Overview
In the modern economic scenario all over the world- “Management” – as a stream of education and training has acquired new dimensions. Management is an exciting field where you can have an immediate impact on the operations of any business. The field of Management is dynamic in nature. New tools and techniques are continually being introduced to improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of any organization. All organizations and their departments, functions, or groups use Management methodologies, which include problem solving techniques and guidelines for various related activities.
Education in management should have mainly following aims:
• Increase the understanding of the factors which influence the conduct of organizations
• Provide students with the tools and techniques that they may use to influence organizational life. Influence the economy in general
A modern day Business Manager is required to have proficiency in:
• Functional knowledge of a business organization
• In-depth knowledge of minimum one discipline of Management.
• The ability to adapt to new environments at micro- and macro- levels
• Problem analyzing and solving.
• Inter-personal skills.
• Knowledge of functional interdependencies and adaptability.
• Communication skills.
• Self-confidence and motivational skills.
• Drive to succeed and control with initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial Skills
• Management skills
Definition of Business Schools
A business school is normally a university-level institution that teaches topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, strategic planning, quantitative methods, etc. These include schools of "business", "business administration", and "management". It must also make students aware of application software such as ERP, POS, Simulation, SCM & logistics. In addition to this they must also get to learn of the actual running of an enterprise. A business School is an entity by it self and can not be run as a department of a technical school now. Business school must have a branding and that can come from the quality of teaching and their richness. The alumni bring prestige to the school. Placement is a sequel to quality of teaching staff and education provided in the school.
Nature of Management Education
Management education cannot be compared with studying other subject areas like chemistry, physics, mathematics or law etc. Management education can rather be compared with medicine. No doctor is allowed near a patient purely on the basis of theoretical knowledge. Doctors learn the professional skills by acquiring the practical knowledge that is taught by practicing doctors and hence they become experts in diagnosing the real physical condition of patients. In the similar way, in a business scenario also you have to do things, take decisions, take actions, and monitor results. You cannot operate any business by just planning what to do on paper. Planning is, though an important step in the process, there are many examples of businesses with excellent plans having failed because of non-implementation of proper ideas. Management education should actually supplement on job training being given by the companies to the management trainees. It should also develop the analytical skill and improve the ability to assimilate complex external and internal factors influencing an organization.
Who should teach?*
“People who know about business techniques and can teach business management should be involved in running such institute. First of all, the faculty is envisaged to be a special breed of people. They not only have high academic qualifications, but are also Masters or Gurus of the ideas they are discussing, "What we are doing right now" is the keynote among management students but, the thing which really makes a faculty special is the ability to teach and communicate in a very effective way.
One of the important things these people understand is that very few business situations will fit the textbook examples. The comparison with medicine is again valid. Each situation can be described as unique, requiring its own unique solution. To be able to do this, one should be able to analyze a situation, examine various alternatives and come out with solutions to solve the particular problem being faced or to achieve organizational goals.
A qualified faculty understands these situations and can correctly incorporate them into the learning process. Business today is global. Even the smallest company is affected by happenings outside its immediate geographical boundaries. Medium and large companies are automatically involved in cross-border business.
The businessmen and women of today need to understand this, and, where necessary, to be able to exploit the situation. It is not possible today to teach domestic business and global or international business as separate subjects. In the real world of business, few people can be expected to solve a problem themselves. The value of multiple inputs in reaching a better solution is widely understood
Management education enhances the managerial skills by sharing of ideas, the acceptance of others’ ideas and many of healthy discussions. Learning from other approaches is not always a natural and single study process. It has to come with active participation in a group of people and it happens in the Management
Courses. Faculty and other students challenge statements, attack and defend ideas. The assimilation of other approaches forms an important part of the learning process. Students coming from different spheres of life, bring with them all the advantages, disadvantages, fairness and prejudice of centuries of cultural heritage. These characteristics manifest themselves sometimes, in totally different approaches towards solving business problems and learning fundamentals of management. From all of these approaches there is something to learn. A multi-cultured institute enhances the benefits gained from the participatory learning approach.
It is but clear that management education cannot be done in the manner as been conducted in Techno India Group at present. It needs a separate treatment. It is a comprehensive subject that takes in to account the knowledge and technology at micro- and macro-level. Management decisions are the result of complex factors influencing an organization. Management education cannot be offered as textbook education.
Those who are the practicing managers can give better training to Who Should Study?
• Effort should be made to take students who have done GRE and English test TEOFEL or English test conducted by British council. They must also know well one local language. It would help them to perform well in India depending on where they come from. Students having Supervisory Work experience of minimum 5 years or ability to pass such test should be considered. The prospective students must also be subject to other tests for:
• English Language/Spoken and rapid reading
• Psychology
• Personality
• Aptitude
• Adaptability and Leadership
• Analytical/Commonsense ability
• Mental Capacity test
• Personality Test
• Original/Innovative Thinking ability
• Mathematical/ Statistical knowledge
• Computer compatibility
• General knowledge
• Knowledge/Understanding of accountancy, finance & costing
• Knowledge of Indian Economy & world economy
• Knowledge of Indian Politics and system and also World politics and system such an the management students.
Management education is training not typical classroom teaching. Classroom interactions are nothing but exchange of ideas and communication centers. This actually makes it different from other educations such as Technical education and other subjects to go along side management education.
Understanding of social system of the region he/she belongs to and India in general.
• Specific/Subject Knowledge
• Knowledge of all tools such as economic/commercial etc.
• Knowledge/ Understanding of Commercial law such as factories act, sales tax & other taxes.
• Family Background
• Physical fitness/extra curricular activities
What should be offered?
Apart from traditional courses like:
• Finance
• Human Resource
• Marketing
• Systems
• Production Management
School must consider offering courses in
• Logistics
• Agriculture management
• Co-operative Management
• Bank/Insurance management etc.
• Public administration
• It is necessary to think of the bridge course.
Practical training is a must for the students of management.
Present situation in India
Private business schools in India are running as departments of technical colleges and that must change. The private education institutions must think seriously to make separate institutions imparting quality management
education. Benefits of such reorganization will be immense to Students will get better education and placement. The institutions will have a chance of getting higher fees from students for giving them such an ambiance. As I understand marginal utility of Management education is so high that students will be willing to spend their two years of expected income on such education. For Institutes to get good companies as clients branding should be a conscious effort of the institutions and that can be achieved by regular seminars and short courses conducted in association with the industry and industry associations. Following are some of the things that can be done while setting up such an Institute:
• There has to be participation of the corporate in the institute
• The Institute must be visible to the corporate
• Institute will have to organize seminars inviting Industry participation
• Regular interaction with Industry in terms of lectures will have to be organized
• There has to be separate identity for the Institute
• Campus will have to be 24x7 open for the students
• It has to be located in an area where some of the teachers can stay in the same campus along with the students who will stay in the hostels.
• Appointment of professors should be done with care. People who have had industrial experience are needed so that they can bring in projects from Industry
• Regular participation of professors in TV show to be encouraged and that also increases visibility.
• Background of the students to be taken in should be given some preference at the time of selection this will help placement. It is a business degree and those who can perform in short time in the industry need to take this course.
• Students must be involved in projects (in house and out side)
• Professors must be able to get projects on their own where students will be involved.
• Institute has to be in the news all the time for some reason or the other.
• Head of the institution should be a permanent invitee to the chamber of commerce.
• Some of the professors should be advisor to the industry.
• Institute should make active effort to get some Government consultancy jobs even if those are at a loss. That would give visibility to the institute. Visibility is the most important thing for branding. Building or some thing like that should be made an image that would identify with the institute.
• Some business should be attached with the institute where the students would be able to actually test their knowledge. For example the present project team should take students from Civil and management to monitor and complete the projects. Students will get exposure and work will be done well.
