Hello, my daughter is pursuing B.Com-II sem and wants to pursue MBA. Please guide about the entrance exams for IIMs and other reputed colleges, preparation and coaching.

Ans: Hi,

Thank you for writing in.

Entrance exams for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other reputed colleges in India are generally conducted by the Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to the postgraduate management programs.

XAT or Xavier Aptitude Test is another popular MBA entrance exam held for admissions to the Xavier member institutes including XLRI Jamshedpur, XIMB and XIME.

PGDBA exam is held for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) course offered collectively by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kharagpur and ISI Kolkata.

IIFT is held by the National Testing Agency for admission to MBA(IB) by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The university-level examination is held annually in online mode.

NMAT is a national-level examination held by GMAC for admission to top MBA institutes including NMIMS and XIMB among 30 B-schools in India.

TISSNET is held by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, TISSNET paves the way for admission to its Master’s programs in management offered at the various campuses.

I have listed few for references. There are multiple other institutes you can look. Please zero down on one so that it will further help to focus on one.

Other tips-

Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, which includes sections such as Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Understand the marking scheme, time allocation, and the number of questions in each section.

Gather Study Material: Collect study material, including textbooks, reference books, previous years' question papers, and online resources. Some recommended books for CAT preparation are:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT
Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all the sections and allows for regular practice. Allocate time for each topic, focusing on your weaknesses while maintaining a balance across all sections. Set realistic goals and track your progress.

Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to assess your performance, identify weak areas, and improve time management. Analyze your mistakes and work on improving them. Joining a test series or using online platforms that offer mock tests can be beneficial.

Join Coaching Classes (optional): Consider joining coaching classes if you feel you need additional guidance and a structured approach to your preparation. Coaching institutes provide expert faculty, study material, and a competitive environment. However, self-study with proper dedication can also yield good results.

Stay Updated and Practice Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs and business news as they form an essential part of the exam. Read newspapers, follow news websites, and magazines to enhance your knowledge of current events.

Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Understand the underlying concepts of each topic and focus on building a strong foundation. This will help you tackle complex problems effectively. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

Develop Time Management Skills: Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving questions within the given time limits. Learn to prioritize questions based on difficulty levels and allocate time accordingly.

Improve Reading and Comprehension Skills: Enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills to perform well in the VARC section. Read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly to improve your vocabulary and comprehension abilities.

Stay Motivated and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Preparing for entrance exams can be challenging, so it's essential to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset. Take regular breaks, exercise, and get enough sleep to stay focused and energized.

Hope this helps. All the best

To Your Success. Be You. Be Confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of -Confidence Decoded. Is it a Skill or Attitude?