IBA Karachi Test key terms

A standardized assessment measuring reasoning, verbal, and quantitative ability rather than subject knowledge. IBA uses it to compare applicants from different schools on a common scale.

The minimum score an applicant must reach to be considered for admission or shortlisting. It is set after results are known and can vary by program and year.

A ranking of applicants by combined test and academic performance, used to allocate limited seats. Candidates above the closing rank receive an offer.

The percentage importance assigned to each admission component, such as test score, intermediate marks, and interview. It determines how much each part contributes to the final aggregate.

The single combined number produced by applying weightages to test results and prior academic records. Offers are made in descending order of this value.

The number of questions answered correctly before any scaling or adjustment. It is the starting point from which reported scores are derived.

The percentage of test-takers who scored below a given candidate. It shows relative standing rather than the number of correct answers.

A scoring rule that deducts marks for wrong answers, discouraging random guessing. Candidates should answer only when they can eliminate enough options to make guessing worthwhile.

A multiple-choice strategy of discarding clearly wrong options to raise the odds of a correct guess. It is especially useful under negative marking.

An incorrect answer option designed to attract candidates who make a predictable error. Recognizing why a distractor is wrong sharpens option analysis.

The skill of extracting main ideas, details, inferences, and the author's tone from a written passage. Questions test understanding, not prior knowledge of the topic.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage without being stated directly. Correct inferences must follow necessarily from the text, not from personal opinion.

The central point a passage or paragraph is built to support. It is broader than any single detail and is often stated in the first or last sentence.

A question type asking you to identify the relationship between one pair of words and apply the same relationship to another pair. Precise relationship naming prevents errors.

A word with a meaning close to another word. Vocabulary questions often ask you to pick the closest substitute for an underlined word in context.

A word with the opposite meaning to another. Antonym questions require attention to degree and context, since few words are exact opposites.

A question type where one or more blanks must be filled so the sentence reads logically and grammatically. Connectors and contrast words are the main clues.

The skill of evaluating arguments by identifying assumptions, evidence, and conclusions. Questions may ask what strengthens, weakens, or must be true given the argument.

An unstated belief the argument depends on for its conclusion to hold. Spotting the gap between evidence and conclusion is the key to these questions.

The claim an argument tries to establish, supported by the stated evidence. Distinguishing it from premises prevents choosing a restatement of evidence.

The comparison of quantities and the equation of two ratios. These problems often involve dividing an amount in a given ratio or scaling a recipe or map.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, used to compare changes and shares. Successive percentage changes do not simply add and must be applied one after another.

The sum of a set of values divided by the count of values. Many problems give the average and require finding a missing value or a new average after a change.

The speed at which a person or machine completes a task, usually expressed as a fraction of the job per unit time. Combined rates add when workers act together.

Counting methods for arrangements where order matters and selections where it does not. Identifying which applies is the decisive step in these problems.

The likelihood of an event, calculated as favorable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. Problems often combine it with counting rules.

Reading values, trends, and comparisons from tables, charts, or graphs. Questions test calculation speed and the ability to avoid misreading scales and units.

A sequence of numbers following a hidden rule, where the next term must be found. Differences, ratios, and alternating patterns are common rules.

Solving puzzles involving ordering, grouping, or deduction from a set of conditions. Drawing a compact diagram usually beats holding conditions in memory.

A timed essay task assessing clarity, organization, and argument quality. A clear thesis and structured paragraphs matter more than length or ornate vocabulary.

A single sentence stating the central claim of an essay. It should be specific and arguable, guiding the paragraphs that follow.

The quality of an essay whose ideas connect logically from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Linking words and consistent focus create it.

A short essay explaining why an applicant wants a specific graduate program and what they bring to it. It should connect past experience, present fit, and future goals.

A written endorsement from a teacher or employer describing an applicant's ability and character. Specific examples carry more weight than general praise.

A structured conversation used to assess motivation, communication, and fit beyond test scores. Preparation should focus on articulating goals and explaining past choices.

A pool of qualified applicants held in reserve in case accepted candidates decline their offers. Movement depends on how many seats are vacated.

A course or qualification that must be completed before enrolling in a program or subject. Missing prerequisites can disqualify an otherwise strong applicant.

An official record of courses taken and grades earned at an institution. Graduate applications usually require sealed or verified copies.

An official determination that a foreign or different qualification matches a local standard. It is often needed before marks can be counted in the merit calculation.

A unit measuring the time a course requires, typically one hour of class per week over a semester. Degree completion is counted in total credit hours.