IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is a popular national-level entrance exam conducted by IIMs. Recently, there’s been a trending discussion on the topic: Fresher vs Droppers: Who has a higher edge? Clearly, someone who has mastered the art of accuracy, consistency and time management is definitely a winner in the IPMAT 2026. Besides this, know that freshers with a strong academic background will start their preparation with fresh minds to crack IPMAT after completing their 10+2 examination or appearing for one. When it comes to droppers, they also have a major benefit due to familiarity with the syllabus, marking scheme, main topics, etc. Above all, it’s mainly dependent on your preparation and how you commence your journey to qualify for the IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak or JIPMAT in the next year. In this blog, we have discussed briefly the preparation strategies from both categories. Additionally, we have also shared how mock tests can transform your entire preparation and make you succeed in the IPMAT exam, which is all set to take place tentatively in May 2026, all across India. 

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Fresher vs Droppers: IPMAT 2026 Basic Preparation Strategies

Over the years, we have witnessed significant competition in IPMAT. The easy syllabus, time-saving course, industry exposure and amazing placement opportunities have led the students to choose this pathway for establishing a secure career. When it comes to deciding who has a higher advantage from Fresher vs Droppers, there’s no definite answer. It’s entirely dependent on your learning strategies, assignments and mock test practice. An effective study plan can take you to heights, helping you touch the success graph. Hereby, we have come up with a result-oriented IPMAT 2026 strategy that can be followed by both freshers and droppers. Remember that the entire syllabus is similar for the repeaters and the first-time aspirants. You simply need to dive deep into robust preparation for accomplishing your aim to clear the IPMAT Indore 2026 or IPMAT Rohtak 2026. Sharing a list of beneficial strategies for your guidance.

• IPMAT 2026 Syllabus Breakdown: Pick the prominent topics from every section that can help you score maximum marks and cover 80% of the syllabus. 
• Proficiency in Time-Management: Set a timer and build your target to answer the daily assignments and mocks before the deadline. 
• Choose a Highly-Qualified Mentor: Your preparation will remain stagnant if you don’t ask for mentorship advice. Enrol for iQuanta courses and receive constant guidance from the experts starting from Day 1 until to clear the personal interview for IPMAT.
• Learn to Manage Stress and Anxiety: Prevent this preparation journey from taking a toll on your mental health or hampering your progress rate. Build an optimistic approach and practice stress-management techniques to remain calm and positive. 
• Understand the Exam and Marking Pattern: Solve PYQs from IPMAT and JIPMAT, and examine which topics are repeated every year. Check if there are repetitive questions in every section. Also, understand the positive and negative marking scheme in IPMAT Indore 2026, IPMAT Rohtak 2026 and JIPMAT 2026. 
• Complete Syllabus On Time: Divide your IPMAT preparation into three stages. In Phase 1, your objective should be to develop a solid proficiency across all the sections. Next, move to complex topics and increase your reading speed in Phase 2. Lastly, revise and practice full-length mocks for detailed performance analysis. 

How Should Freshers Manage Boards and IPMAT Preparation?

Preparing for the IPMAT while appearing for the 12th-grade examinations can be a nightmare for a few students who have zero idea about the right preparation plan. You might constantly juggle between the two and stumble into a challenging situation. Henceforth, we have come up with useful strategies, after following which you can easily achieve double victory in one go. Imagine how amazing it will be, right? You passed the 10+2 examination with flying colours and, on the other hand, achieved your dream to pursue a combined UG-BBA + PG-MBA course from a top-tier business school too. Let’s now take you through those valuable preparation tips for your success. 

• Start Now: It will take 6-12 months to complete the IPMAT 2026 syllabus. So, develop a phase-wise preparation plan where you have segregated equivalent time for the board exam and IPMAT preparations. Take a calendar and track down the important dates to cover the syllabus from both examinations.
• Focus on Mathematics and English: If you have opted for mathematics in 10+2, then pay more attention to strengthening your foundation in these subjects. Learn every chapter and practice questions, which will eventually help you grasp the IPMAT 2026 syllabus in less time.
• Prepare with iQuanta: Register for IPMAT 2026 Preparation courses and eliminate low self-esteem and underconfidence from your preparation series. If you choose us, our experts will teach you through live sessions and application classes. As a result, your basic knowledge will be crystal clear about topics from Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning. 
• Extra Time for Mock Test Practice: You will have a lot of time after your board exams are over. Start appearing for full-length mock tests every day and analyse them the next day to spot the repeated errors. Increase your mock attempts as compared to the initial preparation stages and evaluate your performance. 
• Prioritise Your Health and Sleep Schedule: Avoid studying late at night or not getting enough sleep. Being an IPMAT 2026 aspirant, you must sleep for 8 hours to stay fresh throughout the day while preparing for an MBA entrance exam. Skip junk food, meditate daily and watch motivational lectures. 

How Much Importance Does Mock Tests Hold For Freshers vs Droppers?

Every candidate must appear for the mock tests to gauge their knowledge and practice skills. Ideally, it’s non-negotiable, and you cannot skip mocks. In relevance to the same context, take a look at the key reasons that signify the importance of mock tests in the IPMAT 2026. 

• Use your results to keep a track of repetitive mistakes and watch video solutions to resolve them with the correct approach.
• Candidates can easily monitor their mock test performance to find out their weak concepts from the huge pool of topics.
• Always aim to take 3 mock tests per week. Droppers can follow this strategy from the beginning of their preparation. 
• For school students, it’s advisable to appear for one mock/ per week, and you can start with 3-4 mocks after your board exams are over. 
• Maintain the record to appear for sectional tests and full-length mock tests to get an idea about the exam pattern and type of questions. 
• Accelerate your time-management and accuracy skills by solving a diversified set of questions from every category.

How Does iQuanta Help Freshers and Droppers for IPMAT?

iQuanta has a team of skilled and experienced IPMAT faculty members who demonstrate astounding knowledge about the syllabus. Clearly, they have an idea about the important formulas, helpful resources and advantageous teaching methods. More than 200 students who have joined us have received calls from IIMs and have got early entry into a reputed B-school to complete a five-year dual management programme – IPM. Go through some of the prominent reasons to choose iQuanta for your IPMAT 2026 preparation. 

• Availability of the 24*7 doubt-solving facilities for students.
• Allows the students to study in community groups.
• 7-step approach to enhance the fundamental knowledge
• Access to a sheet that consists of strategies and formulas
• Special QA modules for non-maths students.
• Beginner modules for VARC topics are accessible to everyone.

Final Words 

So far, there have been countless discussions on the topic: Fresher vs Dropper – Who Actually Has The Edge in IPMAT? If you ask us, then we would state no one. Only those IPMAT aspirants have leverage who have a strong and focused aim to clear IPMAT in 2026. Above all, solid preparation and familiarity with shortcuts will be your key to success to secure admission into the IPM programme offered by top management schools like IIM Indore, IIM Ranchi, IIFT Kakinada, IIM Amritsar, NIRMA, NALSAR, TAPMI, IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Bodhgaya and TAPMI. Thus, opt for a consistent approach, be disciplined throughout and gaze your eyes to score high in the IPMAT 2026 and forget that if you’re appearing for the first time or if it’s your other attempt. Just rely on your preparation masterplan and practice strategically to achieve your goal. 

Fresher vs Droppers in IPMAT – FAQs