• Institute or Group should sponsor programs in all the commercial clubs of the city where senior students can participate in the games/competitions of these clubs that will give the acquaintances and jobs. This will also help to make the institute visible to the industry.
• The institute can hold information seminars in the chamber of commerce where industry people can be invited. Once the Institute gets recognition, they can charge some fee for such seminars. Recognition would depend on the quality of presentations.
• Institute can hold yearly lectures seminars inviting eminent speakers to speak on current subjects. It can also hold annual debates in association with any organization or independently inviting leaders of the society and industry.
• Institute can create a chair for people in the industry.
• A website is to be designed.
In short, Brand creation is an active variable that can only be done if it is followed consciously by the organization. It would take years for creating such a brand but we are now living in the era of information boom and that can be used for faster Brand creation. Branding is nothing but Good visibility.
Proposed Campus
It is advisable to have an exclusive campus for such an Institution. It should house various faculties apart from the central administrative buildings and other facilities.
An exclusive institution of this type will get students and projects from the commercial world. Building as mentioned before but later it must be moved out to an open campus.
Administrative Structure
I propose that Executive Council and Academic council are made under the institute. The committees will advise the Institute on academics and selection of teaching staff.
Academic Council will have members from the world of academics and industry. Academic council will also help the institute to select lectures readers and Professors as required. The academic council will be headed by the Director/Dean of the Institute.
Where as Executive Council will be headed by the ownership.
Last of all is to give freedom to the head of the institution to operate. Management Institution should be given in-house projects and they must make effort to bring in new projects. The Institution must generate income to finance projects and research.
Conclusion
To improve the education quality of Management Education in India in general it is necessary for the groups to have a focused approach and give education as any other practical course.
Article source : Dr.A.Chakravartty, http://hosteddocs.ittoolbox.com/
Friday, August 21, 2009
Most Coveted B-schools to Pursue an MBA
The six IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) are the most aspired for and reputed institutes in India, and so are the courses offered by another dozen or so leading schools. All of them have an excellent track record in offering high quality education, and students from these institutes get the pick of corporate and management jobs directly from campus.
Pegasus's B-School Ranking
To simplify your B-school selection we have categorized India's top B- schools into eight clusters. The list of B-school in India can go on forever, however, we have tried to limit our classification to the better and more known B-schools.
Note, as you proceed from the best to the also-rans, the level of differentiation between both the schools and the clusters significantly diminishes. When reviewing B-schools within a cluster, the preference generally diminishes as you read further from top to bottom. For example, in Cluster 1, we feel that IIM-A is the best B-school in India at present, followed by Bangalore, Kolkata and so on. In certain clusters, the differentiation on the quality of the institute is specialization-driven, and the top to bottom reading is not necessarily representative.
Before taking final admission into any of these B-schools, please ensure that you speak to some students of the current batch and a few of their alumni and visit the websites of the institutes for detailed information. Apart from these premier institutes, there are several other colleges that offer an MBA degree - if you want more details, please write to us at info@careerlauncher.com.
Pegasus ranking methodology
The parameters on which B-schools are judged and ranked, keeping in mind what each offers the student and how these facilitate education are:
Placement records of the last three years
Infrastructure: school and learning environment
Faculty
Geographical location: proximity of B-schools to business hubs
Entrance exams applicable
Interaction with alumni
Interaction with Career Launcher students now studying at these B-schools
Career Launcher also visits these campuses as a recruiter, and the input from our HR team helps us evaluate these institutes better.
Pegasus's B-School Ranking
To simplify your B-school selection we have categorized India's top B- schools into eight clusters. The list of B-school in India can go on forever, however, we have tried to limit our classification to the better and more known B-schools.
Note, as you proceed from the best to the also-rans, the level of differentiation between both the schools and the clusters significantly diminishes. When reviewing B-schools within a cluster, the preference generally diminishes as you read further from top to bottom. For example, in Cluster 1, we feel that IIM-A is the best B-school in India at present, followed by Bangalore, Kolkata and so on. In certain clusters, the differentiation on the quality of the institute is specialization-driven, and the top to bottom reading is not necessarily representative.
Before taking final admission into any of these B-schools, please ensure that you speak to some students of the current batch and a few of their alumni and visit the websites of the institutes for detailed information. Apart from these premier institutes, there are several other colleges that offer an MBA degree - if you want more details, please write to us at info@careerlauncher.com.
Pegasus ranking methodology
The parameters on which B-schools are judged and ranked, keeping in mind what each offers the student and how these facilitate education are:
Placement records of the last three years
Infrastructure: school and learning environment
Faculty
Geographical location: proximity of B-schools to business hubs
Entrance exams applicable
Interaction with alumni
Interaction with Career Launcher students now studying at these B-schools
Career Launcher also visits these campuses as a recruiter, and the input from our HR team helps us evaluate these institutes better.
B- School Rankings
Cluster 1
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) Ahmedabad www.iimahd.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B) Bangalore www.iimb.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-C) Kolkata www.iimcal.ac.in
Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad www.isb.edu
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L) Lucknow www.iiml.ac.in
Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur www.xlri.ac.in
Cluster 2
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-I) Indore www.iimidr.ac.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K) Kozhikode www.iimk.ac.in
IIM-A Agri Business Management (ABM) Ahmedabad www.iimahd.ernet.in
IIM-L Agri Business Management (ABM) Lucknow www.iiml.ac.in
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) - MBA & MBA - MS, Delhi University New Delhi www.fms.edu
SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai www.spjimr.org
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon www.mdi.ac.in
National Institue of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Mumbai www.nitie.edu
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) New Delhi www.iift.edu
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai www.jbims.edu
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai www.tiss.edu
Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) Anand (Gujarat) www.irma.ac.in
Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA) Ahmedabad www.mica-india.net
Cluster 3
Indian Institute of Technology - Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management Mumbai www.som.iitb.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies New Delhi www.iitd.ac.in/academics/mba.html
MDI (HR) Gurgaon www.mdi.ac.in
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) Chennai www.glakes.org
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad www.imt.edu
Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD (SCMHRD) Pune www.scmhrd.edu
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune www.sibm.edu
TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal www.tapmi.org
International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi www.imi.edu
Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) Bhubaneshwar www.ximb.ac.in
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai www.nmims.edu
Goa Institute of Management (GIM) Goa www.gim.ac.in
Cluster 4
Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) Pune www.siib.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Vinod Gupta School of Management Kharagpur www.som.iitkgp.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Kanpur www.iitk.ac.in
University Business School (UBS) Chandigarh www.ubschandigarh.org
Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics Mumbai www.sydenham.edu
Welingkar Institute of Management Mumbai www.welingkar.org
K.J.Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research (SIMSR) Mumbai http://simsr.somaiya.edu
ICFAI Business School Hyderabad www.ibsindia.org
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Chennai www.doms.iitm.ac.in
Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM), Tiruchirapally Tamil Nadu www.bim.edu
Cluster 5
FORE School of Management New Delhi www.fsm.ac.in
Nirma University - Institute of Management Ahmedabad www.nim.ac.in
Master of Finance & Control (MFC),
University of Delhi (South Campus) Delhi www.mfc.edu
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Roorkee www.iitr.ac.in
Master of Business Economics (MBE), Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi Delhi www.mbe-du.org
ICFAI Business School Gurgaon www.ibsindia.org
