My First Step Towards My Dream | Anshu Chaturvedi, IIFT K (MBA IB) Batch Of '22

Dream big dreams, but start small. A journey of thousand steps begins with a step. - Israelmore Ayivor

 Six months before IIFT 2019, I was working as an Assistant Project Engineer. My work involved on-field inspection as I worked on a project in a small town of Uttarakhand. So, at that time, I tried my best to utilize 15-20 minutes of break time while working. I utilized it to either read articles and improve my vocabulary as they are some of the scoring parts of the IIFT entrance examination. My work hours consisted of 10-11 hours after which, I used to devote 2 hours on a daily basis to solve Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning(DI&LR) and Quantitative Ability(QA) questions. Also, I utilized my Sundays in taking mock tests and analyzed them. All this helped me score an overall 95% in IIFT 2019 with 93% in VARC, 81% in QA, 83% in both DI&LR and General Awareness. I converted some of the few new IIMs and all baby IIMs with my good enough CAT score,  but I chose Indian Institute of Foreign Trade,  Kolkata, over the others.

What did I follow in IIFT 2019 entrance?

IIFT is an exam of speed & accuracy, and the one good thing that separates it from CAT is that there is no sectional timing. So overall, my plan was to get the minimum cut off marks in all the sections and then maximize my score in my fortes. I attempted my exam in the following sequence:

• General Awareness:

I always backed myself in this section and believed that I could score decent marks in it as I read newspapers regularly and follow current affairs. The difficulty level was medium, and I finished this section in 7-8 minutes.

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:

My aim was to score maximum in this section. It comprised of questions related to RCs, vocabulary, and basic grammar. I had a knack for vocab and did 9 out of 10 questions correct. The best thing about the verbal ability section is that it won't take much of your time; either you know it or don't. Also, IIFT is traditionally known for lengthier RC’s in comparison to CAT, but they are relatively easier and direct. If one has decent reading speed with good comprehension, this section can really be cashed upon.

• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: 

This section was my Achilles' Heel, and my strategy was to secure the cut off marks in this section. DI, when you compare it with CAT, is relatively easier but calculation intensive. The same difficulty level is for LR as well. If one has prepared decently for MBA entrances, this section won't trouble you much.

• Quantitative Ability:

After seeing previous years' papers, I had confidence that I could score well in this section, but to my surprise, QA proved to be really calculative, and most of the questions did take some time to solve. A person has to be patient while going through this section and intuitive enough to leave out difficult questions.

In the last one month,  I did not get much time as I was working but I made sure that I revised all the concepts that I had learned and mostly focused on analyzing the mocks that I had given in the limited time that I got. I believe that the analysis of mocks is a very important part of the preparation.

Suggestions to IIFT 2021 aspirants:

I would suggest IIFT 2021 aspirants focus mostly on speed and accuracy during the examination. Since IIFT is a 2-hour examination, students need to be prompt in identifying and attempting the right questions and leaving out the lengthier and tougher ones. Apart from that, IIFT generally tweaks its examination format every year, therefore students should not hedge their preparation according to one particular format. Rather, they should focus on adjusting to the format on the go and clearing all sectional cut-offs. Also, the marking scheme is a bit different every year, so make sure you see the scheme and attempt in a way to maximize your score and clear all the cutoffs. IIFT also has a GA and VA section, which are not present in most other exams, thus, special attention also needs to be given to them.

All the best guys!!! Nail it!!!

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