Hii,Integrated Programme in Management [IPM], is a five year post graduate programme offered by IIM-Indore. There are around 120 seats available and a three-step selection process:

A completed application form has to be filled by the student detailing his / her academic and co-curricular achievements.

An entrance exam to test the aptitude, Logical Reasoning and English and Mathematics skills must be taken by all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria based on their application forms.

On being shortlisted, the applicants are further assessed via a Personal Interview.

Since you have specifically asked about IPMAT and Personal Interview, I will leave the rest of the details aside.

IPM Aptitude Test [IPMAT]

The pattern of the Aptitude test is as follows:

There are two sections:

100 questions to be answered in 120 minutes.

Right answers get 4 marks.

Wrong answers are penalized at 1 mark per incorrect answer.

Personal Interview [PI]

Let me quote a phrase shared with me by my mentor when I was preparing for the IIM Ahmedabad Interview stage:

‘They won’t want to see your knowledge.

They would want to see how you use your knowledge at the right time’

That was my mantra behind cracking the IIMA interview. The IIM Indore’s website clearly specifies the attributes that they desire from IPM students:

1. Communication skills

2. General awareness

3. Persuasion skills

4. Confidence levels

This makes your task relatively easy. However, you shouldn’t bank on these points alone. Usually, candidates who get through the PI round are ones who are aware of themselves, their surroundings [city, state, country and world], assertive but not aggressive and self-confident. These attributes should be prominent in all your replies.

A handy tip: If you don’t know the answer to the question posed by an interviewer, admit it. Don’t try to bluff your way through it.

Although, the number of students applying for the IPM programme are lesser as compared to CAT, it doesn’t make it any easier. Preparing for the IPMAT by studying at home, without any guidance can be counterproductive. Assess your strengths and weaknesses by appearing for some mock tests and drawing out a study plan.

I help run ExamVictor, an online coaching institute which helps students in their preparation for competitive exams. We have an online course for IIM IPM which would be able to help you. With a team of dedicated IIT-IIM grads, we ensure that you are well-prepared to submit your applicant for a seat in these prestigious business schools and confident enough to make it through all the rounds.

Drop me a line if you have any further questions.

Good Luck!