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How to prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
MBA or Master in Business Administration is one of the most sought after career options in the current scenario around the world. MBA is a ‘Master program’ that prepares a student for various functions and positions in the ‘Business World’. Even though many private institutes are mushrooming to help students get through MBA entrance examinations, but succeeding in it in India is still, not an easy task. As it is correctly said by Vince Lombardi, “Dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” To succeed, hard work is the only price we can pay. If you are willing to pay the price, success will undoubtedly be yours. To clear the examination a student will require in-depth knowledge, analytical mind, sharp memory and above all, systematic planning and preparation. Needless to say, that the aspirants should not attempt to prepare for their MBA Entrance Test overnight. The competition being amongst the best talents from various disciplines, a thorough and structured preparation is required to get admission to the MBA program. Even though syllabus in the admission/entrance test is the same such as CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP etc. it does not differ from university to university. These aspects include tests on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, intelligence, comprehension, case analysis, relationships, word power, synonyms, antonyms, general knowledge/awareness, etc. Thus, it is very important for students to start preparing well in advance on all the above aspects. If one can get hold of previous year's papers or at least the pattern, this would be very helpful in preparing for the test. There are three stages in the MBA Entrance Exam . 1) Written Test
2) Group Discussion (GD)
3) Personal Interview (PI) 1. Written Test:
(a) Quantitative Aptitude:
A candidate who seeks admission in any MBA programme is expected to have an aptitude for basic and elementary accounting as well as the knack of solving simple arithmetic problems. Having properly prepared and practiced this aspect for the admission test, it will put the candidate ahead of others, as one can hope to score even 100% marks in this part. There are several categories that form as part of quantitative aptitude test.
* The first category may be simple arithmetic problems including profit and loss, percentages, ratio, averages, partnership, etc. Such problems involve simple calculations and with a little practice and basic aptitude, can be solved correctly.
* The second category of questions may consist of multiplication or divisions in 5 to 6 figures or decimals. With a little practice, the candidates can easily eliminate most of the choices straightaway to arrive at the correct answer even without any calculations. * The third category of questions may be directed at the intelligence and common sense of the candidate and not his/her ability to calculate. The entire aspect of quantitative aptitude, therefore, needs constant practice to calculate quickly with accuracy. Even if a candidate does not have the basic aptitude for figure-work, he/she can make up for this deficiency by regular practice and a lot of hard work which will even boost their confidence. It is recommended that candidates practice and attempt all the questions. (b) Logical Reasoning:
Questions on logical reasoning can be of several types and forms. For instance, it could include a statement on which the candidates are asked to draw correct interference out of the given choices or questions on series of words and figures, arrangement of alphabets, brainteasers or even such questions as only call for drawing logical inferences. Most of the questions under this category infact test the common sense and sense of proportion and reasoning among the candidates and therefore, must be attempted with a cool head. In case of statements, the given statement as well as choices given must be read at least twice before choosing the right answer. In case there are more than three questions on arrangements of alphabets, it is advisable to write down all the alphabets on the rough work sheet. This will facilitate easy and quick attempt of questions on alphabets. Similarly, there could be certain questions on distances travelled in different directions. It is better to draw a rough diagram giving distances travelled in various directions to get the correct answer. Constant practice in the questions on reasoning would make the candidates confident to tackle this particular aspect of the test. To do well in this part of the test, the candidates must therefore, really practice hard. (c) Comprehension Test:
This test aims at determining the candidates’ understanding of English language. Usually, a paragraph is given and the candidate is required to go through it carefully and then answer the questions by choosing the correct answers. To attempt this part speedily and correctly, the candidates must practice reading with a quick speed and understanding the entire passage. Answers to most of the questions are easily located within the passage itself. However, there are certain questions that do not have directly available answers in the given passage. Candidates who can understand the passage completely can only answer such questions. Regular practice would help the candidates to attempt the comprehension test in a more effective and appropriate manner.
(d) General Awareness:
As the name suggests, it aims at judging the general knowledge of the candidates. The candidate should have basic knowledge of Science, Geography, History, Economics, Current Affairs, Politics etc. A good knowledge of all branches of general knowledge is essential, which can be achieved by reading books, newspapers that will keep the aspirant updated with the happenings around the world. After the test: Some institutes have an interview before final selection, or a round of group discussion. You must simultaneously prepare for the next part of the selection process: the group discussion and the interview. Read newspapers and magazines, and become aware of the latest issues. Discuss them and learn to put forward your viewpoint forcefully.
