Wednesday, January 29, 2014

XLRI invites applications for part time PGDM-BM program for Working Executives & Business Owners

XLRI - Xavier School of Management has invited applications for Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDM-BM) program for Working Executives & Business Owners’ for the batch 2014 to 2017.
“The three year, part-time, evening programme, approved by AICTE, imparts the rigor of a full-time programme through 900 plus hours of class room interaction, but spread over 3 academic years to accommodate the time-constraints of a working executive or a business owner,” informed a release from the institute.
The last date to apply is February 28, 2014. The course fee is Rs 9.5 lakhs and the classes commence from third week of May, 2014.
According to XLRI Director E Abraham S.J., “The programme has been designed to facilitate two-way learning; thus, while participating in the programme, the students can get many opportunities to apply the conceptual insights gained in the classroom to their respective workplace on a day-to-day basis. The programme also attempts to balance the work-life pressures and classroom-learning rigour for students by scheduling the class timings during late evenings and weekends, thereby providing breaks in-between terms, and reducing academic work-load during financial year endings.”
Important dates

Dates
Last date to apply with payments
February 28, 2014
Entrance test
March 16, 2014
Personal Interviews
April 6 to 20, 2014

Eligibility

  • Candidates who have completed three years of Bachelors degree or equivalent in any discipline, recognized by a University or Deemed University, are eligible to apply.
  • At least two years of work experience, post bachelor's degree, in supervisory/executive role in organizations as on April 30, 2014.

MBA 2014 Admissions at IITs, see application dates

Applications are invited for admissions to Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programme for the upcoming session of 2014- 16 at various IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) including Bombay, Kharagpur and Roorkee. However, the applications dates for MBA programmes at other IITs are yet to be announced.
The last date to apply for these programmes at IIT Bombay is February 3, 2014 while at IIT Kharagpur its February 7 and at IIT Roorkee, January 31.
Click on the respective links to know more about the application process at IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee

KIIT School of Management invites applications for MBA 2014

Applications are invited for Master in Business Administration(MBA) programme offered at KIIT School of Management. Expected to commence by the first week of July 2014, admissions to this two year programme will be based on CAT or XAT scores.
Aspirants, under this MBA programme, will have a choice of 5 specializations to choose from which includes Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Information Technology Management and Technology and Operations Management.
As part of the curriculum, the programme also includes a study trip and on-site training. The last date to apply for the same is February 15, 2014.
Total seats: 240
How to apply:
  • Aspirants can fill the form and submit the application fee online.
  • They can also download the form and pay the application fee through DD(Demand Draft)
  • They should attach copies of relevant academic certificates, CAT/XAT scorecard and passport size photograph with the application form
Application fees: Rs.750 (General category)
Important dates:
  • Last date to submit the application form: February 15, 2014(CAT / XAT score) and January 20, 2014 (December MAT score)
  • Commencement of academic semester: July 2014
Click here to apply online

SSC to conduct CGL exam 2013 again

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced that it will be conducting the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination 2013 again at selected centres. This step is being undertaken by the Commission on the basis of reports by investigation agencies stating that invalid materials were used during the exam at some centres. The list of identified centres involved in this will soon be disclosed by the Commission.
The tier-I of the CGL exam was held on April 21, 2013 as well as May 19, 2013 and the exam’s tier-II was conducted on September 29, 2013.
The Government has issued a statement insisting that re-examination for the tier-I as well as tier-II of the CGL exam 2013 should be conducted at the identified centres wherein reports have emerged of using suspicious means. It has also been mentioned that age relaxation would be given to candidates if required in this re-examination.

Gear Up for COMEDK-PGET 2014

Buckle up for COMEDK-PGET 2014Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka-Post Graduate Entrance Test (COMEDK-PGET 2014) is an entrance test conducted by COMED-K for taking admission toDoctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) and diploma programs offered in various specializations in Comedk member institutions for the commencing session 2014-15. The COMEDK-PGET 2014 will be held on Sunday, February 02, 2014.
The test will be conducted only at centers in Bangalore. Clouded with a bunch of queries about COMEDK-PGET, you must be busy with your last minute revision. To help you further, Minglebox is providing the paper pattern of COMEDK-PGET exam below:
For more details on various specializations and member institutions, click here.
Paper Pattern for COMEDK-PGET 2014:
  • In COMEDK-PGET 2014 common entrance, there will be one separate test for PG Medical programs and one separate test for PG Dental programs.
  • Each test will have 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQ).
  • The time allotted for the test would be 180 minutes.
  • Candidates are required to mark their answers in an OMR (Optical Mark Reader) answer sheet.
  • Each correct answer is awarded one mark.
  • There will be no negative marking.
  • No marks will be awarded for multiple marking (marking multiple responses) for any question.
Last Minute Tips for COMEDK-PGET 2014:
We are sure that you have put in all your effort in preparing for the exam and are feeling adequately prepared. Still some last minute tips:
  • Visit the venue of the test if you are not very familiar with the city geography.
  • Keep adequate time in your hand while leaving for the exam center on the exam day.
  • Double check your admit card, identity proof and writing instruments.
  • Do not panic even if you haven’t been able to cover some portions. Panic is only going to reduce your efficiency on the exam day.
  • Have proper sleep the night before the exam.
  • The COMEDK-PGET Results will be out on Saturday, February 22, 2014

