How to Start Your IPMAT Preparation: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start Your IPMAT Preparation: The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other IIMs. Through this, candidates are provided with the opportunity for admission to the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM). 

The answer to how to start your IPMAT preparation presents the candidates with a clear study plan and methods to get admission into the IPM courses that combine a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Management. It is one of the most sought-after programs for students after completing class 12. 

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How to Start IPMAT Preparation?

Before starting the IPMAT preparation, candidates must understand what the exam is all about and how to plan their studies. Aspirants can follow the simple steps mentioned below to start their IPMAT preparation journey:

• Understand the Exam: Candidates should start by learning about the IPMAT exam pattern and syllabus. They should talk about the subjects included, like Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning (for some IIMs). Understanding the structure helps in knowing what to study and how to manage time.

• Set a Goal: Once a candidate sets a clear goal for the IPMAT Exam, it becomes easier to stay focused. The goal can be getting into IIM Indore or any other top IIM offering IPM. 

• Gather Study Material: Collect the right books, online resources, and mock tests. Use NCERT books (Class 9 to 12) for math basics and grammar books for English. 

• Make a Study Plan: Aspirants preparing for the IPMAT exam should create a daily schedule. They should divide their day into short study sessions, keeping time for each subject. Regular and balanced study will help them stay on track to get good marks in the exam.

• Attempt Mock Tests: Candidates should look to attempt one mock or sample paper in the beginning. This will help them understand their current level and show which areas they need to improve.

• Regular Practice: IPMAT is not about overnight success. It requires daily effort. Even one or two hours of focused study every day can make a big difference.

IPMAT Preparation Strategy

A good strategy helps aspirants save time and study smartly. A clear plan for IPMAT preparation that covers all sections effectively is provided below:

• Build Strong Basics: Start with subject fundamentals and concepts. For Quantitative Ability, practice concepts from NCERT Mathematics (up to Class 11 and 12). For Verbal Ability, read daily and learn grammar rules.

• Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success. Candidates should try solving 20–30 questions daily from each section and then gradually increase the level of difficulty as they improve.

• Create Short Notes: While studying, candidates should make short notes of formulas, grammar rules, or important words. These will help them revise faster before the exam.

• Mock Tests and Analysis: Take mock tests every week. After each test, candidates must analyse their performance and find out their weak areas and work on them.

• Time Management: During preparation, candidates should practice solving questions with a timer. This will help them manage time better during the actual exam.

IPMAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

For candidates just starting with their IPMAT preparation, they can follow some of the simple IPMAT Preparation Tips for Beginners mentioned below:

• Start Early: Aspirants should begin their preparation at least 8–12 months before the exam. This gives them enough time to cover all topics without stress.

• Focus on Concepts: Do not rush to finish topics. Understand each concept clearly. For example, before solving higher-level math questions, make sure your basics are clear.

• Read Every Day: For the verbal section, reading plays a big role. Read newspapers, short stories, or magazines. It improves both vocabulary and comprehension skills.

• Keep a Vocabulary Note: Candidates should maintain a notebook where they write 5–10 new words daily. Learn their meanings and usage. Revise them weekly.

• Revise Regularly: Revision is important. Every week, candidates should revise the topics they have already studied to keep them fresh in their memory.

• Stay Positive: It is normal to feel nervous. Keep a positive mindset and remind yourself that consistent effort always pays off.

How to Prepare for IPMAT 2026?

IPMAT 2026 exam is scheduled to be held around May or June 2026, so starting early gives candidates a great advantage. Here is how aspirants can plan their preparation for IPMAT 2026 step by step.

Start from Basics (October–December 2025)

• Focus on strengthening math and English basics.

• Cover topics like percentages, averages, time-speed-distance, and grammar rules.

• Practice reading comprehension regularly.

Build Concepts (January–March 2026)

• Move to higher-level problems in Quantitative Aptitude.

• Start practising data interpretation and logical reasoning.

• Attempt short quizzes to test your progress.

Practice and Revise (April–May 2026)

• Take 2–3 mock tests per week.

• Focus on speed and accuracy.

• Revise key formulas, grammar rules, and word lists.

Final Preparation

• Attempt full-length tests.

• Review mistakes from mock tests.

• Stay calm and confident on the exam day.

Use Quality Resources

Some recommended books include:

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

• Wren & Martin Grammar Book

• Previous year IPMAT papers

IPMAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

IPMAT is an online computer-based test designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability. The exam consists of a total of 100 questions, including both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Short Answer (SA) formats.

The exam is held for a maximum of 400 marks, with a penalty of -1 mark for every incorrect answer in the MCQ sections. To help candidates understand the IPMAT Exam Pattern better, the IPMAT exam pattern and syllabus are provided in the table below:

IPMAT Preparation Plan for 6 Months

Candidates have more or less six months to prepare for the IPMAT 2026 exam. A well-structured plan can help aspirants score well. Here is a 6-month IPMAT preparation plan to guide the aspirants: