Introduction
- Nikhilesh, the All India Topper of IPMAT Indore 2025, has outperformed everyone else in India despite the country’s high level of skill and competition. He demonstrated his excellence by earning a score of 292 out of 360, guaranteeing his place in history for the fifteen years that the Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) has been administered. But getting to that top level wasn’t easy at all.
Meet the topper – S. Nikhilesh
Where did it all begin
From a background of modest roots in Tamil Nadu, Nikhilesh’s experience is not what you’d expect from a privileged genius—he had trouble with Hindi and English in school. However, he found it within himself to dream very big.
The Road to IPMAT in 2025
It started when my friend mentioned IPMAT after meeting a counselor and told me. So, Nikhilesh looked up and downloaded a past exam. His Quant score was fine, but not his English. Disaster descended completely. That day, he came very close to stopping.
Educational Background
Nikhilesh, who studied PCM with Biology, scored 476 in his Class 12 and 466 in his Class 10 examinations. Until he decided to try something new, he did well in school but nothing outstanding.
Director’s Special Batch: The Game Changer
He decided to join IPM Careers’ Director’s Special Batch and this choice dramatically changed his course. Other programs lacked the approach of this batch, designed by the founder to help students focus on principles rather than memorizing facts. Even though it was a tough program, it was also very supportive for the most dedicated students.
Nikhilesh learned here how to think logically when answering questions. Logical reasoning exercises, mock tests and discussions with peers influenced the way he thought. He discovered his weak points and got past them thanks to the institute’s focus on personal care, strategy and student participation.
The Score That Shook the Nation
Scorecard Breakdown
- Quantitative Aptitude (Short Answer): 60/60
- Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ): 87/120
- Verbal Ability: 145/180
Total: 292/360
This is the highest score ever achieved in IPMAT Indore which began in 2011. A good way to see it is that their score is too far beyond what is normal for the test. This last result had never been achieved by any other student. Nikhilesh defeated others to not only pass the exam but earn a national record.
Moving from being Weak in English to Being Strong
Nikhilesh struggled most with learning English. In the first few mock tests, he usually could not get the required passing cut-off score. Yet, instead of sidestepping the problem, he dealt with it straight away. He worked on grammar fundamentals, started reading more and trained himself on reading comprehension questions.
He came to his answer using logical thinking. Working through this part trained him to organize information in a logical way which is crucial for handling challenging questions in the verbal section. The fact that he got 145 out of 180 in Verbal Ability shows how effectively he bounced back.
Mindset Matters More Than Marks
Mindset is what sets toppers apart, in addition to their intelligence. He says, “Try not to measure yourself by looking at others. Follow how you are improving. He suggests that everyone sees these mock tests as chances to improve, not as a way to measure performance.
What is his main belief system? Get work done by practicing discipline, instead of just depending on motivation. Sometimes he lost motivation, but he still continued with his daily workout. It was that difference maker.
Mock Tests
Nikhilesh found that doing mock tests on a regular basis was very important for his preparation. They weren’t only ways to train—they also helped to screen for medical problems. Every contest showed where he was making mistakes, facing timing issues and what he could learn. He worked hard not only to get higher scores, but also to gain a better understanding of subjects.
Through the Director’s Special Batch, each mock was reviewed carefully, so students received important feedback. As a result of the feedback, Nikhilesh improved how he handled exams, controlled pressure and maintained good grades.
What PCM Offers
Because of his background in PCM + Biology, Nikhilesh was prepared for the math skills needed in Quantitative. Dealing with math problems and reasoning exercises over the years made him fast and sure in adjusting to IPMAT questions. Even more important than his books were his scientific principles.
To the Dreamers
Encouragement From the Topper Himself
His message? It’s not the final outcome. You can still take exams such as IMK. Be positive and keep getting ready for the test.
Second Opportunities
Couldn’t get a seat at IIM Indore? No worries. People who are unable to secure a seat at other IIMs can still choose from IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi or IIM Bodhgaya. Keep hustling!
Future Challenges. Big plans, even bigger reasons.
After IPMAT, there is more to Nikhilesh’s story. He wishes to take on a career in an international company, put money aside and one day create an industry in his native village near Chennai. What was his main ambition? So that he could start businesses, assist his local area and leave something worthwhile behind as a legacy.
Final Thoughts: A Director’s Pride
He was able to do this with only 5% of our help, the IPM Careers Director noted during the congrats ceremony. Everything else depended on his efforts. That statement encapsulates the main theme of Nikhilesh’s story: achieving success via perseverance, hard work, and tenacity.
FAQs
- Who finished first in the IPMAT 2025 test nationally?
- Nikhilesh got the top score of 292 nationwide in the IPMAT Indore 2025.
- Why was Nikhilesh’s study approach different from the others?
Being part of IPM’s Director’s Special Batch, he served as an expert advisor, offered critical thinking help and gave targeted mentoring.
- What was his most difficult subject and what did he do to get better at it?
English was the hardest topic for him, yet structured practice and reasoning allowed him to improve.
- Are candidates with a PCM background able to do well in the IPMAT?
Yes! His skills in PCM gave Nikhilesh a huge advantage when solving Quantitative Aptitude questions.
- What does he tell people who are starting out in this field?
Make progress in your skills rather than comparing yourself to other people. Discipline yourself, treat mocks like real exams and do not quit.
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