PRIME-IIM Selection Process

The Selection Process

Most of the Business Schools admit students on the basis of interest, aptitude and capacity for management study. Selection is made through a multi-mode, multi-criteria procedure. Admissions are made based on the candidate's

· Academic performance

· Performance in Entrance Test

· Performance in Group Discussion

· Performance in Personal Interview and

· Work Experience

The process starts with a candidate applying for the MBA Entrance Test and, therefore, for the MBA program. The application form primarily seeks to collect data on the background of the candidate in terms of academics, work experience, interests and pursuits, achievements, domicile. Besides, some questions on the future plans of the candidate and how an MBA program fits into his/her plans, an assessment of a candidate's strengths and weaknesses are generally asked. This source of formal data forms the preliminary basis for all subsequent interactions, specifically the personal interview. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill up the application forms carefully, and retain copies for any future reference.

The first hurdle for an aspirant is the entrance test. The entrance tests are essentially designed with a view to objectively measure the aptitude of the candidate, and the general skills as expected of a graduate. All this under severe time stress. The entrance tests are of multiple-choice type, where each question is followed by four or five options and the candidate has to choose the best option. Since the MBA program is open to graduates of any discipline, to eliminate any bias arising out of a candidate's academic background, the difficulty level of the entrance tests is pegged at Class X to Class XI standard. The entrance tests broadly have the following sections :

Verbal Ability

Questions based on Antonyms, Synonyms, English Usage, Sentence Sequencing, Sentence Completion, Logical Arrangements and Arguments, etc.

Reading Comprehension

Questions based on Passages.

Quantitative Ability

Number Systems, HCF and LCM, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interests, Time-Work, Time-Distance, Clocks, Calendars, Set Theory, Quadratics, Remainder Theorem, Functions, Permutations, Probability, Trigonometry etc.

Data Interpretation

Charts and Tables, Graphs and Functions, based problems.

Logical Ability

Analogies, Logical Clustering, Mathematical Logic, Critical Reasoning, Puzzles, etc.

General Awareness

To test a candidate's knowledge of the environment.

Varied Patterns

Based on the Business School, the entrance test can have some or all of the above sections. The number of questions per section, the marks assigned for a correct answer in each section may vary. More often than not, the pattern of the entrance test varies every year.

Test Dynamics

The entrance test duration, and the total number of questions are in the range of 120-180 minutes and 150-250 questions respectively. The tests are designed in such a manner that no candidate would be able to solve all the questions correctly in the given time. Accuracy and speed of solving are extremely important in the entrance tests. As is the ability to handle the concurrent pressure. The objective of a candidate should be to maximise his/her overall performance, with reasonably good performance in each section. Since each section attempts to measure specific skills of a candidate, no section can be left unattempted. Further, a candidate may have to score a minimum mark in each section to be considered for over-all ranking. While intelligent guessing is encouraged, arbitrary guessing is penalised by way of negative marks (1/4 th to 1/3 rd mark per incorrect answer).

Group Discussion and Personal Interview

While some business schools use a Group Discussion in the selection process, some don't. Students who qualify in the entrance test are invited for a Group Discussion to be followed by a Personal Interview. For every seat on offer about 6 to 12 candidates are invited for this phase of the selection process. A Group Discussion is the first instance where the candidate meets the Faculty of the Business School. In a Group Discussion a group of 8 to 20 candidates assemble and discuss on the topic/case given to them by the faculty. Usually, Group Discussions last for about 15 to 25 minutes. In the Group Discussion, the candidate's ability is assessed in terms of

· His/her behaviour in a group of people not necessarily familiar

· Communication skills

· Contribution of ideas facilitating a discussion

· The range and depth of his/her knowledge on topics of general interest

· Initiative and leadership

In the Personal Interview, apart from the validation of the information provided by the candidate in the application form, a candidate's suitability for the MBA programme is assessed.

Academic Performance

Weightage is given to a candidate's past academic performance as it is a reasonable indicator of his/her likely performance in the MBA program.

Work Experience

Appropriate weightage is given to candidates with at least 6 months of full-time work experience.