There is no single answer to this question, but as experts, we always suggest preparing as early as possible. 

Starting your IPM/BBA preparation early will not only give you an edge over others but also be a crucial step toward securing a seat in some of the elite management schools in India. Let’s take a look at why starting early is important.

Level of Difficulty

Aspirants should keep in mind that IPMAT or BBA entrance exams are highly competitive exams and every year pools of candidates vie for it to secure admission. Hence, starting your preparations early will give you more advantage as you will have enough time to cover the whole topics in the syllabus and solve as many mocks as you want to.

Better Grasp on Syllabus

The IPMAT syllabus includes sections like math, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. However, it is not mandatory to have math as a subject to appear for the entrance exam, so if any non-math students want to take the exam; they can do so by studying for the exam early on.  

 

The Math section is based on the 11th and 12th grade syllabus. So if you begin early, you will have plenty of time to grasp the core concepts of Math. In the VA section, you’re required to have a good knack for grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. For more improvement, read as many books as you can including newspapers, magazines, editorials, and so on. Whereas in the LR section, you need critical thinking skills and hence it is essential to keep solving problems to refine your skills.

Time Management

So when preparing for a top-level competitive exam like the IPMAT, time management is key. A good study strategy is all about allocating ample time to prioritize each subject. The suitable method to supervise your study time is to split it into smaller parts and work on it regularly. Take enough time before the exam to revise and analyze what you have studied.

 

Also read: How to prepare for IPMAT

IPM/BBA Coaching Classes 

If self-preparation is not enough, students can always consider joining an IPMAT coaching class. Many of the coaching institutes, like Career Launcher too provide study resources, mock tests, and personalized advice from educators. Nevertheless, enrolling in a coaching class is only an option. Self-study is more than sufficient if you utilize your time properly and follow a good strategy.

Mock Tests

If you want to achieve success in the IPMAT exam, it is all about time, effort, and practice. Take your mock tests seriously and on a daily basis. This will allow you to understand your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly. In addition to that, mock tests will also help to get habituated to the exam setting and enhance your confidence on the exam day. 

How to decide the right time to start your IPM/BBA preparation?

Every student’s requirements for preparation for competitive exams are different. For example, a crucial factor while taking these tests is a student’s temperament to face any problem and this is a very personal issue that may take more than a few months to build or change. 

 

In such a scenario, it is advisable to take care of the aspects of your preparation that are still in your hand, like knowing the exam pattern, mastering the key concepts, sticking to the preparation, and being consistent with mock tests.  

 

Following are some key areas, an aspirant must be on toes with: 

Get to Know the IPMAT Exam Pattern

Before you start your IPMAT preparation journey, it is important to first understand the whole IPMAT exam pattern and other BBA entrance exam patterns as well. The test evaluates your aptitude skills in areas like QA, VA, and LR. Having complete awareness of the format and subjects of the test is the initial step in identifying what works for you and what doesn’t. 

Early Preparation: 10th Grade or Earlier

If you have a clear vision of pursuing a career in management from a very young age, it is best to start your preparation in 10th grade or earlier. Commencing early fosters you to develop a solid foundation in Mathematics and English which is required for the IPM & BBA entrance exams.

Ideal Time to Begin Preparing: 11th Grade

Class 11 is considered the ideal time to start your IPM or BBA entrance exam preparation. At this time, you have about two years to thoroughly prepare, which enables you to follow a balanced strategy.  

 

By practicing regularly, you will eventually cover the syllabus and can still handle your school studies effectively. The benefit of starting in 11th grade is that it gives you plenty of time to learn and grasp the concepts without any burnout.

Taking a Year Gap

Many aspirants are often willing to take a year gap after completing their 12th grade to focus on the IPMAT exam preparation. While this alternative may give you ample time to prepare, it's an important decision that you must make after carefully considering the pros and cons before coming to a final decision. 

  

Nonetheless, taking a year gap is advantageous if you haven’t prepared enough or want to give your best at securing a good rank. 

 

In conclusion, the best time to begin your IPMAT preparation solely depends on your circumstances, academic routine, and comfort with the topics and subjects included.