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) Chennai www.liba.edu
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBS) Delhi www.lbsim.edu
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal www.iifm.org
Cluster 6
Amity Business School NOIDA, U.P www.amity.edu/abs
Institute of Technology & Management (ITM) Navi Mumbai www.itm.edu
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) (For Defense Personnel & their dependents) Pune www.sims.edu
Alliance Business Academy (ABA) Bangalore www.alliancebschool.org
ICFAI Business School Other Campuses www.ibsindia.org
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM) Kolkata www.iiswbm.edu
Chetana's Ram Prasad Khandelwal Institute of Management & Research Mumbai www.chetanamgt.org
NL Dalmiya Institute of Management Studies and Research Mumbai www.nldalmiamgmt.org
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) Ranchi www.xiss.ac.in
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIM Tech) Delhi www.bimtech.ac.in
Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC) Pune www.simc.edu
Institute of Financial Management & Research (IFMR) Chennai www.ifmr.ac.in
Cluster 7
Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Global Business Operations (SRCC GBO) Delhi www.srcc.edu
Masters in International Business (MIB) Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics Delhi www.du.ac.in
Master of Human Resource and Organisational Development (MHROD) Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics Delhi www.du.ac.in
Institute of Technology & Management (ITM) Bangalore, Chsennai, Hyderabad, Warangal www.itm.edu
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow www.jiml.ac.in
Faculty of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University (FMS BHU) Varanasi www.bhu.ac.in/fms
Army Institute of Management (AIM) Kolkata www.aim.ac.in
Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME) Bangalore www.xime.org
Cluster 8
Accurate Institute of Management and Technology Greater Noida www.accurate.in
New Delhi of Institute of Management (NDIM) New Delhi www.ndimdelhi.org
Institute for Integrated Learning in Management (IILM) New Delhi www.iilm.edu
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) Delhi www.jimsindia.org
Globsyn Business School (GBS) Kolkata www.globsyn.com/gbs
Asia Pacific Institute of Management (APIM) New Delhi www.asiapacific.edu
Entrepreneurship & Management Processes International (EMPI) New Delhi www.empiindia.com
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-A) Ahmedabad www.iimahd.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B) Bangalore www.iimb.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-C) Kolkata www.iimcal.ac.in
Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad www.isb.edu
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-L) Lucknow www.iiml.ac.in
Xavier Labour Research Institute (XLRI) Jamshedpur www.xlri.ac.in
Cluster 2
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-I) Indore www.iimidr.ac.in
Indian Institute of Management (IIM-K) Kozhikode www.iimk.ac.in
IIM-A Agri Business Management (ABM) Ahmedabad www.iimahd.ernet.in
IIM-L Agri Business Management (ABM) Lucknow www.iiml.ac.in
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) - MBA & MBA - MS, Delhi University New Delhi www.fms.edu
SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai www.spjimr.org
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon www.mdi.ac.in
National Institue of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) Mumbai www.nitie.edu
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) New Delhi www.iift.edu
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai www.jbims.edu
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai www.tiss.edu
Institute of Rural Management (IRMA) Anand (Gujarat) www.irma.ac.in
Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA) Ahmedabad www.mica-india.net
Cluster 3
Indian Institute of Technology - Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management Mumbai www.som.iitb.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies New Delhi www.iitd.ac.in/academics/mba.html
MDI (HR) Gurgaon www.mdi.ac.in
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) Chennai www.glakes.org
Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad www.imt.edu
Symbiosis Centre for Management and HRD (SCMHRD) Pune www.scmhrd.edu
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) Pune www.sibm.edu
TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) Manipal www.tapmi.org
International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi www.imi.edu
Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) Bhubaneshwar www.ximb.ac.in
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai www.nmims.edu
Goa Institute of Management (GIM) Goa www.gim.ac.in
Cluster 4
Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) Pune www.siib.ac.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Vinod Gupta School of Management Kharagpur www.som.iitkgp.ernet.in
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Kanpur www.iitk.ac.in
University Business School (UBS) Chandigarh www.ubschandigarh.org
Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics Mumbai www.sydenham.edu
Welingkar Institute of Management Mumbai www.welingkar.org
K.J.Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research (SIMSR) Mumbai http://simsr.somaiya.edu
ICFAI Business School Hyderabad www.ibsindia.org
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Chennai www.doms.iitm.ac.in
Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM), Tiruchirapally Tamil Nadu www.bim.edu
Cluster 5
FORE School of Management New Delhi www.fsm.ac.in
Nirma University - Institute of Management Ahmedabad www.nim.ac.in
Master of Finance & Control (MFC),
University of Delhi (South Campus) Delhi www.mfc.edu
Indian Institute of Technology - Department of Management Studies Roorkee www.iitr.ac.in
Master of Business Economics (MBE), Department of Business Economics, University of Delhi Delhi www.mbe-du.org
ICFAI Business School Gurgaon www.ibsindia.org
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) Chennai www.liba.edu
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBS) Delhi www.lbsim.edu
Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal www.iifm.org
Cluster 6
Amity Business School NOIDA, U.P www.amity.edu/abs
Institute of Technology & Management (ITM) Navi Mumbai www.itm.edu
Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) (For Defense Personnel & their dependents) Pune www.sims.edu
Alliance Business Academy (ABA) Bangalore www.alliancebschool.org
ICFAI Business School Other Campuses www.ibsindia.org
Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM) Kolkata www.iiswbm.edu
Chetana's Ram Prasad Khandelwal Institute of Management & Research Mumbai www.chetanamgt.org
NL Dalmiya Institute of Management Studies and Research Mumbai www.nldalmiamgmt.org
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) Ranchi www.xiss.ac.in
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIM Tech) Delhi www.bimtech.ac.in
Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC) Pune www.simc.edu
Institute of Financial Management & Research (IFMR) Chennai www.ifmr.ac.in
Cluster 7
Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Global Business Operations (SRCC GBO) Delhi www.srcc.edu
Masters in International Business (MIB) Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics Delhi www.du.ac.in
Master of Human Resource and Organisational Development (MHROD) Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics Delhi www.du.ac.in
Institute of Technology & Management (ITM) Bangalore, Chsennai, Hyderabad, Warangal www.itm.edu
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow www.jiml.ac.in
Faculty of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University (FMS BHU) Varanasi www.bhu.ac.in/fms
Army Institute of Management (AIM) Kolkata www.aim.ac.in
Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME) Bangalore www.xime.org
Cluster 8
Accurate Institute of Management and Technology Greater Noida www.accurate.in
New Delhi of Institute of Management (NDIM) New Delhi www.ndimdelhi.org
Institute for Integrated Learning in Management (IILM) New Delhi www.iilm.edu
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) Delhi www.jimsindia.org
Globsyn Business School (GBS) Kolkata www.globsyn.com/gbs
Asia Pacific Institute of Management (APIM) New Delhi www.asiapacific.edu
Entrepreneurship & Management Processes International (EMPI) New Delhi www.empiindia.com
B - School FAQs
Q1. Do people with work experience get preference from B-schools?
Most B-schools take MBA aspirants with work experience, this is because a large number of them apply to these B-schools! There is no defined 'quota' for experienced personnel, nor are they given any 'preference' at any stage of the process. Students with work experience do have a psychological edge in the interview as their interviews tend to focus predominantly on their work (which they should know) whereas fresher interview focus more on academics (not everyone's strength!).
Read more about who's getting into B-schools
Q2. What are the pros and cons of part-time MBA?
Opt for a part-time MBA only if the income that you earn forms a significant part of your or your family's livelihood. Part-time MBAs is ideal for those who have a considerable amount of work experience and are now looking at moving up the corporate ladder. It is also for those who don't want a drastic change but want to move ahead in their existing line of work or want to know more about management.
Read more about the part-time MBA program
Q3. Can my managerial aptitude be increased?
The objective of the MBA program is to eke out the manager in you. There are quite a lot of qualities a manager possesses, such as leadership skills, strong communication skills and so on. For some people these qualities are portrayed in their day-to-day activities. But for some, they are dormant. The key to answering this question is whether there is a will in you to learn. If there is, then an MBA program from a good B-school will make sure that it gets the best out of you.
Q4. When should I start studying for MBA entrance exams?
