For many students in India, getting into a top business school is a dream come true. As we all know, securing admission to a reputable Bschool can set your career on the right path. This article provides an indepth guide to business schools and the realworld experience of pursuing an MBA.

Finding Your Purpose

The first and most important step before embarking on your MBA journey is to identify your purpose. While a lucrative salary is certainly a motivation, it shouldn’t be your sole reason for pursuing an MBA. A welldefined purpose will open many doors for you and ensure that your efforts are aligned with your longterm goals.

For instance, in my case, I pursued an MBA because I aspired to become a consultant in the fintech industry. With this goal in mind, I was able to make more informed decisions throughout the process.

Aligning Goals with Purpose

Once you’ve identified your purpose, the next step is to align your goals accordingly. This includes preparing for the entrance exams that will get you into your shortlisted Bschools. I found a simple yet effective strategy for shortlisting schools:

Start by obtaining a list of Bschools that banks offer collateralfree loans for. These schools are often considered less risky investments, as banks have a history of students who have successfully repaid their loans. Being admitted to one of these schools increases your chances of securing a good placement, provided you put in the necessary effort.

Next, identify the entrance exams accepted by these Bschools. Fill out the forms for both the entrance tests and the schools (note that IIMs don’t require a separate application fee as it’s included in the CAT fee). Additionally, create a ranking of these schools based on various surveys, information from their websites, and your own profile. Some schools may be better suited for fresh graduates, while others might be more appropriate for candidates with substantial work experience. This will help you make an informed decision when the time comes to choose a school.

If you’re considering studying abroad, other factors need to be taken into account. I’ll cover those in a separate article.

Preparing for Entrance Exams

Now it’s time to start preparing for the exams. The CAT and XAT are the most popular entrance tests and are accepted by almost all premier Bschools. If needed, consider joining a coaching institute like TIME, Career Launcher, or IMS—I personally joined TIME. We also offer free resources to assist you with your preparation.

Managing Time and Preparation

The next challenge is clearing the entrance exams. If you’re a student, you can dedicate at least two hours a day to study. If you need to improve your vocabulary, make it a daily habit. If you’re working, I suggest preparing for the exams alongside your job rather than quitting. This will reduce the risk associated with pursuing an MBA. I’ve seen many friends leave their jobs, only to struggle with the CAT and create gaps in their careers.

After 34 months of preparation, you’ll begin taking mock tests. These are crucial for gauging your progress and identifying areas that need improvement. Ideally, your scores should start improving after the fourth mock test, unless there’s a significant issue in a particular area. It’s essential to analyze each mock test thoroughly; otherwise, it’s a waste of time and money. Treat the mocks like the real exam and be ready to take on the challenge at any time.

The Exam Day

CAT is usually the first big test day, but remember, it’s not the end of the world. Once the exam is over, analyze your performance to understand where you stand. Be resilient and ready for the next exams like SNAP, IIFT, and XAT. Sometimes, a bad day can affect your performance, so it’s wise to take multiple exams to spread the risk.

After the Exam: GD, PI, and Beyond

Once you clear the exam, the next hurdle is the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, along with the Written Ability Test (WAT) in some cases. Your final score will be a combination of your exam score, GDPI score, work experience (where applicable), and academic profile. This score will be normalized and compared against your peers to determine your percentile.

If you receive multiple offers from different Bschools, use the ranking system you created earlier to choose the best option.

In Summary

To succeed in your MBA journey, follow these steps:

1. Identify your purpose.
2. Choose your target Bschools.
3. Identify the entrance tests.
4. Apply to Bschools and entrance exams.
5. Prepare for the exams.
6. Prepare for GDPI.
7. Select the best Bschool for you.

All the best!