Continuing our series on management entrance exams, MBAUniverse.com Aspirants Zone presents an article by Mumbai based Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. The article explores trends in CET and preparation tips for CET '08. Read on to be better equipped:
"The CET (Common Entrance Test) is conducted each year by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra in the month of February. It tests the students on three main competencies, Verbal Ability, Quantitative ability and Reasoning. It is a 200 question test with each question carrying one mark. There are no negative marks and the test duration is 2 1/2 hours.
What sets CET apart from the other MBA tests is that it provides a level playing field for students from all backgrounds. Whereas other exams focus more on the aspirants' numerical and quantitative skills, CET pays more attention to their reasoning abilities. We are not looking for a Shakespeare or a Ramanujam, but we are looking for intelligent students with good communication skills and ability to think effectively under pressure. Another factor that differentiates CET from its counterparts is the Visual Reasoning type of questions. These questions test the students' ability to put together patterns and interpret them, a must for any modern day manager.
A common misconception about CET is that it is an easier alternative to CAT or XAT. But the acceptance ratio at JBIMS is around 1:500 (out of 60000 applicants, 120 make it), much more stringent than the other elite B-schools in India.
Given the cut throat competition levels, it makes sense to start preparation early. A candidate should focus on the basics to begin with. Once the foundation is laid, the emphasis should be on practicing as many questions as possible. The last couple of months are all about leveraging your strengths and getting your test strategy in place. After the written test is taken, the aspirant should loose no time in preparing for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Many a times, the GD PI is the deciding factor. A good balance of dedication, smart work and general awareness levels should ensure success for the candidate."
This article is shared by JBIMS Corporate Relations. JBIMS, established in 1965 in Mumbai, offers 2-year full-time Masters in Management Studies (MMS) and Executive MMS.
