This is the second article in the series that looks at options for those who have not been able to make it to their target MBA institutes and are trying to figure out the way forward.
Some students are looking at options other than MBA, some have started working for CAT’14 and some are planning to compromise and join MBA institutes that follow the principle that even trespassers will be admitted.
The reality is that out of the over 4000 approved MBA institutes in the country, not more than 200 are worth joining. It is only these top 200 that will provide you with a decent education that will be valued in the industry and will help you get an acceptable job. The remaining 95% institutes will give you an MBA degree/PGDM that will not be worth the paper it is printed on.
In many lower end MBA institutes, you will have to invest over Rs. 10 lakhs and two years of your time and then, if you are fortunate, you will get a job offer of Rs. 3 lakhs per annum. The fact is that an MBA from a lower end institute will only reduce your market value.
For those of you who do not have a good job (or job offer) and also have no chance of admission to a decent MBA institute this year let me offer another option – SBI Probationary Officer Recruitment test. State Bank of India is India’s largest bank and Probationary Officers (PO) in SBI are equivalent to Management Trainees in private sector companies or MNCs. This is the entry level to the Management Cadre of SBI. The recruitment test for filling these 1837 vacancies will be conducted in June 2014.
Why SBI PO?
Starting salary of Rs 8.4 lakh pa in Mumbai and slightly lower in other cities is, in and of itself, a good enough reason. This is significantly higher than what you can expect from jobs through most of the MBA institutes and is likely to increase as the salary gets revised through the next pay commission. The other benefits that are available include medical support for self and family, LTC and subsidized loan facility.
A PO is trained in all aspects of running a bank and, on successful completion of the two-year probation or training, the PO will be confirmed in the middle management or the junior management grade. SBI provides significant growth opportunities (domestic and overseas) and almost the entire top management (including the Directors) of SBI started their career as Probationary Officers.
Selection Procedure
The selection procedure of SBI PO is similar to that of MBA institutes. It is a two-phase process with an online objective test plus a descriptive test (to check your writing skills) in Phase I followed by a group discussion and interview for shortlisted candidates in Phase II.
Phase –I of the selection procedure consists of an online Objective Test of 200 marks and a Descriptive Test of 50 marks.
The Objective Test is a 120-minute, 200 question MCQ test with 1 mark for every correct answer and -1/4 for every incorrect answer. The test has four sections, of 50 questions each, as given below:
- English Language comprising Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, etc.
- General Awareness, Marketing and Computers
- Data analysis and Interpretation
- Reasoning
English Language: This section consists of two easy RC passages (around 500-600 words) with 10 questions each, 5 questions each of parajumbles, sentence correction, fill in the blanks and vocabulary questions. A set of cloze test of 10 questions completes this section.
General Awareness, Marketing and Computers: The 25 questions of General Awareness are usually from current affairs and include a few banking related questions. The 15 marketing and 10 Computers questions are elementary in nature and are unlikely to worry anyone who uses computers or is willing to apply common sense.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: This section has 9 DI sets of 5 questions each and the remaining 5 questions are usually from probability or ratios or percentages. While a couple of DI sets may have multiple graphs or tables, typically each set has only one graph or table. The graphs and tables are easy to understand and questions are also not difficult. Mental calculations, elimination of choices and SQC techniques are useful in this section.
Reasoning: This is considered to be the difficult section of the SBI PO paper but your preparation for MBA entrances will be especially helpful here. Almost all types of reasoning questions are asked. Specifically, the question types covered in this section include analytical reasoning (mainly arrangements), input-output, blood relations, coding, symbols, syllogism, critical reasoning and reasoning-based data sufficiency. IBPS has removed visual reasoning from all online Bank recruitment tests so there is a good chance that this question type will not appear in SBI PO test.
Anyone who has prepared for MBA entrance is unlikely to be troubled by any of the question types asked in this paper. Those of you who took the Maharashtra CET will find the English section and the Reasoning section of SBI PO familiar because IBPS creates the question papers for both the tests.
The Descriptive Test is a 1-hour paper that has to be attempted immediately after the Objective Test. Your writing skills are checked in this paper and you will be asked to write letters, essay and précis. This test is evaluated only for those candidates who have a high score in the Objective Test.
Phase –II of the selection procedure is of 50 marks and comprises a Group Discussion of 20 marks and a Personal Interview of 30 marks.
Cutoffs: Phase I of this paper has sectional and overall cutoffs. The cutoffs are not very high. A minimum score in GD and Interview is also required to make it to the final list. Selection is based on composite score that has 75% weight for the score in Phase I and 25% weight for Phase II.
For the cutoffs of the SBI PO paper conducted on 28th April 2013, please click here
Eligibility for SBI PO
Graduates in any discipline (no minimum marks) between the age of 21 and 30 (as on 1st April 2014) can apply for this test. Final year students who will complete their graduation by 10th Aug 2014 can also apply for the test. Age relaxation is available for candidates from various categories, the details of which are available in the notification.
Online registration of application has started on 7th April and the last date of application is 25th April, for the online mode and 28th April, for the offline mode. The fee for the test is only Rs 100 for SC, ST and PWD candidates and Rs 500 for others.
Important Dates
Payment of fee – online 7th April to 25th April 2014
Payment of fee – offline 10th April to 28th April 2014
Date of recruitment test to be announced later, tentatively in June 2014.
Downloads and Links
SBI PO test paper held on 28th April 2013 : Click Here
Cutoffs of SBI PO test held on 28th April 2013 : Click Here
Link to advertisement for the test : Click Here
Link to online application : Click Here
All the best
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Sir, is SIMSREE a good option considering I’m already a PO in SBI? My salary is around 11 LPA.
Rahul, given your current situation you should ideally consider only the Cluster 1 & 2 institutes mentioned in Jayein toh jayein kahaan 2016: Which Institute?
Is B.TECH biotechnology an agriculture allied course? I qualified for SBI junior agriculture associate(mains),being B.tech biotechnology graduate am i eligible to get job?
Ajay, you can try for that.
Sir,should i go for an mba(b&fs) from nibn pune or should i try for sbi po?which is a better option?
Sameer, this institute will not give much boost to your profile. You should consider taking Cat and the other MBA exams again. If you inclined towards having a career in bank, then you can also go for that. The final decision have to be taken by you.
Respected GP Sir,
I have recently passed out of a top IIM with MBA in finance. I am a finance aspirant but could not land up with a finance job most likely because of having 3 yrs IT related work experience before MBA. I could manage a 13 lpa IT consulting company job. I have since been trying to get into many finance companies but almost all finance companies nowadays seem to reject freshers for core finance roles (other than marketing & sales which I am not into).
Seeing that almost no private finance company is ready to take me as a fresher, I am thinking of going for a public sector first and then switching to private after 2-3 years of relevant finance experience. Government sectors take freshers atleast at junior manager level.
I recently came across notifications of Union bank of India and Bank of India specialist post exams and am planning to apply for their Assistant Manager posts (the higher levels need relevant work-ex just like the private companies)
However, the low payscale worries me. The notification says that initial payscale would be about Rs. 24000 pm for the Assistant Risk Manager profile. Could you please help me understand what would this mean in terms of net annual pay and the package I would get at hand yearly.
Would this payscale be too low compared to what I am getting from the IT consult firm? Would it be too bad/wrong/underemployed to go for public sector now that I have already finished my MBA?
If so, then what other alternative is there to get to a finance profile?
Would RBI be a good option?
Please suggest me something. I need to take some important decisions.
Finance Aspirant, you should not go for public sector. You can do courses like CFA, FRM to add to your profile. It will be helpful in getting jobs in finance domain.
Sir, selected in SBT PO, IDBI PO, IIM U, T, Rp. What should I choose? Please sir, it’s urgent.
Bipin, IIM Raipur followed by IIM Trichy is my suggestion.
Selcted in SBI PO and got a call from IFMR what to do?
Sanket, you could join SBI PO and go for a retake. Call me at 9811155160 in the evening to discuss as this will need more information.
sir, my gmat score is 710(retaking it) I am qualified in ibps po. my question is do colleges out side india consider bank po experience? does they consider po experience as above or par or below IT experience?? thanks in advance
Teja, yes PO is considered as a valid work experience. It is not a question of which is better but how well have you performed in your job.
sir,
i have completed graduation and wrote sbi po exam and iam sure i will get into it .after 3 or 4 years of experiance can i do mba in iim will the bank permit to do regular executive mba
Sir,
I am in final year of my b.tech. Till now my aggregate is 68% and i got 89% in 10th and 71% in 12th. I have given cmat in september and my score is 174 i.e. 87 percentile. What possible good colleges should I apply and should i go for IMT hyderabad and IPE hyderabad or IFIM Bangalore? Too confused!!!
Thanks
Aakriti, apply to GIM, KJ Somaiyya, NIA, NIBM through CMAT. Among the colleges mentioned by you IMT Hyderabad is acceptable.
Hi Sir,
I got selected in SBI PO 2014.
My past academic scores are:
Xth – 89%
XIIth – 72%
B.E. – 69.95%
and I am have a job experience of 5months in Accenture and also an offer to join Mu Sigma.
Taking into account my acad scores I don’t think it would be possible now to get into any top-notch B-school. But I want to build my profile and then try for it in the next 2-3 yrs. Please suggest what should be the best option for me, if I am aiming for the stars. Thanks a lot.
Shashank, acads is not important and your marks in X/XII/Graduation are good enough to get you a call from almost all IIMs and other top MBA institutes. A work experience of about 18 months will be helpful and Mu Sigma/Accenture/SBI PO are all good options. Suggest that you target CAT 2015 and start preparing immediately.
Thank you sir. I am going for SBI and have also started preparing for CAT’15. Considering my profile what are the institutes I should target, taking into account that I will have nearly 12 months of work ex in a bank. Thanks again for your invaluable help.
Shashank, target the top 25 MBA institutes.
Sir I have cleared SBI PO and I also got a call from IFMR……. please suggest what should I do? Where should I go?
Sir,
1)when will sbi po 2015 can be held or it will be held or not
2)i have poor acad record which makes me ineligible for most of the companies for placements after btech, plz tell me some options for a btech final yr student who will give cat 2015.
3)i have filled ssc chsl 2014(12th level), is it worth joining that job in mean time preparing for cat.
4)can a btech final yr student give ssc 2015 and ibps 2015 or plz suggest some other exams for a btech final yr student.
thanks
Dear Himanshu,
1) We do not know if SBI PO 2015 will be conducted. If this exam is held, it is likely to be conducted around May/June.
2) Since you have already decided to appear for CAT 2015, you may look at taking up some job in the interim period. This work experience will add value to your candidature for top B-schools as well.
3) Certainly it is worth taking up this job. As mentioned above, the work experience will add value to your profile. Further, sitting without a job will be difficult to justify in interviews.
4) You can give IBPS 2015 but not SSC CGL 2015.
I am presently working with an analyics firm with CTC 5 lpa.
Is PO a good option to enter into management level positions or should i continue with my present employment and try for executive/part time mba ??
Udit, a 1 year MBA from top MBA institutes is acceptable but not a part time MBA since the part time and distance learning programs have not really been accepted by the industry in India. You will need a work experience of over 2 years to be eligible for the 1 year MBA programs of ISB, Great Lakes and most of the other top institutes.