Three Indian B-Schools in top 100 FT Global MBA Ranking 2014

The Indian B-Schools are yet to make a huge splash in the global arena but it has been a slow improvement with IIM Bangalore making an appearance now in the top 100. Premier B-schools Indian Institute of Management Ahmadabad (IIMA) and Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad which have already appeared before have slipped from their current positions to lower ranks in the Financial Times (London) Global MBA Ranking 2014.
It was mentioned that for the first time, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has found a place on the chart at 68th position. With this, it has become third such Indian institution to have figured in top 100 management schools globally. According to Global MBA Ranking-2014 by FT, rankings of IIMA and ISB slipped to 30 and 36, respectively, from their last year's positions of 26 and 34 respectively. Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and London Business School occupied first, second and third positions, respectively in this year's ranking.
According to reports, ISB had slipped 14 points to rank 34 last year as against 20th position a year before. Similarly, IIMA had slipped 15 places at 26th rank from 11th position in 2012. In 2011, IIMA ranked 11th and ISB 13.
It was also reported that n the recent years, a key factor affecting Indian schools has been the weakening of the rupee and its corresponding impact on the PPP (Purchasing power parity) exchange. This has affected the weighted salary parameters which accounts for 20 per cent of the ranking criteria. It seems Indian schools have been disproportionately impacted by this, relative to schools from other countries, according to B-school officials.

Universal education crisis costs $129 billion per year says new study

This news might come as a saddening bit but the studies say that universal education won't be achieved until the next century and the learning crisis is costing governments $129 billion a year. According to reports, Unesco's 11th Education For All Global Monitoring Report has stated that the crisis will affect generations of kids if no corrective steps are taken.
It was reported that according to the report summary, 10% of global spending on primary education is being wasted on poor quality education that is failing to ensure that children learn. This situation leaves one in four kids in poor countries unable to read a single sentence. The report says good teachers are key to improving the situation and calls on governments to provide the best to those who need them most.  
It was mentioned that this year's report, titled "Teaching and learning: Achieving quality for all", says without sufficient and trained teachers, the learning crisis will last for several generations and hit the disadvantaged the hardest. In many sub-Saharan African countries, for example, only one in five of the poorest children reach the end of primary school, having learnt the basics in reading and mathematics. The reports says that going by current trends, it will take until 2072 for all the poorest young women in developing countries to be literate, and possibly until the next century for all girls from the poorest families in sub-Saharan Africa to finish lower secondary school.
Due to poor quality education, 175 million kids in poor countries — a quarter of the youth population — can't read an entire or part of a sentence, affecting one-third of young women in South and West Asia.  According to the report, even in high-income countries, education systems are failing significantly large minorities. In New Zealand, while nearly all students from rich households achieved minimum standards in Stds IV and VIII, only two-thirds of poor students did so. It also highlights the need to address gender-based violence in schools, a major barrier to quality and equality in education.

AIPGMEE 2014 Results Declared!!

AIPGMEE ResultsAIPGMEE 2014 exam Results were declared on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 by National Board of Examinations. Candidates, who are going to appear for the exam, can check their results on the official website of National Board of Examinations.
Check here for more updates on AIPGMEE Results 2014
AIPGMEE Exam 2014:
The AIPGMEE entrance exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT), which was held from Monday, November 25, 2013 to Friday, December 06, 2013 (with 26 November, 1 & 4 December as non-testing days) at 70 test centres located at 38 cities across the country. AIPGMEE is the eligibility-cum-ranking examination prescribed as the single entrance examination for taking admission to MD/MS/Diploma programs for the academic session 2014 (except Jammu & Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh).
Paper Pattern for AIPGMEE 2014:
  • The examination shall be a multiple choice questions test delivered using computer network.
  • The test comprises of 300 multiple choices, single correct response questions in English language only.
  • The weightage of MCQ’s in each specialty is indicative and purely provisional.
  • There shall be no negative marking.
For more details and information on paper pattern, please visit their official website.

TANCET 2014 exam application to be issued from February 1

Anna University which conducting the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test (TANCET) has announced that the application form and online registration for the year 2014 will be available from February 1. On behalf of Government of Tamilnadu, Anna University is conducting the entrance exam.
TANCET is conducted for the admission to M.Plan, M.Arch, M.Tech, M.E, MCA and MBA courses. For MBA and MCA programs, the examination will be held on 22nd March 2014 and for M.Plan, M.Arch, M.Tech, M.E programs examination will be held on 23rd March 2014.
Candidates who have registered through online need to send the dully filled application form along with Demand Draft and other required documents as mentioned in the notification should be sent to The Secretary, TANCET, and Centre for Entrance Examination, Anna University, and Chennai. Application should reach to the university on or before 20th February 2014. 
Demand Draft should be drawn in favour of The Secretary, TANCET Anna university Chennai payable at Chennai for the amount of Rs.500 for one programme. If candidate wants to appear for more than one programme then they have to pay Rs.500 for each additional programme. DD has to be obtained from any nationalised banks on or after 1st February 2014.
Last date for the registration in person at coordinating centers or through online registration is February 18 and last date for registration in person at Chennai centre and receipt of application received through online is February 20.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Top institutes make a beeline for NAAC accreditation

