The Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams for students aiming to secure admission to the five-year integrated management programs at prestigious institutes like IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and IIM Ranchi. Among its sections, the Verbal Ability (VA) section plays a crucial role in determining success. This section tests a candidate’s proficiency in English, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Understanding the Verbal Ability Section in IPMAT
The Verbal Ability section primarily includes:
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
- Error Spotting and Sentence Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Word Usage (Synonyms & Antonyms)
IPMAT Indore and Rohtak have slightly different question distributions, but the fundamental skills required remain the same.
Step-by-Step Strategy to Master Verbal Ability
1. Develop Strong Reading Habits
Reading comprehension makes up a significant part of the VA section. To excel:
- Read editorials from The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Economist.
- Read fiction and non-fiction books to improve reading speed and comprehension.
- Make notes of new words and their meanings while reading.
2. Enhance Your Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary helps in answering synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, and comprehension-based questions.
- Use flashcards (Apps like Anki or Quizlet).
- Maintain a vocabulary journal.
- Learn roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words.
- Practice with word lists from Barron’s GRE or Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy.
3. Master Grammar and Sentence Correction
- Refer to books like Wren & Martin and High School Grammar by Raymond Murphy.
- Practice subject-verb agreement, tenses, modifiers, and parallelism.
- Solve error detection and sentence correction questions daily.
4. Excel in Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement
- Identify logical sequences and connectors like however, therefore, thus, etc.
- Look for mandatory pairs (sentences that go together logically).
- Practice at least 10-15 para jumbles every day.
5. Regular Mock Tests and Analysis
- Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests to track progress.
- Analyze mistakes, identify weak areas, and revise accordingly.
- Practice with previous years’ IPMAT question papers.
Recommended Study Materials
- Books:
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
- High School Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin
- Objective General English – SP Bakshi
- Online Resources:
- The Hindu Editorials
- IPMAT-specific coaching material
- Apps like Magoosh and Quizlet for vocabulary building
Daily Study Plan for Verbal Ability
| Time | Task |
| 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Read an editorial and note down new words |
| 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Practice 10 vocabulary words (synonyms, antonyms, usage) |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Grammar exercises + Para jumbles practice |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Reading comprehension practice + mock test |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Reading Comprehension: This section requires regular practice to improve speed and accuracy.
- Memorizing Vocabulary Without Context: Learn words in context to remember them better.
- Skipping Grammar Rules: Even small grammar errors can change the meaning of a sentence.
- Not Reviewing Mistakes: Always analyze and learn from incorrect answers.
Final Tips for Success
- Be Consistent: Daily practice is key to mastering Verbal Ability.
- Time Yourself: Work on speed while maintaining accuracy.
- Use Smart Techniques: Learn skimming and scanning for RC passages.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers and magazines to enhance comprehension skills.
- Stay Confident: With regular practice, you’ll gain confidence to tackle any verbal ability challenge.
By following this structured plan, you can boost your IPMAT Verbal Ability score and improve your chances of securing a seat in top IIMs. Start your preparation today and stay committed to your goal!