Sir
It was my first attempt at SBI PO this year without any preparation and serendipitously got shortlisted for gd+pi.Now, I am confused whether to give PO my best shot or start studying for CAT , which is just around the corner.
Udit, this is a good problem to have – my suggestion is to prepare for the SBI PO interview and also study for CAT. CAT preparation for you is likely to be Testing (Mocks), Practice (Test Gym) and Revision and you will most probably not need to work on your fundamentals. The interview preparation will not take away too much time and this will be helpful for the MBA interviews as well.
Sir
Please guide what to study for sbi po interview .
Udit, which city are you from?
Delhi .
Udit, will get someone to call/email you.
Thanks a lot for all the guidance and support.Looking forward to the email. gd+pi on Oct 15.
dear sir,
1)can u please tell me how many times sbi po paper held in a year and in which month.
2)I have no hindi subject in class 10th i had sanskrit.so that matters in sbi po and ibps
3)how many minimum no. of seats are there in sbi po. every time.
Dear Manish,
1) Generally, SBI PO entrance is conducted once a year. Similarly, SBI Associates PO entrance is also held once a year. However, it is not necessary that these exams would be conducted every year. For example, in 2012, no SBI PO entrance exam was conducted. (Note: IBPS tests have been conducted every year since 2011.) Typically, SBI PO entrance exam is conducted during the April to June period. 2) It is unlikely that not having Hindi in Xth will affect you in SBI PO entrance or in IBPS entrances. 3) There is no rule that says that there have to be at least so many seats for SBI PO. This year there were over 1800 seats through this exam.
Sir,
When can we expect SBI PO results to come out?
Dear Pakshaal,
The SBI PO results are out.
Respected Sir, I am a fresher, ST category and have selection from IIML.
I am in dilemma whether to continue with IIML or take CAT’14 and try for IIMA, IIMB and IIMC.
Please give your view considering placement difference in ABC from L and weight-age given to experienced over freshers.
CAT’13 – 91%ile.
Dear Darshan,
The top IIMs have average placement packages in the range of Rs. 16-17 lakhs p.a. (as claimed by these institutes). IIM L does not release placement figures; however, it is expected that average placement packages at IIM L would be at least Rs. 12-14 lakhs p.a. But, the fee at IIM L is Rs. 10.8 lakhs only whereas at IIM A, the fee is nearly Rs. 17 lakhs, at IIM B, Rs. 17 lakhs and at IIM C, Rs. 13.5 lakhs.
At most of the IIMs, roughly 25 to 30% of the batch is made up of freshers. Hence, there is not much to be concerned about in terms of preference for freshers vs. candidates with work experience. If you are confident that you can do better in CAT ’14 and get to a higher ranked institute, then get a job this year, continue your preparation for CAT and appear for CAT ’14.
Sir,
Is it advisable to join IMT-G after 3 years workex in SBI? I have joined as a PO in SBI and got into the treasury department of SBI after probation.But the pay and work location is not favourable, morover being an engineer and worked in IT for an year earlier, I dont find the work to be of a good quality…thinking of joining IMT-G and leveraging my work-ex for better profiles..Please suggest
Atul, what is your current salary and what would be your preferred area of specialisation?
Sir,presently considering all cash emoulments my salary comes out at approx. Rs 38,000/- per month..I have been transferred about 6 times in last 3 years in SBI and placed 2000 km from my native place and will have to move to branch banking after the stint in treasury department, which I am averse to.I intend to take up finance as specialization and leverage my learnings in SBI during MBA.I have been rejected by XLRI,IIFT twice, thus considering my present profile IMT G is the best bet for pursuing a full time MBA….Please let me know your views on my decision.Thanks
Atul, IMT G is fine as it will give you many good placement opportunities. Do ensure that you are among the top 2/3rd (preferably top half) of the batch since the students in the bottom 1/3rd at times struggle for placements.
GP Sir
Considering Atul’s plight during his SBI stint , it boggles me whether sbi po is better than my present analytics sector employment (CTC 5lpa) or not ???
Udit, this is an individual choice but I am not sure if PO will be significantly better than your current job.
Thanks for your expert guidance , Sir.Please enlighten me about the kind of things they ask in a PO interview.
Dear Udit,
Bank PO interviews generally focus on your profile. You will typically be asked, at the beginning of the interview, to introduce/describe yourself. Further questions are likely to be based on your answer to this question. Additionally, you may get some questions from GK.
Thnku sir..
One question sir,what’s better..mba from top b schools or sbi po?
Sakshi, MBA from any of the top B schools is preferable to SBI PO.
Can u compare FORE and Great lakes chennai(Pgdm) for finance??
I am talking of the 2 year program. Don’t u think as it has started recently (2yrs) (no good placements) fore Ib would be better for finance?
Please help me as early as possible as i need to submit the fee by 15th May.
Deepak, agree with your logic, FORE should be preferred to GL PGDM.
Dear GP Sir,
I have converted sibm-b,tapmi,gim,kjs and finally opted for kjs pgdm-core.. considerng less fee,mumbai location,better roi.. I am aslo expecting NIBM-Pune results by this mnth end.. as I have already mentioned tht I may go for 1 year mba at ISB-HYd,IIM’s ,spjain pgpm 5 to 6 years down the line,to further enrich my profile , knowledge and thereby to progress in my career at a faster pace.. I wud like to know which might be a better option for me to choose..
my insights-
1)placemnts wise NIBM is better as it has a proven record of 100% placmnt right from its inception..(11 batches wth 100% placmnt is no mean aspect) , where as KJS has 95-97 % placmnt.. avg sal wise -bth are at par 7-8 lpa
2)I wonder why NIBM is ranked lower despite its tremendous performance with 100% placmnt every year and less batch strength of 60.. is tht due to,NIBM being a sector specfc bschl ?
I request ,credible and popular coaching institute like CL, as an aspirant to please recognise NIBM’s performance on par wth other top bschls of similar value,grwth and perfrmce… so that no mba aspirant can miss gud bschl from his/her focus and no gud bschl shud be devoid of gud students..
Awaiting your invaluable insights sir…
Raghu, thanks for your inputs. Sector specific institutes are typically ranked lower due to restricted placement opportunities and also because most of the students are not clear about the preferred area of specialisation so a general management program is preferable.
NIBM has been recommended by me and CL and we regularly add/remove/rerank the institutes, you inputs will be helpful in this regard.
Thanks.
Dear Sir,
My CMAT feb 2014 score is 220 & AIR is 791. My XAT 2014 %ile is 98.26.
Do you think, as an OMS( Outside Mah state) candidate, I should apply to the DTE CAP rounds? Is there any possibility that I might get into any of the colleges among JBIMS, SIMSREE & KJ Som?
I have converted GIM (& intend to join it), & I dont want to the CAP rounds if there is no possibility that I might not get any of these 3 colleges.
I am willing to leave GIM if I get SIMSREE or KJ.
-Thanks Sir.
Anirban, as an OMS candidate with 98.26%ile JBIMS, SIMSREE and KJ Somaiya are unlikely.
Sir, what about my CMAT percentile?
Anirban, not possible on your CMAT score also.
hello sir,
my 10 th 12 th and graduation in computer engg% are 85 ,58, 56
can i get in to sbi as probationary officer as i have low marks in graduation?????
plzz help sir
Shubham, SBI PO does not consider graduation marks so it is not a problem.
Sir..dates for sbi po 2014, when it will be conducted is not known as of yet..the tentative dates are mentioned on CL website has been mentioned..Sir, any idea about dates?
Also sir, throw some light on how to prepare for it..which books to refer n all.( mostly for computer and banking related questions)
Tarasum,
The test dates for SBI PO 2014 have been declared.
These are:
14 & 15 June, 2014
21 & 22 June, 2014
28 & 29 June, 2014
05 & 06 July, 2014
Hi GP Sir,
I have completed my MBA in Finance this year from a very good college, but I could not secure a Finance/ Banking job.
Hence I am planning to go for SBI PO.
My first question is, Is it worth going for SBI PO after doing MBA from a good college?
Secondly I would like to know, if I get into SBI PO, will I get any benefit in job because of my MBA like consideration for treasury or Business Banking roles or would I be considered at par with other graduates during and after the Probation period of 2 years.
Thirdly, is it easy to secure a foreign a posting in SBI?
Please answer my queries.
Thanks
Mayank, there is nothing wrong in going for SBI PO after MBA Finance but it is not the best option and also it will be a few months before you know the outcome hence you should simultaneously look for other options as well.
SBI PO will consider your qualification and give an appropriate role but it is unlikely to give you any extra benefits and you will be considered at par with other graduates during the training period. On completion of the PO training you could be absorbed in the higher of the two bands.
Thanks sir.
I want to know if MBA finance graduates get roles like treasury, corporate/ business banking or is there any other procedure for such profiles in SBI po.
Also my plan to work in SBI for 2-3 years and then switch to MNC banks along with my FRM certifications. Is it easy to secure a job in MNC banks after SBI PO job for 3 years.
And lastly I want to know if I try to go for one more executive MBA from IIM’s is SBI experience considered good?
MAyan, SBI will train you in all areas of banking including treasury and based on their assessment they will give you an appropriate placement. Your academic background can have a bearing on the role given to you.
Many private/MNC banks have picked up staff of SBI and other PSU banks so it is possible for you to move to a MNC bank from SBI after working for a few years.
SBI experience is good enough but you can go for an executive MBA (1 year MBA) after working for 4-5 years.
GP Sir, In my previous post, I have inadvertently mentioned PGDM in Wireless Networking / Software Programming, actually it is PG Diploma in the said courses.
Sorry for such a lengthy post. Pl guide as requested in the earlier post
GP Sir, I am a 2013 passout from NIT Surat in BTech(CS). My profile is 83% in 10th, 78% in 12th & 58% in Grads. I also did 4 certificate courses in Java, .Net & Oracle Database Administration I & II with very good scoring during my final year of btech. In 2013, I was planning to do PGDM in Wireless Networking / software programming from a college in Canada. I got admission offers from 3 good colleges in Canada for Jan 2014 academic session. Everything was going smoothly with my plan. But due to an urgent family exigency, the funds meant for my studies abroad, had to be diverted to meet the exigency. This happened in Nov’2013 before the fees could be remitted. I was to join the academic session on 1st Jan’2014. My father tried his best to get study loan from Banks but sufficient loan was not sanctioned as he did not have any immovable property for collateral security. As a result , my plan of going abroad had to be shelved. I was totally depressed because of it. Moreover, I didn’t apply for campus placement in view of my plans of going abroad.
After reconciling to the painful situation with excellent moral support from my parents, I decided to start preparing for CAT 2014 and I am now studying 10-12 hrs a day with a target of getting more than 98 percentile.
Though I am also applying for off campus jobs, but most of the companies are now targetting 2014 batch students. Keeping this in mind, I am really working very hard for cat 2014 & I am determined to get a very good score.
Sir, please guide me as to how to justify the gap of 2 years at the time of GDPI. Inspite of getting a good score in CAT 2014, how much this gap of 2 years will hamper my chances of selection in good institutes.
Sir, your guidance & suggestions will definitely boost my morale & confidence. Please help me Sir.
