Shiksha, a part of Info Edge Limited recently conducted a survey on MBA aspirants and rolls out the survey report titled MBA Outlook 2020 that touches every aspect of the students who want to pursue a post-graduation degree in management. The study rightly identifies the changing trends, factors and mindset of MBA aspirants and the parameters that play a crucial role in the college selection process.
MBA Outlook 2020, a study on and for MBA students conducted by Shiksha, highlights 10 different facets. These are:
Popular MBA entrance exams across regions: According to 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 entrance exams in West followed by CMAT, SNAP, NMAT and MAT. On the other hand, MAT is more popular than CAT in eastern India followed by IIFT, IBSAT, SNAP, NMAT,TISSNET and OJEE.
Average count of MBA entrance exams given by students across regions in India: The data shows 86 per cent of the students in South enrol for two or fewer MBA entrance exams whereas this average stands at 69 per cent in North and Central India. In West and East of India, as many as 85 per cent students enrol for only three or fewer MBA entrance exams. The percentage of students, who enrol for four or more entrance exams, is the highest in Central India at 23 per cent followed by West, East and North with an average of 14 per cent. In South India, there are only 5 per cent such students.
College location preference (region-wise) for MBA students in India: Over 75 per cent of the students from South and West want to study in their respective regions, the report says. However, there are only 25 per cent such students in Central and East. Students from all across India except those from the Central and Eastern regions are least interested in studying MBA from Central and Eastern regions.
Cities preferred by students to study MBA in India: The report shows 70 per cent of the students from West India want to study in more than 400 MBA colleges located at Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. The majority of the students from East India are more interested in large cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune and Kolkata. Only 22 per cent of the students from East want to study in their own region.
Information most wanted by aspirants while researching for MBA colleges in India: According to the study, authentic or verified college reviews given by students and college rankings published by credible sources are considered necessary information by students while researching, followed by placement, fees &scholarship, admission requirements, programmes offered and alumni success stories. Questions and answers related to colleges are also considered important by students in some regions.
MBA specialisation preferred by aspirants before taking admission in college: Marketing has a higher preference in West and East India whereas Finance is more popular in North, Central and South India. Only 10 per cent of the students in North India prefer International Business as their MBA specialisation.
Of all the MBA specialisations Business Analytics & Digital Marketing are gaining swift popularity among the students.
Top representatives of a college that students want to interact with for admission related information: Aspirants prefer to interact with current students of colleges to get more information and resolve their doubts and confusion, the report unveils. Colleges should focus on the interaction of their current students with prospective students for better engagement and higher conversions.
Top concerns of students before taking admission in a college in a particular region: Shiksha survey 2020 shows, College reputation and accreditation is by far the most important concern of the students across India. Financial concerns are the second most important criterion for the students across India except North, Central and South, where skill learning and student development become a larger concern. Most of these concerns are evenly spread across regions. Concerns such as discrimination, poor infra and student diversity are of least importance across regions in India except for North and South.
Top value-ads that students are looking for from a college before deciding on admission: A corporate exposure/projects and skill development programmes are prominent value-ads for the students from North and East. Colleges can use them as a marketing proposition to influence students’ decisions.
Work-experience while studying, practical classes and new & advanced equipment are emerging value-ads for the students from Central India.
