Entrance Exams in Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research
On the basis of one’s potential and convenience, a candidate can decide, which entrance exam should be focused on the most.
Both the Mumbai and Bengaluru campuses of Welingkar Institute of Management accept multiple MBA entrance exam scores for admission to their full-time PGDM and MMS courses. This gives students the benefit of having another exam score as a backup for admission into their choice of course in the institute. Scores of exams such as the CAT, XAT, CMAT and ATMA are accepted for all the eight PGDM programs while CET is considered only for the MMS course. For example, for the upcoming 2022-24 batch, CAT 2021, XAT 2022, GMAT 2019 onwards, ATMA Feb 2022, and CMAT 2022 scores are accepted for shortlisting for the interview processes.
Tentative Schedule of Entrance Exams
The exams mentioned previously are conducted as per their respective schedule. For example, CMAT is usually conducted in the month of January, while CAT happens in November and XAT in January. A score of at least 80 percentile, along with an overall good profile should surely fetch a candidate the interview call for the top courses such as PGDM Core, e-Business, and Research & Business Analytics. A basic overview of these entrance exams for the academic season 2021-22 is tabulated below:
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| Exam Name |
Registration Period |
Exam Date |
Duration (minutes) |
Fees (for General Category) |
Result Date |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT |
Aug 4 - Sept 22 |
Nov 28, 2021 |
180 |
2,200 |
Jan 3 |
Tough |
| CMAT |
Feb 16 - Mar 17 |
Apr 9, 2022 |
180 |
2,000 |
Apr 29 |
Moderate |
| XAT |
Aug 10 - Dec 10 |
Jan 2, 2022 |
190 |
1,800 |
Jan 16 |
Tough |
| ATMA |
Mar 1 - May 22 |
May 29, 2022 |
180 |
1,500 |
June 3 |
Easy |
| CET |
Mar 17 - May 11 |
Aug 23-25, 2022 |
150 |
1,000 |
Sept 5-6 |
Moderate |
Four key factors are considered while evaluating any candidate; entrance exam score (40% weightage), past academic scores (15% weightage), extra-curricular activities (5% weightage), and the pre-interview questionnaire and GD-PI rounds (40% weightage). Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview rounds have been happening online. Coming to the interview rounds, they start with the Pre-Interview Questionnaire (PIQ), followed by the Group Discussion (GD) and finally Personal Interview (PI).
ATMA one month preparation can be done. Students can begin with ATMA syllabus and exam pattern. There on, they can focus on practicing what they have studied. The aim should be to strengthen concepts and practice time management. The remaining time should be given to taking mock tests and soving sample papers.
Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. This condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort
CAT is a speed based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Selection Criteria
The PIQ is basically an exhaustive form which needs to be filled properly. It checks the character traits and psychology of a candidate, along with his/her basic attributes such as strengths and weaknesses, replying to some basic questions such as “Why MBA?”, “Why this particular course?” among others. The typical GD round lasts for about 10 minutes, with a minute or two given to the candidates to ponder over the topic and then 8-10 minutes reserved for discussion. 30 seconds might be given to each candidate by the panelists to conclude or summarise the topic. A GD topic could be either abstract, philosophical or based on current affairs. The PI round may last anywhere from less than 10 to more than 25 minutes One should expect questions on all the major aspects such as CV, work experience (if applicable), MBA-related current affairs, past academics, hobbies and interests, etc.
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To conclude, one must prepare well for both the MBA entrance exams as well as the subsequent interview rounds to get admitted to Welingkar. On the basis of one’s potential and convenience, a candidate can decide which entrance exam should be focused on the most. Being aware of current affairs, knowing one’s CV thoroughly, dressing up properly and answering every question with confidence and a gentle smile should sail one through. All the best!
About The Author
Abhishek Desai is studying at the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He has interests in writing, outdoor sports and singing.
Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.
Yes, CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of the candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.