Sandeep, you do not have to justify the gap of 2 years but to tell the interview panel the truth. What you have written above is a good enough justification and will be accepted by the panel. Continue with your hard work and you will be able to make it to top MBA institutes.
Also do continue with your efforts for a job, you could try elitmus and other organisations that help in placing students in IT companies.
GP Sir, I am really grateful to you for your prompt response with very soothing words, which have really made me more confident. I have retained the admission offers from the canadian colleges to substantiate my version at the time of GDPI.
Sir, I have appeared for E Litmus & AMCAT ( Aspiring Minds) and have scored very good in them. Awaiting response from the companies.
Sir, once again I thank you for your guidance.
Sandeep, if you are still keen on the Canadian University programs you should also contact them explaining the situation and they may consider you for the next session. Do mention the financial issues also so that you can pitch for fee waiver also.
Dear GP Sir,
I have converted both GIM (PGDM)as well as SIBM Bangalore(MBA).
Which programme should I join & why?
-Thank you.
Anirban, my preference is for GIM as it is likely to provide better placement opportunities and is also ranked higher.
Sir
How many question should be attempted in each section as to clear the cutoffs in SBI PO.
It might sound little awkward , because this type of question is generally asked for cat and other exams.
I just wanted to be sure that i clear the cutoff .
Any help would be much appreciated sir.
Thank you
Gaurav,
The sectional cut-offs of SBI PO EXAM held in 2013 (For General category students) were:
1)Reasoning – 13 marks
2)DI – 13 marks
3)GA – 14 marks
4)English – 13 marks
Considering these marks it can be said that you must try to answer 18-20 questions correctly in each section. That would be safe side.
Hello Sir.
I have converted IMT Nagpur PGDM. I have my Welingkar GD PI scheduled on 10th May in Delhi. I stay in Kolkata. Is Welingkar worth going foe?
I live in Kolkata so is the College good enough that i travel all the way to Delhi fr the GD PI?
Arnab, while Welingkar Mumbai is ranked higher than IMT Nagpur but only marginally so if you are comfortable with IMT Nagpur then you can afford to ignore Welingkar.
Hello sir please help i am in a dilemma,following is my profile
10th-93.4%
12th-87.6%
B.E.(EnC)-8.19CGPA(81.90%)
I got jus 88.17 percentile in CAT 13 nd my options are FORE IB or KJ IB . which would be better among these ?
Are they worth it or should i try for CAT 14?
(June 2013 passout nd rejected campus placement offer so currently no job in hand)
please advice
Rohan, These are good institutes and you can consider joining them, you can expect a CTC of around Rs 7-8 lakh pa from them. KJ Somaiya and FORE are very close but my preference is for KJ Somaiya since its location is an advantage for placements. KJ Somaiya is also ranked marginally higher than FORE.
If you are confident of getting a 95%ile in CAT’14 then you can consider dropping these two and going for a retake but do pick up a job and prepare simultaneously. It is difficult to justify a drop of 2 years.
Thank you sir for your guidance would appreciate a little more help…
Actually although many points are in favour of KJ somaiya ,there were certain things that made me skeptic and inclined towards Fore.
1. IB program in FORE has almost same curriculum as the general program and they offer dual sub specialisation in which one chooses electives from a same pool of subjects as a general mba student…whereas in KJ if i choose finance as my sub specialization i will only be dealing with international finance.
wouldn’t it limit my scope in future?
2.Although KJ is marginally ranked higher than FORE but after observing past years ranking found that KJ has been slipping down whereas Fore has been rising up the ranks is this a thing to be worried about considering i am going to pass out 2yrs from now ?
Rohan, the two institutes are very close to each other and both will provide similar placements and if you are more comfortable with FORE then go ahead with it and do not worry about KJ Somaiya.
Thank you for your advice sir … 🙂
I have 3+ years of experience in the IT industry & currently having a salary of 5LPA & have converted IMT-G marketing. I have scored above 90%ile in both CAT & XAT.
1.Request you to tell if it is worth waiting for an extra year. Have not been hearing positive reviews about IMT-G in terms of batch size or placements.
2.In case of a retake this season, which 2 year programs will do justice to my profile, as i would be having 4+ years of exp.
Kuru, IMT g is a good institute and provides good placements but due to its batch size of 600 (including DCP) placement at the bottom of the batch is a problem. While the top 1/3rd of the batch can expect a CTC of Rs 12-15 lakh, the middle 1/3rd are likely to get a CTC of Rs 9-12 lakh pa and the bottom 1/3 struggle at Rs 7-9 lakh pa which can be a problem given the high fee of the program. On the positive side institute provides a good variety in terms of the kind of companies and the profiles. Go for IMT only if you are reasonably sure of not being in the bottom 1/3rd of the batch.
You should go for a retake only if you are sure of getting a 97%ile in cAT which will get you into the next level of institutes.
Given your work experience you should also take GMAT to open the option of ISB Hyderabad 1 year program. In the retake the 2 year programs that you can consider are IIMs, IITs, FMS, JBIMS, SP Jain, IIFT, NITIE and MDI. NMIMS, SIBM Pune, SCMHRD and XIMB can be considered as a back up. Great Lakes Chennai 1 year PGPM is also an option.
Hi Sir,
First of all THANKS alot for helping all of us during our tough decision making times.
My profile is :-
Xth – 88 %
XIIth-84.6%
Grad-78.06%
CAT 2013-79.18
XAT2014-85.39
Work ex – 2.2 years in IT
Sir , I really want to change my profile from IT to HR/Finance. Because of low scores in CAT i was not able to make it to a good institute. I want to try for next year CAT/XAT. Just want to know as per your experience will it be possible to increase scores from 79 to 99 considering I have to manage my job as well.
Also If not , what are all other options for profile change.
Your help is much needed,
Thanks
Rishu
Rishu, the gap between 80 to 99%ile in CAT is usually around 2-3 questions in each section so it is possible for you to make it to top MBA institutes. A score 97%ile can get you to MDI, NITIE and most of the IITs.
The gap between 80 and 99%ile is not of knowledge but of test taking so join the CL test series and focus on the art of test taking, a couple of Mock CATs every week with detailed analysis of each paper and regular revision should do the trick.
SIR
does arithmetic,geometry and algebra feature in SBI PO?does questions come only from probablity or permutaion and combination?
Rahu, these questions do not typically appear in SBI PO.
Hello Sir,
I am an engineering student in my final semester. My academics aren’t good(X-90.88,XII-67.83 and Graduation-60.12). I was wondering if work experience in SBI for around 2 years would help in getting a call from IIM-C assuming a 99+percentile in CAT. Also, would working in SBI be better than working in an IT company keeping in mind that my ultimate aim is to specialize in finance?
Amith, if you aim is to get into finance then SBI will be a better option than IT and this experience will be given credit for for getting calls and in the interview. Your graduation marks are low but fortunately IIMC considers only X and XII marks but the general category cutoff for IIMC is usually over 99.5%ile. If you get over 99.5%ile then IIM A and B are also not rued out.
Sir, I am offered pgdm(finance) at IMT Nagpur. Although I’m interested in finance but i’ve heard that it is better for marketing and not finance. The only other option I’ve is SIESCOM, result awaited. I am only considering ROI as I’ve to take loan.
I am a 2013 passout with no job in hand. should i join this year or i am thinking to do one year PG course in finance and get a job along and pursue mcom simultaneously. And then try for MBA after 2 years. currently i can easily get a job upto 15k, its very low though.If I wait for cat 2014 then my gap will increase and also i don’t think i could get any better than 85 – 90 percentile this time. Please advice.
IMT Nagpur 11 lakh and SIESCOM would cost around 7.5 lakh. SO , if i coSir, I am offered pgdm(finance) at IMT Nagpur. Although I’m interested in finance but i’ve heard that it is better for marketing and not finance. The only other option I’ve is SIESCOM, result awaited. I am only considering ROI as I’ve to take loan.
I am a 2013 passout with no job in hand. should i join this year or i am thinking to do one year PG course in finance and get a job along and pursue mcom simultaneously. And then try for MBA after 2 years. currently i can easily get a job upto 15k, its very low though.If I wait for cat 2014 then my gap will increase and also i don’t think i could get any better than 85 – 90 percentile this time. Please advice.
IMT Nagpur 11 lakh and SIESCOM would cost around 7.5 MT or follow the other option. Also shed some light on NL DALMIA as i heard that its a finance college and also its last avg package was 6 lakh and also it has lower fee. AND pondicherry university mba program.uldn’t make it to SIESCOM ,should i join IMT or follow the other option. Also shed some light on NL DALMIA as i heard that its a finance college and also its last avg package was 6 lakh and also it has lower fee. AND pondicherry university mba program.
Sorry sir ,somehow some part is posted twice please ignore that part and please advice.
Sudarshan, not a problem will take care.
Sir, I’ve submitted Ist intallment of fee for PGDM(FINANCE) at IMT Nagpur. But I am still anxious, if I perform well in academics and do some course simultaneously can i expect a package above 5 – 6 lakhs as a fresher.
Sudarshan, you can expect a package of over 6 lakh pa from IMT Nagpur if you perform well in the program.
Thank you sir, one last question, since IMT is Mr. Kamal Nath’s college, so will the fortune of congress effect the fortune of IMT.
Sudarshan, this will not be a problem, the institute did not suffer when Congress was out of power at the center.
Sudarshan, IMT provides decent placements in finance also so you should not worry on this account. SIES in any case is not an option as its placements are significantly inferior to that of IMT Nagpur.
I am not sure if the PG course in finance + M.Com. will be useful. In any case you can do the PG course in finance along with your MBA.
My suggestion is to join this year itself A retake should be considered only if you are confident of a 95%ile in CAT. Along with your MBA do consider the option of doing CFA or any other finance courses (by correspondence or online) that will improve your profile for finance.
Thank you sir, and sir you think nl dalmia and pcu stand any chance or imt nagpur is best option for me among these.
Sudarshan, IMT Nagpur is significantly better than NL Dalmia and SIESCOM.
Respected sir,
I have the following admission offers & results. Please guide me towards the best out of these.
GIM – PGDM admission offered
UPES – MBA (Logistics &Supply Chain Mngmt) admission offered
Welingar – Called for GD/PI
MAH CET – score of 77.25 (OMS)
I’m a B.tech(Biotech) pass out (2012) n considering a drop again is not pragmatically on my list.
Eagerly awaiting a response sir. Plz help.
Sanchi, GIM PGDM is a very good program and the best among your options. The others are significantly lower in terms of ranking, reputation, placement opportunities and hence should not be considered.
Sir i am joining IMT Nagpur PGDM. I know that the placements are decent but not good enough. The median salary ranges between 6-6.5. Can we expect this figure to increase and go up to somewhere between 7-7.5 by the time i Graduate?
Is there a possibility? Since the IMT brand name is quite well known, do u think this is possible?
Please advice sir.
Suresh, it will hopefully improve in the next couple of years as the economy improves. The IMT brand name will also play a role in this.
Sir i left Welingkar Mumbai for IMT Nagpur. I have heard that both the PGDM and MS programs of Welingkar are struggling fr decent Placements(since der r many good Colleges in Mumbai like NMIMS, IIT Mumbai so Welingkar gets a backseat).
