Breaking Down the IPMAT Math Syllabus

Section-wise Strategy and Tips to Crack IPM Aptitude

From the Mentors at Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi

The IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is the gateway to the prestigious 5-Year Integrated Management Programs offered by IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, and others.

Among all the sections in the IPMAT, one stands out as the most challenging—and most crucial: Quantitative Aptitude.
Unlike generic aptitude tests, the IPMAT Math section blends school-level mathematics with time-bound competitive exam rigor.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we’ve guided hundreds of students to success in this section using structured planning, rigorous concept building, and focused practice.

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1. Understanding the IPMAT Math Syllabus

The Quantitative Aptitude section in IPMAT—especially for IIM Indore—is known for its conceptual depth. Here's a breakdown of the key topics:

Quant Syllabus Breakdown

Note: IIM Rohtak’s Quant pattern is slightly different and integrated with other sections.

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2. Section-Wise Strategy & Tips

Arithmetic – The Foundation Block

• Appears consistently in both IIM Indore and Rohtak papers.

• Prioritize: Speed-based calculations, unitary methods, and shortcut tricks.

• Must-cover topics: Time-Speed-Distance, Percentages, Averages, Mixtures.

Tip: Maintain a table of formulas for quick revision.

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Algebra – The Game Changer

• High weightage and requires strong conceptual clarity.

• Focus areas: Quadratic equations, inequalities, algebraic identities.

Tip: Keep a revision sheet with key formulas and practice translating word problems into equations.

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Number System – The Hidden Scorer

• Often underestimated, but can yield high scores with minimal prep time.

• Focus on base systems, remainders (Fermat's Theorem), divisibility rules.

Tip: Practice 10 targeted questions daily in the final 2 months.

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Geometry & Mensuration – Visual Advantage

• Concept application > memorization.

• Emphasis: Triangle and circle properties, coordinate geometry basics.

Tip: Always draw diagrams, even for simple text-based questions.

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Data Interpretation – Practice is Key

• DI tests your ability to process and analyze numerical data quickly.

• Includes: Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts.

Tip: Time your attempts. Start with 2–3 DI sets per week and scale up.

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Modern Math – The Advanced Layer

• Topics like Probability, P&C, and Set Theory are scoring but not frequent.

• Recommended only after mastering core topics.

Tip: Don’t over-invest prep time here—cover the basics, then move on.

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3. Time Management in IPMAT Quant

Skipping a difficult question early is a smart time-saving strategy—not a sign of failure.

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4. Sample Weekly IPMAT Math Prep Plan

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5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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6. Sample IPMAT Quant Questions

Sample 1: Arithmetic – Time, Speed, Distance

Q: A train travels 150 km in 3 hours and then another 200 km in 5 hours. What is the average speed of the train?

A: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time = (150 + 200) / (3 + 5) = 350 / 8 = 43.75 km/h

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Sample 2: Algebra – Quadratic Equation

Q: If the roots of the quadratic equation x2+px+12=0x^2 + px + 12 = 0x2+px+12=0 are -3 and -4, find the value of $p$.

A: Sum of roots = -p ⇒ -3 + (-4) = -7 ⇒ p = 7

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Sample 3: Geometry – Coordinate Geometry

Q: What is the distance between the points (3, 4) and (0, 0)?

A: Use the distance formula:
√[(3 - 0)² + (4 - 0)²] = √(9 + 16) = 5 units

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Sample 4: Number System – Remainders

Q: What is the remainder when 17³ is divided by 5?

A: 17 ≡ 2 (mod 5), so 17³ ≡ 2³ = 8 ≡ 3 (mod 5)

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Final Note

Cracking IPMAT Quant is not just about speed—it’s about structured practice, clarity of concepts, and mock analysis.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we recommend students begin with a topic-wise foundation phase, followed by time-bound practice and mock test analysis.