How to Ace Quantitative Aptitude for IPMAT in 5 Months

CL Team December 27 2024
5 min read

The IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is a highly competitive entrance exam that assesses students for admission to Integrated Management Programs at top IIMs like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. One of the most crucial sections of the IPMAT is Quantitative Aptitude (QA), which tests your mathematical skills and problem-solving ability. With just 5 months to prepare, it’s important to approach this section strategically to ensure you maximize your score.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a detailed 5-month plan to prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of IPMAT and provide strategies to help you ace it.

Month 1: Build Your Basics

The first month of preparation should be dedicated to understanding the fundamentals of mathematics. Many students struggle with QA due to gaps in basic concepts. Therefore, it is crucial to start with the fundamentals.

Key Topics to Cover:

  • Number System: Learn about factors, multiples, divisibility rules, LCM, HCF, and powers.
  • Algebra: Understand basic concepts like equations, inequalities, and algebraic identities.
  • Arithmetic: This includes topics like percentages, ratios, profit and loss, and time and work. These are commonly tested in IPMAT, so understanding these concepts is essential.

Tips for the First Month:

  • Focus on Concepts: Dedicate time to clearing the concepts behind each topic. Without a solid understanding of these, progressing to advanced problems will be difficult.
  • Use NCERT Textbooks: The NCERT math textbooks from class 9th and 10th are excellent resources for strengthening your basics.
  • Practice Regularly: Try solving simple problems daily to build your confidence.

Month 2: Move to Intermediate Topics

In the second month, you should gradually move to more intermediate topics and continue to strengthen your foundational knowledge.

Key Topics to Cover:

  • Geometry: Focus on basic concepts such as lines, angles, triangles, circles, and their properties.
  • Mensuration: Learn to calculate areas and volumes of different shapes, which is frequently tested in the IPMAT QA section.
  • Probability: Understand the basics of probability, including the concept of probability, conditional probability, and the different theorems.

Tips for Month 2:

  • Solve Medium-Difficulty Problems: Start solving problems that require a bit more effort. Don’t rush; focus on accuracy.
  • Time Management: Begin solving problems within a time limit to simulate exam conditions and improve speed.
  • Use Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy or apps like Byju’s can help you break down complex concepts into digestible lessons.

Month 3: Tackle Advanced Topics

By the third month, you should be ready to tackle more advanced topics. This is the point where you start working on problems that are more likely to appear in the IPMAT exam.

Key Topics to Cover:

  • Permutation and Combination: Study the basic principles of counting, permutations, and combinations. These topics are important for data arrangement problems.
  • Time, Speed, and Distance: This topic includes problems related to trains, boats, and relative speed.
  • Functions and Graphs: Understanding the properties of functions and how to represent them graphically is important for solving algebraic problems.

Tips for Month 3:

  • Solve Practice Sets: Begin solving practice sets from previous years' IPMAT papers and mock tests. Focus on the difficulty level of the IPMAT exam and try to solve problems in the given time frame.
  • Focus on Speed: At this stage, your primary goal should be improving speed. Work on solving problems quicker while maintaining accuracy.
  • Get Guidance: If you face difficulties with complex topics like permutations or probability, seek expert help. Understanding the shortcuts and methods used by top scorers can drastically improve your performance.

Month 4: Focus on Mock Tests and Time Management

By now, you should have covered most of the topics and should start incorporating mock tests into your routine. Mock tests will not only help you assess your preparation but also improve your time management skills, which is critical for IPMAT.

Key Steps to Follow:

  • Take Mock Tests: Begin taking full-length mock tests every week. This will give you a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analyze Results: After each test, analyze your performance to identify the areas that need improvement.
  • Speed and Accuracy: Continue to work on increasing your speed while maintaining accuracy. Don’t spend too much time on one question.

Tips for Month 4:

  • Timed Practice: Practice solving sets of 10-15 problems in a fixed time frame. This will help you get used to the time pressure during the exam.
  • Review Mistakes: For every mistake made during mock tests, go back and understand the concept thoroughly. This process will reinforce your understanding.

Month 5: Final Revision and Strategy Refinement

The final month should be dedicated to revision and refining your exam strategy. Now that you have covered most of the topics and practiced extensively, the goal is to consolidate all that you’ve learned.

Key Steps to Follow:

  • Revise Key Topics: Focus on revising the most important and frequently asked topics in the QA section, such as number systems, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  • Revise Formulas: Go over the important formulas and concepts that you may have forgotten. Keep a small notebook of formulas and concepts for quick reference.
  • Take More Mock Tests: Keep taking full-length mock tests. You should aim to take at least 3-4 full-length mocks in the final month.
  • Stay Calm: Don’t cram in the last month. Focus on reinforcing what you already know and managing your exam strategy.

Key Tips for Acing Quantitative Aptitude in IPMAT

  • Consistency is Key: Regular practice is essential for mastering quantitative aptitude. Aim to practice daily, even if it's just for an hour.
  • Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your weak areas early on and dedicate extra time to improving them.
  • Learn Shortcuts: Learn the common shortcuts used in solving problems, especially in algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
  • Stay Positive: Stay confident and calm during your preparation. A positive mindset will help you perform better under pressure.

Why Career Launcher FC Road is the Best Choice for IPMAT Preparation

If you are looking for expert guidance to help you ace the IPMAT exam, Career Launcher FC Road in Pune is the best place to start your preparation. With a structured curriculum, expert faculty, and personalized attention, Career Launcher FC Road offers comprehensive coaching that can guide you through every step of your IPMAT preparation.

Career Launcher FC Road’s specialized programs for IPMAT preparation provide access to mock tests, study materials, and doubt-clearing sessions, which can significantly improve your chances of success. The institute also emphasizes time management and exam strategies, ensuring you are well-prepared to face the exam confidently.

If you’re serious about cracking the IPMAT and securing admission to top IIMs, Career Launcher FC Road is the best choice for IPMAT preparation. Their comprehensive coaching, along with personalized support, ensures that you are fully prepared to take on the challenges of the exam.