That's the question foremost in the minds of most students. Our experts suggest that the ideal time to start your preparation depends on a number of parameters including:
1. What your existing competence is, in the areas tested
2. The amount of time you can dedicate to your preparation
3. The institutes that you are targeting for application
With the increasing difficulty level of the CAT, it is highly recommended that you start your preparation as soon as you have decided that you are serious about a career in management. Though for most 'good' candidates, 3-4hrs a day for 6-8 months is sufficient.
Q5. What extra do I need to put in?
Cracking entrances is all about getting your basics right. Apart from that, practising exercises like speed-reading and random Maths calculations can also help you. Do eclectic reading like the editorials of a newspaper, practise formulae and you will be playing a totally different ball game.
Q6. Investing another two years in an MBA program? Is it a good decision?
Well, your question has the answer in it. MBA is an investment, one that might not provide you immediate financial or career returns, but two years down the line when you walk through the mean streets armed with an MBA degree, all the sweat will be worth it. Finances should not stop you from applying for an MBA, financial aid is easily available.
Read more about the financial planning
Q7. I want to do my MBA from India's top B-school. But why should I focus only on the IIMs?
IIMs are without a shadow of doubt India's premier institutes. They are far beyond all other B-schools with respect to infrastructure, placements, faculty and learning environment. But, everyone can't go there, and the number of people taking the CAT each year is only increasing, hence it is extremely important to also apply to other B-schools in the Top 10-15 if it is an MBA you want.
See Pegasus's B-school ranking
Q8. What if I don't get into an IIM? Should I settle for another B-school or take the CAT again?
It depends on what you settle for. There are other institutes such as JBIMS, IMT Ghaziabad and TAPMI that are doing quite well. Check the Pegasus top B-school list. An MBA from B-schools in Clusters 1 - 3 will be a good choice. Go for the rest only if you have to do your MBA this year. Else taking the CAT again would not be a bad idea.
Q9. Will I get financial aid for my education?
Most B-schools do not offer financial aid. IIMs are the only B-schools that have a policy of not denying any deserving candidate admission due to lack of funds. However, it is still easy to get financial aid for doing an MBA, especially if you are going to any of the top ten B-schools. Banks are willing to give student loans to aspiring MBAs and you have to repay these only after you start working. Considering that you will be going to a top B-school, finding a high paying job should not be difficult at all.
Q10. I'm interested in an pursuing an MBA degree but at 35, am concerned that I'm too old for many schools to consider.
Well, you are never too old to study so your age shouldn't stop you from pursuing an MBA. The only question you need to ask yourself is, do you need a full-time MBA or will a part-time program fulfill your need.
Q11. What is the most important factor for a B-school when choosing an MBA candidate?
To begin with, your aptitude. This is tested in the entrances. Entrances are screening tests. Once you clear the entrance phase will you get to interface with faculty from the B-school itself. As far as other skills are concerned: B-schools look for clarity of goals, communication skills and your honesty, which they test in the phase two of their entrance with various personality assessment tools.
Read more about the B-school entrance
Q12. I'm having trouble narrowing down my list of possible schools. How many would you recommend I should apply to?
There is no ideal number to apply to. But don't apply to all the B-schools that you know of, apply smartly and effectively. Identify your interest area or the specialization you want to pursue and then accordingly shortlist those B-schools for applications. It's always better to err on the safer side and apply to a couple of extra schools rather than to too few.
Q13. Do you think that business school fees are on the rise and, if so, do you expect this to accelerate over the next five years?
Inflation has affected all service sectors and education has been no exception. With the demand and constant effort to meet international standard of learning, there has been considerable increase in B-school fees. There will be but only moderate fluctuations, with regard to the services provided.
Q14. I have a low CAT score. What other factors can I use to impress admissions committees?
If you have work experience, make sure you make good use of that. If not, be sure you are thorough with the subjects you studied in college. Remember, if you have made it to Round 2 inspite of your low CAT score, you stand an even chance of final selection. Be confident; be clear of what you want. Be honest and best of luck.
Q15. How many years of work experience is sufficient?
Usually 2-3 years of work experience is sufficient. B-schools have started a trend of lateral placements where students with 2-3 years of work experience get placed even before their regular placements.
Q16. Do I have to be a graduate from a premier college?
No. It is not necessary that students need to be from premier colleges. You get into a B-school on the basis of your performance in the entrance exams conducted by the B-schools themselves.
Most B-schools take MBA aspirants with work experience, this is because a large number of them apply to these B-schools! There is no defined 'quota' for experienced personnel, nor are they given any 'preference' at any stage of the process. Students with work experience do have a psychological edge in the interview as their interviews tend to focus predominantly on their work (which they should know) whereas fresher interview focus more on academics (not everyone's strength!).
Read more about who's getting into B-schools
Q2. What are the pros and cons of part-time MBA?
Opt for a part-time MBA only if the income that you earn forms a significant part of your or your family's livelihood. Part-time MBAs is ideal for those who have a considerable amount of work experience and are now looking at moving up the corporate ladder. It is also for those who don't want a drastic change but want to move ahead in their existing line of work or want to know more about management.
Read more about the part-time MBA program
Q3. Can my managerial aptitude be increased?
The objective of the MBA program is to eke out the manager in you. There are quite a lot of qualities a manager possesses, such as leadership skills, strong communication skills and so on. For some people these qualities are portrayed in their day-to-day activities. But for some, they are dormant. The key to answering this question is whether there is a will in you to learn. If there is, then an MBA program from a good B-school will make sure that it gets the best out of you.
Q4. When should I start studying for MBA entrance exams?
That's the question foremost in the minds of most students. Our experts suggest that the ideal time to start your preparation depends on a number of parameters including:
1. What your existing competence is, in the areas tested
2. The amount of time you can dedicate to your preparation
3. The institutes that you are targeting for application
With the increasing difficulty level of the CAT, it is highly recommended that you start your preparation as soon as you have decided that you are serious about a career in management. Though for most 'good' candidates, 3-4hrs a day for 6-8 months is sufficient.
Q5. What extra do I need to put in?
Cracking entrances is all about getting your basics right. Apart from that, practising exercises like speed-reading and random Maths calculations can also help you. Do eclectic reading like the editorials of a newspaper, practise formulae and you will be playing a totally different ball game.
Q6. Investing another two years in an MBA program? Is it a good decision?
Well, your question has the answer in it. MBA is an investment, one that might not provide you immediate financial or career returns, but two years down the line when you walk through the mean streets armed with an MBA degree, all the sweat will be worth it. Finances should not stop you from applying for an MBA, financial aid is easily available.
Read more about the financial planning
Q7. I want to do my MBA from India's top B-school. But why should I focus only on the IIMs?
IIMs are without a shadow of doubt India's premier institutes. They are far beyond all other B-schools with respect to infrastructure, placements, faculty and learning environment. But, everyone can't go there, and the number of people taking the CAT each year is only increasing, hence it is extremely important to also apply to other B-schools in the Top 10-15 if it is an MBA you want.
See Pegasus's B-school ranking
Q8. What if I don't get into an IIM? Should I settle for another B-school or take the CAT again?
It depends on what you settle for. There are other institutes such as JBIMS, IMT Ghaziabad and TAPMI that are doing quite well. Check the Pegasus top B-school list. An MBA from B-schools in Clusters 1 - 3 will be a good choice. Go for the rest only if you have to do your MBA this year. Else taking the CAT again would not be a bad idea.
Q9. Will I get financial aid for my education?
Most B-schools do not offer financial aid. IIMs are the only B-schools that have a policy of not denying any deserving candidate admission due to lack of funds. However, it is still easy to get financial aid for doing an MBA, especially if you are going to any of the top ten B-schools. Banks are willing to give student loans to aspiring MBAs and you have to repay these only after you start working. Considering that you will be going to a top B-school, finding a high paying job should not be difficult at all.
