By Richha Bhatnagar

ATMA, abbreviation for AIMS Test for Management Admissions is a student's route to a career in Management. Richha Bhatnagar of Shiksha spoke to Dr Apoorva Palkar, Chairperson of ATMA about management education in India and format of ATMA.

 

Q. In view of Government's decision to keep only one national entrance exam, do you think ATMA will stay?

 

 

As per the recent verdict of Supreme Court, students can opt for any 5 national level entrance tests including CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, and ATMA. It has been clearly mentioned that the status will be replaced by CMAT only and that too for the autonomous institutes.

 

This year there is no problem in conducting ATMA, and whatever the decision will come from SC and by the other states for MBA program, we are open to that. Whether the test will remain or it will be replaced by CMAT, we are ok with both.

 

Q. How many students take ATMA every year and how many B-schools subscribe to it every year?

 

 

Every year number of Indian institutes subscribe to ATMA. This year 111 institutions have participated in this exam and they will accept the ATMA scores for admission to their respective MBA programs. In 2011, the number was 107 and last year we have closed the window with 9000 students and this year also we are expecting the same.

 

Q. IITs have scrapped JMET; what is the status for ATMA?

 

 

ATMA is a national level entrance exam and it has been in action since 1988. The board is not planning to scrap an exam that has a national level stature and so many institutions subscribing to it. There are thousands of students who are aligned with this exam. Discontinuation of the exam is not advised unless the judicial system tells us that it is not a valid test.

 

In fact, we are going forward with the test. To do so three online tests have been proposed followed by the paper-pencil test. These three online tests will be conducted in the month of April, June, and July.

 

Q. AIMA is planning to conduct ATMA online from this year. What will be the model of this online exam and what are the unique features?

 

 

The structure and the components of the exam will be as similar as to the paper-pencil exam. There will be three basic components to check the aspirants:

• Analytical Reasoning Skills
• Quantitative Skills
• Verbal skills

The only difference the pattern will be computer-based test (CBT). Model tests are available on the website http://www.atmaonline.in.

 

Q. Do you want to give any tips to students to prepare for ATMA?

 

 

I can only say that the structure is similar so the students won't face any such big problems. The toughness of the exam will remain same. Similar guidelines will be suggested to students as there are no structural changes in the exam.

 

Q. What is the mode of registration for this exam?

 

 

To register for ATMA, students can visit the website http://www.atmaonline.in and can find the link easily ‘how to register' and follow the desirous steps. They can also go to fee collection centers. We had assigned this work to about 65 centers across the country. They could also go to an Axis bank (preferably) or any Bank and using the Axis bank account no. to pay Rs. 950 and the bank will issue a transaction number. Then, send an email to ATMA office in Hyderabad: atma.secretariat@gmail.com, giving your name, email id, mobile no. and transaction number.

 

Q. NAAC chairman recently said that only 10% of our graduates are employable; do you advice certain guidelines to management institutes to increase the employability of students?

 

 

It's a great concern area for B-schools in the country, and today the B-schools have started working on it by providing the combination of knowledge and skills to students and these days, it is the part of curriculum. B-schools should also understand that they are not the degree providers and they should create practicing professionals for the industry.

 

 

Q. How long have you been working in the education industry and what has been your career path?

 

 

I'm working in this industry from past 18 years. I've started my journey as a faculty member, then as a Dean, placements - there are a number of roles I've played in my life. My biggest achievement was in 2008 when I had opened my own Management institute i.e. MERC institute of Management.

 

At present, I'm holding the position of chairperson at ATMA, Director of Sinhgad Institute of Management & Computer Application Pune, and Managing Trustee and Advisor at MERC - Institute of Management Pune.

 

Q. How do you juggle up with so many positions?

 

 

Filled with joy! One should have strong determination to achieve success. This way you would be able to find time for each and everything.

 

Q. What else you do apart from the work?

 

 

With a big grin, I'm a great homemaker. I love to do things for family.

 

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