The Hindu Business Line : <I>Cracking the MBA test</I>

I am a third year B.Sc. (Computer Science) student. I would like to do my MBA. Which are the top B-schools in Tamil Nadu? Can you suggest the steps needed to get through the entrance examinations?

Sai Ranganathan

The top B-schools in Tamil Nadu are: i) Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli; Institute for Financial Management and Research, Chennai; iii) Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai; iv) PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore; and IIT Madras.

To be successful in the MBA entrance requires advance preparation, analytical abilities, commitment and hard work. Data interpretation skills, good vocabulary and reading comprehension are needed in addition to a strong base in quantitative reasoning. Undergoing structured coaching and taking a series of mock tests will help a lot. Besides effective time management, the key to success is to keep your cool on the D-day .

Getting a quick grasp of the questions is very important. Expect the unexpected. In addition, you should improve your communication skills for the group discussion and interview. For this, you have to update yourself on contemporary economic, business and political developments.

You should be able to put forward your thoughts and viewpoints in a logical and convincing manner based on sound reasoning. Be pragmatic and optimistic while you present yourself. In view of the growing competition, you have to race ahead of others continuously in all respects. In addition to CAT, you have to appear for other management entrance exams also so that you can choose the best option available to you.

ICWA plus graduation?

Do I need to complete my graduation along with ICWAI (cost accountancy) in order to secure a job? Or, is ICWAI alone enough? I have completed my 12th (commerce stream) and am pursuing the ICWAI course. Is it a must I complete my graduation?

C. G. Prasad

It all depends on what to want to be. If you have passion for legal studies, you should do it from a nationally reputed institute. Else, you can look at CA seriously. If you prefer the latter option, CA with graduation is preferable from various standpoints — further studies, career prospects and so on. It may be demanding, but not too difficult.

Considering the long-term requirements in one's career, it would be advisable for you to do your graduation in commerce on a full-time basis from a reputed college. This will give you time to plan your career properly. You will, over time, know whether you are interested in further studies or in getting a job. In the meantime, equip yourself with software skills as well. You should focus on studies, with proper planning and hard work.

Send in your queries to CareerCrossroads@gmail.com.

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S. Kannan