With 3 months for CMAT exams, you can do the following to achieve success in the CMAT exam

• First be clear about the CMAT exam, pattern, and syllabus. The exam comprises 4 sections namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension. The following table gives a clear picture of the pattern of the CMAT exam.

• Buy the necessary materials for the exam preparation. It can either be joining a coaching class or self-preparation. If you decide to prepare for the exam by yourself, get the books needed (Arun Sharma series) to build your basics.
• Now prepare a study plan for yourself based on your strengths and weaknesses. Stick to your plan strictly.
• Once you are familiar with the concepts you can start to analyse the previous year papers. Start giving mocks regularly and most importantly analyse them thoroughly as it gives a clear picture of your strengths and where you need additional improvements.

The table below shows a brief overview of the exam:

Stay calm, focussed, and confidently pursue your plan and you can ace the CMAT exam.

It is great that you are thinking of pursuing IPM being in class 11. You have enough time. You can think of starting with Pearson’s IPM entrance guide. Figure out if you can solve the questions or not. If required, join online coaching classes like CareerAnna.

• Develop the habit of reading. Start with novels that you might like in your preferred genre and move on to articles from the Indian Express or The Hindu.
• Expand your knowledge and vocabulary.
• Attempt one mock at least per month and one every week after your 12th grade. Analyze your mistakes and work on them.
• Practice writing essays for WAT. You might be asked to write on random topics so ensure that you can write creatively within 20 minutes.
• You can look at the previous topics asked in the examination which might help you.
• In the interview round, prepare for current affairs and things you did in your 12th grade. GK and current affairs are essential for your preparation.
• You can revise your academics, general HR questions and talk about your hobbies a week or two before your interview.
• Ensure that your hobby stands out. Be thorough about it.
• You need to set yourself apart from others for the college to see what is the unique thing that you can bring to the table.

Finally, be consistent in your work and start building your resume right away. Back your hobby with certificates, participate in competitions, and any other significant achievements you may have made along the way. Volunteer at a local NGO since social work is highly appreciated on your CV.

In the NICMAR admission process, maximum weightage is carried by NCAT Exam (150 Marks). It has three sections which are as follows:

Preparation Time: 3 Months 

• Quant: R.S Aggarwal or equivalent aptitude books will be best for this section. Some questions are really easy that can be solved in less than a minute. If you want to maximize your score, practice moderate-level questions of other MBA entrance exams. Be thorough with percentages, allegations and mixtures, ratios, time speed, and distance, and like topics as questions are asked from these topics. 
• Data Interpretations: There are multiple books available for Bank PO Exams in which such sets are available. You can just go through them. It is sort of a puzzle so you will have fun doing it.
• Verbal and GK: Reading Comprehension is very easy. Just practice a few comprehension available in any competitive exam book. This section also tests your vocabulary as synonyms and antonyms questions will be based on your vocabulary. GK questions are really easy and you’d have read them somewhere even if you are not a news freak. To sum up, if you read the newspaper daily and practice a few comprehensions, synonym antonym, grammar questions, you are more than ready for this section.

In NCAT, speed matters the most. You should solve the easy questions first. Do not waste your time if you are finding any questions tough. Just move on. Most importantly, you should improve your grade in UG. Participate in competitions and earn certification. Nothing much can be done as what you have done earlier matters here.

During the personal interview, brush up on your basics of civil engineering (concrete and building material especially). The basic HR questions will be asked like why do you want to join NICMAR, what are your long-term goals etc. They also test your speaking skills by giving you a topic to speak on. So, you can also practice it as it will be good for you in the longer run. 

The GD and PI round depends completely on your knowledge about the respective topic, current trends, general knowledge, etc. The interviewers tend to check how practical and logical your approach is towards a particular question.

There are certain pointers to be kept in mind while preparing for the GD/ PI/ Essay Writing round for the IIFT entrance exam. They are discussed below -

• Since most of them come from an Engineering background, a deep knowledge of economics is not something they are looking for. The ability to apply basics and the enthusiasm to be keen to acquire knowledge of the current economic condition of the country and the world is expected as you must be an alert citizen to be a good future manager.

• You must read and gain knowledge about BRICS, IMF and WTO; countries with their capital cities and currencies, Indian economy's present scenario, role of the sector which you belong to, budget, etc. It is important to read - "The Hindu" and "Indian Express".

• You can be questioned about your low scores in Graduation, in spite of being an above average student throughout their career and a genuine answer should be given.

IIFT sends a CV form which includes various questions like a student’s achievements, failures, regrets, ethics, practical knowledge, something inspirational, etc. 

Since it is sent almost a month before the interview date, you must keep a copy of it and try answering all the possible questions on it. Because that is how they will conduct the interview.

You must also be prepared to answer some questions related to their academics, their favourite subject and then ask questions related to that.

Any interview including IIMC is basically a thorough explanation of your thought process. Discussed below are a few tips which may come in handy during the interview.

• Focus on your strengths and try to highlight your strengths.
• Keep your attitude positive and show that you are a go-getter. 
• If you have any specific talent do not forget to mention it. 
• Keep yourself updated with the current affairs.
• Have a clear idea about your educational qualification, and the future plan.

Besides this, you should also work on the following topics for an interview at any B-School.

• Your UG subjects along with the specific areas of interest.
• Focus on reading daily Current Affairs.
• Hobbies
• Personal questions
• Brush up basic Mathematics Skills

So, try to be yourself and do not exaggerate. How the interview will go depends entirely on you. No matter the questions asked try to turn the table to your side. Hope the answer was helpful.