Student's corner

Should there be a single entrance test for B-schools just like JEE Mains and Advance

'Dear Students,
 
LAST WEEK WE ASKED:  Do you think there should be a single entrance test for B-schools just like JEE Mains and Advance?

BEST RESPONSE

Reforms in the JEE entrance was a step in the right direction as it eliminated the need for filling of many application forms and subsequently the need to appear in the numerous exams with varying exam formats. 'One exam for all' brings in much-needed transparency in the admission process and standardises the admission criteria as seen in the SAT, GRE and GMAT. The JEE implementation did lack at a few places; but now that we know of them, we should extend such a system to not only the B-schools but also to the medical schools.

- Vatsal Seth, Kamla Nehru College, Delhi University.

OTHER RESPONSES

A single entrance test saves students from the hassle of appearing and reappearing for multiple tests on multiple dates in different institutions and universities. These tests will reduce physical, psychological and financial stress on students and  their parents. On the other side, there could be huge pressure on many students as they have only one chance of getting into a B-school. Overall it will result in the betterment of the students at a macro level and if it is regulated and conducted properly .

- Nilaya Mitash Shanker, IIT Roorkee.

The number of entrance examinations for b schools remains a debatable topic. Although it is easier for the aspirants to channelize their energies towards one exam which will raise the quality of intake but still it doesn’t guarantee that a good student will perform to the best of his abilities on the d day. Here comes the necessity of multiple exams where there is hope for another exam. Moreover, different exams vary in the parameters like speed, accuracy, vocabulary, general knowledge and so on according to their requirements.

- Dipika Sahoo, College of Engineering And Technology, Bhubaneswar.

A single entrance exam for the students would be a wise option, if the students are given opportunity to attend the exam at any time of the year, similar to GMAT. This gives more flexibility for the students to prepare for the exams and the B schools can use this score during their intakes along with their respective selection criteria. This approach won’t affect the rural students too as they have the provision to attend the exam at any time of the year. Hence, the exam becomes just an entry token, apart from other skills the students need to possess.

- Mithun J B, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore.

A single entrance test will be instrumental in pruning the burden and cost of number of exams which an aspirant has to undergo for seeking admission. However, every student has different appetite and on the basis of difficulty level, only one national level exam and one state wide exam like CMAT must be commissioned. Also for specific MBA programs like Rural Management, Disaster Management, Energy and Infrastructure Management etc, Institutes must be given liberty to arrange their own test as their requirement of course, student interest and dedication may be completely different from the regular MBA course offered by B-schools.

- Siddhartha Bhatnagar, School of Petroleum Management , PDPU, Gandhinagar.

The basic reason behind formulation of JEE Mains and Advance was simply to save the burden of students in applying multiple forms and taking different exams. While in case of B-school admission, the existing entrance tests are conducted either on the national level or for some specific institutes with more or less same testing pattern. Each of the exams holds substantial significance which provides students with numerous opportunities. As applicants are free to choose from the different tests for respective colleges as per their requirements it is better rather than having a single test.

- Shivam Chhabra, Integral University, Lucknow.

Your responses should reach us at edu@business-standard.com by Monday evening every week. Please ensure that your responses do not exceed 100 words. Avoid attachments and email your full name, institute's name, batch and complete mailing address. The student who gives the 'Best Response' will be awarded Rs 500.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:  Do you think successful summer placements across B-schools hint at better final placements?