‘Many students avoid mock tests, but I found them essential’

Meet Hitin KR Gupta, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura, who scored an exceptional AIR 19 in IMPMAT.  His journey wasn’t without setbacks as just two weeks before the IPMAT, he failed to clear the cutoff in an offline mock test. Instead of letting it shake his resolve, the experience strengthened his mindset, proving that resilience and self-belief are often the biggest differentiators on the road to success.   

Know more..

Congratulations on securing AIR 19 in IPMAT! How did you react when you saw your result?

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be selected, especially given how limited the seats are. So, when I saw my rank, it came as a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t anticipated that the interview round would improve my overall ranking so significantly. Earning the opportunity to join such a prestigious institution still feels a little surreal. 

How did you plan your preparation alongside your Class XII Boards?

Balancing Boards with IPMAT preparation was challenging, as the two have very different syllabi. While school, pre-Boards, and Board exam preparation remained my priority, I dedicated around two hours a day to IPMAT. During the initial months and again in October and November, when Board pressure was lower, I focused more on IPMAT.  

Which sections of the examination did you find most challenging?

Quantitative Aptitude was always my strength, but I knew verbal ability needed more work. To improve, I built a habit of learning new words daily, watched conceptual videos alongside my study material, and took regular mock tests to track my progress and identify areas that needed improvement. 

Share a few study habits, resources, or strategies.

Many students avoid mock tests, but I found them essential. I took them regularly to build confidence and identify my weaknesses. To stay refreshed, I balanced my preparation with sports and music. I also relied on free online resources, which are more than enough if you’re disciplined and consistent. 

How important was time management in your journey?

Time management was probably the most crucial part of my journey. With boards, CUET, and IPMAT running simultaneously, I learnt to prioritise instead of trying to do everything at once. I practiced math and accounts daily while focusing on concepts rather than extensive practice for theory subjects, which saved time. Setting and achieving small daily goals kept me motivated and helped me stay consistent. 

Were there moments when you felt stressed or uncertain? How did you stay motivated during those phases?

Self-doubt is inevitable, and I had my share of difficult days too. At times, I felt underprepared, but I realised that comparing myself to others only added unnecessary stress. On such days, I would switch to a lighter topic instead of forcing myself through something difficult, which helped me stay motivated and consistent. 

How did the teachers and learning environment at school help you?

School played a significant role in my journey. My teachers went beyond academics, helping me build a strong foundation, which meant I could complete most topics in class and devote more time to IPMAT preparation later. At the same time, I made sure to enjoy school life, spending time with friends and playing sports, which helped me stay balanced. 

What activities or interests have helped shape your personality and confidence?

Academics are important, but IPMAT also has an interview round where confidence and personality matter. Participating in case competitions, sports, and activities that required me to think and speak on the spot helped build my confidence and prepared me well for the interview. 

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I have multiple options, including top DU colleges like SRCC and SSCBS, as well as offers from IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Since I’m interested in finance and aspire to build a career in corporate management, I’ll be carefully evaluating each option before making my final decision. 

What do you think helped you stand out and achieve such an exceptional rank?

Nothing extraordinary, honestly. I simply understood my strengths and focused on improving my weaker areas at the right time. Boards remained my priority, as CUET largely overlaps with the school syllabus. My teachers also advised me to strengthen my weaker subjects first and leave stronger areas like Quant for later, and that strategy worked well for me. 

What advice would you give to juniors who are planning to appear for IPMAT? 

IIM Indore is a dream for many aspirants, but cracking it is absolutely possible. Don’t depend solely on other resources, track your own progress, identify your weak areas, and take mock tests regularly. Trust your study material, stay consistent, and be honest about your preparation rather than avoiding your shortcomings.