IPMAT Exam 2024: Last Week Preparation Tips & Strategy

In the last week leading up to the IPMAT exam 2024, it is natural for aspirants to feel nervous because this is your last chance to reinforce and solidify your learning. This is a tough exam for a coveted seat in the IIMs so an aspirant needs to know how to prepare for IPMAT 2024. In this article, we’ll discuss IPMAT exam 2024 last-week preparation tips and strategy and how to prepare for IPMAT so that you are able to optimize your performance and deliver well on the day of the exam.

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This Story also Contains

1. IPMAT Exam 2024: Last Week Preparation Tips & Strategy
2. IPMAT 2024 Exam: Overview
3. IPMAT 2024 Exam Structure
4. Last Week IPMAT 2024 Preparation Tips
5. Importance of Last-Week Preparation for IPMAT 2024
6. IPMAT Exam Day Preparation Checklist
7. IPMAT Syllabus for IIM Indore
8. IPMAT Syllabus for IIM Rohtak
9. IPMAT 2024 Detailed Syllabus
10. Best Books for IPMAT 2024 Preparation

IPMAT Exam 2024: Last Week Preparation Tips & Strategy

The importance of IPMAT Exam 2024 last week preparation is paramount as this is your last chance to revise all the key concepts and reinforce learning. It also boosts your confidence. This article discusses all the section-wise key strategies for the IPMAT exam so that you’ll take the exam with full confidence.

IPMAT 2024 Exam: Overview

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT full form) is a well-sought-after five-year management program the exam of which is conducted by IIM Indore and is accepted by some of the top institutes such as IIM Indore, IIFT, Nirma University, IIM Ranchi, Alliance University, NICMAR and NALSAR University. The IPMAT 2024 exam is a two-step process. The first stage is the IPMAT Aptitude Test (AT). The second stage has a Written Ability Test (WAT) & Personal Interview (PI).

IPMAT 2024 Exam Structure

As part of IPMAT Preparation Tips 2024, it is important to understand everything about the exam.

• The IPMAT 2024 exam is a two-stage process. The first stage is the IPMAT Aptitude Test (AT). The second stage has Written Ability Test (WAT) & Personal Interview (PI).

• It is a computer-based test (CBT).

• There’s a sectional time limit which you need to adhere to.

• You cannot switch between sections and have to follow the order of the test.

Last Week IPMAT 2024 Preparation Tips

In this section, we’ll discuss IPMAT Preparation Tips 2024 on the basis of the different sections.

Section-Wise Strategies for IPMAT 2024

1. Logical Reasoning

• There may not be a lot of topics/chapters in the Logical Reasoning syllabus but there can be numerous different types of questions framed on them. Dedicate the last week to double-check whether you have done every type.

• Do not do any new chapter in the final days before the exam.

• Go through the formulas again and memorize them.

• If throughout your preparation you have not made concise notes, do it now.

• Make very brief notes of the most important points that you need to remember for the exam.

• Keep practicing till the very end.

• Be thorough with the basics, be it mental math, squares, and tables, or the English alphabet, for example -

Letter position (A=1, B=2, C=3, …… Y=25, Z=26)

Opposite position of letters (A=26, B=25 …… Z=1, Y=2)

Opposite of each letter (A is opposite to Z and B is opposite to Y and C is opposite to X …… and so on)

2. Verbal Ability

• This is a time-consuming section and you can ace it only with consistent practice.

• Last-minute preparation for Verbal Ability requires you to keep practicing mock tests and sample questions till the day of the exam so as to maintain your speed.

• Go through the different tones of styles of the passage that can be asked. You should be able to recognize them, for example - apathetic, cynical, ethical, etc.

• You have little time so it is not possible to revise all the vocabulary you’ve been doing all this while. Just go through the roots, for example, FID is a root word that means TRUST. It forms several words like fidelity, infidelity, confidant, confident, confidential, diffident, etc. Learning and revising through roots saves a lot of time and you tend to learn more effectively.

• Go through the most important rules of grammar

3. Quantitative Aptitude

• You need to polish the concepts of elementary mathematics. Work on your basics. It is an essential step which will lay the foundation for tackling complex problems.

• Work on your mental math. If you are quick with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, you will save a lot of time.

• Revise the short tricks of quant which help save time. For instance, in order to find the average, you may use the following short trick -

1. Find the difference between the old average and the new average.

2. Then, Divide the difference by the sample size.

3. Now, add the result to the old average.

For example, the average marks of 30 boys in a class are 55. When a new boy with marks of 70 joins the class, what will be the new average of the class?