Q10. I'm interested in an pursuing an MBA degree but at 35, am concerned that I'm too old for many schools to consider.
Well, you are never too old to study so your age shouldn't stop you from pursuing an MBA. The only question you need to ask yourself is, do you need a full-time MBA or will a part-time program fulfill your need.
Q11. What is the most important factor for a B-school when choosing an MBA candidate?
To begin with, your aptitude. This is tested in the entrances. Entrances are screening tests. Once you clear the entrance phase will you get to interface with faculty from the B-school itself. As far as other skills are concerned: B-schools look for clarity of goals, communication skills and your honesty, which they test in the phase two of their entrance with various personality assessment tools.
Read more about the B-school entrance
Q12. I'm having trouble narrowing down my list of possible schools. How many would you recommend I should apply to?
There is no ideal number to apply to. But don't apply to all the B-schools that you know of, apply smartly and effectively. Identify your interest area or the specialization you want to pursue and then accordingly shortlist those B-schools for applications. It's always better to err on the safer side and apply to a couple of extra schools rather than to too few.
Q13. Do you think that business school fees are on the rise and, if so, do you expect this to accelerate over the next five years?
Inflation has affected all service sectors and education has been no exception. With the demand and constant effort to meet international standard of learning, there has been considerable increase in B-school fees. There will be but only moderate fluctuations, with regard to the services provided.
Q14. I have a low CAT score. What other factors can I use to impress admissions committees?
If you have work experience, make sure you make good use of that. If not, be sure you are thorough with the subjects you studied in college. Remember, if you have made it to Round 2 inspite of your low CAT score, you stand an even chance of final selection. Be confident; be clear of what you want. Be honest and best of luck.
Q15. How many years of work experience is sufficient?
Usually 2-3 years of work experience is sufficient. B-schools have started a trend of lateral placements where students with 2-3 years of work experience get placed even before their regular placements.
Q16. Do I have to be a graduate from a premier college?
No. It is not necessary that students need to be from premier colleges. You get into a B-school on the basis of your performance in the entrance exams conducted by the B-schools themselves.
Choosing the Right B-school
It is not necessary that students need to be from premier colleges. You get into a B-school on the basis of your performance in the entrance exams conducted by the B-schools themselves.
There are over a thousand B-schools in India, and about half a dozen rankings. In such a scenario, finding the right B-school becomes quite a task. What matters is not obtaining an MBA, but doing a program that is respected and recognized. Once you identify your dream B-school, go all out to make sure that you get in.
What Makes a Good B-school: Parameters for Selection
To get you started, here is a list of a few aspects you need to look at while selecting B-schools and make sure that you are on the right track. If it does not throw up the best choice, it will at least help you shortlist those that you need to apply to.
Where do you want to study?
First and foremost, you need to decide where do you want to do an MBA from. This can be a choice between doing an MBA from India or abroad. You need to realize that the admission process, eligibility criteria and screening process for both may differ.
For pursuing an MBA in India, there are several locational factors you will have to consider, such as the proximity of the B-school to business hubs. The location of a B-school greatly influences the level of interaction between a B-school and industry, thus affecting the quality of education and visiting faculty, if any.
What does the B-school offer?
You need to take a look at the school, its learning environment and the programs offered, whether approved and certified by 'All India Council for Technical Eduction' (AICTE) - the official governing body responsible for regulation of higher education in India; curriculum, full-time faculty, campus services and the student body. A good infrastructure assures sound technical and logistical support.
What is the balance between faculty and research?
It is a top B-school's ability to attract and retain top-class faculty and its emphasis on the quality of research that separates it from others. Most business schools strive for a balance of both. All top B-schools have a strong focus on research and provide extensive, contextual and relevant study material.
What is the placement record?
Find out the program’s acceptability from the point of view of the list of potential recruiters you have in mind, analyze this through the B-school’s placement statistics of the last three years, the number of students that were picked by top-notch companies and the differential placements of the various B-schools. In this regard, also find out how active is the placement cell and/or the alumni network.
How is a B-school ranked?
In the last few years, there have been various surveys conducted every year that evaluate and compare B-schools using a consistent criteria. The results of these surveys could help you target some of the top B-Schools. Remember to take all of these surveys with a pinch of salt though and not to bother about the exact ranking of 'a' survey, but with the general opinion of a few put together.
Read more about the top B-schools
Does a B-school provide affiliations and exchange?
B-schools have collaborations with acclaimed international B-schools. For example ISB, Hyderabad offers an International Student Exchange Program, which gives students the opportunity to study for 1-2 terms at leading business schools such as the London Business School (UK) and Kellogg School of Management (USA). IIM Kozikode encourages international student exchange with B-schools such as the European School of Management (ESCP-EAP) in Paris and the European Business School in Frankfurt.
Exchange programs and affiliations encourage a healthy, cosmopolitan learning environment and promote global standards of education. Such programs are optional, even if you do not participate in a program yourself, the experience of interacting with visiting students will also benefit you alot.
Does a B-school offer financial aid?
MBA programs do not come cheap. However, it is quite easy to obtain financial aid for pursuing an MBA, especially if you are doing the MBA from one of the top ten B-schools. Most Indian B-schools do not offer scholarships till you reach the 2nd year and most of these are merit based. However, most banks are willing to give students a loan to pay for their education at extremely nominal rates and these are not required to be repaid till you start working. It is highly recommended that you do not allow financial constraints to stop you from joining a good B-school and to go in for loans. In fact, these loans actually reduce your tax burden once you start drawing those 6-7 figure salaries.
Who features in the B-school alumni?
If the alumni of the school are in well-respected positions in various industries, it automatically ensures a good standing for the school in the corporate world, which, in turn, implies better placement opportunities.
What is your need?
Today an MBA is no longer limited to marketing, finance and other traditional specializations. Applicants now have various options to choose from. For example specializations like rural management (IRMA), foreign trade (IIFT), retail (KJ Somaiya, Welingkar's & SP Jain), supply chain management (NITIE), systems management (IIMC, IIT-Bombay) among others. So, if you are interested in a specific filed of study, find out which B-school offers the relevant course and apply to them. There are certain B-schools which are reputed for their specializations; for example MICA is known for its Advertising, IRMA is known for their rural management course, etc.
Read more about how to choose specializations
Do your own research
You can acquire information about B-schools by doing some basic research. It will help you ensure your decision about your B-school of choice, which you might have derived following the above-mentioned parameters. Here are a few media that will help you in your research:
The Internet
A quick, vast and updated resource. Websites of the B-schools provide you with detailed information about the faculty, programs offered, facilities they offer and alumni forums that might interest you and help you take your decision.
Counselors
They are updated and trained to offer career guidance. They are aware and in constant touch with the latest happenings in B-schools and the programs that they offer. Once the counselors gauge your aspirations and your level of readiness, they can assist and provide you with proper career guidance. But be sure to meet trained and professional counselors.
Do you want us to help you find a counselor?
Alumni
Get it from the horse’s mouth. Speaking to the alumni gives you a student's perspective into the B-school. Talk to them for information regarding the kind of work you plan to pursue. It will provide you with a very different and highly personalized perspective
There are over a thousand B-schools in India, and about half a dozen rankings. In such a scenario, finding the right B-school becomes quite a task. What matters is not obtaining an MBA, but doing a program that is respected and recognized. Once you identify your dream B-school, go all out to make sure that you get in.
What Makes a Good B-school: Parameters for Selection
To get you started, here is a list of a few aspects you need to look at while selecting B-schools and make sure that you are on the right track. If it does not throw up the best choice, it will at least help you shortlist those that you need to apply to.
Where do you want to study?
