PREPARE FOR MBA

HOW TO PREPARE FOR MBA ENTRANCE EXAMS

preparations for MBA entrance examination need in-depth knowledge, analytical mind, sharp memory and above all, systematic planning and preparations. Needless to say that the candidates cannot and should not attempt the preparations overnight. Since the competition is taken by the best available talent from all disciplines, meticulous and long-run preparations are required to get admitted to the programme. Although the syllabi and contents/papers in the admission/entrance test differ from university to university (and between the Institutes as well), there are certain common aspects that appear in most of the entrance tests/CATs in one form or the other. These aspects include tests on quantitative aptitude, reasoning, intelligence, comprehension, case analysis, relationships, word power, synonyms, antonyms, general knowledge/awareness, etc. It is therefore, essential that the candidates 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 go a long way in guiding the candidates to prepare properly for the test.  Some tips to prepare on some important aspects which are common to most of the entrance examinations, are given below: (a) Quantitative Aptitude: A candidate seeking admission to MBA programme is expected to have aptitude for basic and elementary accounting as well as the knack of solving the simple arithmetic problems. This is one of the areas in the admission test which, if properly prepared and practised, is likely to put the candidate ahead of others, as one can hope to score even 100% marks in this part. There may be several types of questions that may form part of quantitative aptitude test. The first category could 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 could involve multiplication or divisions in 5 to 6 figures or decimals. It may be quite time-consuming if the candidates start actually attempting the entire calculations. Since the candidates are required to work against time it is not advisable to waste time on such calculations. With a little practice, the candidates can easily eliminate most of the choices straightaway to arrive at the correct answer even without any calculations. This can be achieved if the candidates look at all the choices carefully before actually attempting the calculations. Another category of questions may be directed at testing only the intelligence of the candidate and not his/her ability to calculate. There may be some other questions aimed at testing the common sense of the candidates. The entire area of quantitative aptitude, therefore, needs constant practice to calculate quickly with accuracy. More practice is also essential for the candidates to gain confidence in this part of the test. 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. It is strongly recommended that the candidates practise and attempt all the questions on quantitatives in the Intelligence Tests appearing in all the issues of "The Competition Master". In addition to providing adequate practice to the candidates, these tests also give methods to solve some typical problem, which without hints to solve, may appear to be difficult for the candidates lacking flair for figure work. (b) Logical Reasoning: Questions on logical reasoning may be of several types and in several forms. These could include a statement on which the candidates are asked to draw correct interference out of the given choices. There could be questions on series of words and figures, arrangement of alphabets, brain trasers or even such questions as only call for drawing logical inferences. Just like quantitative aptitude test, this portion of admission test also needs special and detailed preparations and practice. 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. In such questions it is proper 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. "The Competition Master" provides rich material every month on the tests of reasoning. (c) Comprehension Test: Comprehension test is aimed at gauging the understanding of English language by the candidates. Usually, a paragraph is given which the candidates are required to go through carefully and then answer the question by choosing the correct answer. To attempt this part speedily and correctly, the candidates must practise reading with a quick speed and understanding the entire passage. Answer to most of the questions are easily located within the passage itself. But there are certain questions, answers to which are not directly available in the given passage. Such questions can only be answered by those candidates who can understand the passage fully. Although effective handling of this part depends on the basic understanding of English language by the candidates. Regular practice would help the candidates to attempt the comprehension test in more effective and appropriate manner. Tests of English language given in every issue of this magazine invariably contain small comprehension passages. Practice of such passages may be of great help to the candidates for preparing this test. (d) General Awareness: As the name suggests, the test of general awareness aims to judge the general knowledge of the candidates. Basic facts about all aspects of general knowledge like Science, Geography, History, Economics, Polity, etc are essentially required to be known. A good knowledge of all branches of general knowledge is essential which can only be achieved by reading good books. "The Competition Master", duly supplemented by a standard book like "General Knowledge Refresher" by O.P. Khanna provides adequate material on general awareness. This part can also be strengthened by regular reading of good newspapers. In addition to the above four aspects, which usually form part of all admission tests/entrance tests, there are other aspects like word-power, word relationships, case analysis, etc which also need careful preparations and practice. A serious candidate has to devote a lot of time on all the aspects of the admission test and it is advisable that the preparations are started at least an year in advance. As stated earlier, this magazine takes care of most of the aspects of admission/entrance test. Group Discussion and Interview  Some of the universities/institutes have group discussions and interview also as parts of admission test to MBA programme. These tests are held to judge the suitability of a candidate for the esteemed programme. The group discussions are held under the supervision of the experts, who look for the qualities like ability to express, reasoning, power to argue, initiative and leadership qualities among the candidates. Interview, on the other hand, is held to evaluate other traits of personality of the candidates like knowledge, suitability, judgement, sense of proportion, manners, expression, intelligence, etc. It also looks for the variety of interests and accomplishments of the candidates in extra-curricular activities including sports. Final selection of the candidates is made after taking into account their performance in all the tests.