Can Commerce, Arts, or Science Students Crack IPMAT?
You must have heard a lot of time people saying that the students preparing for IIMs are from science background or may be the moment you express your desire if someone asks you about your future goals, and you mention that you want to go to an IIM straight after class 12, people have that one question, “Aren’t IPMAT toppers mostly from science background?” We know that is funny and sometimes even annoying, and if all of you who are reading this article are from Commerce or Art background, you might have probably already rolled your eyes. Don’t worry, take a deep breadth , you know why? It is because, it is not true anymore. In fact, let me tell you that IPMAT is not about which stream you came from.
Well, take a deep breath — because that’s not true anymore. In fact, IPMAT isn’t about what stream you came from, rather it is about how smartly, intelligibly and consistently you play this game.
So, whether you’re playing with numbers in Commerce, analysing poetry in Arts, or solving Physics problems in Science, I am going to make your day fruitful and happy by this article by giving you some honest facts and no false hopes. In this article, I am going to tell you why your stream does not define your IPMAT journey, rather you do.
What is IPMAT?
Before I take you towards breaking the myths which we discussed above about only science students cracking IPMAT, let me get the facts straight in front of you without sugar coating.
It is definitely a fact that IPMAT is your golden ticket to enter IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, or other IIMs offering the 5-year Integrated Management Program (IPM). If you have read the article or watched the video on our you tube channel, where we talked about the benefits of pursuing IPM after class 12th, you will definitely relate to what I am talking to you right now. So, it is a golden ticket because it is like skipping the traditional sequence like graduation, then preparing for CAT and then MBA, because , here, you go straight in to the world of IIM right after class 12th. Sounds tempting, right?
But yes, you will have to appear for IPMAT for pursuing IPM from IIM. IPMAT checks your aptitude. It has three sections namely, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning (for IIM Rohtak). QA includes basic math and logical reasoning. Verbal Ability includes Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Vocabulary. LR includes pattern recognition and reasoning.
Now, here is the question for you, tell me guys, where does it say “Science students only”. Nowhere, right? And that is what I meant when I said that let’s break the myth.
The Myth: Only Science Students Can Crack IPMAT
So, yes. This is definitely a myth. Having said that, I do agree that science students might feel comfortable with the math part in the beginning because they’ve done algebra, functions, and probability more deeply. But do you know that IPMAT math is not JEE level. So, basically, it is more like concepts of class 10 with a twist of logical application. Does not that mean that each one of you, no matter which stream you are from has actually studied this math? Exactly, my point. So, guys, it is not rocket science, also you don’t have to be the Einstein to solve the problems of Math in IPMAT. You just need to think fast, stay calm and apply the concepts that is it. Let me give you one more good news, do you know that many of the commerce and arts students have cracked IPMAT and even scored top ranks because they worked , prepared, solved , consistently as we discussed above, and built their concept knowledge strong and with clarity.
In fact, guys, when you think about it, Verbal Ability is the home ground for many students and if you notice specially the students from Arts and Commerce background. They shine in the areas like Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Language Flow etc. So let us look at this in this way that where science students excel in Quantitative aptitude, Arts and commerce students often outperform in Verbal Ability. And of course it can not be taken as a thumb rule, because exceptions are always there. There can be commerce students who are very good in Math and there are science students who can be very good in language. So, the playing field is more balanced than people think. But this is for sure that IPMAT is not just for science students .
Break it down – Stream wise
Let us break this down stream wise. Let us talk about each stream separately.
1. Commerce Students:
Commerce students already are good with numbers as they have studies accounts, statistics, business math, logical problem solving etc. So these students have the base that is perfect for Quantitative Section. Why to worry then?
Yes, of course, you need to focus on Speed and accuracy as the questions in IPMAT are time bound. Students need to brush up on RCs and vocab and of course the Mock Tests to understand the patterns. In fact commerce students often perform brilliantly because they understand the patterns and logic really well. That is one skill which is definitely required in both Quantitative aptitude and reasoning. Hence, with a balanced strategy and consistent approach, guys, you are not just eligible but also ready, students. So, stop getting worried, and plan for your future.
2. Art Stream:
Art students might often think that they have not even touched math in years, how would they be able to do the preparation of the exam where QA plays a crucial role. If you are among those students who think if you can even do this, guys the answer is YES! IPMAT does not test advanced calculus or physics. It tests your ability to think logically and apply the concepts you have studied till class 10th. And BOOM! Don’t forget that verbal Ability is your biggest weapon. So focus on improving your math basics and continue to enhance your verbal skills, and you can absolutely crack IPMAT.
3. Science Stream:
When talking about science stream, Let me tell you that students from science stream do have an early advantage in math , but, we should also know that IPMAT is not just about solving math. And as previously discussed, it is more of the application of the concepts you have learnt in school. Plus, the Verbal Section, especially the lengthy Reading Comprehensions and the abstract language based questions might be a huge challenge for science students.
So guys, if you’ve ever thought, “Can a Commerce/Arts/Science student crack IPMAT?”
Let me flip that question —
“Why can’t YOU?” All you need is focus, the right mentorship.