Major universities and institutes in the country have flooded the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with their request for accreditation. Nearly 3,000 applications have been received by NAAC in the course of a year.
Reports mention that the flood of requests has been mainly to receive funding under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). It was mentioned that it has become mandatory for government run higher education institutions to get accreditation to receive funding. Major part of the funding of government higher education institutions has been taken over by RUSA from University Grants Commission (UGC) last year.
According to reports, top institutes like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi, School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, Anna University, Chennai, Indian Institute of Science and National Law School from Bangalore, Jadavpur University, Kolkata and Assam University, Silchar are among 2,978 others have sent their letter of intention (LoI) to the accreditation agency between January 19, 2013 to December 19, 2013.
It was also reported that this is the highest number of LoIs received by NAAC, as earlier the agency used to get anything around 800 requests annually. Region wise the highest number of applications are from east and northeast, while in as a state Bihar has the largest number of participations. The report quoted director, NAAC, professor AN Rai as saying "There has been an unprecedented rush of LoIs for this cycle of accreditation process. One of the reasons could be because accreditation has been made mandatory and also linked to funding under RUSA's provision. But it is not mandatory for all accreditations to be done by NAAC as there are plans for multiple accreditation agencies in the country."
NAAC is now looking to strengthen the headquarters in Bangalore and then decentralise the process of college level accreditation process. The headquarters would deal with the university level accreditation and training of assessors. According to Raj, they are planning five regional offices, the first to start in North and will operate from DU. The regional centres will be responsible for the assessment process - right from receiving the LoI to Institution Eligibility Qualification Assessment, followed by self study report to visit by the expert. Only the final approval of the grading will be done in Bangalore by the executive committee.
There were 109 applications from the northeast and east and northeast combined have the largest number of LoIs, which are 826. Following Bihar (280) in terms of states with largest applications are Madhya Pradesh (278), Tamil Nadu (238), Karnataka (217) and Rajasthan (193). Nine universities and nine colleges have applied from Delhi.

XAT 2014 answer keys not to be provided: XLRI officials

The answer keys to the Xavier Aptitude Test 2014 (XAT 2014) will not be provided, according to the officials of the Xavier Labor Relations Institute Jamshedpur (XLRI Jamshedpur). XAT 2014 was held on Sunday, January 5, 2014, and the Results were declared on Monday, January 20, 2014.
Numerous test-takers of XAT 2014 have claimed that there are discrepancies in the XAT 2014 Results. While a majority of the candidates have alleged that SET D of the paper was inaccurately assessed, some claim the same about Set C. Such candidates have called for a re-evaluation of their papers.
However, as per officials of XLRI Jamshedpur, a comprehensive re-check was done before the Results were issued, to ensure accuracy. Even after Results were declared, another investigation was conducted due to the complaints received. Since no errors were detected, re-evaluation of XAT 2014 Results may be ruled out.
Thereafter the candidates had pleaded for the answer keys to be provided. XLRI as an institute does not have the policy of making the answer keys available. Moreover, the institute is certain about the accuracy of the Results, the officials added.
It is important to note that there is no system of normalization in XAT, like the Common Admission Test (CAT). Hence, the chances of candidates finding their scores to be radically different from their expectations are rare.
Due to similar student discontent about XAT scores last year, a re-evaluation was conducted. More recently, around 3,000 test-takers of CAT 2013 have also alleged that there are discrepancies in the CAT 2013 Results and a probe is currently on regarding the same.
A total of four candidates have acquired scores of 99.99 percentile in XAT 2014, as per officials of XLRI Jamshedpur.

Admission process - IIM Indore

The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) was established in 1996. The institute was chosen to be set up in Indore to give an impetus to management education in central India and has ever since been acting as the pioneer in the field of management, interfacing with the industry, government sectors and Public Sector Units (PSUs). It has evolved into a contextually relevant business school (B-school) of world-class academic standard. Some of its most important programs are Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), Executive Post Graduate Program in Management (EPGP), Five Year Integrated Program in Management, etc. There are around 453 seats available for admission into the academic session of 2014-16 at the institute.
IIM Indore PGP admission criteria and selection process (2014-16) –
Shortlisting for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) at IIM Indore is a two step process.
Step 1:  Initial Screening:
Candidates applying for the two-year PGP offered by IIM Indore need to meet the minimum sectional percentile and overall percentile scores in the Common Admission Test 2013 (CAT 2013) to be eligible for further shortlisting, as mentioned in the Table below.
Category
Section I
Section II
Overall
General
85.00
85.00
90.00
NC OBC
75.00
75.00
80.00
SC, ST, PWD
50.00
50.00
55.00
Step 2: Final Shortlist for WAT and PI:
Candidates meeting the minimum criteria as mentioned in the Table above will be eligible for further shortlisting for WAT and PI. The merit list will be drawn category-wise on the basis of the academic performance in SSC (Class X), HSC (Class XII) and BD (Bachelors Degree). The Composite Score (CS) will be calculated on the basis of the sum of the weighted academic performance as mentioned in the Table below.
Academic Performance
Weightage
SSC (Class X)
35%
HSC (Class XII)
35%
BD (Bachelors Degree)
30%
Composite Score (100%) = SSC (35%) + HSC (35%) + Bachelor’s Degree (30%)
The number of candidates to be shortlisted category-wise for WAT and PI will be in the ratio of 1:10, as mentioned in the Table below.
Category
Planned Intake
To be Shortlisted
General
213
2130
NC OBC
122
1220
SC
68
680
ST
34
340
PWD/DA
14
140
Total
451
4510
Candidates who are shortlisted for WAT and/or PI will be informed by the end of January, 2014. IIM Indore holds admission interviews in the cities of Chennai, Bangalore, Indore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi.
Final Selection:
A merit list for candidates who appear for WAT and PI will be drawn on the basis of criteria and admission offers as per reservation norms. The Final Composite Score (FCS) is calculated on the basis of the sum of the weighted performance in academics, PI and WAT, as mentioned in the Table below.
Academic Performance
Weightage
SSC (Class X)
17%
HSC (Class XII)
17%
BD (Bachelors Degree)
16%
PI
35%
WAT
15%
Final Composite Score (FCS) = SSC (17%) + HSC (17%) + BD (16%) + PI (35%) + WAT (15%)
IIM Indore’s admission rules stipulate 15% of the total seats to be reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% to be reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, as per the reservation norms of the Government of India. Moreover, 27% of the total seats need to be reserved for the Non Creamy Layer - Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) candidates.

