Impact of pandemic on MBA preparations

By: Madhvee Soni

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all spheres of education. MBA examinations are no different. Ways of procuring study material, changes in the study environment, significant inclusion of technology in teaching methods and examination dates have been impacted and gone through major changes.

It is almost six months to the pandemic and so many drastic changes in the environment have led to so many severe changes in smaller things too. From walking down to the library for your exam preparations to sitting in your room and studying has made impacts on everyone’s life status.
The pandemic has affected differently for everyone in the preparation for exams. For some, it is more likely to be a challenge because it is hard for some to adapt to the change. Affording suitable technology and proper internet connection for studying is necessary. In addition, some might not be able to focus on this condition as pandemic has affected a lot of people. A bad situation at one’s house could affect a student mentally and that person might not be able to give his hundred per cent in the preparation for exams. Be at peace and give yourself time to improve your mental health, as it is majorly important by way of preparing with the right sources for exams.
As such, preparation for exams does require group discussions some might not have that in this scenario whereas some might do on online applications. However, in-person teaching and understanding make a healthier impact than it does online. The study material/ books/ assignments, which were provided to students through the library or coaching classes, are now available online. So affording the right gadgets for studying is a phase that students need to adapt.

Most colleges have turned the process online and no other change is seen but in a few minor changes have taken place. For example, IIM Lucknow has removed the WAT round (Written aptitude test) and is directly focusing on Personal interviews online. Similarly, IIMs have also pushed the sessions two months late (Earlier, they used to start in June and now they have started in August). There is no notice yet about how the exams are going to be conducted. We could see that top Universities were taking online personal interviews and group discussions in the past few months so that change might continue in upcoming time if the situation in the environment does not change.
Many students are investing their time in online courses to make their CV stronger. After completing graduation, there are students who had plans about doing a job or going abroad for studies. However, due to pandemic, the opportunities, in that case, have decreased. Therefore, there are more enquiries and registration for the MBA entrance exam in the top Indian b-schools lately as students are keeping it as an alternative. Stay safe, stay home and stay focused on yourself!

About the Author:

Madhvee Soni is a second-year student of Integrated Masters of Business Administration at Ahmedabad University. She has served as a volunteer with U and I NGO and also in different events. She has a keen interest in novels and also loves to explore new places and indulge in fitness activities.