The IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is the gateway to prestigious five-year integrated management programs at institutes like IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and several others. With its challenging sections, Quantitative Ability (QA) and Verbal Ability (VA), mastering time management becomes critical for success. As the clock ticks, knowing smart shortcuts and tricks can make all the difference in maximizing your score.
Importance of Time Management in IPMAT
IPMAT is known for its time pressure. Candidates have limited time to solve numerous questions across sections that test both speed and accuracy. This is especially challenging in the Quantitative Ability section, where calculations can be lengthy, and in the Verbal Ability section, where comprehending passages quickly is essential.
A balanced strategy that combines speed-enhancing techniques with conceptual clarity can help candidates effectively manage their time. Below are some tried-and-tested shortcuts and tricks for both the QA and VA sections.
Shortcuts & Tricks for Quantitative Ability (QA)
1. Approximation Techniques
Not every calculation needs to be perfect. Learn to estimate and round off numbers to quickly identify options close to your answer. This works well for percentage-based problems and profit-loss questions.
2. Vedic Maths for Faster Calculations
Vedic Math techniques like criss-cross multiplication, digit-sum checks, and base division can speed up arithmetic calculations. Practicing these can cut calculation time by up to 30%.
3. Option Elimination
For multiple-choice questions, start by plugging in the answer options into the equation instead of solving from scratch. This is particularly helpful in algebraic equations and quadratic problems.
4. Use Smart Formulas
Memorize important formulas for time-speed-distance, averages, alligation, percentages, and geometry. Having formulas at your fingertips saves you the time of deriving them during the test.
5. Ratio and Proportion Tricks
Master shortcuts like componendo-dividendo for ratio-based problems. This allows you to manipulate ratios without writing lengthy equations.
6. Practice Data Interpretation Shortcuts
For data interpretation sets, focus on calculating only what’s necessary. Avoid solving everything. For instance, check the trend in data instead of calculating precise numbers.
7. Skip-Lengthy Questions
If you sense that a question might take more than 2 minutes, mark it for review and move on. Prioritize solvable questions first to maximize your score.
8. Shortcuts for Numbers and Series
Learn patterns like square of numbers up to 30, cubes up to 15, and prime numbers up to 100. These help when solving number series or factors-related questions quickly.
Shortcuts & Tricks for Verbal Ability (VA)
1. Skimming and Scanning
For Reading Comprehension (RC) passages, don’t read the entire passage in detail. Instead, skim for the main idea and scan for keywords related to the questions. This saves valuable time.
2. Use Context Clues
In fill in the blanks and sentence completion questions, read the sentence with the given options to eliminate wrong ones. Often, you can spot awkward phrasing or mismatched tone right away.
3. Focus on Transition Words
In para-jumbles, focus on transition words like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, and ‘moreover’. These provide clues about sentence order, saving you from trial-and-error rearrangement.
4. Common Prefixes and Roots
For vocabulary questions, knowing common Latin and Greek roots can help deduce meanings of unfamiliar words. This trick often works even if you haven’t encountered the word before.
5. Spot the Odd One Out
In odd-sentence-out type questions, look for the sentence that doesn’t follow the topic or tone of the others. Instead of reading all in-depth, you can often identify it by skimming.
6. Focus on Pronouns and Articles
In para-jumbles, sentences with pronouns (like ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘it’) are rarely the opening line. Similarly, articles like ‘The’ usually indicate a follow-up sentence. Use these clues to arrange paragraphs faster.
7. Use Elimination in Grammar
For grammar-based questions, read the entire sentence instead of just the underlined part. Sometimes, the issue lies in subject-verb agreement or tense consistency, which you can spot by elimination.
8. Prioritize Short Questions
Start with vocabulary and fill-in-the-blank questions before tackling lengthy RCs or para-jumbles. This ensures you collect quick marks early in the section.
Summary
Mastering the IPMAT exam requires both conceptual clarity and time-saving tricks. By learning to estimate answers, apply Vedic Math, and leverage smart elimination techniques, you can breeze through Quantitative Ability questions. In the Verbal Ability section, shortcuts like skimming, using context clues, and focusing on structural indicators can significantly reduce your time per question.
For students in Pune, if you are serious about your IPMAT preparation, enrolling in professional coaching can boost both your accuracy and speed. Career Launcher FC Road, Pune, offers expert guidance, tailored study plans, and extensive practice to help you crack IPMAT confidently. Their experienced faculty ensure that you learn not only the concepts but also the best shortcuts and tricks to save time during the exam.
In future, if you are preparing for IPMAT, Career Launcher FC Road is the best choice in Pune. With their personalized approach and proven track record, you can be sure you’re getting the best IPMAT classes in Pune.
