Different MBA Entrance Exams in India and tips to help you in the MBA preparation

Are you an MBA aspirant looking forward to getting enrolled in a top B-school in India? Earlier MBA admissions were based on merit but things have changed over the past few decades. With an increasing number of candidates showing their interest in an MBA, several reputed colleges have also changed their criteria for admissions. The world is seeing an upsurge of MBA aspirants since a while. An MBA entrance exam gives a concrete platform to an aspirant. Today, entrance exams have become a prerequisite for many UG programs and PG programs. The MBA isn't an exception. Several popular MBA entrance exams are the Common Admission Test (CAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) and Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET). Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are the other MBA entrance exams.

Therefore, if you too are one of those looking out for answers to your burning questions related to MBA entrance exams, here are we with information that is going to help you in your preparation!

Overview of the different types of questions that can appear in each section of MBA entrance exams

CAT (Common Admission Test)

Exam Section under CAT:

Section 1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension
• Para Jumbles
• Para Summary
• Odd Sentence Out

Section 2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Set Theory (Variables)
• Set Theory + Puzzles
• Puzzles with Additional Data
• Coding-Decoding and Series

Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Number System
• Algebra
• Arithmetic
• Geometry
• Mensuration

MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Exam Section under MAT:

Section 1: Language Comprehension

• Verb
• Noun
• Pronoun
• Adjective
• Adverb
• Antonyms & Synonyms
• One Word Substitution
• Idioms/Phrases
• Vocabulary
• Sentence Correction
• Para Jumble a
• Reading Comprehension.

Section 2: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning:

• Family Tree
• Course of Action
• Arrangement
• Pie Chart
• Calendars
• Statement Conclusions
• Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments
• Puzzles
• Series
• Blood Relations
• Coding & Decoding
• Visual Reasoning
• Syllogisms and Graphs

Section 3: Data Analysis & Data Sufficiency

• Line Graph
• Bar Graph
• Caselet
• Pie Chart
• Data Comparison
• Quantitative Comparison
• Data Sufficiency

Section 4: Mathematical Skills

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Mensuration
• Modern Maths

Section 5: Indian & Global Environment

• Current Affairs and Static GK.

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Section 1: Verbal and Logical Ability

• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Analogy
• Parajumble
• Grammar
• Critical Reasoning

Section 2: Decision Making

• Data Arrangement
• Conditioning
• Grouping
• Complex Arrangement
• Caselets
• Assumptions
• Premises
• Conclusions

Section 3: Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

• Arithmetic
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Percentage
• Surds and Indices
• Algebra
• Mensuration
• Bar Diagrams
• Pie Charts
• Tables
• Data Interpretation

Section 4: General Knowledge

• Science
• Economy
• Business
• Politics
• Static GK
• Sports
• Prize and Award
• World
• Government
• Constitution of India

NMAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Section 1: Language Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• English Grammar
• Word Meaning
• Verbal Ability

Section 2: Quantitative Skills

• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Algebra
• Mensuration
• Modern Maths

Section 3: Logical Reasoning

• Coding-Decoding
• Critical Reasoning
• Puzzles
• Blood Relations
• Statement Conclusions
• Number Series

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

Section 1: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

• Algebra
• Time-Speed-Distance
• Alligation & Mixtures
• Geometry
• Graph
• Quadratic and Linear Equations

Section 2: Logical Reasoning

• Analytical Reasoning
• Linear Arrangements
• Number Series
• Matrix Arrangements
• Blood Relationship Tests

Section 3: Language Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar
• English Usage Errors
• Parajumbles

Section 4: General Awareness

• Economy
• Business
• World
• Politics
• Sports
• Culture & Society

Section 4: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Overview of the marking scheme and how it affects the overall score

CAT (Common Admission Test)

Total Marks = 198

MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Total Marks = 800

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Total Marks = 105

NMAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

Recommended study materials and resources for MBA entrance exams

Every year, more than 2 lakh people appear for MBA entrance exams, and this number is likely to go up every year. Although there are more candidates, seats in the country's top business schools are limited. This makes MBA entrance exams one of the most competitive formats and requires a lot of dedication and commitment by the candidates.
So, to help you out, here are some recommended study materials and resources that can help MBA aspirants prepare for their entrance exams. There are several books available on the market for CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, and GMAT 2023 preparation. The following are the books available:

CAT (Common Admission Test)

MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

NMAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

Overview of the admission process and criteria used by MBA colleges in India

CMS Business School is one of the most ambitious and leading business schools in India that puts innovation first by providing qualitative learning and leadership development to its students. So, if you want to apply for your dream MBA at CMS Business School, you will have to follow either of the two options.