Step 1: Take the difference between the new marks and the old average marks = 70 – 55= `15

Step 2: 15 extra marks are spread over 31 boys. So, the average marks will be increased by: 15/31 (difference/new total) = 0.48

Step 3: Hence the new average = 55+0.48= 50.48

• Go through all the formulas again like these -

• Percentage Change: Percentage Change = ((New Value – Old Value) / Old Value) × 100

• Simple Interest: Simple Interest (SI) = (Principal × Rate × Time) / 100

• Compound Interest: Compound Interest (CI) = P(1 + R/n)^(nt)

• Profit and Loss: Profit = Selling Price – Cost Price, Loss = Cost Price – Selling Price

• Average: Average = (Sum of all terms) / (Number of terms)

• Ratio and Proportion: If a : b = c : d, then (a/b) = (c/d)

• Distance Traveled when speed and time are given: Distance = Speed × Time

• Time taken to cover a certain distance at different speeds: Time = Distance / Speed

• Time taken to meet when moving towards each other: Time = Distance / Relative Speed

• Time taken to meet when moving in the same direction: Time = Relative Distance / Relative Speed

• Revise your tables, squares and roots.

• Revise from already prepared concise notes.

• Keep solving mock tests till the very end.

• Work on your weak areas. Solve more questions on them.

4. Written Ability Test (WAT)

Those who clear the IPMAT Aptitude Test move on to the second stage, which has a Written Ability Test (WAT) and a Personal Interview (PI).

• You are given a topic or case to write an essay or response on.

• The WAT evaluates your writing skills, comprehension of the subject, writing fluency, problem-solving abilities, and sound reasoning.

• Go through the previous years’ questions to know what kinds of questions are asked in this section. Prepare such topics very well.

• Think of all the topics that can be asked. Note down key points that you may cover. Discuss those topics with mentors and fellow students in order to enhance your knowledge and views regarding different topics.

• Familiarize yourself with current issues which may find their way to the question paper. Don’t just know the news. Try to form views on the current issues.

• The first 2-3 lines can often be the game changer if your entire essay is of a good quality. So focus on making the introduction attractive.

• Delve straight into the topic. Do not write a long and indirect introduction. For this you need to be prepared beforehand. Think of and be ready with all the topics and themes that may be asked.

• Try to find some good quotations on the topics that may be asked. Memorize them. It is not necessary that you quote someone word for word. You may write the quote in your own words without inverted commas (“...”).

• If you find it difficult to form long sentences, revise basic grammar - tenses, basic conjunctions and basic prepositions and make the shortest possible sentences. This minimizes your chances of making a grammatical error.

• Practice writing. Work on your speed.

• Be to the point while writing. The examiner is smart enough to understand if your knowledge is very limited and you are just trying to increase the number of words with a play of words.

• Spend ample time forming a mental framework of the things you have to write. Work a basic structure of your essay in your mind and then start writing. This will help you maintain a logical flow of thoughts.

• You don’t need to learn any extra vocabulary for WAT. Keep the vocabulary as simple as possible, like a conversation. Using good words is always welcome but only if you fully understand the word and the context it should be used in.

• Don’t use rare words. It shouldn’t appear to the examiner that you are showing off.

• Write a concise conclusion that follows the same idea as the essay does. Do not introduce anything new in the conclusion.

• Do not write anything against the system - the government, various institutions or the system you are about to be a part of - the corporate world. If you need to criticize something, take a balanced approach. Do not be caustic or disrespectful.

5. Personal Interview (PI)

In this, you will face a panel of interviewers who will assess your communication skills, general knowledge, personality, and suitability for the IPM program.

• There is no specific syllabus of PI. Be ready for anything.

• Be thorough with the current issues in the news. Not the academic details but your views regarding them.

• As discussed for WAT, do not be critical of the system. Be balanced and respectful even while criticizing to a certain degree.

• Even if you are nervous, don’t show it. No one is going to hire you out of pity. The very purpose of the PI is to test how you are able to handle yourself under stress and to judge your overall personality.

• If you do not know the answer to a certain question, do not try to fool the interviewers. It’s safer to simply admit it by saying “Sorry, I don’t know.”

• Also, don’t ignore the importance of body language and your appearance which doesn’t mean your looks, but the way you present yourself.

• When giving examples in support of your point, use reputable sources and avoid giving personal experiences unnecessarily.

• Don’t try to act smart. For example, in a question regarding your weakness, a common mistake is “I can’t stand lies.” This is not a weakness. You are, in fact, praising yourself indirectly saying that you are totally honest and never lie. Mention a point that is actually a weakness but which can be easily overcome. For example, I sometimes tend to postpone things until they become necessary to be done. This is a bad quality but not so bad that it will be detrimental to those selecting you.

