How PW Helped Rafia Saifi Transition From NEET Preparation to IIM Bodh Gaya Through IPMAT

For many Class 12 aspirants, preparing for a competitive exam means adapting to a new syllabus, learning unfamiliar concepts, and finding the right preparation strategy. This becomes even more challenging when the exam path changes midway.

Rafia Saifi faced a similar situation. Coming from a science background, she was initially preparing for NEET before discovering IPMAT. With limited time to understand the exam, manage boards, and build aptitude skills, she focused on improving her preparation through consistent practice and the right guidance from Physics Wallah.

From NEET Preparation to Discovering IPMAT: How Rafia Found a New Goal

Rafia’s preparation journey did not begin with IPMAT. Coming from a PCMB background, she was initially focused on NEET. It was only later that she discovered the IPM programme and started exploring a different career path.

"Mujhe IPMAT ke baare mein mere brother-in-law se pata chala tha. Unke friend IIM Indore mein the, toh unhone bataya tha."

As she researched more about the programme, she found the idea of entering an IIM directly after Class 12 interesting.

"Mujhe iska syllabus aur curriculum achha laga. Ek clear path dikh raha tha ki IIM tak ja sakte hain, toh mujhe laga ki ye ek achha option hai."

After understanding the exam structure, she decided to prepare seriously for IPMAT.

Balancing Class 12 Boards and IPMAT Preparation Was Rafia’s First Challenge

Preparing for IPMAT was different from her science background. While her board preparation focused on PCMB subjects, IPMAT required a different approach towards aptitude, reasoning, and verbal ability. 

"Boards ke time pe main daily around ek ghanta self-study karti thi IPMAT ke liye."

During her board exams, she continued preparing alongside her academics.

"Mujhe laga ki teacher guidance zaroori hai kyunki kuch concepts aur tricks aise the jo khud se samajhna difficult tha."

However, she soon realised that self-study alone was not enough to understand shortcuts and approaches required for aptitude exams.

After her boards, she shifted her complete focus towards IPMAT preparation.

How PW Helped Rafia Build Her IPMAT Preparation Strategy

Since Rafia was already preparing through Physics Wallah for NEET, she was familiar with the learning environment. When she decided to prepare for IPMAT, she found PW’s support helpful in understanding the exam-specific approach.

"Main pehle se PW se padh rahi thi NEET ke liye, toh jab IPMAT ka crash course aaya toh maine usko join kiya."

The biggest change for her was moving from self-study to guided preparation, where teachers helped her understand concepts and problem-solving methods.

"Teachers se mujhe Quant aur VARC mein kaafi help mili, kyunki wahan approach aur tricks samajhni hoti hain."

With limited time before the exam, she focused on practising what was taught instead of collecting multiple resources.

How PW's Mock Tests Improved Rafia's Speed and Accuracy

For Rafia, PW's mock tests became a way to understand her mistakes and improve her exam strategy. 

"Mock dene ke baad mujhe samajh aaya ki kuch questions jo main kar sakti thi, unmein bhi zyada time lag raha tha."

She analysed each mock and also used previous-year papers as timed practice.

"Maine PYQs ko bhi mock ki tarah solve kiya tha, timer laga ke, taaki mujhe exam ka experience mile."

Before the exam, she regularly practised PW’s mocks and improved her time allocation across sections.

How PW Helped Rafia Improve Her Approach for Quant and VARC

Coming from a science background, Rafia had studied Maths before, but IPMAT required a different way of thinking. She realised that solving questions was not just about knowing formulas; it was also about understanding the right approach and shortcuts.

"Maths toh thi 11th mein, lekin IPMAT ka level aur approach alag tha. Kuch topics mein mujhe proper guidance ki zaroorat thi."

"Physics Wallah pe jo teachers ne bataya, maine usko follow kiya aur jo resources mile unko properly complete karne ki koshish ki."

Through PW classes, she was able to understand concepts better and learn how to approach different question types. Along with lectures, she focused on making short notes from important formulas and concepts for quick revision.

Rafia Turned an IPMAT Indore Setback Into a Learning Experience

Rafia appeared for both IPMAT Indore and IPMAT Rohtak. Although she narrowly missed the VARC sectional cutoff in IPMAT Indore, the experience helped her understand the importance of preparing early and covering every section properly.

"IPMAT Indore mein mera VARC cutoff reh gaya tha, thode se marks se miss hua tha."

Instead of losing confidence, she used that experience to improve her approach for the next opportunity.

"Mujhe laga ki agar thoda pehle start karte toh aur better prepare kar sakte the."

The setback became a reminder to focus on consistency and preparation strategy.

Rafia’s Advice for Future IPMAT Aspirants

Looking back, Rafia believes that a good preparation strategy begins with understanding your own strengths and sticking to the right resources.

"Sabse pehle apni strengths aur weaknesses identify karo, kyunki exam mein attempt strategy usi ke according banani chahiye."

She also encourages aspirants to start early and improve gradually.

"Har student ka pace alag hota hai, isliye last moment tak wait nahi karna chahiye. Early start karoge toh pressure kam hoga."

Rafia's journey shows that changing your career path doesn't mean starting from scratch. With the right guidance, consistent effort, and a well-planned preparation strategy, even a new goal can lead to success. By making the most of PW classes, mock tests, and structured learning resources, she successfully transitioned from NEET preparation to securing admission to IIM Bodh Gaya through the IPM programme.