First and foremost, you need to decide where do you want to do an MBA from. This can be a choice between doing an MBA from India or abroad. You need to realize that the admission process, eligibility criteria and screening process for both may differ.
For pursuing an MBA in India, there are several locational factors you will have to consider, such as the proximity of the B-school to business hubs. The location of a B-school greatly influences the level of interaction between a B-school and industry, thus affecting the quality of education and visiting faculty, if any.
What does the B-school offer?
You need to take a look at the school, its learning environment and the programs offered, whether approved and certified by 'All India Council for Technical Eduction' (AICTE) - the official governing body responsible for regulation of higher education in India; curriculum, full-time faculty, campus services and the student body. A good infrastructure assures sound technical and logistical support.
What is the balance between faculty and research?
It is a top B-school's ability to attract and retain top-class faculty and its emphasis on the quality of research that separates it from others. Most business schools strive for a balance of both. All top B-schools have a strong focus on research and provide extensive, contextual and relevant study material.
What is the placement record?
Find out the program’s acceptability from the point of view of the list of potential recruiters you have in mind, analyze this through the B-school’s placement statistics of the last three years, the number of students that were picked by top-notch companies and the differential placements of the various B-schools. In this regard, also find out how active is the placement cell and/or the alumni network.
How is a B-school ranked?
In the last few years, there have been various surveys conducted every year that evaluate and compare B-schools using a consistent criteria. The results of these surveys could help you target some of the top B-Schools. Remember to take all of these surveys with a pinch of salt though and not to bother about the exact ranking of 'a' survey, but with the general opinion of a few put together.
Read more about the top B-schools
Does a B-school provide affiliations and exchange?
B-schools have collaborations with acclaimed international B-schools. For example ISB, Hyderabad offers an International Student Exchange Program, which gives students the opportunity to study for 1-2 terms at leading business schools such as the London Business School (UK) and Kellogg School of Management (USA). IIM Kozikode encourages international student exchange with B-schools such as the European School of Management (ESCP-EAP) in Paris and the European Business School in Frankfurt.
Exchange programs and affiliations encourage a healthy, cosmopolitan learning environment and promote global standards of education. Such programs are optional, even if you do not participate in a program yourself, the experience of interacting with visiting students will also benefit you alot.
Does a B-school offer financial aid?
MBA programs do not come cheap. However, it is quite easy to obtain financial aid for pursuing an MBA, especially if you are doing the MBA from one of the top ten B-schools. Most Indian B-schools do not offer scholarships till you reach the 2nd year and most of these are merit based. However, most banks are willing to give students a loan to pay for their education at extremely nominal rates and these are not required to be repaid till you start working. It is highly recommended that you do not allow financial constraints to stop you from joining a good B-school and to go in for loans. In fact, these loans actually reduce your tax burden once you start drawing those 6-7 figure salaries.
Who features in the B-school alumni?
If the alumni of the school are in well-respected positions in various industries, it automatically ensures a good standing for the school in the corporate world, which, in turn, implies better placement opportunities.
What is your need?
Today an MBA is no longer limited to marketing, finance and other traditional specializations. Applicants now have various options to choose from. For example specializations like rural management (IRMA), foreign trade (IIFT), retail (KJ Somaiya, Welingkar's & SP Jain), supply chain management (NITIE), systems management (IIMC, IIT-Bombay) among others. So, if you are interested in a specific filed of study, find out which B-school offers the relevant course and apply to them. There are certain B-schools which are reputed for their specializations; for example MICA is known for its Advertising, IRMA is known for their rural management course, etc.
Read more about how to choose specializations
Do your own research
You can acquire information about B-schools by doing some basic research. It will help you ensure your decision about your B-school of choice, which you might have derived following the above-mentioned parameters. Here are a few media that will help you in your research:
The Internet
A quick, vast and updated resource. Websites of the B-schools provide you with detailed information about the faculty, programs offered, facilities they offer and alumni forums that might interest you and help you take your decision.
Counselors
They are updated and trained to offer career guidance. They are aware and in constant touch with the latest happenings in B-schools and the programs that they offer. Once the counselors gauge your aspirations and your level of readiness, they can assist and provide you with proper career guidance. But be sure to meet trained and professional counselors.
Do you want us to help you find a counselor?
Alumni
Get it from the horse’s mouth. Speaking to the alumni gives you a student's perspective into the B-school. Talk to them for information regarding the kind of work you plan to pursue. It will provide you with a very different and highly personalized perspective
CAT
CAT 2009 (Common Admission Test)
Those who are preparing to study in any of the reputed MBA institutes in India, they are well aware of the Common Admission Test, better known as CAT. This is a test held annually for the admission to the Post-graduate and Fellow Programs in management courses of several management institutes in India. This is a written examination organized by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) and it is on the basis of CAT result that the eligible candidates are short listed and called for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
CAT is considered to be a major requirement for a candidate seeking admission to the prestigious management institutes of India. The percentile secured in CAT is assessed by the B-Schools in India for short-listing candidates for admissions to their various MBA Programs.
CAT has become one of the most competitive exams to judge the potential of the candidates willing to pursue their career in business administration.
CAT Eligibility Criteria :
For applying to the CAT 2009, a candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of candidates belonging to SC/ ST or Persons with Disability], of any of the Universities or Institutes recognized by the UGC or the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification obtained by the candidate must be of minimum three years duration after completing Higher Secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent. Candidates in their final year of graduation/ equivalent qualification and those who have completed the exams and are awaiting results are also eligible for the CAT 2009. They must produce a certificate from the Principal / Head of the Department/ Registrar/ Director of the University / Institution certifying that he / she is currently in the final year awaiting final results.
Obtaning the CAT Application Form:
The Common Admission Test application form and the bulletin can be obtained from the selected branches of Axis Bank on payment of Rs. 1300/- (Rs. 650/- for SC/ST candidates). Under exceptional circumstances, CAT 2009 application form and bulletin can also be obtained from any of the IIMs by sending a crossed demand draft of Rs. 1300/- (Rs. 650/- for SC/ST candidates) drawn in favor of the respective IIM. Request for the bulletin should be accompanied by a cloth lined self-addressed unstamped envelope of 12” x 10”.
CAT 2009 Results:
CAT 2009 results would be available from January 2010. CAT results can be accessed on www.catiim.in and also by using sms facility or by sending a mail. SMS should be sent to 57333 after inserting ‘CAT test registration number date of birth (dd mm yy)’ or ‘CAT test registration number application number”. For getting CAT 2008 results by e-mail, candidates should register themselves between October 17, 2008 and November 30, 2008 by sending an SMS to 57333 with the following text: ‘CAT test registration number date of birth (dd mm yy) email identification.
CAT Preparation MBA Learning Centers
The MBA learning centers groom the students by providing them with the necessary study materials and making them aware of the mistakes to be avoided during the CAT exam. They also take Mock Tests to evaluate the potential of the students and give them the feedback. Some of these learning centers are -
SHARPMINDS
T.I.M.E
Career Launcher
Top Careers and You
Prime Tutor
Bulls Eye IGNOU Tutor
Planetetutors
CAT Papers Pattern
The CAT question paper has four different segments, namely, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Problem Solving and Data Interpretation. These multiple choices questions and are required to be answered only with a HB pencil on a computer coded OMR answer sheet. For each incorrect answer you get negative marks. Every year, the IIMs change the question pattern to prevent predictability. You should therefore have a deeper understanding of concepts and their applications to succeed in the CAT. It is to be noted that you have to perform well in all the three sections of the CAT as the test evaluates the overall aptitude of the student.
CAT Preparation Online
CAT Preparation Books
MBA Coaching in India
Related Link:
Those who are preparing to study in any of the reputed MBA institutes in India, they are well aware of the Common Admission Test, better known as CAT. This is a test held annually for the admission to the Post-graduate and Fellow Programs in management courses of several management institutes in India. This is a written examination organized by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) and it is on the basis of CAT result that the eligible candidates are short listed and called for a Group Discussion and Personal Interview.
