What makes IIFT entrance exam different

What makes IIFT entrance exam different
The major difference between IIFT and the other exams is the section on general awareness. Another factor is the number of questions. There is no fixed number of questions, through the duration remains the same – two hours. IIFT 2011 had 120 questions, IIFT 2010 had 135 and IIFT 2009 had 122 questions. Compared with CAT (60 questions) or XAT (85-95 questions), the number of questions in IIFT exam is considerably high.

A candidate should keep in mind the following issues in order to do well in the IIFT 2012.

Time management: Time management is the most important aspect of cracking IIFT exam. Since the duration is just two hours and the number of questions is higher compared with other tests, you must make a strategy to answer the maximum number of questions accurately. “IIFT exam paper has two hours and there are too many questions that test selection capability and solving ability. The test is always a tough one to crack,” Srinivas Raman, a student of IIFT, said.

Speed: IIFT is a speed-based exam considering the number of questions and the time allotted to solve them. “You should be much faster in calculations and do loads of general reading. Start practicing speed mathematics a few weeks before the IIFT exam,” says Raman.

Maintain accuracy: Accuracy is an important factor for the IIFT exam as it involves negative marking. Since you have to put much of your focus and concentration on time management and speed, there are chances that you will not be able to check on the accuracy front. But you must not compromise on the accuracy factor. “Focus more on speed without compromising on the correctness of answers,” advises Magesh Kumar, an IIFT alumnus.

Expect the unexpected: As IIFT is a dynamic exam, you have to be prepared for any pattern of questions. “The paper pattern keeps changing every year; so you cannot really predict the pattern beforehand,” said Mahima Jain, an IIFT student who took the exam in 2010 and scored 39.60.

Put special focus on general awareness: Good preparation for the general awareness section will not only help you in the said section, but in the data interpretation section as well. “A good preparation in GK will help you in the DI section as well,” said Yogesh Kumar, who scored 42.89 in IIFT 2010 exam.

“The weightage given to the general awareness section is lesser than the other sections. Hence, make sure that you just clear the cut offs,” Mahima states.

While preparing for general awareness section, focus on sobriquets of famous personalities, recent awards, business & corporate news, etc.