IIFT exam 2021: Pro tips to crack the entrance exam

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IIFT exam is speed-based and is also often considered to pose surprise elements. With that in mind, here are some tips that you need to follow before the IIFT 2021 exam. The IIFT exam is the next major MBA entrance examination after CAT 2020 and XAT 2021. Though CAT may have been a precursor to the IIFT exam, it is incorrect to base the training for the IIFT exam solely on CAT. 

You need to get done with syllabus-wise revision as the IIFT exam day approaches. Just one day before the exam, don't worry about subjects you can't prepare for. There are also a few things you need to remember on the day of the IIFT 2021 Exam. 

A similar paper pattern has been developed by IIFT for the last few years. Candidates who have attempted IIFT mock tests may have a good understanding of how during the two hours the question paper pans out. The IIFT exam consist of 110 questions split between: 

• Reading Comprehension   
• General Awareness 
• Quantitative Evaluation 
• Logical Reasoning and Data interpretation

The IIFT exam is held in one session. Needless to say, the work and effort you've put in months before the test will definitely pay off, but it can help you master the examination by keeping in mind a few dos and don'ts.

What will keep you calm in the last week’s chaos?

• The final prep time

Focus on revising the basic concepts of the IIFT syllabus only in the final four to five days. With a particular emphasis on the weak areas, devote an hour to covering the subjects. Do not rush through topics while reassessing and do not pick up any new topics or try in the final hours to adopt any new strategy. It can lead to uncertainty and end up wasting precious time during the analysis.

• Mock tests for IIFT 

It is not recommended to study for any MBA entrance exam without taking mock tests or sectional timed tests. Mock assessments help to evaluate the strengths and limitations and strengthen the technique for testing. Applicants should attempt about three to four IIFT mock tests in the last five days and focus on evaluating their output in each test.

• The strategy

Continue to focus on your strategy for the IIFT exam and how to further refine it. The strategy for the exam should be based on the following factors: 

• Management of time 
• Precision and speed 
• Scoring above sectional-cut-offs 

Tips for D-day

• Don't try a question that you are unsure about

Always bear in mind to answer only certain questions that you are sure to solve with 100% accuracy. Since there is negative marking for any wrong answer in the IIFT exam, it is extremely important to be sure of the questions you are trying to answer. 

• Don't spend energy on complicated questions

You can come across certain questions in the IIFT 2021 exam that may be lengthy or beyond your control. Do not struggle to solve them. Moving to another topic is the right thing to do. Since you need to try the maximum number of questions in a limited time span, it is a wise decision to miss a question that requires more time than necessary.

• Keep the track of time

You can lose track of time once you begin solving the IIFT question paper. Don't make such a mistake. Allocate each segment a dedicated time slot in your mind so that you do not skip any questions. However, while it is necessary to divide the time section-wise, do not continue to look at the timer every now and then, as it will only increase your anxiety. 

• Panicking is not the option

While taking the IIFT exam, keeping cool is very necessary, a relaxed mind will be more effective. The questions may be too complex and lengthy or tricky to answer. In order to retain your calm, now is the moment. Even, if you can't complete the questions in the time slot you've decided, don't worry; as there is no sectional time limit in the IIFT exam, you can always catch up on your pace and finish solving all the questions. Panicking would only raise anxiety and, despite knowing the correct answer, you might mark the wrong choice. 

• Before attempting, read each question thoroughly

Make sure you read the question carefully before marking an answer. It has been found that many students only read half of the question and leap to the answer options provided. The response choices are extremely similar most of the time, and if you do not properly read the question, you will not be able to see the directness. Making silly errors is a major NO. 

• Go through RC passages thoroughly

A common mistake made by the candidates is finding out the answer before reading the entire passage of Reading Comprehensions. If you do this, you might choose the wrong choice as most of the options are closely linked. Read the passage carefully first, grasp it, and read the response options only then. Re-read the passage after selecting the answer to confirm that you have selected the right option. 

• Calculate the number of questions you want to try in advance

You need to be calculative in determining which and how many questions you can try in order to perform well in the IIFT exam. It is important to know how many questions you need to answer in order to get a good percentile in the IIFT entrance test. Make sure you don't try less than the appropriate number of questions.

• Stick to your strategy for the D-Day 

Stick to the approach you had already planned when attempting the IIFT 2021 exam, this will give you a sense of familiarity, and you will not notice any difference between the exam and the mock tests you would have done. 

• Reach the exam center prior to the reporting time

Hit your exam center in advance so that you can finish the identification process well before time. If you arrive late, you might not be able to take the test!

• Do NOT miss the Admit card 

If you do not hold your admit card, you will not be eligible to give the IIFT 2021 examination. Aspirants must ensure that their IIFT 2021 admission cards are in a printed format at their respective exam centers. 

• Carrying your identity proof

In addition to the IIFT entry card, applicants must also hold one ID certificate (original copy). Candidates can bring any of the following ID evidence

• Passport
• Driving license
• Voter ID
• PAN card
• Aadhar card
• College I-card

All the best for the exam!

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