• General knowledge questions may be asked, related to things taught in school. The following have been asked earlier, as told by the candidates -

1. What is the lead of a pencil made of?

2. What is graphite made of?

3. Diamond and graphite are made of carbon. But they have different properties. What is this property called?

4. When you sit on a chair what are the forces that are acting?

5. Which law in Physics enables you to ride a cycle? (The candidate was also asked to draw the graphs of equations and their transformation).

6. Name three woman chief ministers of India and their parties

7. Who is Elon Musk?

• Some common questions that may be asked are as follows -

1. Why do you want to join IIM Indore?

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

3. Why have you chosen this career path for yourself?

4. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

5. What is your plan B?

• Questions may be formed on the basis of your biodata - your education, hometown, etc.

General Preparation Tips for IPMAT 2024

1. Revision Strategy

Make and follow your revision strategy with discipline. As discussed above, revise all the important concepts and formulas. Do not study anything new on the day of the exam. It will lead to confusion and panic in case you are not able to understand it.

2. Mock Tests and Practice Sessions

Practice is crucial. It is always advisable to start with topic/chapter-wise practice and then move on to previous years’ questions and mock tests once you have covered the syllabus. Towards the end, practice mock tests and sample questions which give you a feel of the real exam.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

Recognize your weak areas and work on them. Try to get help from mentors and friends. Practice such topics more.

4. Time Management Techniques

The last few days before the exam should be dedicated to revision alone for which you need to make a proper study timetable considering the importance of the different topics and your own strengths and weaknesses.

5. Relaxation and Stress Management

You have very little time left before the exam but studying and taking the exam under stress will only hurt your chances for a positive outcome. Your mind and body need time to relax. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, chat with friends, try some breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. Listen to music or watch some videos for some time. This can help you switch your brain off for a moment which is important for it to keep functioning well. Take regular breaks from revision to avoid burnout.

6. Healthy Habits and Lifestyle

You have to make sure you’re eating well. Skipping meals will only deplete your energy and leave you feeling drained and thus unable to give your best. Get proper sleep and rest. Your body is a machine that requires food, rest, and exercise to keep functioning.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

This will help you immensely with Verbal Ability as well as with WAT and PI. Read the best newspapers like The Hindu, The Financial Times, etc. read the news as well as the editorial section.

8. Avoid Cramming

Avoid just mugging up. Simply memorizing things will not be beneficial. Develop an understanding of the things you are studying.

9. Positive Visualization

Visualizing outcomes that you want can increase your confidence. Imagining and seeing yourself succeed helps you believe that it can and will happen. Imagine the course of events once you get selected. This will ignite the fire in you and encourage you to give it your best shot.

10. Mock Interviews (for PI preparation)

Take mock interviews before your PI. Try to get enrolled in 3-4 such interviews which will help you assess your strengths and weaknesses. Take the feedback and constructive criticism very seriously and work on those points. It will give you a feel of the actual interview and will help a lot with your nervousness.

Importance of Last-Week Preparation for IPMAT 2024

Strengthening Knowledge

In the last week before your IPMAT exam, revision will help consolidate your knowledge and reinforce your learning. You will be able to recognize the recurring errors you were making and work on them.

Boosting Confidence

Last week's preparation will boost your confidence as you will consider yourself in control of things. Just before the exam, you’ll go through all the important points again which will give you the confidence that you have minimized the chances of forgetting anything.

Finalizing Exam Strategy

Just before the exam, you will be able to finalize your IPMAT exam strategy which will help you maximize your performance keeping in mind that you need to give priority to accuracy. Choose wisely which questions to attempt as they may be quite time-consuming and if you get it wrong, it will cost you valuable marks in negative marking.

IPMAT Exam Day Preparation Checklist

Exam Day Essentials

• On the day of the exam, remember to keep all the necessary documents. Do not forget to carry two photocopies of the IPMAT admit card and one valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving license, PAN card, or college or university ID card).

• Keep a copy of the IPMAT 2024 application form, as it is also needed for the identification process.

• Make prior arrangements to reach the examination center.

• If the examination center is at an unknown location, it is wise to visit it once before the exam or at least be sure how you will locate it.

• Reach the IPMAT exam center before the reporting time mentioned in the IPMAT admit card. It’s always safe to reach early making room for any unforeseen delays on the way.

• You are allowed to carry a ballpoint pen and transparent water bottle to the examination hall.

• Any electronic gadget or study material is not allowed inside the examination hall.

