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How to prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
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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.
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