Leaped into mess with May MAT 2016 scores; didnt check AICTE approval; you make sure

I made a serious mistake while applying to B-schools on the basis of my May MAT 2016 scores. Before submitting my application to one of the 330 management institutes that were listed in AIMAs list of participating management institutes, I did not check the AICTE approval and went ahead to apply online. Make sure that you check it and dont recur the mistake as I made.

May MAT 2016 bulletin clearly stated Applicants are advised to check the approval/recognition status of various programs and other details directly from the concerned Authorities/ Institutes/ Universities. But while cross checking the details although I confirmed that the B-school would accept MAT scores, I forgot to confirm whether it is AICTE approved.

B-schools number change in each MAT MAT is conducted 4 times a year and their number keeps on changing from test to test. Besides all institutes participating in MAT are either AICTE, DEC approved; University affiliated College, University Department. AIMA recommends that it is worthwhile to go through the brochure of the MIs for detailed information. But I missed that and opted to apply online. Besides the B-school did not prominently mention if it was AICTE approved.

Aggravated Dilemma It came to my notice later that although the MBA was DEC approved it was not AICTE approved. The institute was also not able to convince me whether the AICTE approval would be awarded to it by the time I complete my MBA in 2018.

I was not aware whether it would be worthwhile to finalize my admission in this B-school which is yet to get AICTE approval. The dilemma had aggravated further as the fee of the programme also is very high and goes beyond Rs.5 lakhs. After spending a thousand as application fee should I go for this MBA programme, has become a big question.

My fault: Not searched for better options In fact I did not score very high percentile in May MAT 2016. My score remained below 300 and I thought that I wouldnt get admission in a very good B-school with this score. This prompted me to apply to this B-school whose MBA programme is yet to be approved by AICTE although other approvals are in place.

But I was mistaken. When I contacted MBAUniverse.com counsellor for free counselling, I came to know of 25 better PGDM/MBA options in Delhi NCR where admission process is open with May MAT 2016 scores without any assigned cut-off. Other features advised to me were-

-- All these B-schools have good ranking -- Confirmed to accept May MAT 2016 scores. -- Cut off may not matter much and admission opportunity may be available between 200-300 -- Admission process is open -- MBA/PGDM is duly approved by AICTE -- B-schools have Reasonable fee structure

My next step now Now I am planning to forget the application fee already submitted in the B-school which is yet to receive the AICTE approval and go ahead with the best of B-schools where admission is open on the basis of May MAT 2016 scores.

The top few Delhi NCR B-schools where I can explore admission opportunity with May MAT 2016 score card containing less than 300 score are to selected out of

-- Accurate Institute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida -- Asia Pacific institute of management, New Delhi -- BIMTECH, Greater Noida & Bhubaneshwar -- BULMIM, New Delhi -- College of Business Management, Economics and Commerce, Mody University, Lakshamangarh, Rajasthan -- Indus Business Academy (IBA) Greater Noida -- IMS, Ghaziabad -- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, Noida, Lucknow, Indore (4 campuses) -- Jaypee Business School (JBS), Noida -- Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) Rohini, New Delhi -- Jagannath International Management School (JIMS) Kalkaji, New Delhi -- J K Lakshmipat University, Jaipur -- NDIM New Delhi -- UPES CoMES, Dehradun

Dont want to prepare again My another problem is that I do not want to cram my head for another one year in the hope to get a better B-school. I understand that it wouldnt matter if I improve my score a little as the same B-schools will be available to me in next year. And in case I further go down with the MAT score, I may lose the present opportunity also.

There are number of such test takers in CAT exam also, who have not been shortlisted by any of the 19 IIMs despite scoring 99 percentile and now they are searching for admission options in non-IIMs. I have been counselled well and now I have decided to proceed with my MBA 2016-18 admission plan in one of the chosen B-schools.

May MAT 2016 exam result was declared on May 16 and the scores offer a good admission opportunity. Scores may not go unrecognized now as the best B-schools of India have decided to accept the MAT scores in their admission 2016. Please remember the opportunity available in 2016 may not again be available next year. Unless and until you act fast, it may also slip out of your hands.