CAT 2013: Confidence is the key to success in GDPI

Arpana Jain, a sincere, hardworking student completed her graduation with exceptional marks. Quite understandably she was invited for a series of Campus Interviews by leading organisations. But as sincere as she was in her work, she faltered with her answers during the interview and this inability to express freely and correctly cost her many a good job options.
The above scenario unfolds real-time around many colleges, across campuses. While any particular job requires certain skills (many technical), the ability to converse effectively is increasingly becoming a basic but critical factor in recruitment today.
These issues are highlighted during the process of recruitment, the starting point of which is Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
“Communication” an important angle
Group Discussion is an important dimension of the selection process. Here, the way each person expresses his or views or communicates is very critical. Your communication can be and is the ‘game changer’.
In the case of institutes too, they expect students to work with others for effective functioning, as people skills are important in any MBA program. And employers/selectors get a sneak review of the screened job seekers or students during the GD and PI.
And in a Group Discussion, the communication skills of the participants come to the forefront. Firstly, you need recognize what your objective is, in the group. A good example of your objective is to be noticed and to have made a meaningful contribution to the discussion, so that the group could reach a consensus. It is important that making any contribution is not enough: your contribution has to be ‘meaningful’ and significant. Normally people will point what is obvious. It will be upto you, to highlight areas or points that are not obvious. It is the different perspective that you bring to the table that will be noticed by the selectors; of course this will be appreciated too. Plus, it can be the tipping-point.
As far as PI goes, personal interview is of prime importance. Sometimes we tend to take it in our stride, and may not put any extra efforts to increase the PI score.  Since it is the last leg of the selection process, we often feel that it should not be a problem to clear this last hurdle.
You may have fared well in the different levels in the section process – like the written exam and the Group Discussion. This is just a step away from final selection, the face-to-face interaction - the Personal Interview. What can you expect? A panel of management experts, a staccato of questions that are bounced at you. A firing squad literally, but don’t let this spectacle unnerve you in any way.  Just think along these lines - a personal interview could actually be challenging and fun if you just relax and remain focused. Think of it as a ‘conversation’ with the interview panel. So, instead of getting panic-stricken, sit back and enjoy the experience. To begin with, be aware of four main focus areas in any personal interview - personal details, academic details, your background and current affairs.
In today's context, educational institutes are interested in ‘team players’ rather than ‘individual’ contributors. During the Group Discussion, the panel essentially evaluates the candidate's potential to be a leader and also his/her ability to work in teams. It must be noted that institutes are always on the lookout for ‘good communicators’, for good team players - candidates who will inspire to lead and succeed.
What are the checkpoints in GD &PI?
Communication skills, clarity and coherence of thoughts, logical presentation of ideas, ability to take the group along and give direction - are important. So that you are perceived by the interview panel as the one who gives direction to the discussion.
Then there is a question of whether one needs to be polite or aggressive in the GD. Politeness is good but may not work when you have very loud participants. Aggressiveness usually does not go down well with the selectors. Here ‘assertiveness’ - being firm, yet confident of what you are saying and, at the same time, not trying to force your opinion on others, really helps. A balanced participation is appreciated in the GD - i.e. if you are neither being too quiet nor being too aggressive. Communicate clearly with confidence
Face GD PI with confidence
  • Use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using fancy jargons in an attempt to show-off your knowledge. Make sure you have above average communication skills and hope you don't make grammatical mistakes!
    The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and appropriateness of language. One key aspect is ‘listening’, which indicates a willingness to accommodate others’ views. 
  • Maintaining good eye contact during GDPI is very important. So, sometimes this one aspect can cost you your job or admission. It is common to see that many people fail to maintain eye contact for many reasons – they may be nervous, or not comfortable. (You can try to overcome this problem by looking straight at yourself in the mirror and answering questions directed at you by yourself!)
  • Remain cool even when someone provokes you with personal comments. The ability to remain objective, to empathize, to be non-threatening (and more of a team player) is important. Interpersonal skills are reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships.
  • Dress appropriately. Pure formals can be Western formals such as trousers and a coat with formal shirt (and tie for guys). Or it can be Indian formals like salwaar kameez in light, sober colors. Be professional and alert. Carry a pen always. Treat this meeting with all seriousness, as a ‘preview’ to your future life.
  • In GD be the 1st one to speak, for you can get an advantage over the others, primarily for the fact that you have spoken your thoughts on the topic before any other person. You can jot down/prepare 2-3 points on the topic when given time, at the beginning. If someone counters your point, give suitable examples to prove your point. Also let each participant speak once and then you can contrast their points or support them as per your choice.
  • Give enough information about the questions asked. And, always remember to put a smile on your face!
  • In case you do not know the answer to a particular question you may say clearly that, ‘I do not know about this’ or ‘I have not learnt enough about it’. Be honest and straightforward instead of beating around the bush. 
  • Answer everything positively and say - "yes I can do" or  "I will try" instead of ‘I can’t do’.
  • Above all, confidence is very vital to pass the interview and the group discussion too. Be confident, understand the topic and then put forth your views.
Every GD & PI is a learning experience. Be interested in evolving your own future. Appear to be keen, pro-active and interactive. Refine yourself as you forge ahead.
About the author:
Ramola Kumar is a Professor and Dean at the Delhi School of Communication.

Last date to submit IIFT Certificate Programmes applications is January 28, 2014

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) situated in New Delhi has issued a notification inviting applications for its Certificate Programmes which will commence sessions in 2014 (in the months April to July). The programmes on offer include- Certificate Programmes in Capital and Financial Markets as well as Certificate Programmes in Export Management. Classes for both these programmes will be conducted on weekends. The last date to submit the duly filled application form for these certificate programmes is January 28, 2014.
Candidates will be eligible to apply for these certificate programmes at IIFT if they hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian or foreign university in the relevant discipline. A candidate may even apply for these IIFT programmes if they possess a diploma and also have two years (full-time) working experience at the supervisory/ executive level ( as on March 31, 2014).
Eligible candidates will be selected for admissions on the basis of a personal interview session which will be held by the institute.

