IIM Indore conducted the IPM-AT on 11th May, 2018 across various centres in the country. The test was a computer based test and had a total of 100 questions. Unlike last year, the structure of the test was different this year and the questions were spread across three sections – Quantitative Ability (Short Answer Type questions), Quantitative Ability (MCQs), and Verbal Ability with 20, 40, and 40 questions respectively. Order of sections was also pre-defined. For the second and the third sections, each question carried 4 marks and there was a negative marking of 1 mark for each of the wrong responses. However, in the first section, the answers had to be typed in the box provided against each of the questions. There was no negative marking for incorrect responses.

Test-takers were expected to show their competence in all the three areas. The total duration of the test was 120 minutes – 40 minutes for each of the sections and one could move to the next section only once the sectional time limit was over.

The paper carried the same challenges as it had over the past years - difficult and lengthy questions.

Let us now have a look at the individual sections:

Section 1: Quantitative Ability (Short Answer Type Questions)

Unlike last year, IPM-AT had a separate section on short answer type questions in quatitative ability area. There was no negative marking in this section. This section was medium-high in terms of difficulty. The questions were asked from the topics like Logarithms, Sequence & Series, P&C, Probability, Arithmetic, Venn Diagrams, etc.

A score of (36 +/- 2) can be considered good shot in this section.

Section 2: Quantitative Ability (MCQ)

As has been the case for a few years now, the Quantitative Ability (MCQ) section proved to be yet again a difficult one. A significant number of questions were present from Numbers, Algebra, Pure Maths, and a few from Arithmetic as well. A break-up of the topic-wise questions is given as under.

A score of around (72 +/- 2) can be considered a good score in this section.

Section 3: Verbal Ability

There were no surprises in the Verbal Ability section this year, as the pattern was similar to that of previous years. The section was easy and all the questions could have been attempted in the stipulated amount of time.

Following is the broad structure of this section:

An attempt of 32-34 can be considered a good attempt in the section.

Overall Verdict

Despite changes in the overall pattern, the cut-offs are expected to be around 135+.

Disclaimer: All information on cut-offs, analysis, and scores are based on independent analysis and evaluation made by T.I.M.E. We do not take responsibility for any decision that might be taken, based on this information

All the best
Team T.I.M.E.