If you have ever felt like the board exam & IPMAT preparation journey are two parallel paths, with no connection- you’re not alone. However, here’s what you may not realise until it’s too late- your board exams hold the compass that can guide you towards IPMAT success. So, while many of you are gearing up for your board exams, here’s how you can harness the edge that preparing for them gives you towards doing better in IPMAT.
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How board prep helps in your IPMAT journey
It may seem that board preparation is just theory, and it won’t help you in clearing IPMAT. But that’s not true. IPMAT, like most aptitude exams, require the candidates to have a strong foundation. And that foundation can be built by having concept clarity which the boards syllabus help you achieve.
Moreover, many topics of class 11 and 12 directly translate into IPMAT topics. Let’s discuss this further.
Syllabus Overlap between IPMAT and Boards
Quantitative Aptitude:
Most students feel overwhelmed by the Quant section in IPMAT. But the surprising truth? Nearly every fundamental concept comes straight from board Math.
Here’s how your board syllabus aligns with the IPMAT Quant section.
Board Topics that overlap in IPMAT:
- Quadratic Equations
- Progressions (AP,GP)
- Coordinate Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Probability
- Statistics
Think of it this way: in boards you have to display that you can solve a particular problem question. But, IPMAT shows you how fast and smartly you can solve it.
Verbal Ability:
Your English boards curriculum helps you develop the very skills IPMAT tests in its Verbal Ability Section.
Board English teaches:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar Rules and Fundamentals
- Vocabulary Development
- Sentence Structuring and Flow
These are the exact skills that IPMAT tests through passages, fill-in blanks, and para jumbles.
So, every chapter or passage you’ve read and every essay you’ve written is secret practice for IPMAT’s verbal ability section.
Logical Reasoning:
Even though there is no Logical Reasoning section in the board exam, other subjects help sharpen your skills for the IPMAT Logical Reasoning section in indirect ways. For instance:
- Economics and Business Studies sharpen your ability to analyze charts and interpret data.
- Accountancy makes you comfortable with numbers and logical steps.
These contribute to building an analytical mindset that will aid you in sections like data interpretation and logical reasoning.
A Helpful Mindset Shift
Here’s a smart way to think about your preparation. Think of boards as the phase where you focus on understanding concepts and building a foundation.
While preparing for boards, understand formulas, concepts, and step-by-step solving.
To prepare for IPMAT, focus on shortcuts, mental math tricks and retaining accuracy while increasing speed. Practice using previous years question papers and mock tests.
Download a full 3-month preparation strategy by clicking the button below.
Other Advantages
Beyond syllabus overlap, your board prep gives you something priceless: self confidence.
By diligently preparing for hours on end, and getting into the habit of studying, you are setting the base for IPMAT preparation. Moreover, when you know that you can learn a chapter, practice it thoroughly and score well- your mind is conditioned for success. This confidence translates into your performance in competitive tests like IPMAT.
Board exams are not a distraction from IPMAT. They are a strong foundation for it. Boards help build discipline, clear concepts, language skills, and mental strength.
When students combine serious board preparation with the right online coaching and test practice, they prepare smarter and more confidently. Instead of choosing between boards and IPMAT, successful students use both together to achieve their goals.
Conclusion
If used correctly, board preparation can be your secret IPMAT weapon. Instead of thinking of IPMAT and boards prep as two separate journeys- think of them as two stages in one journey. In stage 1, board exams, master fundamentals confidently through board preparation. In stage 2, sharpen speed, accuracy and strategy for IPMAT. With this approach, boards become a strong foundation for IPMAT- not a distraction from it. Instead of choosing between both, use both together to achieve your goals.
Also read: How to balance board exams and IPMAT preparation How to Analyse IPMAT mocks? IPMAT Myths Vs. Reality Reasons why Most Students Fail IPMAT & BBA entrances


