IGNOU OpenMAT Exam: Preparation Tips and Study Resources

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Open Management Admission Test (OpenMAT) is a gateway to some of the most prestigious management courses in India. With so much at stake, it’s important to prepare well for the exam. The IGNOU OpenMAT exam is highly competitive, and requires a lot of hard work and dedication to crack. But don’t worry, because in this post, we’re going to share with you some proven preparation tips and study resources to help you achieve success. From understanding the exam pattern and syllabus to practising with sample papers and mock tests, we have got you covered. So, whether you’re a first-time test-taker or a seasoned pro, read on to learn how to crack the IGNOU OpenMAT exam.

1. Introduction to the IGNOU OpenMAT exam

The IGNOU Open Management Aptitude Test, commonly known as the IGNOU OpenMAT exam, is a national level entrance examination conducted by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for admission to its management programs. The IGNOU OpenMAT exam is conducted twice a year, usually in the months of January and July, and is open to candidates from all over India.

The IGNOU OpenMAT exam is a computer-based test that consists of four sections, namely General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. The exam is of two hours duration and carries a total of 200 marks. Each section carries 50 marks, and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

The IGNOU OpenMAT exam is a highly competitive exam, with thousands of candidates appearing for it every year. The exam is the gateway to a range of management programs offered by IGNOU, including Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM), Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM), and Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management (PGDFM).

If you are planning to appear for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam, it is important to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy. In the following sections, we will discuss some proven preparation tips and study resources that can help you crack the IGNOU OpenMAT exam with flying colours.

2. Eligibility criteria and exam pattern

Before starting your preparation for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam, it is important to know the eligibility criteria and exam pattern.

To be eligible for the OpenMAT exam, candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). There is no age limit for appearing in the exam.

The exam pattern consists of 200 multiple choice questions (MCQs) that are divided into four sections – General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. The total duration of the exam is two hours and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

It is important to note that the exam is conducted in English only. Therefore, candidates must have a good command of the language to score well in the exam.

Once you are aware of the eligibility criteria and exam pattern, you can start your preparation accordingly. It is recommended to create a study plan and allocate sufficient time for each section of the exam. Practise previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to get an idea of the exam pattern and improve time management skills.

There are various study resources available, such as books, online courses, and coaching institutes, that can help you prepare for the exam. Choose the resources that suit you the best and make the most of them to crack the IGNOU OpenMAT exam with ease.

3. Best study resources for IGNOU OpenMAT preparation

Preparing for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam can be challenging, but with the right study resources, you can crack the exam with ease. Here are some of the best study resources that you can use for IGNOU OpenMAT preparation:

1. IGNOU OpenMAT previous year question papers: Solving previous year question papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam. You can practise and get a clear idea of what to expect in the exam.
2. IGNOU OpenMAT preparation books: There are many preparation books available in the market that cover the entire syllabus of the OpenMAT exam. These books provide in-depth knowledge of topics, practice questions, and tips for better preparation.
3. Online study materials: The internet is a vast resource for learning, and you can find many online study materials for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam. These include video lectures, tutorials, study guides, and interactive quizzes.
4. Coaching institutes: Joining coaching institutes is also a great way to prepare for the IGNOU OpenMAT exam. These institutes provide guidance, study materials, and mock tests to help you prepare for the exam.
5. IGNOU OpenMAT app: IGNOU has developed an app specifically for OpenMAT exam preparation. The app includes study materials, mock tests, and previous year question papers, making it a one-stop solution for all your preparation needs.

4. Time management tips for the exam

Time management is crucial when it comes to cracking the IGNOU OpenMAT exam. The exam is designed to test not only your knowledge but also your ability to manage time effectively.

Here are some tips to help you manage your time during the exam:

1. Practice with mock tests: One of the best ways to improve your time management skills is by practising with mock tests. This will help you get a sense of how much time you have for each section and help you plan accordingly.
2. Create a schedule: Creating a study schedule and sticking to it will help you manage your time effectively. Make sure to allocate enough time for each section of the exam and prioritise the areas you need to focus on.
3. Read the instructions carefully: Before starting the exam, make sure to read the instructions carefully. This will help you understand the format of the exam and the time allotted for each section.
4. Don’t get stuck on difficult questions: If you come across a difficult question, don’t spend too much time on it. Move on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time.
5. Keep track of time: Keep an eye on the clock and make sure you are pacing yourself accordingly. This will help you avoid running out of time at the end of the exam.

By following these time management tips, you can improve your chances of cracking the IGNOU OpenMAT exam and achieving your academic goals.

5. How to prepare for each section of the exam

Preparing for each section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam is crucial to your success. There are four main sections in the exam, and it’s essential to have a solid study plan in place for each one.

For the first section, General Awareness, reading newspapers and current affairs magazines will help you stay up-to-date with the latest news and events. You can also use online resources to stay informed about what’s happening in the world.

The second section is English Language. Improving your vocabulary and grammar skills is essential for this section. You can use various online resources and books to improve your language skills.

The third section is Reasoning. This section tests your logical and analytical skills. To prepare for this section, you should practise solving puzzles, riddles, and brain games.

The fourth section is Quantitative Aptitude. This section tests your mathematical and numerical ability. You should practise solving mathematical problems and equations to improve your skills.