Sir do u think that i have made the right decision by choosing IMT Nagpur over Welingkar Mumbai?
*MMS*
Suresh, it is not a major issue as the gap between the two institutes is not much and with Welingkar not really sharing the placement information one does have doubts. Welingkar has a number of programs from the same campus and hence it is possible that placements are suffering. The IMT brand name is likely to be as asset in your career.
Sir can i call u today 2 discuss?
I know sir its a sunday bt if its okay wid u i would call else some other day.
Suresh, sure please call. The profession that I have chosen does not have time and day restrictions.
Sir i know that Welingkar has a location advantage over IMT Nagpur and so it might have better placements. But sir the fact that there are a number of top notch B Schools in Mumbai(JB, NMIMS, IIT Mumbai, Sydenham, KJ somaiya), wont this give Welingkar a backseat at the time of Placements?
Is the IMT brand name better known than that of Welingkar?
Sir please advice.
Suresh, let not this post purchase dissonance/justification create confusion for you. You have chosen a decent institute and should now forget the others. All institutes have their advantages and disadvantages and in your case the IMT name will a huge advantage.
hello sir,
I’m a student of third year bcom (pvt.). scored 85% in 10th and 84% in 12th (commerce+mathematics).
I’m a bit confused what to do next after graduation?
planning to give CAT2014. but my parents want me to have coachings for bank po.
Which is a better option?
can you please help me?
Purva, since there is an overlap in bank PO preparation and that of MBA entrances you can take the middle path and go for both. MBA entrance preparation encompasses all kinds of bank papers so start preparing for MBA entrances and join a test series for bank PO. Even with the bank PO papers there is a difference between SBI PO & IBPS. Since all these papers have a high level of competition it is prudent to keep all options open.
Sir in the rankings given to us at the CL Centre, it classifies Welingkar as A- and IMT Nagpur as B.
But in ur blog “Application Time” dated October 8, 2013, u have classified dem in cateogary B and C respectively. Sir can u plzz tell me which is better Welingkar or IMT Nagpur. Though the IMT brand is quite well known but i guess that Welingkar enjoys the location advantage. Sir what are ur views on this.
Venkat, my preference is for Welingkar Mumbai PGDM/MMS (not other programs) over IMT Nagpur due to its location. However all other programs of Welingkar Mumbai would be ranked below IMT Nagpur.
GP Sir,
My academic profile is 83% in X, 78%in XII & 58% in B Tech(CS). I am 2013 pass out & at present do not have a job. I am preparing for CAT 2014. I am working hard to get at least 98 percentile in CAT 2014. Pl guide me as to which institutes can be targeted by me keeping in mind my low academics. As I don’t have job experience, will it create any problem in my final selection. I request you to kindly guide me on the above points with a pragmatic viewpoint.
Pl respond urgently.
Thanks & Regards.
Mahendra, except for IIMA and B you can target all other MBA institutes. These two are unlikely for you due to your score in graduation and you will need to score a 100%ile to get a call from them.
It is usually difficult to explain a gap of 2 years so it is advisable for you to pick up a job.
sir, which one is a better option between k j som pgdm ib and siib ib?? and how is the pgdm com course at kj som??
Deeksha, the two institutes are very close to each other and you can choose either of them. SIIB IB has a better placement while KJ Somaiya has a lower fee and a location advantage. The PGDM of KJ Somaiya is also good. To summarise, KJ Somaiya PGDM = SIIB IB > KJ Somaiya IB
sir, is there a chance of movement in wait list now for siib ib.. (WL no 5) since most of the colleges results are out now?
Deeksha, withdrawals are still happening and most IIMs are yet to declare their results so I am hopeful of you making it to the final list.
sir, I have reserved my seat at SIMC Pune and I am in WL no. 5 for SIIB IB.
I got the results for k j somaiya with 593 ranking.(applied for pgdm, pgdm ib and pgdm com) The counselling is on 7th may. Since I am resident of haryana it would be difficult for me to go to Mumbai without knowing what my chances are. Sir is there a chance to make it through siib or kj som pgdm or ib course ?
Please help me with the order of preference too for these colleges.
Profile – Grad 2013 in bsc biotech. Interested in marketing. No work ex. Gen category.
thank you.
Deksha, KJ Somaiya PGDM might be difficult but IB is not ruled out. My suggestion is to attend the counselling as one does not know how many will not turn up on the day. You will most probably convert SIIB IB.
Sir going by post of Joseph above, would you then prefer ISB,XLRI, FMS, SPJIMR,JBIMS over IIM-K,I,S even if they are non-IIMs? If that be so, then I wonder why the new IIMs have at all been set up because are they really adding to quality?
Midhum, the new IIMs will take some time before they overtake these institutes. The new IIMs have however added to quality MBA seats and I would prefer them to NM, Symbiosis, XIMB etc.
Sir,I need your serious help here.I am planing to appear for CAT 2014.As i am working in an IT firm (shift timings) i am not getting any time to prepare properly.Sir i need some suggetions on how should i start my prepartion.as this CAT is very improtant for me.Please kindly tell me the very much important topics on quants and other parts of the question paper.It will be great help sir.hoping to get your reply sir
Sudhanshu, is this your first attempt at CAT/XAT or have you appeared earlier? In case you had appeared earlier how did you prepare?
Sir,this will be my first attempt for CAT 2014 and all other MBA exams.So kindly suggest me according to that.I started little bit of prepartion on quants topic.I am using Arun sharma for that.
Honestly speaking i dont have time for coaching classes beacuse of my job timings.So please kindly suggest me according to that. I just need a top MBA college.Awaiting for your reply sir.Will be a great help.
sudhanshu, the book will not only be insufficient but also to an extent will have questions that are not relevant. Since your work schedule does not allow a classroom program do consider the option of a correspondence or an online program. A structured program ensures relevant books & material and optimum utilisation of time. The list of such programs is available at eStore of http://www.careerlauncher.com, however my recommendation is to go for Smart CAT Cracker Comprehensive Plus as it will take care of all your preparation requirements for MBA entrances.
Sir, I will check it. Hope i get enrolled soon. thank you very much.
Dear GP Sir,
I have converted both GIM(PGDM) & KJ Somaiya.
I had applied for PGDM, PGDM(IB) & PGDM(FS) for KJ.
As my KJ rank is 294, chances of converting PGDM(core) during KJ counseling is slim, but PGDM (IB) or ( FS) are almost certain.
Sir please advice me on whether I should give more preference to GIM or to KJ. Also, if I dont get PGDM(core) in KJ counseling & have have to settle for PGDM(IB) , in that scenario, is it advisable to join KJ at all or GIM?
– Thanks.
Anindita, GIM and KJ Somaiya are at the same level but KJ has a lower fee hence it is the preferred one. However GIM PGDM is likely to be better than IB as it will allow you to choose your area of specialisation and unless you are keen on IB as a area of specialisation my preference will be for GIM over KJ Somaiya IB.
Sir, as far as PGDM (core) of both GIM & KJ are concerned, which 1 has better placements?
Anindita, GIM is likely to have better placements.
my academic profile is x,xii -57%,65% and graduation with 56% .I m prepared cat 2014.how much expected cutoff in iim, fms ,I m pwd category student.low % in academic any effect in admission.
Mohd, typically the cut off for candidates of PWD category is around 75%ile for IIMs and FMS.
Hello Sir,
This is Varun Mishra.
My Profile is as follows:
Xth: 85.5
XIIth: 91.5
Graduation: 75.17
I did my graduation from Coventry University, U.K (Singapore Campus) and has been awarded 1st class honors degree in Electrical and Electronics.
I came back in 2013 Jan and wanted to study further, and then prepared for CAT at CL. (Hence a gap which was inevitable).
Sir,
I have converted IMT Gaziabad DCP and FORE as of now.
But now I am really confused between IMT and Fore. IMT would give me another year of experience in abroad considering my profile and is a bigger brand, on the other hand FORE has a smaller batch size which makes the placement a bit easy and lesser fee.
I would be very thankful if you help me. I Tried reaching you via email also.
Regards,
Varun Mishra.
Varun, IMT DCP is an expensive program but provides good education and exposure so if money is not an issue then IMT DCP should be preferred. The batch size at IMT including DCP is around 600 and you should be in the top 1/3rd to get a good placement.
Unfortunately I have not received your email, hope it has been sent to gp@careerlauncher.com and not askgp@careerlauncher.com
Thank you for your reply sir.
Unfortunately I sent the mail on the latter email ID.
Sir, its too confusing. I talk to the alumni network or the students they say IMT is a huge brand, but then some others say that its value is declining day by day. I fail to understand why. A 30+ year old institute can loose its value to the recruiters in just couple of years?
Sir, can you clear this picture a bit?
Regards,
Varun Mishra
Varun, IMTG is a good brand but in student perception it has gone down a bit over the last few years due its rapid expansion in the number of seats/programs and high fee. It is another matter that other institutes too are now doing following IMTG. For example NM, XIMB etc have all increased their intake as well as fee are are now close to IMTG. Symbiosis has not increased the intake but has opened up new institutes and increased its intake significantly. Even IMI has started new programs and increased its intake and increased the fee to a level similar to IMT.
My benchmark of comparing institutes is the placement track record only. I do not have the competence to evaluate the “intellectual quotient” of an institutes or its academics. The purpose of an MBA program is to provide trained manpower to the industry and institutes that are able provide better placements should be preferred. Good placements refers to not only the average/median salary but also take into account the kind of companies that visit the campus and the kind of roles they offer.
The fact is that IMTG provides a good variety in placements both in terms of companies and profiles but it also has a wide variation in the salary. The top 1/3rd of the batch is likely to have a CTC of over Rs 12 lakh pa, the next 1/3rd of Rs 9-12 lakh pa and the bottom 1/3rd is likely to struggle at Rs 6-9 lakh pa. At the same time with a fee of around Rs 16 lakh for PGDM (similar to NM, GIM, IMI but more than of Symbiosis) and much more for DCP one does question the ROI especially if you are not in the top 2/3rd of the batch.
My default recommendation is FORE over IMT DCP.
IMT DCP is expensive but it should be considered if you can afford it and if it fits into your long term plan.
Hope this clears the issue.
Sir,I have converted MBE nd Bim Trichy …Plz suggest which one is better ??
Really very confused ….And should I take SBI PO ….If I clear it ??
Monisha, if you are keen on specialising in finance then go for MBE, if not then go for BIM Trichy. SBI PO is a good option if you crack it but its process will not close before the end of this year.
Sir I m keen on doing finance but I m not able to understand whether a general MBA would be good for me or Should I go for MBE ??
But somehow inclined to General MBA …
What I want to know is Sir which one would help in my career (In Long Run) ??
Thank You .
Monisha, a general MBA will allow you to choose your area of specialisation hence it is usually preferred. Both are good options and if you are inclined towards finance/economics then MBE should be your choice.
Sir IMT Nagpur or SBI PO, which is a better option?
Vishwas, SBI PO is a better option.
But Sir i have converted IMT Nagpur. XAT-89. Was shortlisted for XIMB(HR), TAPMI, GIM, LIBA, IMT(N) but could not convert any except IMT N. So thats the only option i have.
