In our previous article on online MBA coaching websites, we saw how sites such as Test Funda, TCYOnline, and topCATcoaching.com are gaining popularity among MBA aspirants across the country. In the second series, we at MBAUniverse.com examine how they can help MBA aspirants crack CAT 2009, and land a seat in their dream MBA schools.
These MBA coaching websites are providing material MBA aspirant needs for his CAT preparation, starting from course material and mock tests to giving detailed feedback and analysis to their problems. The fact that these MBA coaching centers are accessible only through the net is both a ‘plus’ and a ‘minus’ point for the MBA aspirants. ‘Plus’ because these sites are accessible 24x7 not just in metros, but even in far flung areas. And ‘minus’ because these MBA coaching websites can not provide face-to-face training. But given the fact that CAT 2009 will be a computer-based test, the importance of practicing an online or computer-based test can’t be over emphasized.
Let’s have a closer look at each of the three websites MBAUniverse.com spoke to.
TestFunda
TestFunda boasts of an experienced team coming from IITs, IIMs and other top MBA schools. They offer course material and mock tests especially for the prestigious MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, FMS, IIFT, SNAP and NMAT. “TestFunda offers 100+ lessons, 11,500+ original unrepeated questions and 300 tests at various levels of preparation,” TestFunda told MBAUniverse.com.
According to the site, the full length mock tests are designed considering the evolving pattern of CAT 2009 and other MBA exams. There are variations in pattern and difficulty of the tests to reflect the different styles that MBA entrance exams have taken in the past and may take in the future, the team said.
“We have a free demo course-ware which includes quite a few free tests (including CAT 2007 and CAT 2008), while the paid course-ware consists of complete MBA preparatory material with a full range of tests,” the TestFunda team said.
The specialty of this site is that, the MBA aspirants can choose between print, CD or online formats of their course-wares. The course-wares named ‘CATfunda’ and ‘MBAfunda’ provide comprehensive
guide on the CAT entrance exam and other important MBA school entrance exams like FMS, XAT, IIFT, JMET, SNAP and NMAT.
On this online MBA coaching site, the test takers get an option of single-question and multiple-question view while taking tests that can be paused or saved for later use too. They also provide a progress map which helps in evaluating what portion has been completed and what remains. Apart from the mock tests and course-ware, there are various other features such as strategies from 100 percentile holders, games, puzzles and quizzes, wordlists, forums, online chat with experts, free downloads.
TestFunda has alliances with various online institutes such as CPLC, CATRIX, Alpha Numeric, XCEL MBA, CATalyst, GOEL’s ACADEMY, Real Business Education, MBA Nirvana, Tomar’s Classes and TOP Coaching Academy.
TCYOnline
TCYOnline offers guidance not only to MBA aspirants, but also for other entrance exams like GRE, UPSC and the like. For MBA aspirants, TCYOnline offers a vast range of study materials and gives proper guidance followed by the practice tests.
“Our premium service includes a suite of product offerings including analytics, test generator and challenge zone,” Kamal Wadhera, CEO of TCYOnline said. The analytics section provides students with the analysis of the tests taken. It then channels efforts, time and study patterns of the students.
The test generator is a specialized test taking tool which allows students to take a test on one topic at a time. “For instance, if you have done ‘Verbs’ in your class, it allows you to create and take a test only on ‘Verbs’ with a set time, number of questions and marking scheme. This supplements a student’s
classroom learning,” clarified Wadhera.
The challenge zone offers students to take a test and challenge other students at the same time. “You select a test, choose your competitor among the users who are online, challenge at most 5 people for one test and then compete,” Wadhera said.
Apart from providing online mock tests, TCYOnline provides specialized online courses for CAT. “We have a team of experts who set the papers and keep on updating it according to the latest trends. In addition to this, we are getting tests from our online authors and these are rated by our editors and end users,” he replied when asked about who prepares and evaluates the tests.
Regarding the cost of the test, Wadhera said, “We are offering basic services like online testing free and are charging very nominal charges for example Re 1 per day for premium services like analytics,
unlimited usage of tools like test generator and challenge zone.”
Talking about alliances, Wadhera said, “We have tied up with some MBA test preparation centers for conducting mock CATs.”
topCATcoaching
Being a recent entrant in the zone of MBA coaching websites, topCATcoaching is playing the catch-up game. They provide preparation lessons, practice tests and questions on the different sections of CAT along with the comprehensive study materials. This MBA coaching website provides 23 full-length mock CATs and seven full-length mock tests for FMS, IIFT, XAT and MAT. It also provides complete CAT 2009 online preparation courses and specialized preparation courses like Verbal Ability courses, Quantitative Ability courses, Data Interpretation courses and General Knowledge courses.
“These tests are developed both by our guest and in-house faculty,” Manish Gulati, Co-founder and CEO of topCATcoaching.com said.
topCATcoaching has a combination of free as well as pay mock tests. “Each subject has around five free topic-wise tests. There is one free mock test too,” Gulati said. The website has a strategic alliance with NDTVTutor.com. “We are in last stages of finalizing strategic alliance with other popular education portals as well,” Gulati informed.
The options of help for MBA aspirants, who want to secure seats in top MBA schools, are increasing by the day. These online MBA coaching websites will definitely do a lot of good for those who cannot afford to join MBA coaching institutes, either because of shortage of money or time. Now, help is just a click away! Any edge on the Road to CAT is worth the effort.
