The IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is a gateway to securing admission into the prestigious five-year integrated management programs offered by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other top B-schools. This exam is highly competitive, with sections on Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Preparing for the IPMAT alongside board exams can seem daunting, but with careful planning, the balance is achievable. This article will guide you through creating a study plan that allows you to excel in both.
Understanding the Dual Challenge
Preparing for two significant exams simultaneously is challenging because both demand different types of focus and preparation. While board exams emphasize theoretical knowledge and long-form answers, IPMAT requires aptitude in problem-solving, critical thinking, and quick decision-making.
To balance these two, you need a strategy that covers your school curriculum while also preparing you for the rigors of the IPMAT.
The Importance of Time Management
Time management is crucial when balancing board exams and IPMAT preparation. Since board exams demand thorough knowledge of school subjects, and IPMAT tests your logical, quantitative, and verbal aptitude, an efficient time allocation strategy is essential.
Step 1: Create a Timetable
Begin by listing out your board exam dates and significant school-related events (like pre-boards and assignments). From there, schedule your IPMAT study sessions. A well-structured timetable can help divide your day into segments that allow enough time for school and IPMAT preparation.
Morning: Use early mornings for board exam subjects since the mind is fresh and more conducive to absorbing theoretical concepts.
Afternoon: Dedicate afternoons to practice and mock tests for IPMAT. This can help you hone your quantitative and reasoning skills.
Evening: In the evenings, return to board exam revisions or assignments.
Step 2: Stick to Short Study Bursts
Studies have shown that focusing on a subject for 25–30 minutes and then taking a short 5-minute break increases productivity. You can use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused without burning out.
Step 3: Prioritize Sections
For board exams, you should prioritize difficult chapters and subjects that you find more challenging. For IPMAT, it’s essential to balance your time between Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability since both sections are heavily weighted in the exam. Spend more time on weak areas in IPMAT while ensuring your board exam subjects don’t fall behind.
Aligning Board Exam Subjects with IPMAT Preparation
Interestingly, there is overlap between certain school subjects and IPMAT preparation, particularly for mathematics students. Leveraging this overlap can save time and make preparation more efficient.
Mathematics Students:
Quantitative Aptitude for IPMAT involves topics like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data interpretation. If you are preparing for the Mathematics board exam, the preparation for IPMAT’s QA section can complement your study. Use your school math curriculum to reinforce concepts and problem-solving techniques that appear on the IPMAT exam.
Strategy: Use board exam revision time to also practice IPMAT-level questions. Topics like functions, quadratic equations, and matrices are shared between both exams, making dual preparation more efficient.
Non-Mathematics Students:
If you don’t have mathematics in your board exam, you will need to dedicate additional time to IPMAT’s QA section. You can schedule this study time separately while focusing on verbal reasoning and logical thinking during your free time from board prep.
Strategy: Start with the basics of Quantitative Aptitude and build gradually. Focus on improving speed and accuracy through daily practice.
Focus on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
The Verbal Ability section of IPMAT is crucial and often underestimated. However, the good news is that it doesn’t require advanced preparation like Quantitative Aptitude. You can develop strong reading habits by integrating board exam study material with general reading for IPMAT.
Board Exam English as Practice:
- Your school curriculum’s English subject (both literature and language) can double up as preparation for the Verbal Ability section in IPMAT.
- Develop skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and grammar revision. Many of these topics overlap between board exams and IPMAT.
Additional Tips:
- Make reading newspapers and business magazines part of your daily routine. It will not only help with board exam English but also boost your verbal ability and general awareness of IPMAT.
- Practice mock tests for the Verbal Ability section once a week to sharpen your critical reading and vocabulary skills.
General Tips for IPMAT and Board Exam Preparation
1. Regular Practice of Mock Tests:
Mock tests for IPMAT are the backbone of preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern and time management, which is key for completing the test efficiently.
- Start with topic-wise tests and gradually move towards full-length mock tests.
- Analyze each mock test performance to understand where you lose marks, and refine your approach accordingly.
2. Short Notes for Quick Revision:
As board exams draw near, it is essential to have concise notes or summaries of important topics. This applies to both school subjects and IPMAT preparation.
- For board exams, summarize key points, formulas, and concepts in small note cards.
- For IPMAT, create flashcards for formulas and vocabulary words that require memorization. Keep reviewing these cards during short breaks or free time.
3. Balance Schoolwork and IPMAT:
Don’t compromise on schoolwork for IPMAT preparation or vice versa. Your goal should be to balance both. Avoid last-minute cramming. Consistency is key, and setting aside 2-3 hours daily for IPMAT while managing your board exam syllabus is the way forward.
Prioritizing and Planning Before Exams
As your board exam dates approach, you will need to modify your preparation plan slightly.
Pre-Board Exams Phase:
During this period, board exam preparation should take precedence, but you should still dedicate some time to IPMAT preparation. Focus on revising basic concepts and taking lighter mock tests during this phase.
1 Month Before Board Exams:
Devote the majority of your time to board exam preparation. This is crucial for scoring well. You can reduce IPMAT preparation to minimal practice during this time (such as solving 2-3 IPMAT questions daily).
Post-Board Exams Phase:
Once your board exams are over, you can return to full-fledged IPMAT preparation. By this time, you will have a strong foundation due to your earlier preparation. Focus on intensive revision, solving full-length mocks, and analyzing your performance.
Conclusion
Balancing board exams and IPMAT preparation might seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning, time management, and the right strategies, it is achievable. The key lies in understanding the overlap between the two exams and leveraging that to your advantage. Start early, maintain consistency, and practice regularly for both board exams and IPMAT.
Remember, this phase is temporary, and all your hard work will pay off when you get into your dream college. Stay disciplined, take care of your mental and physical health, and give your best in both exams. Best of luck with your journey to acing both your board exams and IPMAT!