CAT is considered to be a major requirement for a candidate seeking admission to the prestigious management institutes of India. The percentile secured in CAT is assessed by the B-Schools in India for short-listing candidates for admissions to their various MBA Programs.
CAT has become one of the most competitive exams to judge the potential of the candidates willing to pursue their career in business administration.
CAT Eligibility Criteria :
For applying to the CAT 2009, a candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of candidates belonging to SC/ ST or Persons with Disability], of any of the Universities or Institutes recognized by the UGC or the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification obtained by the candidate must be of minimum three years duration after completing Higher Secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent. Candidates in their final year of graduation/ equivalent qualification and those who have completed the exams and are awaiting results are also eligible for the CAT 2009. They must produce a certificate from the Principal / Head of the Department/ Registrar/ Director of the University / Institution certifying that he / she is currently in the final year awaiting final results.
Obtaning the CAT Application Form:
The Common Admission Test application form and the bulletin can be obtained from the selected branches of Axis Bank on payment of Rs. 1300/- (Rs. 650/- for SC/ST candidates). Under exceptional circumstances, CAT 2009 application form and bulletin can also be obtained from any of the IIMs by sending a crossed demand draft of Rs. 1300/- (Rs. 650/- for SC/ST candidates) drawn in favor of the respective IIM. Request for the bulletin should be accompanied by a cloth lined self-addressed unstamped envelope of 12” x 10”.
CAT 2009 Results:
CAT 2009 results would be available from January 2010. CAT results can be accessed on www.catiim.in and also by using sms facility or by sending a mail. SMS should be sent to 57333 after inserting ‘CAT test registration number date of birth (dd mm yy)’ or ‘CAT test registration number application number”. For getting CAT 2008 results by e-mail, candidates should register themselves between October 17, 2008 and November 30, 2008 by sending an SMS to 57333 with the following text: ‘CAT test registration number date of birth (dd mm yy) email identification.
CAT Preparation MBA Learning Centers
The MBA learning centers groom the students by providing them with the necessary study materials and making them aware of the mistakes to be avoided during the CAT exam. They also take Mock Tests to evaluate the potential of the students and give them the feedback. Some of these learning centers are -
SHARPMINDS
T.I.M.E
Career Launcher
Top Careers and You
Prime Tutor
Bulls Eye IGNOU Tutor
Planetetutors
CAT Papers Pattern
The CAT question paper has four different segments, namely, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Problem Solving and Data Interpretation. These multiple choices questions and are required to be answered only with a HB pencil on a computer coded OMR answer sheet. For each incorrect answer you get negative marks. Every year, the IIMs change the question pattern to prevent predictability. You should therefore have a deeper understanding of concepts and their applications to succeed in the CAT. It is to be noted that you have to perform well in all the three sections of the CAT as the test evaluates the overall aptitude of the student.
CAT Preparation Online
CAT Preparation Books
MBA Coaching in India
Related Link:
GMAT
What does GMAT stand for?
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is administered by Graduate Management Admission Council (or GMAC) and required for admission to most U.S., Canadian, and European business school MBA programs. Also, the GMAT test result can be used for admission to business PhD program, such as Harvard Business School DBA program.
Many test-takers have been working for several years and some are still in colleges. However, the GMAT exam does not test any specific knowledge in business or other subjects. Rather, it tests the "mental intelligence" and the ability to make decision under time pressure. The following table represents GMAT test format:
GMAT Format
Section
Number (s) of Questions (Total)
Length
AWA (one Issue and one Argument) 2
30 minutes for each essay
Break 5 minutes
Verbal: about 14 Reading Comprehension Questions (3 passages), 10 Critical Reasoning Question and 17 Sentence Correction Questions) 41
75 minutes
Break 5 minutes
Quantitative (about 13 Data Sufficiency, and 34 Problem Solving) 37
75 minutes
GMAT Score and MBA Admissions
The GMAT is an essential element in the evaluation of an applicant, and schools attach great importance to the test for two good reasons: it allows the school to compare applicants from different backgrounds according to the same numerical scale; moreover, the average GMAT score is taken into account in the various business school rankings.
At most schools, the GMAT is a deciding element in your application. Along with your undergraduate grades, your score on the GMAT determines your "academic ability". Although everyone refuses to compare it to an IQ test, the GMAT implicitly provides the school with an indication of your ability to follow the MBA courses.
What is the GMAT Test?
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is an exam held by Graduate Management Councils. Currently, the exam is a computer based test and covers three sections: verbal, quantitative, and essay. The GMAT is developed to test the ability to tackle the graduate education. It does not require any specific business knowledge. As we stated in What is GMAT, GMAT is now a four-and-one-half hour exam.
Why does MBA require the GMAT?
The GMAT exam is required by almost all (if not 100% of) accredited MBA programs because applicants come from different educational, employment , and cultural background. The admissions committee need a common criteria to determine the quality of each candidate. The GMAT score, together with GPA, employment history, MBA essays, letter of references and interview, thus provides a comprehensive picture of a particular applicant. In addition, most EMBA programs also require GMAT score for admissions consideration.
Can the GMAT exam be waived?
For most MBA programs, the GMAT requirement can not be waived. But a few schools do waive GMAT if the applicants demonstrate strong leadership experience, hold an outstanding GPA in a business management related major, etc. For example, The University of South Florida is one of them.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
If you plan to attend MBA program, you are required to take the GMAT before admissions application. For PhD program or other Master program, the exam can be substituted by GRE.
Can I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?
The answer is not. Again, GRE is only accepted by graduate schools.
Are there any free GMAT resources?
The GMAT test maker, GMAC or MBA.com, provides some of the best resources for GMAT, such as GMATPrep Software. It is free. You can download it from GMAC website. Also, our site offers a free section of GMAT test. Please refer to: Free Sample GMAT Questions.
Can I use a book to prepare for the GMAT?
Actually, the ebook provided by this site is sufficient to prepare for the test. If you need more materials, you can purchase from the bookstore nearby or Amazon.com.
Should I take a classroom GMAT preparation course?
It depends on your own learning style. If you prefer an interactive environment, you can choose a classroom test prep course. The fact is that most test takers can confidently prepare the test online with with a study guide.
When Can I take the GMAT test?
You can take the exam anytime throughout the year. The GMAT is in a computerized format, so it is convenient to schedule.
Where can I take the GMAT?
There are a number of testing centers throughout the country and the world. You can find a test center near to you by visiting GMAT Testing Centers.
How to Prepare for the GMAT?
This is not a question that can be answered completely here. However, if you are a starter, try to do the followings:
1. Get a copy of sample GMAT questions from the test administrator (you can download from MBA.com). Try to find out the types of question on the exam.
2. Review the basic math skills and grammar rules.
3. Practice sample questions and essays. A complete list of topics can be obtained from the mba.com website.
4. Study for at least one month before taking the test. If you have enough time, buy a study guide.
When should I take the GMAT?
It is wise to take the test a few months before applying. The GMAT score is valid for five years only. Thus, it is not good to take the test if you are still in the college. In general, business school requires three to four years of working experience before enrollment. If you are a college senior, wait three or four years.
How to Improve my GMAT Score?
Practice more questions under timed conditions or focus on the areas of weakness. You can also turn to a private tutor or preparation course for specific testing techniques if you have spent significant time last time, but did not achieve a satisfying score.
How to Submit GMAT Scores to an MBA Program?
On the test day, you can select up to five recipients for free. After the test, you can request the MBA.com to send additional score report to more schools. The cost is $28 for each school.
How is GMAT scored?
