How to Balance Your Time Between All IPMAT Sections in 3 Months

IPMAT is a highly competitive exam designed for students who want to get into top management colleges like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Since the IPMAT exam consists of three distinct sections, namely, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Logical Reasoning (LR), and Verbal Ability (VA), proper planning is required for studying each of these sections. Effective balancing of your time in all these sections is important in maximizing the score in the exam. In this blog, we will discuss how you can strategically manage your study time for all the sections of IPMAT for 3 months to guarantee success.

1. Understanding the Pattern of the Exam

To begin with the preparation, it is first essential to understand the pattern and structure of the IPMAT exam. Generally, the exam consists of the following sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Tests the mathematical skills of a candidate, which may include topics like algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
• Logical Reasoning (LR): Checks the problem-solving and thinking abilities of a candidate, with questions on puzzles, series, and reasoning.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Focuses on language skills, which may include reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence formation.

Each section has its own weightage, and they all require a different approach for preparation. So, the key to success in this exam is the proper balancing of study time between these sections.

2. Divide Your Time According to Strengths and Weaknesses

The first step in time balancing is to observe your strengths and weaknesses about each section. If you are comfortable with mathematics but struggle with verbal ability, then you should allocate more time to improving your verbal skills. Similarly, if logical reasoning is your weak point, give it more focus.

Study Time Breakdown:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section requires strong mathematical concepts. Allocate nearly 40% of preparation time to QA if it is your strong area. If it is weak for you, then you will have to increase the percentage to 50% and above. Practice questions as much as possible and perform time-based mock tests for solving.
• Logical Reasoning (LR): It can sometimes be the toughest part for students. Keep 30 percent of your preparation time exclusively for this section. Critical thinking and speed will only improve by solving puzzles and reasoning questions daily.
• Verbal Ability (VA): As this section tests reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary you can spend around 30% of your time over here. You must engage in reading newspapers, books, and solving RC passages to improve your comprehension ability.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Weekly Targets

It is three months, so you will need to break down short-term goals. Targets could be set weekly or bi-weekly so that one can keep track and see the progress made. For example, aim to finish one chapter or a set of topics every week for QA and LR, target to complete a certain number of RCs and vocabulary exercises for VA.

Weekly Target Example:

• Week 1-4: Focus on basic concepts of QA, basic reasoning puzzles, and improve reading.
• Week 5-8: Improve intermediate concepts and increase the difficulty level of LR and vocabulary and grammar.
• Week 9-12: Start solving mock papers and full-length tests while revising the weak topics. Focus on the speed and accuracy improvement.

By breaking the preparation into small chunks, you will avoid burnout and track the progress easily.

4. Practice Time-Management During Mock Tests

Time management is the most important aspect of the IPMAT exam, as you have to complete all three sections within a given time. So, practicing time management should be an integral part of your study plan. Once you are comfortable with the basics of all the sections, start taking timed mock tests. This will help you understand the real exam environment and teach you to allocate time to each section effectively.

Time Management Strategy for the Exam:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Since the QA can be time-consuming at times, spend approximately 35-40 minutes on this section.
• Logical Reasoning (LR): Allocate around 25-30 minutes to the LR section. First concentrate on getting it right, and gradually increase your speed.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Spend 25-30 minutes on VA since reading comprehension would take time, but constant practice increases your speed.

5. Identify areas of weakness but don't forget strengths

While it is essential to be better at your weak sections, do not neglect your strong ones. Your strengths should be your pillars but you must always test yourself by solving more difficult questions to improve yourself further. For instance, if QA is your strength practice complex problems and try to solve them in a relatively shorter time. Likewise for LR, attempt puzzles and questions that are more complex than those you would have encountered on the exam.

6. Incorporate Revision and Mock Tests in Your Routine

As the exam date nears, regular revision becomes increasingly important. Set aside at least one day per week to revise the topics you’ve already covered. Additionally, take mock tests regularly to assess your progress, understand your weak points, and simulate the real exam environment. After each mock test, analyze your performance in-depth and focus on areas that need improvement.

Mock tests help one gauge the pressure of time faced in the real examination and fine-tune their strategy. The last month can be a marathon for mocks, which would enable better speed, accuracy, and strategy.

7. Remain consistent and keep oneself fit

Consistency is the key in any competitive exam preparation. Allocate a fixed amount of time each day for study and ensure that you balance study time with regular breaks. Consistent study habits, along with proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise, will keep your mind and body fresh throughout the preparation period.

Summary

Effectively balancing your time between all IPMAT sections in 3 months requires a well-structured study plan, consistent practice, and strong time management skills. By assessing your strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals, and practicing regularly with mock tests, you'll be well-prepared to excel in the exam.