IPMAT Myths vs Reality: What does it really take to get into an IIM?

Every year, thousands of students dream of joining the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) offered by the Indian Institutes of Management and many other good B-schools. However, along with this dream comes an overwhelming amount of misinformation that often creates unnecessary fear and self-doubt.

So, if you are preparing for the IPMAT, JIPMAT, or other IPM entrance exams, it’s time to separate myths from reality. Read this article to break down the most common misconceptions that hold aspirants back, and uncover the truth behind cracking IPM entrance exams.

Myth 1: Only students with a Math background can crack IPMAT

The Reality: Students from all streams crack IPMAT every year

• This is one of the biggest myths, and can create a lot of fear amongst those appearing for IPMAT. 
• Students from Commerce, Humanities, and even PCB (Science without Math) backgrounds regularly clear IPMAT and secure seats at IIMs like IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.
• The Quantitative Aptitude section mainly focuses on Class 9th and 10th-level concepts such as Arithmetic, Percentages, Ratios, Algebra basics, etc. 
• Even when higher-level math appears, it makes up a very small portion of the paper and doesn’t decide your final selection alone.
• Thus, your preparation strategy and mindset matter far more than your class XI and XII stream.

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Myth 2: You need 90–95% in Class 12 to get into an IIM

The Reality: Scoring 90%+ is not a mandate. Meet the minimum eligibility requirements. 

• Many students hold the misconception that one needs to have scored very high marks in the boards to get into an IIM for UG programs. However, contrary to popular belief: 
  • IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT require only 60% minimum in Class 12.
  • IPMAT Indore has no minimum percentage requirement at all.
• Hence, while a good academic background can definitely add value during the interview stage, not having one is not a deal-breaker. Many students with average board scores have successfully converted IPM calls.
  
• Thus, your entrance exam performance and interview clarity outweigh board marks.

Myth 3: You must attempt every question to clear the exam

The Reality: Smart selection beats blind attempts

• • IPMAT exams involve negative marking, and attempting every question without certainty often reduces your final score. For example, in IPMAT Indore, success depends on:
    • Selecting the right questions
    • Maintaining 80–85% accuracy
    • Leaving doubtful questions
      

• Thus, being a smart solver is far more effective than trying to finish the entire paper. Always prioritise accuracy over attempts. 

Myth 4: You must score high marks in mock tests from day one

The Reality: Low mock scores are part of the process

• Many IPMAT toppers started with very low mock scores.
• Mocks are meant to:
  • Identify weak areas
  • Analyze mistakes
  • Improve accuracy and speed
• Your progress matters more than your starting point. Consistent analysis and improvement are the real indicators of success.

Myth 5: You need to study 8–10 hours every day

The Reality: Consistency beats long hours

• • Studying for long hours often leads to burnout, fatigue and loss of motivation.
  • So, instead of setting unrealistic goals, aim for: 
    • 2–3 hours of focused, distraction-free study daily.
    • Clear daily schedule and targets.
    • Weekly revision and mock analysis.
      

• Thus, small, consistent efforts over months are far more powerful than short bursts of extreme study.

Myth 6: If you are weak in Math, you cannot clear IPMAT

The Reality: You don’t need to master everything

• • You do not need to ace the entire Quantitative syllabus.
  • A smarter approach is:
    • Clear the sectional cutoff in your weaker areas. 
    • Maximize your score in stronger sections like Verbal Ability or Logical Reasoning. 

• Thus, many successful candidates compensate for weaker math by excelling elsewhere and maintaining a strong overall score.

Myth 7: Only “All-Rounders” with many extra-curriculars get selected

The Reality: Extra-curriculars are optional, not mandatory

• Extra-curricular activities can definitely be beneficial, by:
  • Adding depth to your interview
  • Provide talking points during the interview 
  • Show exposure and initiative
• But they are not compulsory for selection. What interview panels truly value is:
  • Clarity of intent
  • Discipline and consistency
  • Motivation for management education
    

• Thus, plenty of students with simple academic profiles have converted IPM interviews successfully.

Conclusion:

These myths are nothing more than mental barriers that stop capable students from even trying. So, as long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria, your journey to an IIM depends on:

• Clear goals
• Smart preparation
• Strategic decision-making
• Consistent effort

Don’t let misinformation dictate your confidence. Focus on what truly matters, trust your preparation, and the path to an IIM will gradually open up for you.

Also read: How to analyse IPMAT mocks?     How to balance boards and IPMAT preparation?     Common Mistakes in IPM preparation one must avoid