But SBI PO is very dicy, and what if i dnt make it? I will not be left with any options.
Its like a bird in one hand and another in the bush. Sir what do u suggest?
X-72
XII-78
Graduation(BBA)-76
Work ex- 6months.
Please advice.
Vishwas, the bird in hand your hand is not bad and if you are not working then you should join IMT Nagpur.
Sir how is IMT Nagpur if we look at it from the future perspective?
How can we expect the career growth of a person to be?
(Interested in pursuing a career in Marketing).
Vishwas, what are your options? Where are you working and at what saary?
Sir i was shortlisted fr GD PI by all the Colleges i had mentioned above bht could not convert any except IMT Nagpur. I have also beem shortlisted fr Welingkar GD PI. So as of now i do not have many options.
Sir what is ur opinion abt IMT Nagpur.
How is it if we look at it frm future perspective? And what kind of career growth can a person expect?
Vishawas, IMT Nagpur is a decent institute that provides decent career opportunities. You can consider joining it in case you do not make it to PGDM/MMS in Welingkar Mumbai. Other Welingkar Mumbai programs like PGDM ebiz and the Bangalore have apparently not had good placements and should not be preferred to IMT Nagpur.
Sir I have both ISB and IIM-L converts, 3.5 yrs work-ex in IT. Which college would you recommend me to join? I find that ISB in some aspects is better than L but then I also am in a dilemma regarding the IIM tag.
Joseph, I am tempted to recommend ISB as it will save you a year but as you have mentioned the IIM brand name is too valuable to leave. My recommendation is for IIML.
Sir, but would the IIM brand be really as strong or important if it were IIM-I,K,S or the newer IIMs? Or is it that you would recommend IIM-L here because it is among the big 4?
Joseph, you are right I, K and S would not be preferable to ISB. IIM A, B, C, L, XLRI, FMS and JBIMS should be preferred to ISB but not the other institutes.
You indeed have great insights sir,thanks a lot for the reply. Sir, I wish to write a testimonial for CL as a CL student who has converted one of the big IIMs. Kindly mention where I could do so.
Joseph, thanks. You have already done it here. My/CL’s facebook page can also be used for the same 🙂
Sir, I’m preparing for CAT’14 and through your blog i got to know about the SBI-PO exam which is pretty lucrative and I want to attempt this as well.Maybe I’m acting too greedy but any tips on how to manage both the exams according to their respective patterns?
PS-The download links you provided are not working.Please see to it,if that can be fixed.
Thank you 🙂
Mukesh, while there are differences, CAT preparation will help you in SBI and other PO tests. CAT preparation along with SBI PO test series and some extra effort in reasoning is sufficient. You can download the paper now, the links have been rectified.
Sir, i am a 2013 passout and i am a fresher..I have ximb hr in hand..Is it advisable to join this program? Because from what i have read and heard it is good to have work ex during placements for hr specially. Also ximb has increased the intake from 60 to 120 so confused whether to join or not (Though i have no problem in taking hr as a specialization) Your advice would be appreciated. My other options are tapmi( which i did not join) and gim results are yet to come
Shivam, if you are comfortable with HR then go ahead with XIMB HR, the increase in batch size is unlikely to significantly impact placements.
I have a merit rank of 598,what is the scope of getting PGDM-FS in K J somayiya?and How is the placement scenario there for pgdm-fs?
Aniruddha, PGDM FS has restricted placement opportunities and should not be considered unless this is the only option. Placement is decent for FS.
Sir, my rank in KJ somaiya is 1345. Its counselling is on 8th may. As it has only 120 seats for PGDM and overall 300 seats, i dont think that i will be able to get a seat in it. Do u have any idea that last year till what number did the merit list go?
I have converted IBS hyderabad and have waiting 217 in Nirma which is doubtful of converting. My cat percentile was 93.01.
Can u give me advise as to what should i do further? Should i join IBS or Nirma ( if converted )or should i prepare for CAT 2014?
Rushil, 1345 is difficult but let us hope for the best. You can consider joining NIRMA as it is on the same league as a FORE or LBSIM but not IBS.
If you are working or have a job offer and are confident of increasing your CAT/XAT score to around 96%ile then go for a retake else join Nirma.
sir, i have converted pgdm finaance in imt nagpur, also i have converted glim chennai and tapmi. can u kindly suggest me which one to go for??
Kavitha, which program in GL Chennai? 1 year PGPM or 2 year PGDM?
sir , two year program in GL
Kavitha, TAPMI is the best among these institutes/programs.
Sir , I have converted MBE, MFC, LBSIM, FORE .Which one should I go for ?
Anurag, if you want to specialise in finance then MFC is my preference as it provides excellent placements and has a very low fee. However if you are not interested in finance then you can go to either FORE or LBS. Both provide similar placements, FORE is better known but LBS has a lower fee.
Sir,
is bimtech a worthy college to join.i have also been shortlisted in fms bhu in the waiting list.my percentile in cat 13 was 87.77.i will be highly grateful if u can give some details about bimtech noida pgdm
aritra, BIMTECH is a decent college and is likely to provide placement in the range of Rs 4-7 lakh pa depending upon the specialisation. It is better known than FMS BHU which though an old MBA institute is not very well known, its placement is likely to be in the region of Rs 5-6 lakh pa its advantage over BIMTECH is the almost negligible fee. If the location (NCR) and better known name are the criteria then BIMTECH should be preferred but since FMS BHU provides almost similar placement at a fraction of the fee it should be given a serious thought. At least you would not have to worry about education loan repayment.
GP Sir,
I’m 27 years old, having 3.5 years work exp in IT and planning for CAT 2014. I’ve already asked my doubt regarding 2 years gap in my professional career and as per your suggestion, now eagerly looking for a job. Sir, would I face any problem due to my AGE at the time of placement? Kindly help me. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Joy
Joy, gien your age and work experience you should take GMAT and go for 1 year MBA program of ISB Hyderabad and other top MBA institutes outside India. Most of the good MBA institutes have a provision for lateral placements for students with over 2 year work experience.
Hi Sir , My acads are 10th -69 12th-75 grad-66 .sir I am 2013 passout working with tcs .I want to know what are the career options in front of me. I want to crack cat but my low acds haunts me each time.Sir is there any chance to get into iims with this academics .Sir please reply .Thanks .
sarkar, your poor acads are an issue only for the top IIMs where you will need a 100%ile to get an interview call. Almost all other IIMs and other top MBA institutes have a low or no weight for past academics. Also your work experience will be helpful in getting you a call.
Sir, I am an Economics hons graduate with 1 year work ex in financial research and good academics throughout. I am interested in Finance and have converted TAPMI and IFMR. Kindly suggest me which one to choose, keeping finance specialization in mind.
Partha, TAPMI shouldbe preferred as it will provide you with better placement opportunities.
Sir, but I have heard that TAPMI is only good for marketing and IT. Also that around 70% of its students pursue marketing. So, will it be a problem if I specialize in finance from TAPMI ? Although I know that TAPMI is higher in rankings as compared to IFMR, I am asking this because IFMR is dedicated for finance and that I want to specialize in finance.
Patha, 70% marketing appears to be very high, my information is is about 1/3rd in marketing and about a 1/6th of the batch in finance. IFMR is good but is unlikely to provide the level of opportunities that TAPMI will. My suggestion is to go for TAPMI.
Thank you GP sir. Sorry for bothering you once again, I also converted KJ Somaiya pgdm core yesterday evening. Should I prefer it over TAPMI given that I want finance and also due to the high fees and huge batch size of TAPMI as compared to KJ Somaiya? Also the b-school application date list given to us in class at CL classifies kj Som as A- category whereas TAPMI as B+ category…….sir, kindly give your suggestion as to which one to choose for finance specialization.
PArtha, while TAPMI is ranked higher given the fee differential and the location advantage you could choose KJ Somaiya.
Sir,
In SBI-PO,what kind of question level can we expect when compared to the MBA entrance exams?
From where can I prepare for the banking related questions?
Dear candidate,
For this, please go through some question papers of previous years. Though, theoretically the sections of MBA & SBI PO entrance tests are same, but the difference is in the kind and type of the questions. To prepare for SBI PO you can consider Mock Test Papers of CL and actual question papers of previous years.
Hi GP sir,
Could you please put some lights on S.P Jain Global MBA program(tri-city model) and IIM lndore PGP UAE program. Are these programs worth Joining? I have 86 percentile in CAT 13 and 3.2 years of work experience in IT. Also considering the fees of the above programs are on higher side can I expect good ROI if I go for these programs?
Thank You
Sibaprasad, SP Jain Global MBA is an expensive program but the placements are not great. IIM Indore UAE is a new campus and in the absence of data will not be able to comment on it. My suggestion is to take GMAT and target ISB Hyderabad and other top institutes outside India. Please contact Ms Shradha Dave at shradha.dave@careerlauncher.com for guidance on GMAT and other 1 year MBA programs.
SIR,
how is scit pune Is it worth putting 9 lakhs and being a fresher how will be the placement scenario.Sir please guide me as i am in a dilemma considering my acadmic profile
Xth-73%(2005)
Xth-75%(2007)
btech(mechanical)-7.82(2011)
no job exp 3 year gap after graduation
on other hand have bank of india(assistant)
Soumya, what is the salary and the role in Bank of India? What are the growth prospects?
sir,
salary will be around 20000 and after completion of 1 year i can get promotion as a po
Soumya, since you can be promoted to PO then you should prefer Bank of India.
With 1.5 months left,
1. What type of questions must be given more preference in objective test?
2. What type of topics can be asked for descriptive test? Will there be questions from current affairs topics like 2014 elections, etc and ask us for our opinions,etc.
Pakshaal,
1 – I hope that you are aware of the sectional cut-offs of the objective test of SBI PO. So first of all, you must ensure to qualify in each and every section. On the basis of previous year’s cut-off, it can be said that you should try to answer 18-20 questions correctly in each and every section. It will ensure evaluation of your answer sheet of descriptive test. after this, you can choose your preferred area (out of reasoning, DI, GA & English) as per your comfort, speed, accuracy, and duration of time left for the test. Try ton score more in that section.
2 – The topics for descriptive test of English Language are -comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay. The essay and letter are based on general topics mainly on social and economic concerns. For more clarification you can concern the topics asked in previous tests.
Good evening GP Sir
I like reading your blog and am a big fan.
I did my Btech in 2013 and thereafter switched my career to journalism. I also run a tech website where I review gadgets and get media invites.
I wish to sit for CAT 2015 with 2 years of work ex.
Q1. Would my line switch enhance or hamper my chances during interview?
Q2. Does a small startup adds to one’s profile?
Thanks and regards
Ajay, startups do add to your profile and the switch is not an issue, it will be questioned/discussed in the interview but can be explained and will not be a reason of rejection.
My suggestion is to go for CAT’14 itself since there is sufficient time for preparation, if you do not make it to a good institute this time then CAT’15 is in any case available.