It’s also important to take mock tests and solve previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and get a sense of the difficulty level of questions. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve and work on them.

By preparing for each section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam individually and having a solid study plan in place, you can increase your chances of success and crack the exam with ease.

6. Tips for tackling the quantitative aptitude section

The quantitative aptitude section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam can be quite intimidating, especially if you haven’t had much exposure to maths in a while. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can tackle this section with ease.

Firstly, make sure to have a clear understanding of all the basic mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Brush up on these concepts by practising problems from high school textbooks or online resources.

Next, try to develop mental maths skills by practising quick calculations without the use of a calculator. This will not only save time during the exam but also build confidence in your abilities.

Another useful tip is to learn shortcuts and tricks for solving problems quickly. This can be done by referring to study materials specifically designed for the OpenMAT exam or by watching online tutorials.

It’s also important to practise solving problems under time pressure. The OpenMAT exam is timed, so it’s important to get used to working quickly and efficiently. Take practice tests under timed conditions and analyse your performance to identify areas for improvement.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help from others. Join online study groups or hire a tutor if needed. Having someone explain difficult concepts or guide you through practice problems can be incredibly beneficial.

By following these tips and putting in consistent effort, you can overcome any challenges posed by the quantitative aptitude section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam.

7. Tips for tackling the reasoning section

The reasoning section is a crucial part of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam. This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. To tackle this section, it is important to have a clear understanding of the concepts and practice extensively. Here are some tips to help you with the reasoning section:

1. Understand the types of questions: The reasoning section has various types of questions such as syllogisms, analogy, blood relations, and so on. Understanding the types of questions will help you prepare better.
2. Practice regularly: Practice makes perfect. Make sure to practise reasoning questions every day. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
3. Time management: Time management is crucial for the reasoning section. Make sure to allocate your time wisely. Do not spend too much time on a single question.
4. Eliminate options: In multiple-choice questions, eliminate the options that are obviously wrong. This will help you narrow down your choices and increase your chances of getting the answer right.
5. Work on your weaknesses: Identify your weaknesses and work on them. If you struggle with a particular type of question, practise more of those questions.

In addition to these tips, there are many study resources available for the reasoning section. There are books, online courses, and practice tests that can help you prepare better. Make use of these resources and crack the reasoning section with ease.

8. Tips for tackling the English language section

The English language section can be daunting for many OpenMAT exam takers. But, with the right preparation and practice, you can tackle this section with ease. One of the most important things to do is to practise reading, writing, and speaking in English regularly. This will help you improve your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. You can do this by reading newspapers, books, and online articles in English, and by writing short essays or paragraphs on various topics.

Another tip is to focus on the basics of grammar, such as parts of speech, tenses, and sentence structure. You can learn these through online resources, textbooks, and study guides. Make sure to also practise your comprehension skills by answering questions based on reading passages or listening to audio recordings.

During the exam, read the questions carefully and try to understand the context and meaning of the words used. Use your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to eliminate wrong answer options and choose the best answer. Remember to also manage your time wisely and not spend too much time on any one question.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to seek help from tutors or teachers if you’re having trouble with any particular aspect of the English language section. With the right preparation and practice, you can crack this section and ace the OpenMAT exam.

9. Tips for tackling the general awareness section

The general awareness section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam is one of the most important sections, and it tests your knowledge of current events and general awareness. Here are some tips to help you tackle this section:

1. Stay up-to-date with current affairs: Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow social media handles that provide daily news updates. This will keep you up-to-date with what is happening around the world and in the country.
2. Read magazines and books: Reading magazines like India Today, Outlook, or The Economist can help you gain insights into current affairs and general knowledge. You can also read books on general knowledge or take online courses to help you prepare for this section.
3. Take online quizzes: There are many online quizzes available that can help you test your knowledge of current affairs and general awareness. You can take these quizzes to gauge your preparation level and work on areas that need improvement.
4. Practice time management: The general awareness section is time-bound, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Practice solving questions within the given time frame so that you can complete the section on time during the actual exam.
5. Stay calm and confident: Keep a positive attitude and stay calm during the exam. Don’t panic if you come across a question you don’t know the answer to. Move on to the next question and come back to it later if you have time. Remember, staying calm and confident is key to cracking any exam.

By following these tips and utilising the right study resources, you can increase your chances of success in the general awareness section of the IGNOU OpenMAT exam.

10. Final thoughts and last-minute preparation tips

As the IGNOU OpenMAT exam approaches, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious about your preparation. However, it’s important to stay calm and focused during the last few days before the exam. To help you with your last-minute preparation, here are some tips:

1. Revise the basics – Go through your notes and revise the basic concepts and formulas. This will help you recall important topics and improve your confidence.
2. Take mock tests – Taking mock tests will help you identify your weak areas and give you a sense of the exam pattern. This will also help you improve your time management skills.
3. Stay healthy – It’s important to take care of your health during the last few days before the exam. Make sure you eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise to stay refreshed and energised.
4. Stay positive – Stay positive and believe in yourself. Visualise yourself doing well in the exam and focus on your strengths.

Finally, remember that the IGNOU OpenMAT exam is just one part of your academic journey. Don’t let the outcome of the exam define your worth and always keep learning and growing. Good luck!