Is Maths Compulsory for IPMAT: A Comprehensive Guide

The Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore is a prestigious five-year undergraduate program that combines management studies with undergraduate-level courses. Most aspiring candidates are often plagued by the question: Is maths compulsory for IPMAT? 

Short Answer: No

Long Answer: Well, read Ahead 

In this article, we’ll delve into the importance of mathematics in IPMAT and clarify the requirements.

Is Maths Compulsory for IPMAT? (Not really, but it sure is important)

Mathematics is a fundamental subject in management education, particularly in IPM. It helps develop:

1. Analytical skills
2. Problem-solving abilities
3. Logical reasoning
4. Quantitative aptitude

Maths in IPMAT Exam

Currently, there are three IPMATs, so to speak – IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT. 

1. IPMAT Indore is accepted by IIM Ranchi, Nirma University, NALSAR Hyderabad, TAPMI
2. IPMAT Rohtak is accepted by IIM Rohtak and NALSAR Hyderabad 
3. JIPMAT is accepted by IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, and NALSAR Hyderabad. 

Talking about the paper pattern of each: 

IPMAT Indore Paper Pattern 

A student gets a personal interview call if they clear all three sectional cut-offs.

IPMAT Rohtak Paper Pattern

There is no sectional time limit or sectional cut-off. If the student clears overall cut-offs, there will be a personal interview call.

JIPMAT Paper Pattern

There is no sectional time limit or sectional cut-off. If the student clears overall cut-offs, there will be a personal interview call.

As can be seen, each IPMAT exam includes a Quantitative Ability (QA) section (IPMAT Indore has 2 sections), which is testimony to the Importance of Math in clearing IPMAT exams. Basically, the answer to the question – is Maths compulsory for IPMAT? – is no, but it sure is important. 

When we examine the cutoffs of each IPMAT exam, we uncover even more insights related to the importance of Math in IPMAT.

IPMAT Indore Cutoffs

IPMAT Rohtak Cutt offs for previous years 

JIPMAT Cutt Offs for previous years

Since IIM Indore has a sectional cutoff, it is impossible to proceed to the next round without a sound base in Mathematics. Even IIM Ranchi, which accepts IPMAT Indore scores, has a cutoff north of 190, which proves the point that a candidate needs to be at least decently comfortable with Mathematics. Simply put, instead of worrying about ‘is maths compulsory for IPMAT’, you’re better off studying maths well. 

A few other good colleges accepting IPMAT Indore scores are Nirma University at Ahmedabad, TAPMI at Manipal, and NALSAR at Hyderabad. These colleges either have very minimal sectional cutoffs (viz. Nirma University) or only overall cutoffs, which can be managed by leveraging the VA section. Scoring in the range of 130-160 in IPMAT Indore is good enough to fetch a Personal Interview call from these institutes. 

Coming to IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT, do not have sectional cutoffs, which means a student can fully leverage the other two sections and try to maximise the overall score. Also, there is no sectional time limit in these exams, which means a candidate can allot most of the exam time to the other two sections. 

Having said that,  on a closer look it is clear that the overall cutoffs are so high that it is very improbable to land an admit with sub-par Maths. A student may not be a math wizard to clear these exams, but he/she can surely not be a dud at Maths. 

Is Maths Compulsory for IPMAT – Topics that you should study for IPMAT

1. Algebra – Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Modulus, Logarithms, etc.
2. Geometry – Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, etc.
3. Number Systems – LCM-HCF, Divisibility rules, etc.
4. Data Interpretation – Bar charts, Line graphs, Pie charts, etc.
5. Arithmetic – Percentages, Profit Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages, Time, Speed, Distance, etc.
6. Modern Maths – Set Theory, Permutations Combinations. Matrices, Probability, etc.

These topics should give a fair idea of the topics required to master the Maths for IPMAT exams. 

Also, thinking hypothetically, even if somehow a candidate (BAD at mathematics) manages to enter the IPM course, the worst is not over yet. Math is a foundational part of the IPM course itself, so it is not like Math would not trouble the student anymore. 

IPM curriculum with Maths

1. Quantitative Methods

Quantitative Methods (QM) is a fundamental course in the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIMs, covering mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze and solve management problems.

QM typically covers the following topics: Mathematical Foundations, Statistical Foundations, Quantitative Techniques,  Data Analysis and Visualization, and Applications in Management.

2. Statistics

Statistics is a crucial component of the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIMs. It covers theoretical and applied statistical concepts for analysing and interpreting data for informed decision-making.

Statistics in IPM typically covers Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, and Statistical Inference. 

3. Operations Research

OR in IPM typically covers linear programming (LP), Integer Programming (IP), Dynamic Programming (DP), Network Optimization, Queueing Theory, Inventory Management, Decision Analysis, Simulation, and Modeling. 

4. Financial Management

Financial Management (FM) is a crucial course in the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) at IIMs. It focuses on financial decision-making, analysis, and management.

FM in IPM typically covers the financial Environment, Financial Statement Analysis, Time Value of Money, Investment Decisions, Financing Decisions, Working Capital Management, Risk Management, Financial Markets and Instruments, Corporate Finance, and International Finance. 

So, all in all, an IPM course without a sound base in Mathematics would be nothing short of a nightmare if it becomes a reality. You can imagine the ride if the best-case scenario of something is a nightmare.

So, technically, as we’ve answered the ‘Is Maths compulsory for IPMAT’ question, Math is NOT compulsory for IPMAT exams. However, it is key to cracking the tests and succeeding on campus, too.

Finally, With dedication and practice, a student can develop the required mathematical skills to clear the exams and then the course itself. 

What if I’m Weak in Maths?

Don’t worry! If you’re weak in mathematics:

1. Start preparing early
2. Focus on basics and concepts
3. Practice regularly
4. Take mock tests

If clearing IPMAT is your goal and you’re weak at Maths, then you need to start prep early, preferably from the 11th standard itself. At IMS, we’ve got tailor-made, rigorous IPMAT preparation programs that ensure your mathematical competence is at par with the standards required to succeed in the IPM program. Moreover, the programs are designed to help you ace other BBA and BA entrances as well. Click on the banner below to learn more about the program.