Option A: Appear for JET (Jain Entrance Test)

Levels 1: JET Written Test

Guidelines:

• Duration of the exam = 120 mins
• Type of questions = MCQs
• All questions are mandatory and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

Level 2: Essay Writing

 You will be asked to write an essay on a given topic for duration of 10-15 minutes.

Level 3: Presentation

 The topics for the presentation are updated in the dashboard.

Level 4: Personal Interview

It focusses on subject knowledge, goal clarity, communication skills, attitude, academic credentials, work experience and achievements.
Note: The final result will be based upon the performance in Essay Writing, Presentation and Personal Interview.

Option B: Appear for JET (Jain Entrance Test)

If you are not appearing for JET, you can still enroll in JET with minimum score in MAT/CAT/XAT/NMAT/GMAT.

Overview of the career prospects after completing an MBA program

Strategies for time management during the exam

We all know that "time and tide waits for none."
Interestingly, time seems to run faster when we are inside the examination hall. However, at that time, there is no way out but to write faster, which can impact your handwriting and affect your overall scores. This implies that no matter how hard you work, it will all be in vain if you cannot manage your time efficiently.
That’s why we have come up with 5 effective strategies that can help you with time management during the exam:

• Prepare and Stick to a Routine: It is very important for every student to have a sense of direction while studying. Therefore, making a proper study routine will help you analyse your weak and strong points and prepare in advance.
• Solve the test papers along with a timer: Since exams have different formats, it is advisable to solve them as per the time requirement so that you can accustom yourself with it. Keep enough time to revise your answers too!
• Solve the questions with the highest marks first: The questions that have the highest marks are also the ones that need the most attention and time. Therefore, you must start by solving them first so that you can adjust your remaining time for the MCQs or short questions.
• Answer the easy questions in the beginning: A lot of us get stuck with the hard questions and waste our time trying to solve them. This kills our time and prevents us from answering the ones that we know. So, you must answer the easy ones and then save the difficult ones for the end.
• Read your questions carefully: A lot of us make this mistake time and again. We do not read the question properly and start answering it blatantly. By the time we realise that we have made a mistake during revision, it’s too late. Therefore, read every question and the options properly to avoid time choking.

Discussion of common mistakes made by MBA aspirants during the exam preparation process and how to avoid them.

The journey to your destination, i.e., your dream MBA College, is long and full of hurdles. However, it is evident that one is bound to make mistakes during this entire journey, which can sometimes be repetitive and totally unavoidable. So, here are some common mistakes that are often made by MBA aspirants during the exam preparation process and ways in which they can avoid them.

• No daily routine plan: Although a lot of the aspirants work hard, many times they work directionless, which means studying without a well-defined timetable. Having a timetable helps one analyse their strengths and weaknesses and plan their day properly.
• Ignoring the syllabus: Many students often study without knowing the topics that need to be covered. Some of them also skip some topics because they think they're not that important. This is a major setback, and one must study as per the syllabus of the entrance exam they are sitting for.
• Not solving enough mock papers before the main exams: Mock tests provide guidelines to MBA aspirants and aid in their preparation. However, many people skip practising them, which is definitely not recommended for MBA aspirants.
• Lack of devotion towards each topic: A lot of individuals often jump from one topic to another because they are in a hurry to complete the syllabus. Due to this, they lack clarity on certain topics, which can impact their performance if they face such questions in the exam hall. So, one must devote adequate time to understand and comprehend each topic carefully.
• Having a ‘Giving up’ attitude in the middle of the journey: It is understandable that MBA entrance exams can be difficult and demanding. There may be times when one can feel demotivated and like ‘giving-up’. However, one must not let the negative thoughts overpower them and push themselves forward till they make it. Self-motivation is the key to staying on track.

The role of mock tests and sample papers in MBA entrance exam preparation

Many of us do not give enough importance to mock tests and sample papers during MBA entrance exam preparations. But we ignore the fact that these mock exams can actually prepare us for the entrance exam more effectively than any other strategy possible.

• Ace Time Management: When you solve mock tests and sample papers with a timer, it helps you pace yourself to complete each section within the timeline.
• Familiarity with exam pattern: Solving mock tests and sample papers allows you to get used to the format of the questions, ranging from all the topics the questions are about to which topics are more important than others. As a result, you will be more likely to know what to expect on the exam and be better equipped to respond to the questions.
• Ability to solve diverse questions: When you start practising from a varied range of mock and sample test papers, it allows you to get accustomed to different types of questions. You can become prepared during the exam period to face various kinds of questions.
• Strengthen your abilities and improve your weaknesses. We all have different areas of strengths and weaknesses. So, when we practise the sample test papers, it gives us a reality check. It helps us understand what our core areas are and what the areas are where we need to improve and perform better.
• Builds up confidence and reduces anxiety: Solving mock test papers gives us a real-time experience of how it will feel in the exam hall. This will make us more confident and reduce the unnecessary stress that can occur during the examination. It can turn out to be a great tool to minimise the risks that can happen during the real exam.

