Admission to IIFT’s flagship MBA program in International Business is a highly sought-after goal for MBA aspirants.
As an MBA from IIFT, students gain direct access to the best career opportunities across global markets.
Using the correct strategy and consistent effort, you can undoubtedly crack the exam.
In this article, we have discussed some IIFT exam preparation tips and ways of increasing the score with tried-out strategies.
Understanding the Significance of the IIFT Exam
The IIFT exam opens doors to one of the country’s most elite business schools.
A very competitive test, it measures a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative analysis, logical reasoning, verbal skills, and general knowledge.
Its international business focus gives the program, and by extension, the test, a unique identity from all other MBA entrance tests.
Given the dynamic marking scheme and sectional cut-offs, excelling in all sections is essential.
Overview of the IIFT Exam
Before starting your preparation, it is crucial to understand the IIFT syllabus and pattern .
The exam comprises four sections:
1.Quantitative Ability (QA): Tests your mathematical problem-solving skills, which focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
2.Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests your language proficiency, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension abilities.
3.Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Tests your analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities using data and logical puzzles.
4.General Knowledge (GK): Contains static and current affairs, like politics, economics, international relations, and business, among other things.
The exam will last two hours, with sectional cut-offs and a negative marking scheme adding complexity to the exam.
Understanding the exam format is the first step in cracking it.
Step-by-Step IIFT Preparation Plan
- Understand the Syllabus: Understand the detailed syllabus and make sections based on their weightage and difficulty level.
- Create a Study Schedule: Make time for every section to be covered uniformly. Prepare 2–3 hours daily and gradually increase the intensity as the date of the exam approaches.
- Strong Foundations: Start with the basics, which ensures conceptual clarity in QA, VARC, and DILR.
4.Practice Daily: Solve a mix of quantitative problems, reading comprehension passages, and logical puzzles every day.
5.Take Mock Tests: Begin taking mock tests once the basics are covered to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation.
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy for IIFT Exam
An effective section-wise strategy for IIFT is critical for balanced preparation.
1.Quantitative Ability (QA)
– Focus on arithmetic topics like percentages, profit and loss, time and work, and geometry, which form a significant part of the syllabus.
– Learn shortcut techniques for faster calculations.
– Solve topic-specific questions before moving to mixed problem sets.
2.Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
– Enhance your vocabulary using resources like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
– Read different types of articles to enhance speed and comprehension.
– Grammar: sentence correction, error spotting, and para jumbles.
3.Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
– Practice data interpretation from charts, graphs, and tables.
– Logical reasoning topics like seating arrangement, puzzles, and syllogisms.
– Time yourself while solving DILR sets to improve accuracy under pressure.
4.General Knowledge (GK)
– Stay updated with current affairs, especially in the fields of business, international trade, and economics.
– Use sources like The Manorama Yearbook and monthly magazines such as The Hindu Business Line for comprehensive coverage.
– Create notes on important events, awards, and international relations for revision.
Importance of Solving IIFT Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests
While doing the preparation work for the exam, among other tips to ace the IIFT exams,
1.Understand the Exam Pattern: an excellent idea would be to make ample use of IIFT Previous Year papers and MOCKs: students are better exposed to question types,
2.Identify Key Topics: difficulty levels while in their exam thereby allowing themselves adequate preparation.
3.Improve Time Management: Simulate exam conditions to allocate time effectively across sections.
4.Boost Confidence: Regular practice helps in reducing exam-day anxiety and improving accuracy.
After each mock test, analyze your performance to identify weak areas and refine your preparation strategy.
Time Management Techniques for the IIFT Exam
Efficient time management for the IIFT exam is crucial, given the exam’s limited duration:
1.Prioritize Sections: Allocate time to each section based on its weightage and your strengths.
2.Set Time Limits: Divide your time wisely spend no more than 30 minutes on GK and dedicate more time to high scoring sections like VARC or QA.
3.Avoid Wasting Time: If stuck on a question, move on and return later if time permits.
4.Practice Timed Tests: Regularly practice solving questions within a set time frame to build speed and confidence.
Recommended Books and Online Resources for IIFT Preparation
Here’s a list of the best books for IIFT preparation :
– QA: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT.
– VARC: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, and High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin.
– DILR: How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma.
– GK: Manorama Yearbook and monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan.
Online resources also include BYJU’s, Unacademy, and Gradeup which provides specific IIFT courses, mock tests, and interactive video lessons.
Last-Minute Preparation Tips for IIFT Exam
As the exam date is nearing, focus on:
- Revision: Revise formulas, vocabulary, and key GK topics.
- Mock Tests: Take 2–3 mock tests in the last week and analyze your performance.
- Do not start new topics: Focus on strengthening your grasp on already studied topics.
- Maintain Health: Prioritize rest, healthy eating, and stress management for optimal focus.
Exam Day Strategy: Maximizing Your Score in IIFT
Your IIFT exam day strategy can significantly impact your performance:
– Arrive Early: Reach the exam center on time to avoid last-minute stress.
– Follow a Plan: Attempt sections in order of your strengths to maximize scores early on.
– Avoid Overthinking: Read questions carefully and avoid second-guessing.
-Monitor Time: Keep track of time to ensure all sections are attempted.
Keep cool and calm in your head while taking the exam.
Conclusion
These IIFT Exam Preparation Tips will help you practice, manage time, and tackle this exam with all your composure.
With mastering a section-wise strategy for IIFT, and access to resources including mock test tips and recommended books,
A very competitive test, it measures a candidate’s aptitude in quantitative analysis, logical reasoning, verbal skills, and general knowledge.