Step1: Identify and list the colleges that interest you
You should identify and list B-schools and colleges that interest you. It is wise to check the Top MBA institution rankings published in major print and digital publications that will help you decide. This exercise will help you to narrow down your preparation for college-specific entrance exams and reduce precious time in filling admission forms.
Step2: Preparation
For a comprehensive preparation, you should focus on target preparation strategies which include practising in a disciplined schedule, reading expert tips and following exam guides. To know about the paper pattern, marking and adopt a sectional based solving approach; make a schedule to practice mock tests and Previous Year Question Papers daily. You can start by attempting real-time papers on Exambazaar for free, where 50+ exams for last 10 years have been compiled for your preparation.
Step3: Filling up Application Forms
Application forms are different according to the colleges you have shortlisted in Step1, while information like Personal details, Family and Contact details, Education credentials are common for most of the colleges, Essays or Document requirements may be different.
In the admission forms section detailed below, we have provided a few helpful screenshots from the IFMR Application 2018, please be advised that these are only for references and different colleges applications may have less or more required information in their application forms.
Step4: Writing exams and waiting for the Results
Writing exams is the most crucial step, where the key lies in solving maximum questions with the minimum error rate with efficient time management. Shortlists and results are out in 2-3 months. Subsequently, colleges conduct GD and PI rounds for successful candidates.
The final selection depends upon the cumulative performance in the written exam, performance in the GD and PI rounds, academic credentials, academic diversity and previous work experience & gender diversity.
Filling up Admission forms is a Critical Step
Many colleges ask for your details and your answers to multiple questions that test your behavioural and analytical skills. Filling these forms is not a cake walk, and needs a focus based approach, soft copies of the essential documents like mark sheets, and all details handy. The sectional components of these forms are discussed below:
- Section 1: Personal & Contact Details
This section speaks about your personal details like name, demographic details, identification details (like Aadhaar number) and contact information. Some specific colleges like IFMR asks you specific inputs like where did you hear about the college and how would you finance your education, while Welingkar has questions on your skills and attitude and programme preferences you need to answer.
Be careful in filling your details, and answering the tricky questions. While a mismatch between your personal details with the original transcripts may cancel your application, while the specific questions which check your focus and programme/ college fit, leave a first impression. You may not want to tarnish that.
- Section 2: Family Background & Address Details
In this section, you have to fill your parents and siblings details, which may include name, occupation, the official position held, contact details etc. Some colleges may also ask you to list your parent’s education degrees and annual family income as well.
This section varies from college to college some may have this section clubbed with personal details (section 1), while some may list as a separate section.
- Section 3: Qualifying Exam Information/ Programme Details
You are required to fill your scores of the entrance examinations (like CAT/XAT etc.) acceptable to the college, in addition to your enrolment number and choice of GD & Interview city from a list of available options.
Several colleges give you a choice to appear for their own entrance exams or give details of the accepted entrance exams (like CAT/XAT etc.) make a smart choice here, check their previous cut offs of accepted entrance exams and if you have scored that or ever more, give those scores, else appear for their exams to increase your chances of selection.
- Section 4: Education/ Academic Details
This is the most comprehensive and crucial section, as it lists your academic qualifications and shows you as a serious candidate. Details asked in this section include,
- Graduation Details: Graduation name and specialization, degree obtained, percentage/ CGPA scored, affiliated university name and completion details along with timeline. Some colleges may ask you to upload scanned copies of graduation mark sheet and certificates.
- Class XII and Class X Details: You are required to list your Class XII / Junior college marks and percentage, subject combinations taken, name of the board (CBSE, ICSE, State boards etc.), year of passing, and pass attempt. Class X details like marks and percentage secured, name of the board (CBSE, ICSE, State boards etc.), year of passing, and pass attempt are required to be filled up. You may be asked to upload scanned copies of mark sheet and school leaving certificate.
- Section 5: Work Experience
This section is indispensable for working professionals. Fresh graduates can put their internship experiences for an edge among the rest of the graduates. This section details the candidates experience in the organisation, with the organisation name, designation, timeline of experience, responsibilities handled and remuneration details.
Working professionals are given weightage in admissions and subsequent placements for their prior knowledge of the organisational culture, work ethics, and industry requirements are on an upper edge than fresh graduates. So if you are an experienced professional aiming for MBA this is the most crucial section in the application form for you.
- Section 6: Achievements
This section lists out the co-curricular activities and professional excellence you have acquired in the course of your education/ professional journey. Like leadership positions held in your professional space or academics or awards won in academics, sports and co-curricular activities etc.
You should never miss this section; achievements at work and education give you an upper edge and set you apart from the rest. This section is an important segment as it projects you as an all-rounder and an achiever in your domain of work, a vital skill for an MBA applicant.
- Section 7: Essays
In many MBA application forms, you will be expected to successfully analyse issues, comprehend information, and communicate your ideas through essays These are long answer questions that test your ideas, opinions and aim to reveal your soft skills and personality skills, which are important for your development as a business leader. Some of the common questions are why you want to study management, your strengths and areas of improvement, hobbies or interests etc.
You should be precise, highlight your networking, and communication skills, outlook towards your career, and show accountability in answering these intelligently drafted questions, for they go a long way in projecting you as an individual who is responsible towards him/herself, friends, peers and the society at large.
- Section 8: Documents & Transcripts
This is the last section and lists the essential documents like identity proof to be uploaded, digital signatures to be done, referrer name and contact details to be added to complete the formalities.
In some colleges, you may be asked to pay a certain admission form fee online to submit your application & Voila! You are one step closer to your MBA dream.
Filling an MBA form may take a longer time. You should sit back, relax and fill diligently; it is this form that is your first interaction with your dream college. Aim to leave an impression of a serious career oriented and eager to learn prospective candidate with the colleges you apply. For any further assistance feel free to contact Exambazaar for any assistance you need.
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