Explore More:
- Download application form for Certificate Programme in Export Management
- Download application form for Certificate Programme in Capital & Financial Markets

Taking a gap year for MBA preparation? How to plan it right

The CAT 2013 is finally over. While for some it brought a gleam of smile, others weren’t so lucky. Unfortunately, you may be one of them.
Next, you are wondering, ‘Where do I go from here?’ Some may opt to drop out of the MBA race all together, while others may rise up, gearing to fight out CAT 2014 with better equipments. “If, after adequate consideration, you do decide on retaking the CAT next year, congratulate yourself on your decision, and actively work on ways to increase your chances of success. These may include a better study plan and plenty of test practice,” says our psychologist Anjali Rameshbabu. Read her article on ‘You didn't bell the CAT, so what?
Now that the decision is made, the focus should be on planning it right. Keeping your circumstances in mind, you can either choose to prepare for it while working / studying or take a complete break.
MBA aspirants opting to take a complete break from studies or work is not new. But, the question is how to plan it right? After all, you cannot be preparing for a 12 hours a day for the next twelve months?
Plan it right
The first step should be to chalk out a complete plan that includes:        
  1. Selecting between coaching centre or self study
  2. Setting up an annual, monthly, weekly and daily study sheet
Next, comes the question, how to justify an entire year dedicated to CAT preparation? “The candidate should look at doing something parallel alongside prep. They can take up some part-time / freelance job or NGO / social work. But definitely do something or other that adds value to the CV,” says Ankur Agarwal of catgurus.com.
Social work
“Devoting time towards social causes or working with an NGO is an ideal way to spend the year along with CAT prep. Reason being, these jobs are not very demanding but add a lot of value to the CV especially during MBA interview.
Part-time work
Candidates can also opt to take up part-time job or freelance. For instance, if someone is good at computer programming or writing and editing, the person can take up a time-bound project (two or three months) or freelance for a certain period. Companies often engage with freelancers on project basis or delegate work on a daily basis for a few hours. The important thing here is to take up a profile that aligns with your career goals.
In absence of any part-time job, it is better to go with NGO work, because looking for a particular profile of job can take up to two-three months thus denting the time spent on CAT preparation.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

7 Tips to Make an Impact in Group Discussions!

So, you have appeared for the mother of all B School entrance exams CAT and must now be relaxing. DON’T! The time has almost come to start the preparation for the next stage of the entrance process, Group Discussions and Personal Interviews. Unless you clear this final hurdle all your efforts would go in vain.

One important component of this process is the group discussion. You must have heard a lot about group discussions from your more experienced batch mates, friends and seniors. You may even have participated in one as part of a company’s recruitment process. So what does a GD measure? What ensures a high score in the GD or a rejection? Team Spirit? Knowledge? Communication Skills? Attitude? Ethics? These are a total of about 7, 8 parameters. You must have heard that the panel measures all these traits in a Group Discussion. That marks are allotted for each of these traits for each candidate.

Now a Group Discussion is conducted for 8 to 12 candidates over a period of 15 minutes to even 1 hour (IIFT). Each person speaks on average about 3 to 5 times in a GD. So that makes more than a 100 points to measure for the panel in a short span of time assuming 5 parameters per person and 10 candidates and 3 entries per person. Is it possible, dear students, for a panel to do that? Definitely not!

So what does a GD actually measure? A GD measures nothing but the Tangible Impact left by the candidate! At the end of the 15 minutes what does the panel think and even feel about the candidate? Is he a good, impactful person or is he a bad fish who would corrupt the whole class?

Secondly a GD is essentially a fight for attention. Most of the time you would find yourself cut off before you have completed your point. So what are the sure shot strategies to ensure that- a)You get heard? and b) Make an impact on the panel?

This post lists 7 essential methods to make an impact and ensure that you get heard.

1) The Double Edged Sword- Be the first to speak! This is a high risk maneuver. Begin with clichés and statements like “I agree with the topic”, you will not just get rejected but also spoil the whole tone of the GD.

So how does one begin a GD? One begins a GD by laying open the topic for analysis. This can be done by analysing the title of the GD and asking questions about the same. This would lay a foundation for the topic. You can elaborate the topic by giving the background to the topic using techniques such as PESTLE, Bubble Diagrams and Key word analysis.(Do not be worried if you do not know these terms in detail . These shall be discussed in a later post).

For Example if there is a topic. FDI in Retail, boon or bane? You could start with the following introduction.- “FDI in retail has been a very divisive topic in the country splitting the country along several lines. First of all we need to understand the topic. What is FDI? What is retail and what are the possible impacts of FDI on retail. Who all are the interest groups involved apart from the general public and retail customer? How would the rural sector be affected? How would this change the market dynamics of the retail trade in the country? Dear friends, we need to analyse all these issues before getting into the thick of the topic”

Please note that your intro needs to be brief, compact and self sufficient. It should ideally be from 40 seconds to a minute and a half; assuming you get that much time to speak! If you flounder in the intro it is better not to have started at all.

2) High Risk High Return- The Devil’s Advocate
At times in a polarized GD it makes a lot of sense to choose the opposite point of view to what the entire group is taking. This obviously requires that you be very familiar with the topic and an eloquent person. Rest assured that if you are ill prepared, the entire group will rip you to bits!

