If you’re planning to study Medicine and Surgery in Italy, then the IMAT exam is your gateway.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to prepare for IMAT 2026, even if you’re starting from zero.

I’m a medical student who cleared IMAT, and I’ve helped thousands of students through my website, YouTube, and courses.

This is the same roadmap I’d follow again if I were starting today.

Let’s keep it simple and practical.

What Is IMAT Exam?

IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is an entrance exam for English taught Medicine & Surgery programs in Italy.

It tests:

• Logical Reasoning
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• General Knowledge

Step 1: Understand the IMAT Exam Pattern

Before studying anything, you must know what actually comes in the exam.

IMAT Structure:

• Total questions: 60
• Time: 100 minutes
• MCQs (single best answer)

Sections:

• Logical Reasoning + General Knowledge
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics

Marking:

• +1.5 for correct
• −0.4 for wrong
• 0 for unattempted

Step 2: IMAT Syllabus – What to Study

IMAT syllabus is based on:

• A-Level
• IB
• High school biology, chemistry, physics, maths

High-weight areas:

• Cell biology, genetics, enzymes
• Periodic trends, acids & bases
• Basic mechanics, electricity
• Ratios, percentages, graphs
• Critical thinking & assumptions

You can check out the detailed syllabus explanation with high yield chapters here

Step 3: Best Books for IMAT Preparation

This is one of the most searched IMAT questions.

Recommended Books:

• Biology: Pearson / A-Level Biology
• Chemistry: A-Level Chemistry (selective topics)
• Physics & Math: Basic A-Level level
• Logical Reasoning: Practice-based (not theory heavy)

⚠️ Avoid:

• University-level books
• NEET-only books
• Huge reference books

Step 4: IMAT Lectures – How to Study Smart

If you’re starting from scratch, lectures matter a lot.

You should look for lectures that:

• Are simple
• Explain concepts from basics
• Are IMAT-focused
• Include practice questions

Many students waste months watching random YouTube videos.

👉 That’s why I built IMAT Nerd, where:

• Each lecture is IMAT-oriented
• Notes are included
• Practice questions follow every topic

(Internal link to your course page)

Step 5: Practice Questions & Past Papers

Let me be very clear:

IMAT is cracked by practice, not reading.

You must solve:

• IMAT past papers
• IMAT-style practice questions
• Mock exams under time pressure

Recommended strategy:

• Start topic-wise practice early
• Move to mixed questions later
• Do full mocks in last phase

Step 6: Logical Reasoning – The Scoring Section

Many students ignore this. Big mistake.

Logical reasoning can:

• Save time
• Increase score fast
• Balance weak science sections

Focus on:

• Assumptions
• Strengthen / weaken arguments
• Conclusions
• Syllogisms
• Pattern recognition

Step 7: Time Management Strategy for IMAT

You don’t need to attempt all 60 questions.

Smart approach:

• First round: easy + confident questions
• Second round: medium difficulty
• Skip time-consuming traps

Target:

• 35–45 well-attempted questions
• High accuracy

Step 8: 2–3 Month vs Long-Term Preparation

If you have 6–8 months:

• Build concepts slowly
• Practice weekly
• Do full mocks in last 2 months

If you have 2–3 months:

• Focus on high-yield topics
• Daily practice
• Past papers + mocks only

I’ve shared realistic study plans on my YouTube channel as well.

Step 9: Common IMAT Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Studying everything
❌ Ignoring logical reasoning
❌ Not practicing under time
❌ Using too many books
❌ Copying others’ strategies blindly

IMAT needs a personalized, focused approach.

Step 10: Final Advice from Me

IMAT is not an impossible exam.
It’s a fair exam for students who study smart.

If you:

• Follow the syllabus
• Use the right resources
• Practice consistently
• Avoid overthinking

👉 70+ score is achievable.

Where to Go Next?

If you want:

• Structured lectures
• Notes for every topic
• Practice quizzes
• Past paper questions
• Full mock exams

You can check my IMAT Crash Course on IMAT Nerd, built exactly for IMAT aspirants.