The first step for an aspirant is the Entrance Test either carried out at the National Level or the Institutes’ level. These entrance tests are designed with a view to objectively measure the aptitude of the candidate, and the general skills as expected of a would be manager / organiser. The entrance
tests are of multiple-choice type, where each question is provided with multiple options /
answers (generally four choices) and the candidate has to choose the right one.
Generally, the management programs are open to all the streams of study. The complexity level of the masters level management entrance test is mainly pegged at 10+2 level. However, the entrance test for bachelors level management program mainly emphasized on high school standards.
The Entrance Tests broadly consist of the following sections:
Verbal Ability Test:- The entrance test in Verbal Ability consists of
questions based on Antonyms, Synonyms, English Usage, Sentence Sequencing,
Sentence Completion, Logical Arrangements and Arguments, etc.
Reading Comprehension Section:- The entrance test in reading comprehension
section consists of questions based on Passages.
Quantitative Ability Test:- The entrance test in Quantitative Ability Test
section consists of the following content.
Number Systems, Percentages, HCF and LCM, Ratios and Proportions, Profit &
Loss, Interests, Time-Work, Time-Distance, Clocks, Calendars, Set Theory,
Quadratics, Remainder Theorem, Functions, Permutations, Probability,
Trigonometry etc.
Data Interpretation Skills:- The entrance test in Data Interpretation
Section consists of the following topics.
Charts and Tables, Graphs and Functions based problems.
Logical Ability Test:- The entrance test in Logical Ability Test section
cosists of the following content.
Analogies, Logical Clustering, Mathematical Logic, Critical Reasoning,
Puzzles, etc.
General Awareness Tests:- The entrance test in General Awareness Tests
section tests the candidate's general knowledge.
Patterns
The pattern of the entrance test may vary institute to institute. Some may
have or may not have all of the above sections. The number of questions
per section and the marks assigned for a correct answer in each section
may also vary. The pattern of the entrance tests generally changes every
year.
Dynamics
The duration of the entrance test is generally 2 to 3 hours while the
total number of questions are in the range of 150 - 250 in number. The
tests are conceptualized in such a manner that only a well prepared and
learned candidate will only be able to answer all the questions correctly
in the given time frame. The accuracy and speed of answering the questions
are extremely important in the entrance tests as these results in the
final assessment of the ability to handle the pressures.
The focus should be to maximize the overall performance, with reasonably
good performance in each section. Since each section is targeted towards
measuring specific skills, no section should be left un-attempted.
Further, one has to score a minimum of marks in each section to be
eligible for being considered for over all ranking. While intelligent
guessing is encouraged, arbitrary guessing is penalised by way of negative
marks (1/4 th to 1/3 rd mark against every incorrect answer).
Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Some business schools / institutes adopt Group Discussions in the
selection process while some do not. Students qualifying in the entrance
test are invited for a Group Discussion. This is further followed by a
Personal Interview. The Group discussions are the first occasion on which
the candidates meet and interact with the faculty and other members.
On an average 6 to 12 candidates are invited for this phase of the
selection process for every seat offered. In a Group Discussion the
candidates discuss the topic given to them with the faculty for a duration
of 15 - 25minutes.
On basis of the Group Discussion, the candidate's ability is assessed in
terms of :-
Behavior.
Communication skills.
Contribution of ideas facilitating a discussion.
The range and depth of his / her knowledge on topics of general interest
Initiative and leadership qualities.
The Personal Interview process normally takes place after the group
discussions. In this interview, besides the validation of the information
provided by the candidate in the application form, a candidate's
suitability for the management programme is assessed on basis of various
personal attributes.
Past Academic Performance
Due weightage is given to a candidate's past academic performance also
during the selection process.
Work Experience
Appropriate weightage is also given to candidates having at least 6 months
of full-time work experience.
Selection Process
Admissions to most of the Business Management Programs are carried out on
the basis of interest and aptitude. Selections are done through a
multi-mode procedure.
Admissions are made on the basis of:-
Academic performance
Performance in Entrance Test (where ever applicable)
Performance in Group Discussions
Performance in Personal Interview and
Work Experience ( for Managers )