IPMAT is an extremely competitive entrance examination held by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for the five year integrated management courses. With the type of competition around, two years of preparation and one done systematically can just be great in the manner in which it can assist in giving a kick to the potential for success among the students. Early exposure at Class 11 provides students sufficient time to set strong concept bases, work rigorously, and grasp the art of test taking. Here is a sample structure of a good two year IPMAT preparation plan and the reasons for early start.
Why Prepare in Class 11?
Better Conceptual Understanding: Early start allows students to have a better conceptual understanding, primarily Quantitative Ability (QA) and Verbal Ability (VA), which are the strong foundations of IPMAT.
- Reduced Last Minute Stress: Two years are in hand for the students, and thus they can split the study schedule as well as reduce the level of stress when the date is reached.
- Better Time Management: School studies, entrance exam preparations, and board exams cannot be tackled all at once. Early commencement is helpful to the students.
- Enhanced Analytical and Problem Solving Ability: With more time available to study, students can enhance analytical and problem solving abilities necessary to crack IPMAT.
- Enhanced Mock Test Performance: Practice and revisions enable students to enhance their strategy towards the test, thereby enhancing their ability to gain marks.
Two Year IPMAT Study Plan
Year 1: Class 11 (Laying Strong Foundations)
1. Get Acquainted with the Exam Syllabus and Pattern
Preparation is conceivable only after being cognizant of the IPMAT exam pattern:
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Contains questions covering Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Data Interpretation.
- Verbal Ability (VA): Calls for Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Logical Reasoning.
2. Prepare Elementary Concepts
Mathematics: Refer NCERT books in order to develop good elementary concepts.
Read editorials, novels, and newspapers in order to develop reading and vocabulary.
3. Plan a Daily Study Plan
- Practice at least 1 2 hours a day for IPMAT and school practice.
- Set weekly goals to cover different QA and VA topics.
- Maintain notes on improvement and weakness in a diary.
4. Start Practicing Questions Systematically
- Practice simple QA topic questions to feel confident.
- Practice grammar rules tests, sentence correction tests, and word building tests in VA.
5. Enhance Reading and Writing Skill
- Read one daily newspaper (e.g., The Hindu or The Indian Express) to improve reading speed and comprehension.
- Paraphrase news in your own words to improve writing skill in analysis.
6. Practice Sectional Tests
- Practice topic wise and sectional tests every month to test understanding and retention.
- Correct errors and improve weak areas.
Year 2: Class 12 (Heavy Practice and Advance Preparation)
1. Start Solving Higher Order Problems
- Move beyond basic concepts and start attempting higher order QA questions.
- Practice higher order reasoning and thinking exercises in VA.
2. Rearrange and Strengthen Fundamentals
- Re-write every subject which was covered in Class 11 and attempt to plug the gaps.
- Use tips and tricks to minimize the time spent on calculations in QA.
3. Incorporate Mock Tests to Practice
- Practice full length mock tests on a weekly basis to acclimatize yourself in simulated exam situations.
- Track performance and manage practice time.
4. Cultivate Efficiency and Speed
- Practice within time limits to achieve speed and efficiency.
- Practice on computer test software to familiarize yourself with the board exam mode.
5. Practice Time Management Techniques
- Get ready to use time in the most efficient manner for every section.
- Practice questioning under timed tests.
6. Board Exams Over IPMAT Should Not Be Evaded
- IPMAT and board exam preparation should go hand in hand.
- Vacations and holidays need to be spent on rigorous revision.
ADDITIONALLY Need for a 2 Year Preparation Plan
1. Concept Learning And Not Blind Rote Memory
A 2 year preparation strategy will enable the students to learn concepts and not formulae. Concept is the inspiration to attempt harder questions with confidence.
2. Stepwise Development Of Skills
Gradual development of problem solving skills step by step by raising the difficulty level of practice questions will improve the performance of the students in exams.
3. Time Management
Two years give students ample time to manage school studies, entrance preparation, and co curricular activities without pressure.
4. More Confidence and Less Exam Stress
Step by step planned preparation instills confidence in students, and hence they do not suffer from last minute tension and exam stress.
5. Higher Chances of Cracking IPMAT
Regular practice to develop good habits of test taking, which are in their interest for overall performance and chance of admission to the prestigious IIMs.
Few More Success Tips
1. Be Regular
- Don’t delay and follow regular study routines.
- Revision of concepts must be done regularly.
2. Use Proper Study Material
- Study NCERT for fundamentals and for tough practice in QA study Arihant/RS Aggarwal.
- Study Word Power Made Easy and VA online resources.
3. Online Course or Coaching
- Attend an online course or visit a coaching center for professional counseling and mentoring.
- Share information through peer discussion.
4. Stay Positive and Motivated
- Reward small successes in order to keep yourself charged.
- Use breaks and relaxation mechanisms in order to avoid burnout.
5. Give Mock Analysis High Priority
- Mock test error self analysis does not lag behind in priority relative to cracking the test.
- Have an errors list and keep on practicing to improve weak areas.
Two years of preparation prior to IPMAT makes the students very strong in base, revision done successfully, and right practice, and hence the chances of securing a seat in IIMs top ones are actually good. The optimal time for preparing for the IPMAT is class 11 because it leaves scope for studying in small chunks without any pressure. If it is good planning and sustained effort and honest hard work, the IPMAT can be done well, and a career in management begins. Begin early, be cautious, and it will be a success!