Tips For IBSAT Exam 2024

IBSAT is the golden ticket to the dream MBA from the ICFAI Business Schools, and if you"re sitting for IBSAT 2024, then voila. You"ve landed on the right page; I am going to give you actionable tips, detailed insights, and strategic advice required to ace this exam with full confidence.

Now, I shall give you the knowledge of exam structure, which would help you focus on some key points, and how best to optimize your preparation with this step-by-step approach that will set you up for success! 

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Step I: Understanding the IBSAT Exam Structure

Understanding the exam pattern will help in forming a study plan accordingly. It will definitely guide your efforts to "value-for-money" areas.

Time to attempt: 2 hours (120 minutes)

Delivery of Exam: Online (Computer-based)

Total Questions: 140

  Marking Scheme:1 for every correct answer, no negative marking

Sections:

•   Verbal Ability
•   Reading Comprehension
•   Quantitative Aptitude
•   Data Adequacy & Data Interpretation

Tip : Time management is the key. With 140 questions that are to be answered in 120 minutes, it comes out to less than a minute for each question. Good time management and practice will be the difference-maker here.

1. How to Master Verbal Ability

The Verbal Ability section of IBSAT would generally include questions on sentence completion, vocabulary, grammar, and idioms/phrases. It tests your command over the English language, which is just as important in this exam as in your future as a business professional.

Key Areas to Focus On

• Vocabulary: You will require a good vocabulary while attempting this section so, learn new words daily and use flashcards or vocabulary apps for perfection.
• Grammar & Sentence Correction: Revisit basic rules of grammar. Ensure you are learning all about subject verb agreement, tenses, structure of the sentence, and prepositions.
• Idioms & Phrases: Get familiar with common idioms and phrases as these often pop up in questions related to sentence completion.
• Tip: For 20 minutes each day, read books, articles, and newspapers. Apart from increasing your reading rate, you would lighten up on new words and sentence structures. Note down unfamiliar words and practice them daily.

Example Questions:

Which of the following words is closest in meaning to "Ephemeral"?

 a) Eternal

b) Fleeting

c) Consistent

d) Immortal

Correct the sentence: "She doesn"t like pizza as much as pasta."

By asking such questions, you can get high marks in this section by improving your command over English.

2. Taming Reading Comprehension (RC)

Reading Comprehension, undoubtedly, is one of the toughest sections that requires both speed as well as deep comprehension of the passage. There are a number of RC passages, inferences, themes, tone, and factual information-related questions in IBSAT.

Success Strategies:

Active Reading : As you read, attentively underline or write down whatever really stands out, such as the most important idea, the author"s tone, and supporting evidence. You will find that when they ask you a question, you can respond without having to re-read the whole passage.

Practice Summarizing: After you have read a section, summarize in your own words what the author is trying to say. This will help you not forget what you are reading and improves comprehension skills.

Build Reading Speed: Practice reading editorials, business journals, and non-fiction books. Make sure you read it in a reasonable amount of time in relation to setting up a timer.

Pro Tip: Condition your brain to scan through extra information in a passage without losing on the important details. In fact, the usual passage in the RC section generally ranges from 300-500 words so practicing this is a must.

Example RC Question:

Passages With Excerpt: "Global warming is no longer an issue for the future—it has become a reality affecting our present lives. Rising sea levels, dramatic climatic changes, and intensifying droughts are just some of the few manifestations of the even greater problem at hand."

Question: What can be gathered from the text pertaining to the author"s opinion about global warming?

 a) It is something that is overhyped.

 b) It is an existing problem of the present times.

 c) It is going to worsen in the future.

 d) The worst part is going to be faced in the future. That happened in the future, in 2015. That has nothing to do with the change in the weather.

The Quantitative Ability section tests the mathematical skills of a student in all kinds of topics, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. This section is usually challenging for students, but with the proper preparation strategy, it can be your most scoring section.

3.Important Topics to Focus On:

• Arithmetic: Percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, time-speed-distance and ratio-proportion form basic topics.
• Algebra: Equations, inequalities, and functions are basic concepts. Revise the manipulation of algebra.
• Geometry: Also, some triangles, circles, and mensuration type questions might be included; thus, know relevant formulas and theorems .
• Pro-Tip: Make a formula cheat sheet which includes all important formulas and shortcuts. Make use of it during daily revision to keep yourself fresh with concepts .

 Example QA Problem:

A man travels 120 km in 3 hours. He increases his speed by 10 km/h and travels the same distance in 2.5 hours. Find out his initial speed.

To solve this, break the problem down step-by-step and make optimal usage of speed-distance-time formulas.

4. Solving Data Interpretation & Adequacy

This section deals with the interpretation and analysis of data present in charts, graphs, tables, or caselets. Although simple in application, the task lies in the correctness and the speed at which you can solve these questions.

Key Tips for Success:

Data Adequacy: These questions call for whether you have enough information to answer a question, which can be tricky. Practice identifying critical pieces of data, and ignore irrelevant information.

Data Interpretation (DI): Improve your reading and interpretation of bar graphs, line charts, and pie charts. The more you practice, the quicker you will get at spotting the pattern and trends.

Pro Tip: Practice mental mathematics to quickly calculate. DI questions don"t allow calculators.

 Example DI Problem:

Based on the table below, what is the percent increase in sales for Product B from 2019 to 2020?

The more such questions you practice, the more likely you are to tackle large data sets within the stipulated time limits.

5. Time Management - The Game Changer

Time management is what will make or break your performance in IBSAT. You should ensure to get a balance between time consumed and accuracy in all the four sections. Spending too much time over one question may lead you to lose easier questions.

Tips to Time Management:

• Divide and Conquer: Give time to each segment before the exam and take it accordingly. For instance, on QA you won"t take over 40 minutes and on Verbal Ability, less than 30 minutes.
• Skip and Return: Never get stuck on tricky questions. Underline them and move ahead. Come back to them only at the end if you have time left over.
• Practice Mock Tests: Engage in full-length mocks to learn how to time-manage properly. Go through your last test and accordingly shift your strategy after each test.
• Pro Tip: Treat mock tests as a dress rehearsal for the actual exam day. Adapt to the pressure with mock conditions.

6. Periodical Revision and Mock Tests

Revision for longer-term retention is essential. Because there are too many topics and concepts, the possibility of forgetting what has been learned occurs unless revised from time to time.

Revision Strategies:

Daily Revision: Some time must be given for daily revision of concepts, especially in Quant and DI. Problem areas must be focused on.

• Take Mock Tests Weekly: Mock tests will not only help in time management but give a real view of what is already being prepared at present.
• Analyze Mistakes: For each practice, study the questions you got wrong so that you can identify your mistakes. This way, they will not crop up in the actual examination.

7. Healthy Balance of Study and Life

Don"t get too good at studying either. Burnout sets in to make sure returns dwindle. Find a healthy balance between study and relaxation. Take breaks, exercise, and sleep enough.

Final Pro Tip: Keep your cool, stay calm, and have faith in the preparation you have done. A right mindset can make all the difference for you to ace IBSAT 2024!

Conclusion

Preparing for the IBSAT exam is all about strategic preparation, persistent practice, and getting the right mental make-up. Ensure you adhere to the points mentioned above and you are going to be on your way to achieving your dream of getting into one of the top business schools.

Do more, keep concentrated, and think of perfecting your strategy as you drive towards the date of the exam. Good luck!