Testing the manager within

Hirdesh Madan

Management and managers are ubiquitary, be it multimillion dollar firms or natural disasters such as Tsunami and weddings; you need them everywhere. With so much competition around, how does one become the next Sundar Pichai or Indra Nooyi? Well, the Indian scenario offers you more than enough options and opportunities to be the next generation leaders. The only question here is are you enthusiastic and ready to grab that opportunity?

MBA is a coveted degree for management aspirants. It will prepare you for various functions and positions for the Business World. All leading institutions and universities across the country, both government and private, accept scores of national level tests like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. 

Preparing for the MBA entrance tests is a tedious task. It requires regular practice, time management and logical and analytical frame of mind. Students from all graduation streams are eligible to write the test. Technically, it has a reference to the two most important tools of a manager - numbers and words. The test is structured in a way as to assess the dexterity of a candidate in both these domains. 

The anatomy is the overall fabric of the test, which is designed in a way so as to bring out the manager within you. From this perspective the test can be seen as comprising four areas: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. All the major MBA entrance exams across the country test you on these areas. However, you need to be updated with current affairs as some exams focus on this too. 

Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most challenging management entrance exam and you need to have a comprehensive game plan to perform well in this exam and get into your dream B-School. But, human beings are funny creatures. Our basic instinct, when faced with challenges, is to dive deep down into the problem-solving process without taking a step back and thinking about the action plan required by the problem at hand. Preparing for CAT is actually one such problem which requires you to get the right strategy in place in order to make the maximum possible impact when it comes to results.

Let us discuss about the exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies and timeline for MBA entrance exams. The exams can be conducted either online as in the cases of CAT, NMAT or in a paper-pen mode as in the cases of XAT, SNAP, and so on.

— The writer is Director, Bulls Eye

What is assessed

Questions can be segregated into four areas:

Quantitative Ability: This sources questions from discrete mathematics from topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry and modern math. Apparently, a majority of these topics can be linked to matric level maths, but the difference is the way in which the questions are framed and the fact that the questions are intended to measure key management skills. For example, proficiency in arithmetic may be reflective of ability to understand symmetry and patterns, while that in geometry may be indicative of a superior ability to comprehend pictorial representations and space.

Data Interpretation: This is an area where the questions assess you on data comprehension and data processing skills, as manifested in various statistical tools. Questions are based on line charts, bar graphs, numerical data tables, pie charts or combinations thereof, and measure the candidate's ability to handle similar challenges as subsequent business managers.

Logical Ability: In this area questions are designed to check one of the most critical components of managerial acumen - logic. Different kinds of situations are created in the questions covering topics like arrangements, logic trees, coding etc. The ability of the candidate to analyse the information given and arrive at logical conclusions is indicative of potent management skills.

Verbal and Reading Comprehension: This  measures the candidate's ability to handle alpha numeric data, as presented in topics like usage and grammar, critical reasoning and reading comprehension. Questions are created around a careful application of verbal reasoning and  differentiate managers with strong communication and reasoning abilities from the remaining.