If you’re in Class 12 and dream of studying management at a top institute right after school, integrated five-year management programs are a fantastic option. These programs, offered by prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), allow you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in management in one go. But to get in, you’ll need to clear certain entrance exams.
- Which exams you need to prepare for
- The differences and similarities in their syllabuses
- What topics you should study in depth
This blog will help you understand:
Major Entrance Exams for Integrated Management Programs
Here are the main exams you should know about:
1. IPMAT Indore
- For: IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, and some other institutes
- Sections: Quantitative Ability (MCQ and Short Answer), Verbal Ability
2. IPMAT Rohtak
- For: IIM Rohtak
- Sections: Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability
3. JIPMAT
- For: IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya
- Sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
4. Other University Exams
- Examples: NPAT (for NMIMS), UGAT, BUMAT, and others
- These may have similar or slightly different patterns and may include a General Knowledge section.
Exam Patterns and Syllabus: What’s Similar and What’s Different?
Similarities Across Exams
- All exams test your basic math, English, and reasoning skills.
- The math is mostly up to Class 10 level, with some questions from Class 11 or 12 for certain exams.
- English sections focus on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Reasoning and data interpretation are common in most exams, though not always as separate sections.
Key Differences
- IPMAT Indore is the toughest in terms of math, sometimes including Class 12 topics and short-answer questions.
- JIPMAT and IPMAT Rohtak have a dedicated reasoning section and are slightly easier in math.
- Some university-level exams may include a General Knowledge section, which is not present in the IIM exams.
Syllabus Breakdown: What to Study for Each Subject
Quantitative Ability / Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System: Integers, fractions, decimals, LCM, HCF
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, averages, ratios, time and work, time-speed-distance, mixtures
- Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, progressions (AP, GP), basic functions
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, area, perimeter, volume, surface area
- Modern Math: Set theory, probability, permutations and combinations, logarithms
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, caselets
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension: Short and long passages, fact-based and inference-based questions
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, word usage
- Grammar: Error spotting, sentence correction, tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, articles
- Sentence Rearrangement: Parajumbles
- Critical Reasoning: Assumptions, conclusions, arguments
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
- Series: Number and letter series, analogies
- Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Puzzles and Arrangements: Seating arrangement, linear and circular arrangements
- Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency
- Clocks, Calendars, Odd-One-Out
General Knowledge (for some exams)
- Current Affairs: National and international events, awards, sports, important days
- Static GK: History, geography, science, books and authors, inventions
Depth-Wise Content List for Preparation
Here’s a checklist of what you should cover, from basics to advanced topics:
Quantitative Ability
- Basics: Number system, arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals
- Intermediate: Ratios, percentages, averages, time and work, time-speed-distance
- Advanced: Algebraic equations, inequalities, progressions, geometry (triangles, circles, mensuration), probability, permutations and combinations, basic calculus (for IPMAT Indore)
Verbal Ability
- Basics: Grammar rules, sentence construction
- Intermediate: Vocabulary building, reading comprehension practice, parajumbles
- Advanced: Critical reasoning, inference-based RC, error spotting in complex sentences
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
- Basics: Series, coding-decoding, simple puzzles
- Intermediate: Blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, Venn diagrams
- Advanced: Complex seating arrangements, data sufficiency, multi-graph data interpretation
General Knowledge (if applicable)
- Basics: Daily news reading
- Intermediate: Monthly current affairs, important national/international events
- Advanced: Static GK topics, quizzes, and mock tests
How to Prepare
- Start Early: Begin preparation in Class 11 or at the start of Class 12.
- Practice Regularly: Solve sample papers and previous years’ questions.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate real exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on topics you find challenging.
- Read Widely: For English, read newspapers, magazines, and books.
Final Thoughts
Getting into an integrated five-year management program is competitive, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of the syllabus, you can achieve your goal. Stay consistent, practice daily, and keep your concepts clear. Good luck on your journey to becoming a future manager!