How to Balance Boards and IPMAT Preparation in 2026?

If you have your sights set on cracking IPMAT straight after class 12, one of the most real challenges you will probably face is how to balance IPMAT preparation along with board preparation. IPMAT is getting increasingly challenging, and many students wonder how to prepare simultaneously, while performing well in both the exams. Well, look no further because not only is it achievable, but in this article we’ll break down exactly how to do it. 

Understanding the Key Differences between IPMAT and Boards 

Before beginning, it is important to have a clear understanding of how the two exams you are preparing for differ. Once you have this knowledge, you will find it easier to prepare for both at the same time without getting overwhelmed or confused. 

While it may seem that the two are completely different, it is possible to prepare for both at the same time. 

Is It Possible to Prepare for IPMAT Along With Boards?

Yes, it is completely possible to prepare for IPMAT along with boards! IPMAT largely tests Math fundamentals (QA) and language proficiency (VA) that Class 12 students already encounter in school. So, the challenge isn’t the syllabus- it’s all about the planning. Thousands of students prepare for these exams simultaneously each year successfully- and you can too. 

IPMAT 2026 will take place on 4th May 2026, after the class 12th boards have concluded. Hence, aspirants will get some dedicated preparation time for IPMAT 2026 after the boards. 

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Balancing boards and IPMAT prep: Challenges at hand

It is important to be aware of the challenges that you may face while balancing boards and IPMAT prep. If you are aware, you will be able to navigate them much more easily and take them in stride. 

• Overlapping timelines leading to a time constraint. 
• Different exam styles can lead to confusion in the preparation approach.
• Mental Exhaustion while balancing two high-stakes exams. 

This makes it all the more important to have a structured preparation approach and stick to it. Let’s discuss how you can formulate this. 

How to divide time between Boards and IPMAT prep?

It is recommended that you dedicate the most amount of time to boards prep, especially in the initial phase. Stick to a 70-30 approach- 70% time to boards and 30% to entrance exam prep. Since you would be dedicating the maximum amount of time to your board prep, aim to prepare smartly for IPMAT alongside. With just around 30 minutes of consistent practice daily in the months leading up to the boards, you would be able to cover a lot of the syllabus with minimum stress. Remember, small, consistent action each day beats exam anxiety! 

Here is a recommended breakdown:

However, note that this is a recommended schedule. Aspirants must take into account their own strengths, weaknesses and learning speed and tweak this schedule accordingly. 

How to Balance Board Prep and IPMAT Preparation? 

The best way to do this is by building a prep strategy that doesn’t overwhelm you. Most students burn out because they treat boards and IPMAT as two parallel exams. Instead, build a combined approach where you can prepare for both effectively. This will help in managing time as well as studying effectively! 

Try this schedule to split your time. 

If you follow this consistently, you will progress on both fronts without stress. 

Is there an overlap between board syllabus and IPMAT syllabus? 

A major advantage of preparing for IPMAT is the high overlap with what you already learn in school. You must be aware of this and use it to your advantage!

The overlapping topics are listed below for your ease, however, you must be aware of the complete IPMAT syllabus so you can be on the lookout for any overlaps yourself. 

Talking about the Quantitative Ability (QA) section, some core topics from Class XII Math that overlap with IPMAT QA include Quadratic Equations, Progressions (AP, GP), Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, and Statistics. 

The key difference lies in application: while boards test formula-based problem solving, IPMAT questions are more logic-driven, puzzle-oriented, and must be solved in less time.

In Verbal Ability, the overlap is a bit more indirect. Boards strengthen grammar, writing skills, and comprehension, which naturally boost your IPMAT RC speed and accuracy. A few topics that are common to both exams are Grammar fundamentals, Sentence Correction, Tenses, and Subject-Verb Agreement. 

Before Boards: IPMAT Daily Preparation Strategy 

Take small steps everyday towards your goal. Here’s a daily checklist to get your IPMAT prep started. For instance, start with: 

• 10 QA questions from mixed topics
• 20 minutes reading (editorials/business articles)
• 5 vocabulary words
• 1 small logic puzzle (optional but helpful)

This totals just 30–40 minutes a day, but doing this consistently will lead to a massive amount of preparation done by the time boards end.

Pro-Tip: In case you miss a day in between- don’t get discouraged! Get back on the schedule from the next day onwards.

What Should Change During Board Season?

When pre-boards and boards approach, your priority should shift. 

At this point, naturally your focus should be on board exams preparation. Reduce IPMAT prep to a minimal level. Focus on reading and light QA drills just to stay consistent.

Why are Mock Tests important for IPMAT preparation?

Your secret weapon throughout your preparation journey will be IPMAT mock tests. Continue taking mock tests throughout your preparation journey. Use them as a tool to measure your preparation and attempt them as seriously as you would the real exam. Mocks help you to build speed and accuracy, understand question patterns, master time management, identify weak areas and reduce exam–day anxiety. 

Start with 1 mock every 2 weeks, then increase frequency after boards.

For the closest-to-exam IPMAT test series, you can check Career Launcher’s IPMAT Test Series.

Post-Boards: The Real IPMAT Prep Begins

Your major IPMAT scores will depend on the weeks after boards. Now, your full focus should be on IPMAT- it’s time to revise everything you have learned, and finish strong. 

Here’s an example of what your prep should look like: 

• 1 mock every 2 days + analyse your strong and weak areas.
• Intensive QA concept & application practice
• RC + grammar practice daily
• Weekly revision
  

Conclusion 

Balancing board prep and IPMAT preparation is not about studying 8–10 hours a day. It’s about smart structure, taking small steps to prepare daily, and disciplined weekends. The students who succeed at both IPMAT and boards aren’t the ones who study the most- they’re the ones who stay consistent and disciplined throughout the journey.