Best Time Management Strategies for IPMAT Exam Day

The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a highly competitive exam for students to secure admission to the prestigious five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by institutions like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. The exam assesses candidates on various subjects, including Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. Given the challenging nature of the exam and the time constraints, mastering time management is crucial for success.

If you're preparing for the IPMAT exam, seeking expert guidance from institutes like Career Launcher FC Road, Pune  can help you sharpen your time management skills. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best strategies to help you maximize your performance on IPMAT exam day, ensuring you make the most of every minute and tackle each section with precision and confidence.

1. Know the Exam Pattern and Structure
Before we start with time management strategies, it is very important to know the exam pattern. IPMAT generally has three sections:

Quantitative Ability (QA)
Verbal Ability (VA)
Logical Reasoning (LR)

Each section has a predefined number of questions, and the total time that the exam takes is typically between 90 minutes and 120 minutes, based on the institution. All this time is divided among these sections, and each section is different in terms of what it requires in terms of the time allocated. Knowing what the structure is beforehand will help you to devise a more focused strategy for each section.

2. Allocation of Time for Each Section of Quant
Since the difficulty level differs for every section, make sure to allocate your time wisely. Here's a sectional analysis:

Quantitative Ability (QA) – 40 Minutes
The QA section is actually considered the toughest in IPMAT. This comprises various topics such as algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and number theory. One has to be a tough problem solver. Ideally, one would need 40 minutes to spend on this section. Here's how you can manage it:

Start with Easy Questions: Quickly skim through the questions and solve the easy ones first to gain confidence and save time for tougher questions.
Skip Time-Consuming Calculations: If the question appears to be time-consuming, do not spend too much time on it. Move on to the next question and come back if there is time.
Practice Mental Calculations: As much as possible, perform calculations in your head to save time. Practice mental calculations techniques for improved speed.
Verbal Ability (VA) – 30 Minutes
The VA section typically includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar-based questions. Since this section doesn’t involve calculations, managing time becomes more about reading speed and comprehension. Aim to spend 30 minutes on this section. Here’s how to manage it:

Skim Through Passages: Read the comprehension passages quickly, focusing on understanding the main idea rather than every detail. This approach helps in answering questions more efficiently.
Skip Tough Questions: If you are spending too much time on a vocabulary or grammar question, skip to the next one. You can come back to that one if you have extra time.
Read the Question First: Sometimes, reading the question before reading the passage will help you concentrate on the important information you are reading.
Logical Reasoning (LR) – 30 Minutes
The Logical Reasoning section can involve puzzles, analogies, seating arrangements, and data sufficiency. It's vital to keep track of time while attempting LR questions, as they can be tricky and time-consuming. Allocate 30 minutes to this section. Here’s how to approach it:

Start with Easy Puzzles: Identify the easier questions first. Once you’re comfortable, tackle the more difficult ones.
Use Process of Elimination: When you're stuck, try the process of elimination. Eliminate incorrect answers, and it will help narrow down your choices.
Don't Get Stuck: If you feel a question is too hard or you're confused about it, skip it. Come back to it only if you have time remaining.
3. Set Internal Time Targets for Each Question
A good time management strategy is to set internal time targets for each question. Though the exact time you should spend on each question varies, the general rule is:

Easy Questions: Spend 1-2 minutes per question.
Moderate Questions: Spend 3-4 minutes per question.
Difficult Questions: Do not spend more than 5 minutes per question. If you cannot solve it within that time, move on.
This time tracking ensures that you’re progressing through the exam without getting stuck on any particular question, which is a common mistake among many aspirants.

4. Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Section
Many candidates trap themselves into staying too long in one particular section on account of ignoring the remaining parts. Any time that you find is taking longer than before on a part, hold off the thought of lingering to get there. Proceed with another part while ensuring not to spend up all your time as in the sitting exam. Once at the sit, do pay attention and be wise of how you spend your sitting time.

For example, if you've used 10 more minutes in the QA section, try to spend lesser time on the VA or LR section. So the important thing here is that manage the time over all sections.

5. Timed Mock Tests for Practice
Consistent practice will develop the time management skills. Give timed mock tests so that one gets a feel of real-time experience of exams. This will help the individual to get accustomed to the pattern of the exam but at the same time will increase his time management skill as well.

Monitor Performance: Analyze performance after each mock test. Note down those sections which took more time for you and also questions in which you had trouble solving.
Work on Speed: With each test, make sure you solve questions with less time but not a compromise on accuracy.

6. Stay Calm and Focused
On exam day, it is pretty easy to get stressed out, especially with the feeling that time flies. However, staying calm and keeping your cool will help you answer better. In case of a difficult question, relax and move ahead. Getting upset will only consume precious minutes.

Mindful Breathing: If you feel anxious during the exam, take a few seconds to breathe deeply. This will help you relax and regain focus.

7. Use the Last 10 Minutes Wisely

As you approach the final 10 minutes of the exam, quickly revisit the questions you skipped or weren’t sure about. Use the remaining time to attempt these questions. Prioritize questions you can solve quickly and avoid getting caught up in lengthy problem-solving at the last moment.

Summary

Mastering time management on IPMAT exam day is crucial to performing well. By creating a section-wise time allocation plan, setting internal time targets, and practicing mock tests, you can ensure that you're prepared for the exam’s time constraints. Stay calm, stay focused, and remember that time management is a skill that improves with practice. With the right strategies in place, you’ll be in the best position to ace the IPMAT exam and move one step closer to achieving your dream of entering a top business school.