Some extra tips for those extra marks!

The MBA entrance exam gets divided into three sections. They include Verbal Ability, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Ability. We must start by preparing short notes and quick mementoes.
Tips to ace the Verbal Ability section:

• Be thorough with the rudiments of grammar. The best way to start is to read High School books.
• Vocabulary doesn't just incorporate words and their correct comprehension. It revolves around words and the contexts they suit.
• Start with etymology and root meanings of each word.
• Study sample passages and try to find the meaning they imply.
• Start with reading your most favourite literature.
• Change the formal passages into creative or interactive versions.

Tips to ace the Reasoning ability section:

• Reasoning section scrutinizes the comprehension skills of the candidates. Flawlessness, question selection and pace are the three necessary toolkits of this section.>
• One must increase knowledge on the basics continuously and understand the overall syllabus.
• One should try resolving the questions with various levels of difficulty.
• One should go ahead and start verifying miscellaneous dictions and formulae that simplify each question.
• Nothing suits reasoning abilities better than a lateral way to think and ideate on a solution.
• Clarity while selecting the questions is necessary.
• It's important to assert a parallel explanation each time the logics fail to ascertain.

Tips to ace the quantitative ability section:

• We should start by analysing the level of our knowledge.
• The test taker should try venturing beyond his/her erstwhile aptitude.
• One can achieve it by improving one's natural reflexes while proceeding to each query.
• One should take considerable efforts to select what one knows and omit what one doesn't.
• One should avoid excessive calculations as they end up confusing even the stiffest candidates.
• One should not use traditional methods or restrict their usage if they are found inapplicable.
• Although routine or traditional calculations are necessary, one must try mental calculations.
• It's necessary to cover complete syllabus.
• No matter how adept we are at resolving the quantitative questions, we should keep track of each portion.

What are the last-minute tips to crack MBA entrance exams?

• We should develop a thorough awareness of all that we have studied throughout the preparatory period.
• It's important to realize that cracking the exam is more important than having covered the whole syllabus.
• We should take a quick look at the various parts we find difficult.
• It's necessary to verify our knack against the weightage of each topic we covered in the tenure.
• We should subsequently ponder over the subjects that interested us since the outset.
• And now, each short note and mementoes we developed will guide our way.

Importance of staying physically and mentally fit during the preparation phase

MBA exams can be physically and mentally demanding and exhaustive. If you cannot pass the entrance exams, it can lead to the loss of a year. Therefore, if you get sick or overstressed, it can undermine your efforts on these important tests. A state of good health-both physical and mental well-being-will help you create a positive life balance, and you can perform better in your exams.
Physical health is a very crucial aspect of your MBA preparation. Imagine getting a cold or flu just a week before your exams start! Due to this, your last week’s revision cycles and the final preparation can be heavily impacted. So, here are some of the tips that can help you stay physically fit to be able to use your 100% productivity and efficiency in the assessments.

• Exercise is a healthy habit, and you can do it daily, at least for 30 minutes to an hour. You can do some moderate aerobic exercises that will help improve the blood flow and cardiovascular health, benefiting your brain.
• You must eat proper meals at the right time. Do not skip your meal just because you think you are running short of time. Eat a balanced diet and try to include nuts and almonds to increase your memory power.
• You must avoid junk food to prevent food poisoning, diarrhoea, etc., and should say no to cold items to avoid getting cold.

There’s another important aspect that we are failing to miss-'mental well-being’! Health is not just about being physically fit but also being mentally healthy. MBA entrance exams can be one such assessment that can cause you extreme anxiety and make you question your own self-esteem and confidence. The immense pressure and fear of failure among the students can impact their overall performance.
Therefore, to help you cope with the ever-increasing stress, we are here with some small yet valuable tips that can aid you in managing your mental health during your preparation phase for your MBAs!

• Take small yet frequent breaks in between your daily routine. You will lose your focus if you just sit in a corner with your books the whole day.
• Engage in group study. It can be interactive and will give you a pool of new ideas and ways to solve the complex questions.
• Do not compromise on your sleep. Ensure that you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep per day to keep you rejuvenated and focused.
• Practise meditation to keep stress at bay and enhance your concentration levels.
• If you think that you are becoming more and more anxious, reach out for help. Confide in your parents, teachers, siblings, or anyone else whom you trust and share your feelings with them.

One must always remember that an exam-be it anything-can never be the determinant of success. There will be more opportunities and chances, so it is important that one is physically and mentally healthy for the same.