How to Study for the IMAT Without a Strong Science Background
Preparing for the IMAT without science background does not disqualify you. What disqualifies students is starting without a system.
Every year, capable candidates study for months and still fail — not because Biology or Chemistry was “too hard,” but because they misunderstood how the IMAT actually works. They start at the wrong time, practice too early or too late, rely on scattered resources, or miss critical deadlines.
If you are coming from a non-science background, the exam can feel overwhelming at first. Online advice is often contradictory, timelines are unclear, and there is a constant fear of being behind. The truth is simpler than it seems: starting from zero is not a disadvantage if your preparation is structured.
This guide explains how to approach the IMAT strategically — from understanding the exam process and timelines to building knowledge step by step — so that every hour you study moves you closer to admission, not just more content.
Step One: Understand the IMAT Process
The first and most important step in IMAT preparation is to fully understand the entire IMAT process. This step is often underestimated, but it is critical.
Before serious studying begins, you should clearly know:
- When you need to start preparing
- From where you should start and how to choose the right strategy and sources
- When to start solving past papers
- Registration deadlines
- Ranking and scrolling timelines
- Pre-enrolment procedures and visa steps
Without this overview, many students study well but still fail due to poor timing decisions or missed deadlines. IMAT preparation is not only academic — it is strategic. From preparation to deadlines, you must know what comes next so you are never studying blindly or missing key dates.
Once you understand how the system works, the process becomes far less intimidating. Always rely on reliable sources and on the official website of your specific university for updates.
Two Stages to Ace the IMAT Without Science Background
As a general rule, IMAT preparation can be divided into two main stages.
1 Content Learning Stage
This is the initial phase where you learn the syllabus from the ground up. For students without a science background, this stage is essential. The focus here is on understanding, not speed.
During this phase, you build a strong foundation by choosing appropriate strategies and trustworthy study sources. This stage can be demanding, especially at the beginning, and many students find it difficult to start or stay consistent. Candidates without prior science knowledge often experience more difficulty at this point — and that is completely normal.
2 Exam Practice Stage
Once the syllabus is covered, the focus shifts to IMAT-style questions, especially past papers and mock exams. This stage trains you to apply knowledge, manage time, and make strategic decisions under exam pressure.
Practicing IMAT past papers and mock tests helps students:
- Identify weak areas and knowledge gaps
- Improve time management and accuracy
- Understand how IMAT questions are structured
Two Possible Preparation Pathways
When preparing for the IMAT, there are two main pathways: self-study or guided preparation through a course. There is no universally “better” option. The right choice depends on your learning style, time availability, background, and how much structure you need.
Self-Study: Structure Is Everything
Self-study can work very well, especially for motivated and disciplined students. However, it only works when there is clear structure and accountability.
The most important element of self-study is a well-designed study planner. A good planner should clearly define:
- What to study
- When to study it
- How long each topic realistically needs
- When and how often to review
The planner itself is not the magic — consistency is. Many students fail not because their plan is bad, but because they do not follow it long enough.
At Locomotive, we publish weekly public planners that some self-studying students use as references, even if they are not enrolled in an IMAT course. Students can also check the IMAT Starter Pack to find structured topics and study content for IMAT preparation.
Get IMAT Study PlannerTime Commitment: Think Long-Term
IMAT is a high-impact exam that shapes your future, so it deserves protected and intentional time. A realistic recommendation is around 5 productive hours per day, but the emphasis should be on long-term consistency rather than daily perfection.
Instead of forcing breaks randomly, it is often more effective to:
- Work steadily toward weekly and monthly goals
- Take lighter days or breaks after completing major milestones
This approach helps prevent burnout while reinforcing discipline and visible progress.
Study Tips That Make a Real Difference
For content-heavy subjects such as Biology and Chemistry, active recall is essential. Flashcard tools like Anki are highly effective because they use spaced repetition.
Anki works best when used daily, even for short sessions. Skipping days disrupts the system, while regular use builds strong routines. Some students also prefer making their own notes — this is time-consuming, but often helpful for understanding complex topics.
Setting goals is critical for maintaining motivation:
- Small goals: weekly targets (specific topics or chapters)
- Big goals: monthly milestones (finishing a subject or entering the practice phase)
After completing goals, reward yourself. The reward does not need to be large — rest, a day off, or something enjoyable is enough. Rewards reinforce discipline and make long preparation periods sustainable.
Studying with a partner or checking in regularly with someone can significantly improve consistency. Accountability — even simple progress check-ins — helps students stay on track and avoid falling behind.
Guided Preparation: A Flexible Option
For students who prefer more structure, guided preparation can be very useful. Locomotive offers different formats depending on individual needs:
- Live classes for full guidance
- Planner-based and topic-question support for self-studying students
- Subject-specific courses for targeted improvement
The goal is not to force everyone into one system, but to support different learning styles. Many students successfully combine self-study with selective guidance.
Final Perspective
Students attempting the IMAT without science background are not behind. They simply need different study pathways, more review sessions, and a greater investment of time and energy.
The first steps are often the hardest, but once the foundation is built, the process becomes smoother and progress becomes easier to measure.
For students who want structured guidance throughout their IMAT preparation, we recommend exploring our study courses designed to support candidates from all backgrounds.