Thankyou GP Sir
SIR,
how is imt dcp course(converted)? i am waitlisted in imi and also converted FORE
considering fees is not much an issue…but still IMT DCP will be a good investment?
i am a fresher ,CAT-94.71
X-91.4
XII-84.8
GRAD-75
my parents are not ready to give me a retake and if i have to choose among these what should be the order? (i know if imi is converted it would be best)
Shaivy, Hopefully you will clear the IMI wait list and we will not need to choose. IMT DCP is a decent option but is very expensive and my suggestion will be to go for FORE unless you are keen to study in Dubai also. My order of preference is IMI, FORE, DCP.
Dear Sir,
I’ve been shortlisted for the NIBM PGDBF course for GD PI, As my academics is under 60% in X & XII and graduation is 69% ; Will there be any problem in the final selection?
And please mention your view for the mentioned college please.
Prateek, NIBM is a decent institute but could face some placement issues since Mumbai High Court has stopped campus recruitment by the PSU Banks. Your acads are unlikely to be a major issue in the selection process your performance in the GD and interview will determine the outcome.
Sir is Welingkar Mumbai a decent Institute? Is it worth joining from future perspective?
Aswajit, it is a decent institute but the programs that are doing well are PGDM and MMS. Apparently the other programs do not have very good placements.
Sir the official website of Welingkar shows the average salary of 7.75lacs. Highest Domestic-18lacs and International-24lacs.
Are these really true? Has the Institute been able to provide such Placements or are these just marketing gimmicks?
Aswajit, based on the informal data this looks difficult. Their website is under maintenance so please forward the link to me. To the best of my knowledge only the PGDM and MMS programs in Mumbai campus are providing decent placements.
Sir even i had seen the same when their website was completely functional. I have 83 in XAT. Do i stand a chance?
Aswajit, you have a good chance.
Sir i’ve secured 79.74%ile in CAT and i’ve got call from NIBM. But i’m confused that should i prepare for CAT14 or should i go for NIBM and Sir please tell me what is the avg. package of NIBM
Shubham, with the Mumbai High Court ruling that PSU banks cannot go for campus placements NIBM, a good institute, has become a question mark. The average package is likely to be around 6 lakh pa. If you have a decent job at hand and are confident of increasing your CAT score to 90%ile then go for a retake else consider joining NIBM.
Thank you Sir, i’ll go for CAT14.
Sir,
but nibm has achieved 100% placmnt ths year as well.. avg packge is abv 7 lakhs
I too got shrt listed for nibm with cmat AIR 426..
I am considering to join nibm pune if I convert because of the following reasons…
1)I can change my domain from IT to BFS and it’s a specialised course.. after gaining some 3,4 years of exp in the relevant sector ..with IT work exp,an mba in a specialised course with some relevant exp in banking-finance sector, I can even try for a one year mba at ISB to achieve further in my professional career..
so nibm pgpbf and banking wrk exp will help to make my distinct and unique profile and then converting a top bschl like ISB-Hyd with a decnt gmat score wud become relatively easier…
Can I move forward with such a career plan…
(Is it possible or rather conducive to implement my career plan in the abv manner) Awaiting your rply…
Raghu, NIBM is a good institute but till last year its mainstay for placements were PSU banks which cannot now go for campus recruitment and it is a question mark. They have not as yet released their placement report for 2014 so difficult for me to comment. The plan is fine except for the institute which as I have mentioned above could be an issue.
Sir,
First,I am very grateful to your invaluable Insights,suggestions and guding aspirants achieve their dreams…
NIBM guys have updated the plcmnt statistcs very recently… entire batch of 41 placed with 14,8 offers from axis and canara bank each… axis bank offered 9l packages.. placmnts are 100% .. I also thnk tht plcmnts are not an issue as banking sector will expand in the years to come wth issued new licenses and liberalisation… I want to enhance my profile much better so that I can crack ISB with credible and quality profile… I thnk NIBM provides me a very gud opprtny for tht…
awaitng your coments…
Raghu, this is good but as expected the PSU banks have reduced to only Canara Bank. Also 2 banks recruiting half the batch is not good in the long run. As a institute I am okay with NIBM but it will have to expand their base of recruiting companies. Its small batch size is an obvious advantage and while I would still prefer TAPMI you have to decide based on your perspective and if NIBM fits in better with your plans then you should go ahead with it.
Sir which is better IMT Nagpur or Welingkar Mumbai?
Help me choose among them(in terms of Placements and future perspective).
Ajitesh, Welingkar Mumbai PGDM/MMS is likely to be a better option due to its location.
Sir what exactly is the difference between the PGDM and MMS program offered by the Institute?
Ajitesh, MMS degree is awarded by Mumbai University while PGDM is approved by AICTE. The two are same for alll practical purposes.
Sir which is a better option, PGDM from Welingkar or SBI PO? (From the Placements point of view of Welingkar and the SBI PO job).
Ajay, my preference is SBI PO.
Sir how r the placements of Welingkar PGDM? What percentage of total PGDM students were placed last year?
Ajay, data is not available for this. Their website is under maintenance so please forward the link to me. To the best of my knowledge only the PGDM and MMS programs in Mumbai campus are providing decent placements.
Dear GP Sir,
Profile-
X-88 XII-90 BTECH-72 WORK EXP-3.5 YRS IN TCS SALARY- 4.2 L
I have got gd/pi calls from SCMHRD,SIBM-BAN,SIIB,TAPMI,GIM,KJSOMAIYA,NIBM PUNE
But I have convertd only SIBM-Ban till now with some results yet to be declared…
(Hoping atlst one more convert from the remainng..)
Is it a worthy option to go with SIBM-Ban given my profile and can I expect gud opportunities after 2 years… I am in no hurry to decide mba this year itslf but given my 4.5 yrs of wrk exp by nxt year, I am worried a bit abt my admission to top bschools for regular mba..
Kindly direct me if I can go for SIBM-B or wait for remaining converts as I am very much interested towards an mba but I simultaneously want to get into a reasonably gud bschl….
Awaiting for your valuable response…
RAghu, with your experience you can consider SCMHRD, TAPMI and in the worst case SIIB/GIM. In case you do not make it to SCMHRD or TAPMI then you should drop the idea of 2 year MBA and take GMAT to target ISB Hyderabad and other good 1 year MBA programs outside India.
Sir,
wat abt SIBM-ban, is it not worth joining ? and normally,it is ranked higher than SIIB and also snap cutoff for SIBM-Ban cutoff was 95.2 percntl and SIIB cutoff is 93..
Kindly throw some light on SIBM-ban,if it is a considerable option for me…
Raghu, purely in terms of placements SIBM Blr is below SIIB. If you have to join MBA this year itself then SIM lr can be considered but my suggestion is to consider GMAT and ISB Hyd.
Sir,
I have coverted tapmi too… I Know it’s a gud bschl,but the only factor tht is wrryng me is its batch size of 420!!!… this year’s plcmnt data is gud wth avg sal arnd 9.7 l for a batch of 300…
Sir, I have following queries.. awaitng your reply…
1)is it wrth joinng tapmi wth my abv profile
2)can i expct domain change i.e from IT to some othr sector like pharma,manufctrng,fmcg,bfs etc given my 3+ IT exp
3)is it a gud decsn, if I leave tapmi and try for one year mba considering it is very tough for an IT guy to enter into ISB as the aspirants with IT profiles are very high in num and hence the competition..
4)is 2 year mba better than one year mba ?
Raghu, TAPMI is worth joining for you. The batch size will definitely not be an issue for any one in the top 2/3rd of the batch the others could have some problems but TAPMi being a reputed institute with a good a name in the industry will be able to manage the placements.
You can change from IT to other sectors but it is possible that they may not give you full credit of 3 year work experience. An alternate plan could be to get into sectors adjacent to IT eg telecom and consulting. You can also look at marketing in IT/Telecom and then move into other sectors.
IT guys with good GMAT scores and interviews make it to ISB so I would not be too worried on this aspect.
Both 2 year and 1 year MBA are good and it is your quantum of work experience which makes a particular program relevant for you. As mentioned earlier this should be your last attempt for a 2 year MBA and if you decide to drop TAPMi then go for a 1 year program next year.
Does the experience of SBI PO counted as quality experience when it comes to top IIMs like A,BnC ?
ashok, PO experience is acceptable for all MBA institutes.
sir, actually I have done b.tech in Industrial Engineering from IIT KGP and I have interest in Banking so i m will to go for SBI PO. engineering n PO , this combination is okay ?
Ashok, it is not a problem.
dear sir ,
i have got 87 percentile in cat13 +75 sectionals. i have applied to liba,tapmi,mica(gave GEPI),bimtech,and nirma and got straight reject from all these colleges inspite of decent pi .
profile – 10/12/BBA (completed 2013)- 85/68/64
i want to ask
1.should i now apply to any b or c grade colleges ?
2.or wait for new iims results (gave good wat and decent pi , nc obc and non engineer candidate)
3.apply for sbi po
4.write davv cet 14 for mba from ims davv.
what should i do sir, after this much rejection i am very depressed.
Bharat, given that you are from NC OBC category and had a decent CAT score I would not recommend joining the lower end colleges. A retake will be a better option. My suggestion is to go for Options 2 + 3. Wait for the results and also apply for SBI PO. If you make it to the new IIMs join one of them but if you are unsuccessful then take SBI PO and also go for a retake of CAT and SNAP.
Sir, the links given at the end of this article are not working.
Abhishek, thanks will have these rectified, check again tomorrow.
sir i m cl chd student,plzz tell me which type of topics can appear in sbi po descriptive section
Pawan,
The topics for descriptive test of English Language are -comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay. The essay and letter are based on general topics mainly on social and economic concerns. For more clarification you can concern the topics asked in previous tests.
Respected Sir,
I have secured 77%, 76% and 64% in X, XII and B.com(Hons) respectively and have graduated 1 year back.But sir I am working in a private school. Can I show this as work experience?? Do I have any chance to get into IIM-A,IIM-B,IIM-C, XLRI and other IIMs. Please help me out sir.I am in great dilemma. I would be ever grateful to you if you do sir.
Saurav, you can show this as work experience. With the current criteria, based on your X, XII and graduation marks you will need a 100%ile in CAT to get a call from A, B and C. All other IIMs and other top MBA institutes ikel XLRI are possible at a score of over 98%ile.
sir,
i want to know the average placement in scit and is 100% placement achieved
Soumya, the average placement for freshers will be in the region of Rs 6-6.5 lakh pa and that of candidates with work experience will be around Rs7.5-8 lakh pa. All institutes have a problem placing the bottom 10-15% and somehow place them to claim 100% placement.
sir,
my branch is mechanical will that be a problem during my placements in scit
soumya, your branch is not a issue. Placement will be afunction os how you perform in the MBA program.
SIR,
I have 3 years gap after my btech and my branch is mechanical, will it create any problem during placements in bschools
Soumya, this will definitely be questioned/discussed in the interview and few companies may not consider you. However mostly this will not be a problem if explained properly.
Sir
I have cleared specialist officer exam and got bank of india.Now i am planning for 1 year mba so please give me options regarding to this.
Deepak, please send a mail to Ms Shradha Dave at shradha.dave@careerlauncher.com along with your resume for guidance.
Hello Sir
I have 2+ yr experience in engineering design.
I have converted IMT Ghaziabad( Full Time), LBSIM(full time).
