Entrance Exams in Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research
On the basis of one’s potential and convenience, a candidate can decide, which entrance exam should be focused on the most.
Both the Mumbai and Bengaluru campuses of Welingkar Institute of Management accept multiple MBA entrance exam scores for admission to their full-time PGDM and MMS courses. This gives students the benefit of having another exam score as a backup for admission into their choice of course in the institute. Scores of exams such as the CAT, XAT, CMAT and ATMA are accepted for all the eight PGDM programs while CET is considered only for the MMS course. For example, for the upcoming 2022-24 batch, CAT 2021, XAT 2022, GMAT 2019 onwards, ATMA Feb 2022, and CMAT 2022 scores are accepted for shortlisting for the interview processes.
Tentative Schedule of Entrance Exams
The exams mentioned previously are conducted as per their respective schedule. For example, CMAT is usually conducted in the month of January, while CAT happens in November and XAT in January. A score of at least 80 percentile, along with an overall good profile should surely fetch a candidate the interview call for the top courses such as PGDM Core, e-Business, and Research & Business Analytics. A basic overview of these entrance exams for the academic season 2021-22 is tabulated below:
Explore colleges based on CMAT
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Registration Period |
Exam Date |
Duration (minutes) |
Fees (for General Category) |
Result Date |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT |
Aug 4 - Sept 22 |
Nov 28, 2021 |
180 |
2,200 |
Jan 3 |
Tough |
| CMAT |
Feb 16 - Mar 17 |
Apr 9, 2022 |
180 |
2,000 |
Apr 29 |
Moderate |
| XAT |
Aug 10 - Dec 10 |
Jan 2, 2022 |
190 |
1,800 |
Jan 16 |
Tough |
| ATMA |
Mar 1 - May 22 |
May 29, 2022 |
180 |
1,500 |
June 3 |
Easy |
| CET |
Mar 17 - May 11 |
Aug 23-25, 2022 |
150 |
1,000 |
Sept 5-6 |
Moderate |
Four key factors are considered while evaluating any candidate; entrance exam score (40% weightage), past academic scores (15% weightage), extra-curricular activities (5% weightage), and the pre-interview questionnaire and GD-PI rounds (40% weightage). Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview rounds have been happening online. Coming to the interview rounds, they start with the Pre-Interview Questionnaire (PIQ), followed by the Group Discussion (GD) and finally Personal Interview (PI).
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to prepare for CAT?
Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers.
- Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts.
- Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy.
- Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.
Q: How can I prepare for CMAT?
Selection Criteria
The PIQ is basically an exhaustive form which needs to be filled properly. It checks the character traits and psychology of a candidate, along with his/her basic attributes such as strengths and weaknesses, replying to some basic questions such as “Why MBA?”, “Why this particular course?” among others. The typical GD round lasts for about 10 minutes, with a minute or two given to the candidates to ponder over the topic and then 8-10 minutes reserved for discussion. 30 seconds might be given to each candidate by the panelists to conclude or summarise the topic. A GD topic could be either abstract, philosophical or based on current affairs. The PI round may last anywhere from less than 10 to more than 25 minutes One should expect questions on all the major aspects such as CV, work experience (if applicable), MBA-related current affairs, past academics, hobbies and interests, etc.
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To conclude, one must prepare well for both the MBA entrance exams as well as the subsequent interview rounds to get admitted to Welingkar. On the basis of one’s potential and convenience, a candidate can decide which entrance exam should be focused on the most. Being aware of current affairs, knowing one’s CV thoroughly, dressing up properly and answering every question with confidence and a gentle smile should sail one through. All the best!
About The Author
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: How to prepare for the ATMA exam?
Q: Can I prepare for ATMA exam in one month?
Preparing for the ATMA in one month requires a structured plan. In the first two weeks, understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and identify weaknesses through a diagnostic test. In the third week, focus on quantitative, verbal, and analytical reasoning skills. Strengthen basic concepts and practice time management. Week four is crucial for simulated exam conditions; take full-length mock tests, analyze mistakes, and revise key concepts. Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. In the last days, ensure relaxation, review test-taking strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. While intensive, this condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort and strategic focus on identified weaknesses. Regular mock tests and targeted revision will be essential for building confidence in the limited timeframe.
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Abhishek Desai is studying at the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai. He has interests in writing, outdoor sports and singing.
Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.
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