How to Prepare for IPMAT Verbal Ability: A Comprehensive Guide

The Verbal Ability section of the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) and Joint Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (JIPMAT) is a critical component for aspirants aiming to secure admission to prestigious institutions like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. 

This section assesses a candidate’s proficiency in English, including vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare effectively.

Understanding the Verbal Ability Section

The Verbal Ability section typically consists of 45 questions in IPMAT Indore(with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes), 40 questions in IPMAT-Rohtak, and 34 questions in JIPMAT, leading to significant weightage in determining the final IPMAT cut-offs. It evaluates:

• Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.
• Grammar: Sentence correction, tenses, prepositions, and modifiers.
• Reading Comprehension: Inference-based questions, tone identification, and main idea detection.
• Verbal Reasoning: Para jumbles and critical reasoning.

Key Preparation Strategies

1. Know the Syllabus Inside Out

Familiarize yourself with the essential topics:

• Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms.
• Grammar: Tenses, sentence correction, and subject-verb agreement.
• Reading Comprehension: Inference-based passages.
• Sentence Rearrangement and Completion.

2. Build a Strong Vocabulary

• Use books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis to enhance your vocabulary systematically.
• Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express daily to encounter new words in context.
• Maintain a word journal to track new words, their meanings, and usage in a sentence.

3. Improve Reading Comprehension

• Practice skimming and scanning techniques to identify key ideas quickly.
• Allocate specific time for each passage during practice sessions to improve speed.
• Solve diverse RC passages from IPMAT mock tests and IPMAT PYQ to familiarize yourself with question patterns.

4. Master Grammar Rules

• Brush up on grammar basics using resources like English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin.
• Focus on common topics such as tenses, prepositions, modifiers, and conjunctions.
• Practice sentence correction exercises regularly.

5. Practice Regularly

• Solve previous year question papers to understand the difficulty level and question trends.
• Take sectional mock tests weekly to track progress and improve accuracy under time constraints.
• Analyze mistakes in mock tests to refine your approach.

Also check: IPMAT Test Series

6. Time Management

Allocate specific time slots for different topics:

• Daily vocabulary drills.
• Regular practice of RC passages.
• Weekly revision of grammar rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Vocabulary Practice: Vocabulary is foundational; neglecting it can hinder performance in RCs and fill-in-the-blanks questions.
2. Ignoring Time Management: Spending too much time on one passage or question can leave other sections incomplete.
3. Lack of Mock Test Practice: Mock tests simulate exam conditions and help identify weak areas.

Final Tips

1. Stay consistent with your preparation schedule.
2. Incorporate daily reading habits to enhance comprehension skills naturally.
3. Focus on both speed and accuracy during practice sessions.

By following these strategies diligently and utilizing the right resources, you can excel in the Verbal Ability section of IPMAT 2025.