice
Chapter and unit analyses
Trials suitable for the IMAT format
Tracking English terminology
Estimated IMAT score
University Predictor
Comparison with the last 2 years' cut-off trend
Study plan based on weak subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the IMAT 2026 topics been announced?
As of June 2026, no new official syllabus changes have been published for IMAT 2026. The existing official syllabus topics continue to be applied. If an update is announced, this page will be updated.
What was the question distribution for IMAT 2025?
In the 2025 IMAT, the science sections were distributed as follows: Biology 23, Chemistry 15, Physics 6, and Mathematics 7. Reading and General Knowledge contained 4 questions, while Problem Solving and Logical Reasoning contained 5. Candidates had 100 minutes to answer all 60 questions.
Which subject has the most questions in IMAT?
According to 2023–2026 data, Biology has had the most questions, with 23 each year. Chemistry has been the second-largest section, with 15 questions each year. Mathematics and Physics together account for 13 questions. However, this does not guarantee that the same distribution will appear in the next exam.
Which topics come up the most in IMAT biology?
According to 2023–2026 data, Cellular Energetics, Animal and Human Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Structure and Function, and Gene Expression and Regulation are the most frequently tested Biology topics. These trends can help set study priorities, but candidates should still cover the entire syllabus.
What are the most important topics in IMAT chemistry?
Across 2023–2026, Acids and Bases, Basic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry, and Intermolecular Forces and Properties stand out in Chemistry. Prepare for both conceptual and calculation-based questions.
Can IMAT physics and math be neglected since few questions came?
No. Physics and mathematics together contain a total of 13 questions. When these questions are solved correctly, they have a critical impact on the total score and university ranking. Additionally, since each wrong answer in the IMAT deducts 0.4 points, time management and strategic selection are important in these sections.
Do IMAT topics resemble the Turkish high school curriculum?
IMAT topics cover the core scientific fields corresponding to the European high school curriculum. The basic concepts in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics at the 9th–12th grade level largely overlap. However, there are two significant differences: the exam language is English, and the question format is different from Turkish high school exams.
Why is English terminology important for IMAT?
The official syllabus requires that the topics be expressed in English terms. Quickly recognizing the English equivalents of terms such as 'cell membrane', 'equilibrium', 'inference', 'stoichiometry' within the question stem is as critical as knowing the subject. Studying English terminology is not independent of studying the subject; it should be done alongside it.
Is the question distribution of the last 3 years a guarantee for next year?
No. The distribution of questions from past years helps to determine study priorities; however, it does not guarantee that the same distribution will be repeated next year. Therefore, it is recommended to include the entire official syllabus in the preparation process.
Start your IMAT preparation according to the topic distribution.
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