Keep Calm

It is important to stay confident and avoid stress before the exam.

Last Minute Revision Strategies

It is advisable to avoid studying anything on the day of the IPMAT exam but if you are among the type of students who gain confidence by studying just before the exam, you may do so. But do not study anything new. You may go through the most important formulas.

Adequate Rest and Sleep

It is extremely important that you get proper sleep the night before your IPMAT exam. A tired body and mind will only hurt your chances of giving your best. It is recommended by psychologists that you sleep for 8-10 hours before your exam.

IPMAT Syllabus for IIM Indore

The IPMAT 2024 exam syllabus of IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak slightly differs.

• Each correct answer gets you four marks.

• One mark is deducted for every wrong answer.

• No negative marking for the Quantitative Ability questions in the short answer format.

• The division of the number of questions keeps varying. For instance, last year the short answer category consisted of 15 questions, while the MCQ section consisted of 30 questions.

IPMAT Syllabus for IIM Rohtak

• 
  Each correct answer gets you four marks.

• One mark is deducted for every wrong answer.

IPMAT 2024 Detailed Syllabus

In order to know how to prepare for IPMAT 2024, you need to familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus of the IPMAT exam, which is discussed subject-wise as follows -

Quantitative Ability

ALGEBRA

• Algebraic Formulae

• Linear Equations

• Inequalities

• Quadratic Equations

• Logarithm

• Functions & Graphs

ARITHMETIC

• Time & Work

• Average

• Problems on Age

• Percentage

• Partnership

• Profit Loss & Discount

• Ratio & Proportion

• Simple & Compound Interest

• Mixture & Allegations

• Time, Speed & Distance

• Boats & Streams

MODERN MATHS

• Set theory

• Probability

• Permutation & Combination

• Sequence & Series

• Determinants

• Integration & Differentiation

• Determinants

• Data Interpretation

• Vectors

GEOMETRY

• Basics of Geometry

• Angles

• Lines

• Triangles

• Quadrilaterals

• Circle

• Polygons

• Coordinate Geometry

• Mensuration

• Height & Distance

NUMBER SYSTEM

• Remainder

• HCF & LCM

• Properties of a Number

• Factorial

• Finding Unit Digit

• Surds & Indices

• Successive Division

• Divisibility

• Simplification

• Concept of Factor

Verbal Ability

GRAMMAR

• Noun

• Pronoun

• Preposition

• Verb

• Adverb

• Adjective

• Conjunction

• Direct & Indirect Speech

• Figures of Speech

• Phrasal Verbs

• Tenses

• Articles

• Active & Passive Voice

• Subject-Verb Agreement

• Deductive Reasoning

READING COMPREHENSION

• Synonym & Antonym (the meaning of a word used in the passage)

• Inference-based questions

• Assumption-based questions

VOCABULARY

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Spelling Errors

• Idioms & Phrases

• One Word Substitution

• Odd one out

• Foreign Words

• Word Usage

• Root Words

VERBAL ABILITY

• Error Spotting

• Fill in the blanks

• Sentence Completion

• Para jumbles

• Sentence Improvement

• Analogies

Logical Reasoning

BASIC LR

• Arrangements

• Logical Sequence Series

• Coding

• Blood Relations

• Input & Output

• Binary Logic

STANDARD LR SETS

• Games and Tournaments

• Cubes and Visual Puzzles

• Word Problems

• Sequencing

• Grid Puzzles

• Linear and Circular Seating Arrangements

VISUAL PUZZLES

• Cubes and dice

• Venn Diagrams

SENTENCE CORRECTION

• Critical Reasoning

• Statements

• Conclusions

• Syllogisms

• True or False

Best Books for IPMAT 2024 Preparation

As part of IPMAT Preparation Tips, below is a list of the best books to prepare for IPMAT 2024. Besides, you must also prepare from IPMAT sample papers, question papers, and mock tests.

• Wiley's ExamXpert IIM-IPM (Indore Integrated Program in Management) Aptitude Test by Wiley India.

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.

• High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin.

• The Pearson Guide to IIM Indore-IPM (Integrated Programme in Management) Entrance Examination Published by Pearson.

• Maths Class 11 and 12, which are published by NCERT.

• How to Prepare for Quantitative for the CAT by Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education.

• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay.

Conclusion

The last week is your final chance to make a difference. One week is an adequate duration to reinforce learning by following a proper plan and revising the most important things effectively and also adequate to work on your weak areas. If you follow these IPMAT Preparation Tips and work diligently with your maximum potential you will surely ace this exam and join the prestigious IIM. The exam is tough but with a disciplined approach, success is inevitable. Good luck!