I have rank 85th (general) in MIB/MHROD of Delhi School of Economics and most probably will be able to get in MIB (international business)
I am yet to get result for IMI and FORE.
I consider IMT and DSE as my best converts.
Fees of IMT is 15L and the batch size is 600. Plus the average of around 8.5L.
DSE has less fees but the placement scenario is not quite open in public domain. Seniors say it is around 7.5L
Please suggest between both of them.
Thanks in advance for your support Sir
Chirag, Purely in terms 0f reputation and ranking IMT will score over MIB and despite the huge fee difference it should be preferred. IMT G is reasonably well known for marketing and provides good and varied placement opportunities. While the average salary of IMT G will be around 9-10 lakh pa and that of MIB around Rs 7-8 lakh pa, in IMTG the top 1/3rd of the batch can expect a package of Rs 12-15 lakh pa, the next 1/3rd around Rs 9-12 lakh pa and the bottom 1/3rd would typically get a package of Rs 7-9 lakh pa and hence you need to ensure that you are not among the bottom 1/3rd.
More than the difference in average salary it is the number of companies and the variety of openings in which IMT scores over MIB.
Dear Sir,
my question regarding SBI PO objective paper evaluation had been deleted here…
Kindly reply to this qsn as it will help me to formualte a strategy for exam…
1)Is thr any significance weightage given to accuracy like previous IBPS PO exams(Total weighted standardised scoring methodology) or can we maximise our attempts,even keeping negative marks in mind,to score more marks…
I am asking this qsn because if accuracy matters,then I shd be double cautious while attempting a qsn and focus shd be more on accuracy ratherthan more attempts…
Kindly respond to the above query as it will help to all the sbi po aspirants …
awaiting your response
Thank you sir..
Ram, Absolute Scores are used for short-listing candidates in all SBI exams viz., SBI PO, SBI Specialist Officer, SBI Clerk, SBI (Associates) PO and SBI (Associates) Clerk.
Since there is negative marking, accuracy does matter. However, there is no progressive negative marking, in the sense that the negative marks for an incorrect answer are always 1/4th of the marks awarded for a correct answer, irrespective of the number of negative answers.
Many students have the misconception that in case two candidates have the same marks but one has a higher accuracy then the latter may be preferred over the other. This is wrong. Let me explain. Suppose Abhishek has solved 20 questions out of which 16 are correct and 4 are incorrect. He gets 15 marks : +1 for each correct answer and -1/4 for every incorrect one. Aishwarya has solved 15 questions with 100% accuracy. She gets 15 marks : +1 for every correct answer. So both of the candidates end up with the exact same score.
Hi Sir , you talked about the bridge program for the MBA guys . Till when is it supposed to start and will the program be online . If offline then in what all cities ?? Kindly reply sir .
Please provide the details about that program .
My mock percentile predicted me 96 percentile in CAT but I got only 75:( . Now I have lost confidence . Please tell me how can I best leverage my CAT preparations to get into SBI PO . I have heard that the salaries are really cool 🙂
Rahul, please contact your CL center for details of the bridge program. Some of the CL centers have launched it and some will do so shortly.
CAT’13 did throw up some unexpected results but you need to forget it and move on. Your CAT preparation ensures that you have covered almost all the topics of SBI PO except reasoning and will need to work on increasing your speed. A good attempt in 2 hours is around 140 questions and hence speed building will be required.
Sir,
What cut-off does DAVV IMS takes for the MBA FT course ? I have 174 marks in CMAT September ,Will this suffice for being in ?
Prateek, I am not aware of the cutoff for DAVV IMS but feel that 174 will be sufficient to clear it.
Hi GP sir ,
Has CL’s CAT Test series started ? How many Mocks are done for 2014 season?
Regards.
Shiv, it has started. Click here for the details of Test Series
GP Sir,
Now SBI PO examination is near, So Please tell me how to prepare for that. I know practice and concentration is main.
Sir please give me tips to crack this exam.
Nitisha,
I hope that you are aware of the sectional cut-offs of the objective test of SBI PO. So first of all, you must ensure to qualify in each and every section. On the basis of previous year’s cut-off, it can be said that you should try to answer 18-20 questions correctly in each and every section. It will ensure evaluation of your answer sheet of descriptive test. after this, you can choose your preferred area (out of reasoning, DI, GA & English) as per your comfort, speed, accuracy, and duration of time left for the test. Try ton score more in that section.
The topics for descriptive test of English Language are -comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay. The essay and letter are based on general topics mainly on social and economic concerns. For more clarification you can concern the topics asked in previous tests.
Some tips are:
i) Try to solve maximum number of Mock Papers, it will highly enhance your accuracy level particularly in reasoning and DI section.
ii) Go through important National and International events particularity related with personalities, monetary and banking, business and economies, awards, honors and sports.
iii) For descriptive part, prepare short notes on some social, economic and political topics.
10th board: 90%
12th board: 84%
Graduation(appearing) : 65%
3 years gap between 12th and grads..
I am a freelance tutor from last 3 years..
Sir..Is it possible to get IIM A,B,C with this background ?
Will be a great help if you clear this doubt.
Anmol, based on your graduation marks IIM A and B are unlikely unless you get a 100%ile in CAT. The gap is not an issue and can be explained. You will need to package your experience better.
“you need to package better..” Sir, can you pls tell me what does that mean and how should I do that..
Sir, also which colleges i should aim for then?
Anmol, call me at 9811155160 to discuss.
Thank you Sir..Sir, please kindly tell what would be your preferred calling time?
Anmol, anytime is fine with me.
Sir,
Last time I had a score of 90 in the objective paper of SBI PO.
They had questions related to budget last year in their gk section.
Which can be the predictably highlight spots as far as gk topics are concerned for this year.
Also, I am working as a business development manager with IndiaFirst life insurance. I just joined 2 months ago with a B.Tech background. Is working for insurance sector considered a legitimate work experience by B Schools?
Jane, there is nothing wrong with working in Insurance after B.Tech, it is a valid work experience but you will be questioned about this in the interview.
For SBI PO banking, finance and budget are usually good contributors to the GK section.
Dear Sir,
What course one should join in IMS DAVV for a decent placement ?
Prateek, MBA FT is likely to be the best choice.
Sir,
What cut-off does DAVV IMS takes for the MBA FT course ? I have 174 marks in CMAT September ,Will this suffice for being in ?
Prateek, I am not aware of its cutoff but feel that this should be sufficient for a call.
Sir, As i have seen all the Top IIM’s need strong Academic background.But i dont have that strong background.
I have 10th= 66%
12th= 63
B.E = 72%
Working for past 7 months,will be completing 1 year before taking CAT.
Is it possible to get IIM A,B,C,L with this background ?
Will be a great help if you clear this doubt. I am in big Dilemma.
Sudhanshu, unfortunately with the current criteria and your marks in X, XII & Graduation you will need a 100%ile in CAT to get a call from the top IIMs. All other IIMs, XLRI, and other top MBA institutes are however not a problem and most of them will be possible at a score of over 98%ile.
Sir,I have passed out of college (graduation in BCom) and recently after cracking MAT, have got admission in Suryadatta Institute of Management, Pune. Can you tell me if it is advisable to prefer SBI or join this institute? Can you also provide me an idea of the ranking of this college among India MBA colleges? Also, the average, median salaries etc for graduates passing out of this college?
Jignesh, SBI is preferable to Suryadatta. I do not have any confirmed figures for its placements but it is likely to be around Rs 4-5 lakh pa.
Sir any idea if this college falls in the top 50 -100 institutes of the country? Also, will the average salary be higher for graduates entering with prior work-experience?
Jignesh, it is not among the top 100.
hello sir, i have decided to prepare for CAT 2014..this is my last year of b.tech.i have 56% marks in 10th, 60 in 12th and 69% in b.tech.no job experience. i know its impossible for me to get a call from iims even if i get 100 percentile, i want to ask you which are the other top b schools possible for me that don’t have this stringent criteria?
Sakshi, apart from the IIMs almost all MBA institutes have a low/no weight for past academics so ensure a good CAT/XAT score and you will make it to top MBA institutes.
thank you sir.. i have been in a great dilemma about whether i should really go for it or not..sir please confirm me. should i continue with the preparation without getting scared about my academic marks? and are iims really not possible for me? and if i make it to one of top b schools, will there b no problem in placement due to less past marks? i will be always obliged to you for your reply.
Sakshi, placement in most companies is a function of your performance in MBA and not your past academics. You cannot change your past and hence should stop worrying about it. The way forward is to work hard, ensure a good CAT/XAT score which will allow you to get into a top MBA institute and ensure a good performance in MBA for a good placement.
As mentioned earlier with the current criteria IIM A, B and C are unlikely unless you get a 100% ile in CAT but all other IIMs and other top institutes are possible at 98%ile and above.
thank u so so much sir for clearing my doubts…
Sir , just need to ask one thing more..i have a year gap aftr 12th ..and now my b.tech is over.this year i have decided to prepare for CAT..so its going to be another gap of a year..sir, wouldn’t it affect my chances to get into top b schools? ( please reply bytaking my past academics into account as well)
Sakshi, a drop year is usually questioned hence it is always preferable work and prepare simultaneously. However the question can be handled comfortably and is usually not a reason for rejection. Given your past academic performance it will not be difficult to justify preparing without working.
Hello GP Sir,
I have 28 months of work ex now in IT. I wrote CAT(91.6%) this year but i am not taking admission in any college now. My target is only the top 15 colleges. I am in a dilemma right now.
Should i write CAT once again or should i focus in GMAT given the fact that people having more than 36 months work ex(by next year i would be having this exp) face certain hurdles while getting placed? Moreover, i have heard that people with lots of work ex in IT are not offered profiles for finance,marketing et al companies. Please throw some light on this.
Varun, a 3 year work experience is good for both 1 year and 2 year MBA programs. You can have one last shot at CAT/XAT for IIMs/XLRI and should also take GMAT and try for ISB Hyderabad. Most of the top MBA institutes have lateral placement process for candidates with over 2 year work experience. A significant fraction of the batch in IIMs and other top MBA institutes consists of Engineers with over 2 years IT experience and many of them get placed in marketing or finance so it is not something that I would be worried about.
Sir i want to know that Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon is a good option or not??????????
Manish, GL Gurgaon is a decent back up option.
GP SIR
I GOT 96.29%LE IN MHCET WITH NEARLY 3 YEAR WORKEX, I AM A OMS STUDENT, WHAT ARE MY CHANCES FOR SYDENM AND KG SOMIYA.
PLZ REPLY
Pradeep, unfortunately the cutoff is likely to be above 99%ile for both these institutes.
Sir, what is your opinion about Welingkar Mumbai?
I have applied for PGDM and PGDM-EBiz there. There are many negative reviews about the college on the net, there are no placement reports, AICTE Accreditation isn’t there, and their mandatory disclosure mentions only 56% placement.
Is it worth contemplating it as an option?
antifup, checked the AICTE website again, Welingkar is AICTE approved. However the institute runs multiple MBA programs (8 full time and 5 part time) most of which struggle for placement. Suggest you restrict yourself to PGDM and MMS as these to have decent placements.
Sir
Which one is preferable Bimtech(Noida) or LBS Delhi??
Anisha, LBSIM is preferable to BIMTECH.