To give an example- In a debate, suppose a whole group agrees that terrorism is a harmful phenomenon. Imagine the impact a person would make if he suddenly points out “The line between terrorist organisations and freedom struggle is often blurred. So many freedom struggles start out being defined as terrorism.” Then he goes on to cite examples of so called terrorist movements which were actually revolutionary struggles in Latin America, Africa and South East Asia. And concludes by citing how Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were branded as terrorists by the British!!

Sounds good, right? But before falling prey to this strategy, make sure that you are THIS familiar with the structure of your idea.

3) Cite Figures- While a relentless monotone of figures would be a definite drag and make no impact, well chosen figures can hold the attention of the group and the panel.

Consider a debate on the death penalty’s continuance or abolishment where the group is concurring that Western countries are far more humane and just than India. You could possibly change the whole scenario by saying this “The USA, the so called harbinger of Human Rights, has executed over 52 people in 2009 while India has executed fewer than 50 people since Independence. Who is Just and Humane?” We are not sure if you would get an answer, but there would definitely be a moment of silence when the group ponders over what you said!

4) Begin a statement by “I want to make n number of points!”- This forces the group to pause and listen to you. Would it not be impolite to stop a person who has clearly stated that he has a definite number of points to speak and not verbiage?

For instance- Suppose a group is engaged in a heated debate on the pros and cons of the Internet being used for financial transactions. No one is getting a chance to speak. And one Individual says “I have 3 points to make on the distinction between using the Internet for merchant transactions by a retail investor and by a Large Corporation.” He is bound to be heard above the clutter.

Mind you, you should be brief. Make a graceful entry and even more graceful exit. Else you would surely be cut off.

5) The PREP Model: Examples have the ability to hold the attention of people. But without a point an example is lost. You can follow the pattern of Point Reason Example Point.

For example if a debate is taking place on “Is an MBA necessary to become a good manager?’ You could make an entry by stating” Friends I believe an MBA is not a precondition for managerial skills. The same can be acquired through practical experience also. For instance Dhirubhai Ambani was clearly a person who did not have an MBA but was a good businessman. Therefore I suggest that an MBA is not necessary to become a good manager.

This would clearly make an impact.

6) Quote an Authority: Nothing works as effectively in a GD as the words of a respected authority on the topic. For instance in a GD on “Social Sciences- Social and Science? A Paradox” you could make the following statement “ By Quoting the eminent Nobel Laureate Ernest Rutherford ‘All Science is Physics , everything else is Stamp Collection’, I would like to argue that Science has the criteria of rigor and objectivity which social science does not meet” ( It is a different matter that when Rutherford finally won the Nobel prize it was for Chemistry!! And it is yet another matter that making a statement like this before a panel of social scientists would be akin to “preaching atheism to a synod of bishops” to quote another sceptic of Social Science”

7) Lower your voice- In a GD when everyone raises their voice to get heard this is an absolutely counter intuitive thing to do. But at a right break in the commotion if you can make an entry in a slow, firm and measured voice the group will pause to hear you out.

It is difficult to give an example in writing as this is essentially a spoken technique. You would do well to observe those around you who employ this technique. In every 3rd or 4th group there invariably is a person who does use this technique. And it actually works!

All the best for your GD’s!

AICTE to set off approvals for PGDM institutes from January 28

The All India Council for Technical education (AICTE) is expected to kick off the process of granting approval to institutes offering Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs from Tuesday, January 28, 2014. It will be a welcome move for business schools (B-schools), who will be able to seek approval regarding all issues relating to admissions in 2014 such as hike in intake, extension of approval, etc. on the portal of AICTE.
Moreover, approval requests to establish new PGDM as well as Diploma or Post Diploma institutes for the academic year 2014-15 can also be made to AICTE. This excludes institutes needing university affiliation.
The online application process for approvals for the academic session of 2014-15 is expected to continue till Saturday, February 15, 2014. Processing of these applications will be conducted from Saturday, February 1 to Monday, March 31, 2014.
It is important to note that as per a Supreme Court (SC) of India ruling made on Thursday, January 16, 2014, AICTE will continue to be the regulatory body for Indian B-schools which will enable them to remain autonomous. The SC ruling was made to address an application filed by the Education Promotion Society of India (EPSI) in December, 2013. EPSI acts as a representative of more than 500 higher education institutes in the country.
As per draft regulations released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Monday, December 23, 2013, institutes offering PGDM programs need to be placed under state-operated universities, a step which would have curbed their autonomy. B-schools from all over India came together in disagreement about technical education coming under the purview of UGC. The UGC, acting on a ruling by the SC of India, had drawn up draft guidelines to seek approval for new courses, establishing new technical institutes, closing shutters of old ones as well as other regulatory measures. The regulation by UGC stipulated guidelines for all technical institutes in the country which offer courses in management, engineering and technology, hotel management and catering technology, architecture as well as pharmacy. Thereafter, during a meeting held on Saturday, December 28, 2013, management experts had expressed concern about B-schools losing their autonomy and the resultant negative impact on business education. Hence, the SC was approached. A letter was sent to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) seeking intervention to resolve the matter.
If the UGC recommendation was implemented, the stringent control would have impacted the B-schools’ performance in a negative way. However, the January ruling of SC in favor of the B-schools is expected to bring relief to the students and the institutes alike, stated EPSI officials.