Pat your back after clearing the most difficult part of seeking admission in a B-School but do not let this stage act as a hindrance in preparing yourself for the next two difficult and equally important stages in seeking admission – Group Discussion and Personal Interview. 2. Group Discussions (GD): GD Preparation for MBA:
Group Discussion (GD) is a criterion tool used by the B-Schools in selecting candidates as it helps in getting lot of information about the candidate’s personality. GDs’ are used in assessing certain group skills that are difficult to evaluate during an interview. These skills include leadership skills, social skills, listening and articulation skills, situation handling ability and interpersonal skills. Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyze and discuss within a given time limit. The group may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem. The group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same. Most GDs follow one of the three formats: Structured, Unstructured, or Specialized.
a. Regular Structured GDs:
In these type of GDs, the time limit and topic is defined. No consensus is expected at the end of it. No leader is selected for facilitating the process. These types of GDs are much easier to handle. Topics chosen are usually general and do not require technical knowledge.
b. Unstructured GDs:
In this GD, choosing a leader is mandatory and the group has to reach a consensus at the end of it. The leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and control the dynamics of the group. Things are sometimes made more complicated by asking the group to propose a topic, discuss it and reach a consensus.
c. Specialized GDs:
This GD comprises of role-plays or scripted GDs where the candidates are given a certain brief about a role that they need to play. For example, a business situation where two companies are negotiating a deal may be used. Candidates would be given the profile of the two CEOs, Marketing Managers, HR managers, advisors, and a neutral entity like a consultant. Alternatively, candidates could be given the role of the five Pandavas and the main Kauravas negotiating the distribution of their kingdom in 20th century setting!
Critical Success Factors in a GD
* Innovativeness: Ability to have an entirely different perspective
* Quality of Content: It shows the level of preparedness
* Logical Ability: Ability to reason, think and debate the pros and cons.
* Behavioural Skills: Aggressiveness is negative while assertiveness is positive. Assertiveness is standing on your own feet, while aggression is trampling on others’ feet
* Communication: This includes articulation, listening and body language. Clarity of thought leads to articulate language and frequent and consistent participation. Fundamental knowledge of language is all one needs
* Leadership: Leadership involves all the above skills. More importantly, the fundamental strength that you need to portray to be effective is Mobility. It is mobility that lets you demonstrate leadership skill as the context demands Cardinal sins in a GD - Do not use slang like Yaar, Univ, Princi, etc!!
- Do not pepper your language with an accent.
- Do not use verbal tics such as Hmm, like, But, etc.
- Never bluff as the panel will easily figure out that you are an accomplished liar.
- Never interrupt or finish a sentence of others.
- Never show up late
- You should never get defensive or try to rationalize
- No negative words about anyone
- You should never allow yourself to lose focus after a string of unanswered questions.
Important aspects of GD to be considered The most important factor of GD is that the panel should notice you. For this, you should ensure that you get heard. You have to be assertive. Make sure you get a chance to speak and don’t just keep yourself mum in front of the people as many candidates complain that they don’t get the chance to speak. You should contribute to the discussion but a meaningful contribution is only worth. Focus on the quality of your contribution and not the quantity. Try to add something, which is not obvious, as everybody will just discuss on the obvious aspects of the topic. For this, you should carry pen and paper to jot down relevant points so that you can ensure that you can have a wider perspective about the given topic. 3. Personal Interview Even though the questions asked in Personal Interview are more or less similar in all the B-Schools but many candidates end up getting nervous or stammer in front of the interviewee as they are not aware as well as prepared for the sort of questions asked.
We are providing you with a set of questions, which are usually asked during the PI. You should prepare answers for such type of questions, as you will feel confident while answering them. 1. Why should we admit you into our MBA program?
2. How do you best describe yourself?
3. What skills or values would you be bringing to the classroom, if you get selected?
4. What are you looking for in this program?
5. Tell me something about yourself?
6. What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
7. Where do you want to be in 5 years?
8. Why do you want to study in this institute?
9. What does "success" mean to you?
10. What does "failure" mean to you?
11. What are your three major accomplishments?
12. What according to you is your ideal job and how will this program help you realize the same?
13. What courses are you taking?
14. Which other institutes have you applied to? Reasons for choosing / not choosing them.
15. Why have you chosen this career?
16. Which is the last book you read?
17. Who is your role model?
18. Do you have any questions for us?
19. What are your long term and short-term goals?
20. Talk about a class or school experience from your undergraduate institute that you still remember.
21. Where do you see yourself after the MBA?
22. What types of companies are you interested in working for after completing your MBA?
23. What drives you? What makes you get up in the morning each day?
24. How would your colleagues describe you?
a. How would your friends describe you?
b. How would your supervisor describe you?
c. In five years, how do you hope people describe you?
25. Structured questions with point answers. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 and explain why
a. Motivation
b. Collaboration
c. Spirit to Succeed
d. Confidence
e. Leadership
f. Organization Personal Interview (PI) is the last step in fulfilling your dreams of getting admission in a reputed B-School. However, this is just the beginning of a journey, which will take you to your road of success. All the Best from the entire unit of NNE!
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The contents are informative in nature. Candidates are advised to refer to the notice published on Official Websites of the organization(s) administering the particular Courses/Test(s) / Examination(s).
National Network of Education strives to provide the latest, updated and correct information. Your participations will enhance our efforts. In case you have a suggestion or have spotted an error - please provide us your FEEDBACK.
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