Hello GP Sir
I got a PGP ABM call from IIM-A,newer IIM’s and converted IMT Ghaziabad. My acads are 10th-92% 12th-90% Grad-80%.I am final year student and without work ex.My ABM GP-PI were decent.I wanted you to throw some light on ABM and its placements.Is it good enough to join the program keeping in mind the tag of IIM-A.How different are the placements with PGP because some of my mentors told me its very bad?..And IMT Ghaziabad.Its not that good no?
Sir I shall be highly obliged if you could help me.
Atharva, given your profile IMT G should not be considered, you should consider joining IIMA ABM or the new IIMs or go for a retake. Placements at AM are not bad but they are about 20% lower than that of PGP with sales and marketing (and Agro industries) being the biggest contributor. PGP on the other hand will give significantly better opportunities in others areas as well.
Thank You Sir!Actually I am considering a retake as who knows I might not even get a call from IIM-A next time.Sir will ABM matter few years down the line keeping in mind the tag of IIM-A.And I went through the placement report.The average package is about 9.64 lakhs.Is it good enough?
Atharva, Hope you have converted the ABM call.
ABM will not matter after the initial few years. You work will determine the way forward. However if you have significant doubts about the program then pick up a job and go for a retake. With your academics and a better CAT score you will get calls from all IIMs.
hi sir,
10th=81
12th=79
btech=77
passed out in 2012…got campus placed at infosys as well…owing to uttarakhand(my native state) tragedy I lost my job coz at dat time I felt more important to be with family,hence wasn’t able to join infosys…tried cat xat 2013…got stuck at 93%ile and 84%ile respectively…which is not worth it to get into any prime management institute…as of now no work experience as such….depressed and in dilemma which way to go….infact wot to do…kindly suggest something….have started preparing for cat 2014….an early reply is highly solicited….
Aman, the first step for you is to pick up a job, while your reason for dropping Infosys are understandable with the issue resolved you now need to take the next step. No harm in contacting Infosys and explaining the situation to them. Also explaining a 2 year gap is difficult in the interviews. Your CAT’14 preparation will not suffer since this time around you need to focus essentially on practice, testing and revision which can be managed with a couple of hours on weekdays and 6-8 hours on holidays.
HELLO SIR,
I have cleared MIT-SOB PUNE,AND INDIRA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT PUNE. Can you plz tell me which better among these for admission.
Actually i have completed my graduation in 2012 and having drop in 2013 .I have also given ibps po and my cut off not aclear by one marks and same happen in ibps clerk also .
so what you think should i take admission in clg for give SBI PO exam because i have to take education loan of 6.5 lakh.
Is it worth while to take admission for give SBI PO?
plz guide.
THANK YOU FOR NEW BLOG
Kirti, both these are institutes are unlikely to provide you with any kind of decent placements and may not be worth taking the education loan. since you have already taken the IBPS papers you should try for SBI PO and hopefully you will clear the cutoff this time.
thank you sir………………..
Sir also for TAPMI I have to take an education loan of 15 Lakhs. I am worried about the ROI as it will take me approx 5 years even if the package is approx 10 Lakhs after MBA. Please guide me.
Rishu, you have rightly identified that with your profile only TAPMI is worth joining. Your question on the way forward can be framed as TAPMI Vs others.
TAPMI Vs Banking is a case of a bird in hand vs one in the bush and you will need to go by your instincts. Funding and EMI after MBA is a serious issue and if you are not at all comfortable with it then TAPMI is not an option. TAPMI will give a decent push to your career and also provide good growth opportunities. However before you decide either way my suggestion you take the SBI PO 2013 paper under test conditions, if you score around 130 marks in the objective test then you have a chance in the banking papers.
If you choose to drop TAPMI then you should not rule out any of the remaining three options. Thus you should apply for SBI & IBPS recruitment tests, take CAT/XAT from the point of top MBA institutes and also take GMAT so that you can apply for 1 year MBA of ISB Hyderabad and other top MBA institutes outside India.
respected sir , i have a question if cl will provide any online programme/test series for sbi po prep for working professionals who aren’t able to join classroom coaching , pls reply
Ashok, online test series will also be available for SBI PO.
Hi Sir ,
My Profile is :-
10th :-88
12th :- 84.6
CAT :- 79.18
XAT :- 85.39
Work Ex :- 2.2 years
Working in a top IT MNC with an annual package of 4 Lakhs.
Based on my XAT score I applied for BIMTECH(Greater Noida) , IFMR , TAPMI , IMT Nagpur and was able to convert all of them.
I booked a seat in TAPMI as I found only TAPMI worth joining among all other options. Can you please suggest me what should I go for among the below options considering my profile :-
1) Go for TAPMI
2) Go for Banking Sector (trying for SBI PO and other bank exams)
3) Go for executive MBA
4) Retake CAT/XAT.(Least Preferable)
You help is much needed. Please reply.
Thanks
Rishu
Hello GP Sir
I got a PGP ABM call from IIM-A,newer IIM’s and converted IMT Ghaziabad. My acads are 10th-92% 12th-90% Grad-80%.I am final year student and without work ex.My ABM GP-PI were decent.I wanted you to throw some light on ABM and its placements.Is it good enough to join the program keeping in mind the tag of IIM-A.How different are the placements with PGP because some of my mentors told me its very bad?..And IMT Ghaziabad.Its not that good no?
Sir I shall be highly obliged if you could help me/
Rahul, ABM is a good program and while the placements are lower than that of PGP by about 20-25% due to it being a sectoral program, it does offer very good career opportunities with Sales and Marketing being the biggest. My order of preference is ABM, New IIMs and finally IMTG.
Thankss a lot Sir!You should definitely write an article on ABM sometime!Atleast the ignorant mentors and students will realize its value! 🙂
Atharva, it is good but has restricted placement opportunities. Check out the IIMA website for the placement reports of PGP and ABM.
GP Sir,
Kindly guide me.
I had completed B.Tech in IT and have worked for 3.5 years in IT MNCs. I was working in Mainframe legacy system and wanted to shift my career from technical field due to lack of opportunities in that domain. 1.5 years back, I left my job and started preparing for Govt. service exams as it was very difficult to concentrate on my studies due to huge work pressure. But unfortunately I couldn’t make it. Missed last IBPS PO by just .6 marks. Now wanted to pursue full time MBA and planning to take next CAT/XAT. Would I face any problem during MBA interviews for this career break (2 years)? How to explain them this GAP? Kindly advice me.
Thanks in advance.
Joy, you will face questions on the break but it can be easily handled by sharing the truthful reasons. You should however pick up a job and prepare simultaneously. It will be worthwhile taking SBI PO also.
Sir following is my profile:
10th-76
12th-81
Grad(BBM)-78
CAT-96.82
6 months work ex till now
I have already converted IMT-G(PGDM-Marketing) and expecting to convert IMI Delhi. I am also awaiting the results of MDI-G and the new IIM and IIM-Shillong. I am not hopeful of converting MDI because of low cat score, so if I have to select between IMT-G and say any of the new IIMs then which one should I prefer?
Aditya, my order of preference will be MDI G = IIM S, New IIMs, IMT G, IMI.
GP Sir,
Your blog posts are worth their price in gold.
I got a 92%ile in CAT. Not a single convert into a good college. Even MH-CET was a disappointment with 97.5%ile. Highly depressing exam season. Thanks for showing some direction for students like me. Really really appreciate it.
Next target SBI PO !!
Sir, converted TAPMI. wailisted for IMT G at 159 out of 1602.
Also came to know about sbi PO offering 8.2p.a.
Is it worth joining TAPMI/IMT taking a loan of 15L or is it better if I could get into sbi PO??
Deepak, you will convert IMTG and TAPMI but SBI PO you have to clear. It is a question of a bird in hand vs one in the bush.
Sir i have got through IBPS PO and hopes to get through SBI also. So, i would like to ask which one would be better provided that i will convert. Is the package of 8.2 pa applicable during the probation period of 2 years?
Deepak, SBI PO is better than the PO of other banks. This package is applicable during the PO stage. On getting confirmed the package will increase.
Sir, How is Welingkar institute for Mba provided the other option that you are pursuing is CA ( Intermediate passed)?
Mayank, CA is a better option in this case.
Thank you sir for your prompt response.
I was also thinking to do some course preferably in the finance field besides doing my articleship which will take 3 years to complete.
Is there any course that you would recommend?
MAyank, you can consider CFA.
Dear Sir,
COuld you please throw some light on SBI Objective paper scoring methodology like
1) will it give absolute score (Actaul Number of correct marks – Negative for wrong ans) or TWSS Method (corrected and normalised scores like ibps)??
2) Does accuracy matters?? if so,kindly explain why??
Thanks in Advance…
Ram, Absolute Scores are used for short-listing candidates in all SBI exams viz., SBI PO, SBI Specialist Officer, SBI Clerk, SBI (Associates) PO and SBI (Associates) Clerk.
(2) Since there is negative marking, accuracy does matter. However, there is no progressive negative marking, in the sense that the negative marks for an incorrect answer are always 1/4th of the marks awarded for a correct answer, irrespective of the number of negative answers.
Many students have the misconception that in case two candidates have the same marks but one has a higher accuracy then the latter may be preferred over the other. This is wrong. Let me explain. Suppose Abhishek has solved 20 questions out of which 16 are correct and 4 are incorrect. He gets 15 marks : +1 for each correct answer and -1/4 for every incorrect one. Aishwarya has solved 15 questions with 100% accuracy. She gets 15 marks : +1 for every correct answer. So both of the candidates end up with the exact same score.
XAT- 84 Work experience-.5months
Sir i have converted IMT Nagpur. Do u suggest joining IMT Nagpur or should i try fr SBI job and gain a couple of years of work experience and then target better Institutes?
Samrat, since you are working and IMT Nagpur is not a top notch institute you can consider dropping IMT Nagpur and trying for SBI PO. However it will be advisable to take CAT’14 and other MBA entrances also.
Sir what is the median salary offered to Marketing Graduates? The website shows only average salary, which is not an accurate indicator.
Samrat, median will also be in the same range Rs 6 – 6.5 lakh pa.
Sir what would be the rank of IMT Nagpur? Does it fall in the top 40 Colleges?
Samrat, IMT Nagpur will be in the 70-80 bracket.
Sir,i just want to be sure about this.In order to appear for this test no minimum marks in graduation is required,right?
RK, eligibility is graduation. No minimum marks are specified.
sir, i heard there are lots of transfers in sbi-po job.. and salary is 25k pm only.( one of the person who is already sbi-po . told me this), so is it worth trying this (eveb for a year job) . because i’ve also heard the job is too tuf including working hours(12hrs) kindly advice?
Kanika, all PSU jobs are transferable but they are sympathetic to women and give them convenient locations. Salary of 25K is incorrect. Working hours are tough in the private sector also.
Sir , Does CL provides test series for SBI-PO ? Since I heard that competition is very tough in SBI-PO , so can a 80%iler in CL mocks and 82%iler in CAT can crack this exam ?
Gaurav, yes we are planning test series and also a bridge program for those who have prepared for MBA entrances.
By when this bridge program n test series will b lauuched ?
Gaurav, it will be announced shortly.