Gear Up for GATE 2014

Buckle up for GATE 2014Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2014) is an entrance test, which will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur this year. GATE is conducted annually for taking admission various science and technology post-graduate programs by the seven Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, on behalf of the National Co-coordinating Board-GATE, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) and Government of India. The test will be conducted in all the 7 IITs and IISc, Bangalore. The examinations for all the 21 papers will be conducted by an online Computer Based Test (CBT). The GATE 2014 will be held on February 2nd, 15th, 16th, March 1st and 2nd, 2014.
The test will be conducted in various cities across India. Some of the major cities are: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bhopal, Raipur and many more. Clouded with a bunch of queries about GATE, you must be busy with your last minute revision. To help you further, Minglebox is providing the paper pattern of GATE exam below:
For more details on various cities, click here.
Paper Pattern for online GATE 2014:
  • The question paper for GATE 2014 will consist of questions of multiple-choice type and questions of numerical answer type.
  • For multiple choice type questions, candidates have to choose the answer from the given choices. For numerical answer type questions, choices will not be given.
  • Candidates have to enter a number as the answer using a virtual keypad.
Last Minute Tips for online GATE 2014:
We are sure that you have put in all your effort in preparing for the exam and are feeling adequately prepared. Still some last minute tips:
  • Visit the venue of the test if you are not very familiar with the city geography.
  • Keep adequate time in your hand while leaving for the exam center on the exam day.
  • Double check your admit card, identity proof and writing instruments.
  • Do not panic even if you haven’t been able to cover some portions. Panic is only going to reduce your efficiency on the exam day.
  • Have proper sleep the night before the exam.
  • The GATE Results will be out on Friday, March 28, 2014.

Friday, January 24, 2014

CBSE toll-free helpline for JEE Main 2014 candidates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has provided candidates who are aspiring to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination Main 2014 (JEE Main 2014) a toll-free helpline number, to address all their queries. The number will be accessible to candidates seven days in a week between 9 am and 5 pm. The number is 1800-11-8002. The same helpline number can also be availed by candidates appearing for other CBSE conducted examinations including the board examinations of Classes X and XII as well as the Central Teacher Eligibility Test 2014 (CTET 2014).
The other important phone numbers are 91-11-22509256/59 for General Enquiry and 8506061071 to 78 for JEE Main 2014 Enquiry.
If needed, candidates may write to “The Executive Director, JEE (Main), CBSE, Plot No. 482, F.I.E, Industrial Area, Patparganj, Delhi-110092”. The phone numbers are 011-22144770, 011-22144774 and 011-22144775.
JEE Main 2014 is expected to be held by CBSE on Sunday, April 6, 2014 (on offline mode) across India in two different slots – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The online examination is expected to be held on Wednesday, April 9, Friday, April 11, Saturday, April 12 and Saturday, April 19, 2014.
JEE Main is an entrance examination conducted by CBSE for admissions to undergraduate (UG) engineering, technology and architecture courses offered by the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) and few more. Moreover, it is an eligibility test for the JEE Advanced, which is the common entrance examination for admission into the UG programs of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian School of Mines Dhanbad (ISM Dhanbad).

CAT 2013 scores of 700 candidates being sent to Prometric for verification

The scores of around 700 test-takers of the Common Admission Test 2013 (CAT 2013) are being sent to the test administration firm Prometric for verification. A few thousand test takers have submitted complaints to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) stating that there are discrepancies in the CAT 2013 Results.
CAT 2013 was conducted from Wednesday, October 16 to Monday, November 11, 2013, the Results of which were declared on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. IIM Indore was the convener of CAT 2013. CAT aptitude test is one of the most prestigious examinations in India for admission into the IIMs as well as other premier management institutes.
Candidates have filed an online petition demanding a re-evaluation of their Results. Although re-evaluation of CAT examinations/results is not permitted, the IIMs are working with their test administration partner Prometric to address student grievances in the face of the multitude of complaints, which threaten to disrupt the admission process of management institutes that accept candidates based on their CAT scores.
Several test-takers from the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore and Ranchi are planning to file Public Interest Litigations (PILs) against their scores and have met officials of IIM Indore regarding the same.
As per the candidates, their scores are radically different from what they had expected and particularly dismal in the verbal section. Moreover, some candidates who acquired higher scores have got lower normalized scores than candidates with lower scores. Candidates have also claimed that there are major differences in scores in the 2 sections of the test-Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation (DI) as well as Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning (LR). Moreover, some candidates who have answered just one question correctly have acquired over 55 percentile scores, due to the marking pattern of the CAT examination. However, according to IIM officials, candidates who scored less than 55 percentile possibly did so due to negative marking. A correct answer in the examination fetches three marks and an incorrect one Results in one mark less due to the system of negative marking in CAT. According to sources from Prometric, the difficulty level of the CAT examinations has been raised as per IIM direction. Hence, the top performing candidates only have acquired the best scores. CAT has not been designed to measure average scores.
This year, the IIMs appointed the services of the government run agency - National Informatics Center (NIC) to ensure fairness in CAT Results. It is to be noted that last year the scores of 80 candidates of CAT 2012 were found to be tampered with, leading to score-inflation, as per a probe.

MICA invites application for fellow programme in management-communications 2014

Mudra Institute of Communication (MICA), Ahmedabad has invited applications from interested candidates for Fellow Programme in Management- Communications (FPM-C) for the academic session commencing in 2014. FPM-C programme offered by MICA is an AICTE approved doctoral level programme offered in the communication discipline. Last date to apply for this programme is February 28, 2014.
Candidates can apply online for FPM-C at the official website of MICA. The application form needs to be accompanied with a demand draft of Rs. 2000 which is payable at Ahmedabad and is drawn in favour of MICA. Candidates will be selected for this programme through a short listing process which involves clearing a written test, GD (group discussion) and PI (personal interview).
Important Dates

Event
Date
Last date to apply online
February 28, 2014
Sending emails for screening interviews
March 10, 2014
Telephonic screening interviews
March 17, 2014- March 21, 2014
Admission test
April 14, 2014- April 19, 2014
Declaration of result
April 24, 2014
Commencement of session
June 2014

Engineering Colleges: Where are the girls?