Right after the test, you will get an unofficial score report. On the paper, there are several different numbers. The 3-digit is the overall score you got. This number ranges from 200 to 800. It is determined by your performance on each section of the test.
How important are my GMAT Scores?
Business schools tend to weight your GMAT score most heavily because it provides a common standard that can be used to compare applicants from different backgrounds.
Can I cancel my scores?
Yes, you can. Immediately after you take the exam, you will be asked to report or cancel your scores. Once you cancel your score, you will not be able to see your scores.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
Previously, you can take the GMAT as many times as you want. After 2002, however, you may take the test no more than five times within a year and once in any calendar month.
How hard is the GMAT?
The GMAT is not easy for those who have left schools for many years. In the math section, you are not allowed to use a calculator during the test. And the verbal section is tricky due the length of the sentences. To get a good score, you have to be well prepared.
Common Admission Test (CAT)
Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET)
XAT (XLRI Admission Test)
Combined Aptitude Test
All India Entrance Test For Mba
All India Management Entrance Test (AIMET)
Common Entrance Test (CET)
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
OMAT - Orissa
MET/PAM-CAT For Admission To MBA
National Entrance Test (NET)
Consortium Of Self-Financing Professional, Arts & Science Colleges - Tamilnadu
U.P.Technical University State Entrance Examination (SEE)
UPMCAT (U.P.Management & MCA Combined Admission Test)
Uttranchal Joint Entrance Test UAJET
Government Of West Bengal JEE For MBA (JEMAT)
National Institute of Management Calcutta (NIMC)
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is administered by Graduate Management Admission Council (or GMAC) and required for admission to most U.S., Canadian, and European business school MBA programs. Also, the GMAT test result can be used for admission to business PhD program, such as Harvard Business School DBA program.
Many test-takers have been working for several years and some are still in colleges. However, the GMAT exam does not test any specific knowledge in business or other subjects. Rather, it tests the "mental intelligence" and the ability to make decision under time pressure. The following table represents GMAT test format:
GMAT Format
Section
Number (s) of Questions (Total)
Length
AWA (one Issue and one Argument) 2
30 minutes for each essay
Break 5 minutes
Verbal: about 14 Reading Comprehension Questions (3 passages), 10 Critical Reasoning Question and 17 Sentence Correction Questions) 41
75 minutes
Break 5 minutes
Quantitative (about 13 Data Sufficiency, and 34 Problem Solving) 37
75 minutes
GMAT Score and MBA Admissions
The GMAT is an essential element in the evaluation of an applicant, and schools attach great importance to the test for two good reasons: it allows the school to compare applicants from different backgrounds according to the same numerical scale; moreover, the average GMAT score is taken into account in the various business school rankings.
At most schools, the GMAT is a deciding element in your application. Along with your undergraduate grades, your score on the GMAT determines your "academic ability". Although everyone refuses to compare it to an IQ test, the GMAT implicitly provides the school with an indication of your ability to follow the MBA courses.
What is the GMAT Test?
The GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It is an exam held by Graduate Management Councils. Currently, the exam is a computer based test and covers three sections: verbal, quantitative, and essay. The GMAT is developed to test the ability to tackle the graduate education. It does not require any specific business knowledge. As we stated in What is GMAT, GMAT is now a four-and-one-half hour exam.
Why does MBA require the GMAT?
The GMAT exam is required by almost all (if not 100% of) accredited MBA programs because applicants come from different educational, employment , and cultural background. The admissions committee need a common criteria to determine the quality of each candidate. The GMAT score, together with GPA, employment history, MBA essays, letter of references and interview, thus provides a comprehensive picture of a particular applicant. In addition, most EMBA programs also require GMAT score for admissions consideration.
Can the GMAT exam be waived?
For most MBA programs, the GMAT requirement can not be waived. But a few schools do waive GMAT if the applicants demonstrate strong leadership experience, hold an outstanding GPA in a business management related major, etc. For example, The University of South Florida is one of them.
Do I need to take the GMAT?
If you plan to attend MBA program, you are required to take the GMAT before admissions application. For PhD program or other Master program, the exam can be substituted by GRE.
Can I substitute the GMAT for the GRE?
The answer is not. Again, GRE is only accepted by graduate schools.
Are there any free GMAT resources?
The GMAT test maker, GMAC or MBA.com, provides some of the best resources for GMAT, such as GMATPrep Software. It is free. You can download it from GMAC website. Also, our site offers a free section of GMAT test. Please refer to: Free Sample GMAT Questions.
Can I use a book to prepare for the GMAT?
Actually, the ebook provided by this site is sufficient to prepare for the test. If you need more materials, you can purchase from the bookstore nearby or Amazon.com.
Should I take a classroom GMAT preparation course?
It depends on your own learning style. If you prefer an interactive environment, you can choose a classroom test prep course. The fact is that most test takers can confidently prepare the test online with with a study guide.
When Can I take the GMAT test?
You can take the exam anytime throughout the year. The GMAT is in a computerized format, so it is convenient to schedule.
Where can I take the GMAT?
There are a number of testing centers throughout the country and the world. You can find a test center near to you by visiting GMAT Testing Centers.
How to Prepare for the GMAT?
This is not a question that can be answered completely here. However, if you are a starter, try to do the followings:
1. Get a copy of sample GMAT questions from the test administrator (you can download from MBA.com). Try to find out the types of question on the exam.
2. Review the basic math skills and grammar rules.
3. Practice sample questions and essays. A complete list of topics can be obtained from the mba.com website.
4. Study for at least one month before taking the test. If you have enough time, buy a study guide.
When should I take the GMAT?
It is wise to take the test a few months before applying. The GMAT score is valid for five years only. Thus, it is not good to take the test if you are still in the college. In general, business school requires three to four years of working experience before enrollment. If you are a college senior, wait three or four years.
How to Improve my GMAT Score?
Practice more questions under timed conditions or focus on the areas of weakness. You can also turn to a private tutor or preparation course for specific testing techniques if you have spent significant time last time, but did not achieve a satisfying score.
How to Submit GMAT Scores to an MBA Program?
On the test day, you can select up to five recipients for free. After the test, you can request the MBA.com to send additional score report to more schools. The cost is $28 for each school.
How is GMAT scored?
Right after the test, you will get an unofficial score report. On the paper, there are several different numbers. The 3-digit is the overall score you got. This number ranges from 200 to 800. It is determined by your performance on each section of the test.
How important are my GMAT Scores?
Business schools tend to weight your GMAT score most heavily because it provides a common standard that can be used to compare applicants from different backgrounds.
Can I cancel my scores?
Yes, you can. Immediately after you take the exam, you will be asked to report or cancel your scores. Once you cancel your score, you will not be able to see your scores.
How many times can I take the GMAT?
Previously, you can take the GMAT as many times as you want. After 2002, however, you may take the test no more than five times within a year and once in any calendar month.
How hard is the GMAT?
The GMAT is not easy for those who have left schools for many years. In the math section, you are not allowed to use a calculator during the test. And the verbal section is tricky due the length of the sentences. To get a good score, you have to be well prepared.
Common Admission Test (CAT)
Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET)
XAT (XLRI Admission Test)
Combined Aptitude Test
All India Entrance Test For Mba
All India Management Entrance Test (AIMET)
Common Entrance Test (CET)
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
Management Aptitude Test (MAT)
OMAT - Orissa
MET/PAM-CAT For Admission To MBA
National Entrance Test (NET)
Consortium Of Self-Financing Professional, Arts & Science Colleges - Tamilnadu
U.P.Technical University State Entrance Examination (SEE)
UPMCAT (U.P.Management & MCA Combined Admission Test)
Uttranchal Joint Entrance Test UAJET
Government Of West Bengal JEE For MBA (JEMAT)
National Institute of Management Calcutta (NIMC)
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