IBA Round 1 or Round 2: Which Should You Choose?

IBA Karachi’s Fall 2027 admissions have two main rounds before summer. Which one should you aim for?

The dates

  • Round 1: forms close 9 December 2026, test on 20 December 2026
  • Round 2: forms 1 January – 8 March 2027, test on 21 March 2027

Choose Round 1 if

  • Your English and Maths are already strong
  • You have taken full timed practice tests and score consistently
  • You want a decision early, before board exams

Choose Round 2 if

  • You are still building core Maths or vocabulary
  • You have not yet taken a full timed test
  • You need the extra three months to move from “average” to “strong”

What you must do either way

  1. Decide every programme first. Each IBA school has its own form and fee, and you cannot add a school after results.
  2. Take full timed tests weekly. The IBA test is English and Maths MCQs at about SAT level. Speed matters as much as knowledge.
  3. Keep boards in mind. Round 2 is close to HSC-II exams, so finish IBA prep before your board papers begin.

Not sure which round fits you? Talk to an IBAGRADS counsellor on 0340-0252222.

Sources: IBA Karachi · IBA test structure

Preparing for IBA or another business school? IBAGRADS BCAT batches run at six Karachi campuses and live online. Call 0340-0252222 or see our 2026 results.