Students’ Speak: I followed these ATMA preparation strategies to ace the exam

By: Sachin P Ubale

Attempting 180  questions in 180 minutes earlier seemed difficult for me, but after proper guidance and preparation, I was able to clear my exam in the very first attempt, says Sachin.

As an MBA aspirant, I always try to keep myself prepared for Quantitative Skills and Analytical Reasoning part of the paper. I think this is the most important and scoring part of the exam. This is an online test, so time management and setting priorities is the essential part while exam. For this prior practices of solving model question paper or previous years’ paper helps me while actual exam. Attempting 180  questions in 180 minutes earlier seemed difficult for me, but after proper guidance and preparation, I was able to clear my exam in very first attempt.

Preparation tips for ATMA 2020

I had done the following things:-

• Analysis of previous years’ question paper of different MBA entrance exams. Meanwhile, try to understand the type of questions of each year.
• Included verbal skills in daily preparation schedule.
• Gave mock tests, which improved my decision-making skill, one of the most important qualities for an MBA student. Due to strict sectional timing of 30 minutes for each section, I Choose to solve easy questions first and invest remaining time for solving a difficult one.
• I was aware of ATMA marking scheme, which is +1 for each correct answer and -0.25 for each wrong answer, first I attempted those questions whose answers are sure and did not try or guess any answer without proper analysis of questions. I attempted around 105/180, because of which I managed to stay on the safer side and score good marks. For that score, my accuracy in choosing correct options plays a vital role.
• Most importantly first I went through the given instructions carefully before the exam starts and then read questions properly before answering them. Secondly, before the completion of each section, I used to ensure that each question I am sure about was answered. I used to carry my original documents as well as a copy of admit card with two clear and recent passport-size photographs along with photo ID proof and a copy of ATMA exam registration form a day prior to the date of examination.
• I always ensured that mistakes, which happened earlier, should not be repeated while appearing for next attempt. With thorough study and deep understanding of problems, we can maximize score in MBA entrance exam.

Next Steps After ATMA 2020

• Usually, the result of ATMA exam is declared within six days after the examination. From my experience, I had immediately started to note down the type of questions that came in each section. I was eager and conscious enough to analyse and understand the mistakes and to not repeat them in the next entrance exam.
• Over the next few days, I started counting the number of question I solved correctly and prepared an approximate score of that exam.

Steps if ATMA 2020 Score is Low

In case of failure in MBA entrance exams, I would suggest doing the following things:-

• First, never let the nervousness built in you. Stay positive and optimistic even if the failure strikes. Talk to superior ones who can guide and lead you in a better direction. Clarification of thoughts and rectify the loopholes in your preparations, where are you lacking behind in terms of efforts, study or proper guidance. Candidates can understand their strength and their future goals, which will ultimately lead them towards success.
• Shortlisting of colleges depends upon the course available therein which student is willing to pursue his/her career. Next comes the reputation of the institution on which many times the placements of a student depends. Shortlisting can also be done based on one important factor i.e. Return on Investment (ROI). Every college has a different range of percentile to get through cutoff. Every year this changes, so as per my score and considering above-mentioned factors, I selected a good MBA college.
• For the increasing score, I always keep my focus on maintaining a competitive attitude and not repeating the same mistakes. After solving question repetitively, I managed to solve more number of questions in final examination, which ultimately helps in maximizing score.

About the Author:

Sachin P Ubale is a student at Department of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University (PUMBA). He is pursuing MBA in Pharma Biotechnology. He is also the Placement Cell Member of Bengaluru and Chennai region.