What to Do One Week Before the IPMAT Exam

What to Do One Week Before the IPMAT Exam: Your Final Guide to Success

The countdown has begun. Only one week remains for the IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) — your pathway to top IIMs like IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and other institutes offering the prestigious five-year management program.
This final week is crucial. After months of preparation, practice, and effort, this is the time to consolidate your strengths, fix minor gaps, and most importantly, stay calm and confident.
Many students feel overwhelmed during the last few days, unsure whether to revise, practice, or just relax. If you’re feeling the same, don’t worry — this article gives you a clear, actionable plan on what to do in the last 7 days before IPMAT to give your best shot.

1. Revise Smartly, Not Completely

You don’t need to study everything all over again. In fact, trying to do so may only cause stress and confusion.
Here’s how to revise smartly:

• Focus on key concepts and formulas, especially in Quantitative Ability.
• Revise your notes, short tricks, and summary sheets.
• Spend 1–2 hours each day revisiting grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies.
• Review important questions you marked earlier or made mistakes on in mock tests.

Tip: Use flashcards, formula sheets, or mind maps to revise quickly and visually.

2. Take 3–4 Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests are your greatest support in the final week. They not only help with time management but also help you get used to the pressure and exam environment.
What to do:

• Attempt 1 full-length mock every alternate day.
• Simulate the actual exam conditions: fixed time, no breaks, silent environment.
• After each test, analyze your performance:
• Where did you lose marks?
• Which section took too long?
• Did you make silly mistakes?

Avoid mock tests the day before the exam. Let your mind relax instead.

3. Work on Weak Areas – But Don’t Start New Topics

If you’re still weak in a few topics, spend some time improving them — but do not try to learn completely new topics now. You may confuse yourself or waste precious time.
Instead:

• Pick 2–3 weak areas (e.g., Time-Speed-Distance, Sentence Correction, Puzzles).
• Practice a few questions daily just to build confidence.
• Watch short video explanations if needed.

Your goal this week should be to improve accuracy and speed in topics you already know, not to master new ones.

4. Revise Mock Test Errors

Go through the mistakes you made in past mock tests. These are your personal weak spots, and avoiding them can give you a major edge.
Create a simple revision list:

• Common calculation mistakes
• Wrong grammar rules
• Frequently misunderstood RC question types
• Weak reasoning types like series, arrangements, etc.

Spend 30–45 minutes daily just reviewing these areas.

5. Focus on Mental and Physical Health

Your mind needs to be fresh and focused on exam day. Don’t let stress or fatigue ruin months of hard work.
What you should do:

• Ensure you sleep for 7–8 hours each night.
• Eat light, healthy meals. Avoid junk food or heavy meals before study sessions.
• Do some light exercise or go for a walk to stay physically active and reduce stress.
• Practice deep breathing or meditation for 5–10 minutes a day to stay calm.Your mental state will directly affect your performance — make sure it’s a positive one.

6. Master the IPMAT Strategy

Cracking IPMAT requires more than just knowledge—it demands smart strategy.
Develop a plan for:

• Which section to attempt first: If you’re faster at Verbal, start with that.
• Time allocation per section: Stick to section-wise time limits even in practice.
• Question selection: Don’t try to attempt all. Focus on accuracy.
• Guessing vs skipping: Know when to take a calculated guess (only if there’s no negative marking).

Tip: Practice 1 or 2 mock tests using this final strategy to see if it works for you.

7. Organize Your Exam Essentials

Avoid last-minute panic. Ensure all your exam essentials are prepared at least two days in advance.
Checklist:

• Admit card printout (multiple copies)
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN card, etc.)
• Stationery (if allowed)
• Water bottle (if allowed)
• Know the exam center location and reporting time
• Arrange transport to the center (reach early)

This keeps your mind calm and focused solely on the exam.

8. The Day Before the Exam

The day before the IPMAT is all about rest, light revision, and mental preparation.
Here’s what you should do:

• Revise light topics: formulas, grammar rules, question types
• Skim through your notes — no heavy study
• Eat well, hydrate, and avoid stress
• Pack your bag with all necessary documents
• Sleep early — aim to get 7–8 hours of rest

Stay away from social media and group chats that might increase stress.

9. Exam Day: Stay Calm and Confident

On the day of the exam, your mindset matters more than anything else.
Tips for exam day:

• Start your day early with a refreshing shower and a light, healthy breakfast.
• Reach the exam center 30–45 minutes early.
• During the exam:
• Don’t panic if a section seems hard — move on and come back later.
• Keep track of time but don’t rush.
• Avoid silly mistakes — read questions carefully.
• Use elimination techniques in Verbal and Reasoning sections.
• Double-check answers if you have time left.

Final Words

Remember, cracking IPMAT is not just about being the smartest — it’s about being the most prepared, the most consistent, and the most focused.
Trust your preparation. You’ve got this!