As we all know that the girls : boys ratio in India is low but do you know which sector is the most affected by it? Well, it’s engineering, read that as engineering colleges, if guys from these colleges are to be believed.
According to these techies, this dearth of girls in engineering colleges is now a known fact! Speaking to shiksha.com, these guys besides sharing funny insights from their colleges also acquainted us with the situation in their respective colleges.
Why less girls at engineering colleges: Guys’ perception
Currently pursuing his higher studies from Germany, Mir Zahid, a student of NIT Srinagar says, “It’s a normal thing to have fewer girls in engineering courses throughout the world. Yeah, the figures are slightly up in India, but it doesn't make a difference.” He further adds, “Yes, but if we talk about the dating thing, then it’s a problem. But, I think, dating is not restricted to the campus, right ;)"
According to this lad, this isn't any kind of situation at all. He shares, " Things are never gender related unless we ourselves want them to be so. I would really appreciate the number of girl students going high in Indian university and then maybe guys can put up better scores to impress girls’ in-case they want to. Lol".
For Janesh Khanna, it’s a not good to not have girls around. He says, “It’s not good. I know my branch is not that easy for girls but still it would feel better to have girls around. You know, it’s not that fun with majority of boys. It really becomes boring after few months. Infact, with girls around, sincerity prevails.”
He further adds, “It would make the environment healthier. With boys it’s monotonous. Like, being with boys only calls for fun most of the time, even with teachers, so having girls around would increase the level of sincerity.”
And then we spoke to Tanmay from IIT-Delhi, who thinks that this scarcity is definitely an issue for most of the people. He shares, “Keeping in mind that most of us have slogged through our school years to get here, we really didn't a have a life (or a girlfriend) back at school. And things only get worse here at IIT.
Amiya Anupam from IIT-Kharagpur feeling sad disclosed, “There aren’t less number of girls in my department but there are NO girls!! But, I feel pretty OK with that. Having a girl in my department wouldn’t have any difference on us guys”.
Daily dose of gossip ;)?
Speaking on this context, Zahid says, “I was more into sports. I focused more on grades and other things. If people want gossip or what you call eye tonic, they can get it anywhere. It’s not a class room thing. But to be honest, some of my friends, not to mention even my best friend always cursed our college for having fewer number of girls. So it depends!
While on the other hand, Tanmay feels that there's plenty of gossip for those who actually care. Most people at  engineering colleges don't.
Should there be reservation for girls in Engineering Colleges?
Encouragingly backing this thought, Zahid says,Yes, I think, there should be some nominal percentage of girls in college. I believe so because, it’s a way to attract talent into engineering disciplines, and talent is something that is not gender biased. Here in Germany girls are very high in number in technical courses and they are doing very well. Their research contribution is very high from both girls and boys. So yes, girls should be welcomed in engineering colleges to prove themselves and to contribute to the field. “
But, others are completely against reservations for girls in tech colleges. Janesh says, “Why reservations??? They have equal chances. They don't opt for engineering doesn't mean there should be reservations for them. They can openly compete with us. Why give them an upper hand?
Amiya, has a neutral take on it. He says, “Well, it’s both a Yes and a No from my side. But, ultimately, I think, there's no need to change the system if it's working”.
Zahid: yes, I think, there should be some nominal percentage of girls in college. I believe so because, it's a way to attract talent into engineering disciplines, and talent is something that is not gender biased
Campus placement: Being few in number do girls get undue advantage?
Answering back right away, Zahid said, “No. Certainly not. One of my female friends despite having very high grades didn’t get into a good company. Employers surely know how to hunt talent properly!
Backing him up, Janesh too shared, “No I don't. PI is entirely branch related, in my opinion”.
Branch with the lowest population of girls
Talking to guys from different engineering colleges and backgrounds, it came across that Mechanical and Mining are two engineering departments, where you would actually find no girls!
Girls: Do they increase the humor element in classrooms?
“Definitely! Infact, there would be more fun contrary to the situation now”, says Janesh. But for Zahid, this is not the case. He adds, “Well, I have done my schooling from Burn Hall school Srinagar which is an all boys school. We had a great ride. I remember a lot of funny humorous things from those old days, so I think humor is always better with guys, number of girls is a redundant variable in this case.
Beep Beep: Girls! We have a message for you!
Zahid: Study hard! To get into an IIT or NIT is not a piece of cake. And most importantly enjoy your time in college. That’s it!
Janesh: Engineering boys are cool! Don't get us wrong, if you do ;)
Tanmay: Umm, I guess just stay fit. Eye candy to chahiye hi: P
Why are girls not choosing engineering as their career option?
For Zahid, it’s just a matter of choice. He says, “Earlier I just thought that guys are just way too smart as compared to girls. But later as I came across other disciplines, wherein girls have done remarkable contribution like journalism , media , languages etc. i think that it is just a matter of choices. One of the reasons can be that engineers are more involved with physical activity which might appear to be tiresome for the fairer sex, but it has nothing to do with who is smarter: Girls or boys.”
However, Janesh says, “I think girls shy away from this stream, perhaps, because of the hectic schedule. The rigorous schedule- full day college, studies and stuff like that.”
But, well, none of the above was the case with Tanmay. He said cheekily, “Talking specifically about the IITs, it’s pretty hard to get into IIT. Back at my IIT-JEE coaching institute, the ratio was pretty much the same. So it’s only natural that the same trend is seen here. Firstly, the number of girls who appear for the test is less. And I don't want to sound sexist but I guess this is just not most girls' cup of tea”.