College reputation and accreditation are the most important criteria for students across India while choosing a B-school to study at, pointed out the MBA Outlook Survey 2020 conducted by Shiksha, a career and college selection website. Financial requirements come second, followed by skill learning and development.
The study aimed at identifying the changing trends, factors and mindset of MBA aspirants and the parameters that play a crucial role in the college selection process.
As per the report, XAT, IIFT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP and UPSEE are popular entrance exams, apart from CAT and MAT in the North. CAT and MAH-CET are the most popular in the West. MAT is more popular than CAT in the East. In Central India, CMAT is more popular than CAT.
The survey showed that placements and internships are prominent value additions for students across the country when they choose a suitable B-school. Aspirants prefer to interact with current students to get information and resolve their doubts and concerns, the report said.
Changing trends
In 2016, Shiksha MBA Outlook Survey found that students sought information from student fairs, family or friends, and print advertisements. But this year, college listing and ranking sites and official college websites (other than Google) are top preferences for sourcing information such as college reviews, fees and scholarships, admission details and college photos. However, in the South, family and friends are as influential.
Before admissions, marketing was the preferred specialisation for students from West and East, while finance is more popular in the North, Central and South. Of all specialisations, business analytics and digital marketing are gaining popularity.
Vivek Jain, Chief Business Officer, Shiksha.com , said: “According to the survey report, we see that the preferences of students have changed immensely over the past four years. Students are now clear with their approaches and preferences, and are making smart decisions for themselves. We believe the survey done by Shiksha will help MBA colleges across India to take necessary steps to stay abreast of the changing requirement of MBA aspirants.”
Preferred destination
Over 75 per cent of the students from the South and West prefer studying in their respective regions. However, in the Central and Eastern regions, only 25 per cent of students want to study nearer home.
The West is the top runner when it comes to being the choice of destination for education for students from all across the country. About 45 per cent students from the North are interested in pursuing an MBA from colleges located in West and South.
A total of 70 per cent of students from the West want to study in colleges based in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. From the East, students are interested in Bengaluru, Delhi and Bhubaneswar, while Indore and Bengaluru are preferred cities for students from the Central and South regions, respectively. When it comes to students from the North, around 30 per cent choose Delhi.