Students admitted to MBA programs have scholastic achievements in different disciplines such as arts, commerce, science and professional streams such as medicine, engineering and agriculture. Many of the students who are admitted to top B-Schools demonstrate achievements in extra-curricular and organizational activities. Some of the qualities which characterise MBAs include high levels of initiative and energy, capacity for hard work, strong task orientation, willingness to learn, and a temperament suitable for team work. The curriculum places great emphasis on the ability of the student to bear an integrated view on managerial problems and on his/her ability to apply and learn in real life situations. MBA classes have a mix of fresh graduates and persons with work experience.

Candidates are shortlisted for the interview on the basis of their performance in the Written Test, scholastic achievements and relevant work experience. Final selection is based on all the above criteria and performance in the group discussion and interview. Of all the shortlisting criteria, written test scores are the most important. The standard way to report written test scores is by way of percentiles.

In a percentile score relative performance is assessed. Assume that you have just appeared for the written test. Out of a maximum of 300 marks your net score was 110. A total of 10,000 students appeared for this written test. Of these students, 7,230 students had scores less than 55. On a percentile scale then your score will be 7,230/10,000 = 72.3 percentile. Normally institutes have percentile cut offs on overall scores. Some institutes will look at percentile cut-offs in different sections of the written test also.

For established institutes, the cut-offs remain at almost the same level every year. Some leeway in the percentile cut-offs exists based on the other criteria like Academics, Involvement in Extra curricular activities and Experience. The Faculty will be able to advise you about your percentile scores and the institutes that will accept candidates in your percentile band.

During the interview that is part of the selection process, most panelists will ask some questions related to your academic performance. Poor academic performance causes concern in the mind of interviewers. Concern is primarily related to the ability to handle the academic stress of a rigorous MBA course in the backdrop of a not very impressive past record. Questions that follow could then be related to favourite subjects in the syllabus. Expect to be quizzed on key concepts, fundamentals and application orientation in those subject areas.