Key Takeaways
- Engineers dominate B-schools due to their strong foundation in quantitative and logical reasoning, which aligns well with MBA entrance exam patterns.
- Non-engineers are often clear in verbal sections but need to focus on building quantitative skills to level the playing field.
- Regardless of your academic background, confidence and consistent effort are critical for success.
- Utilizing verbal strengths and adopting a strategic approach can help non-engineers balance their overall scores.
- Achievers’ Journey provides expert coaching, personalized guidance, and resources to help engineers and non-engineers excel in MBA entrance exams. Download the AJ app to start your journey toward success.
You pick up any b school in India, you will find approximately 75% of the students are engineers. Now the question is why is it so? Well there are many reasons to it but let’s look at the main one.
Riya, a commerce student dreaming to be into an IIM, joined a coaching class only to find herself surrounded by engineers.
While she struggled with the tough math questions, the engineers solved them easily, leaving her feeling left out. It seemed like the exam was designed for them!
With two out of three sections focused on numbers, non-engineers like Riya often find it hard to compete.
This can lower their confidence and make them feel they don’t belong. But is it impossible to catch up? In this article, we’ll explore why engineers dominate B-schools and share ways for non-engineers to turn the tables.
The Numbers Game: How Entrance Exams Favor Engineers
Imagine a B-school entrance exam like CAT. It’s divided into three main sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Out of these, QA and LRDI together often account for nearly two-thirds of the exam. These sections are heavily focused on numbers, logic, and analytical problem-solving areas where engineers are naturally clear due to their academic training.
Engineering education involves rigorous mathematical training, with subjects like calculus, statistics, and algorithms forming a core part of their studies.
For instance, solving a complex equation in QA might seem like second nature to an engineer, while it could be difficult for someone from humanities or commerce background.
A study shows that nearly 75% of CAT toppers are engineers, highlighting how their technical foundation gives them a significant edge.
On the other hand, non-engineers often find themselves at a disadvantage. They may clear verbal sections, but the quantitative and logical reasoning parts require a consistent effort to master.
Take Riya, a commerce student, for example. She can clear English comprehension but struggles with advanced math concepts like permutations or probability, which she has not encountered in depth.
This disparity often forces non-engineers to invest extra time in building skills that engineers already have.
The dominance of math and numbers in these exams may feel unfair, but it reflects the analytical skills required in management.
The challenge for non-engineers is not difficult; it simply requires a strategic approach and dedication to mastering these sections.
How can Non-Engineers clear the test?
Non-engineers can excel in MBA entrance exams with the right strategies and mindset.
Here’s how:
Strengthen Quantitative and Logical Skills:
Focus on the basics of math concepts like percentages, ratios, and algebra, which are common in exams like CAT or XAT. Online platforms, coaching classes, and apps offer custom resources for non-engineers to build a strong foundation.
For example, Riya, a commerce graduate, dedicated an hour daily to mastering quantitative skills and saw her scores improve by 40% in just three months.
Utilize Verbal and Communication Strengths:
Non-engineers are mostly strong in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Use this advantage to balance your overall score.
Regular reading of newspapers, novels, and editorials can enhance comprehension skills, while mock tests help sharpen accuracy and time management. According to a survey, candidates with higher VARC scores often make it to top B-schools, proving the importance of this section.
Adopt a high-achieving mindset:
Confidence plays a crucial role in competitive exams. Visualize success and set achievable goals to stay motivated. Track progress through mock tests and analyze weak areas.
Take inspiration from toppers; most of them started with challenges but succeeded because they believed in consistent effort. For instance, Arjun, a BA graduate, cracked the CAT with a 95 percentile by focusing on steady progress instead of competing directly with engineers.
How Achievers’ Journey (AJ) Can Help You Clear MBA Entrance Exams
Achievers’ Journey (AJ) offers customized solutions to help non-engineers complete and clear in MBA entrance exams.
- Personalized Coaching for Quantitative Skills: AJ provides step-by-step guidance in math and logical reasoning, starting from basics and building up to advanced concepts. Interactive sessions, video tutorials, and detailed explanations ensure non-engineers grasp the most challenging topics with ease.
- Expert Faculty and Mentorship: Learn from MBA professionals who have scored 99+ percentiles. Their insights and strategies are designed to help non-engineers excel in every section of the exam.
- Focused Verbal Ability Training: AJ uses your natural strength in verbal ability by offering extensive reading material, vocabulary-building exercises, and practice tests. This helps maximize your score in VARC, balancing your overall performance.
- Mock Tests and Performance Analysis: AJ’s test series mimics actual exam patterns and provides detailed performance feedback. This helps identify weak areas and track progress, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Motivational Support and Strategy Building: Beyond academics, AJ helps you develop the mindset and confidence to succeed. With a personalized preparation plan, you’ll feel empowered to tackle any challenge.
Achievers’ Journey transforms your weaknesses into strengths, ensuring you are fully equipped to clear all MBA entrance exams and secure a spot in a top B-school. You can also download the Achievers’ Journey mobile app to stay in touch with the latest news.
Yes, b-school entrance exams appear slightly easy for an engineering student compared to a non-engineer. If you look at the structure of the paper, there are 3 section in which 2 are dominated by mathematics and numbers largely where as one tests you on your English. Thus there is a dominance of mathematics and on an average, engineering students are better in that area compared to non-engineers.
Though this inclination is very slight with a lot of exceptions. Also engineering students struggle big time in the 3rd section which is verbal where the is little exception.
Another factor to understand here is engineering is done primarily to get a job, which is not the case with a lot of other graduations like B.A, BBA, B Sc etc. Thus lot of engineers who don’t get a job pursue MBA further to get a job. Lastly among the engineering crowd in b schools, why is that the students from IITs and NITs get into top b schools very easily.
You will often get to hear they didn’t even prepare but still got a 99.99, where as you slogged for an entire year and managed a 90. Here you have to understand the psychological aspect of this.
The students we are talking about have been toppers throughout their life; in school as well as college.
Being at best has got into their subconscious, they already have a complete belief that they will get a 99.99, do you have that mindset?
For them, not getting a 99 will be a shocker. And so, with your mediocre academic background, you are competing with a person who has been on the top throughout their careers. It’s imperative that you understand in the beginning only that what the kind of efforts you need to put.
Conclusion:
Engineers dominate B-schools largely due to their academic background, which aligns well with the math-heavy structure of MBA entrance exams. This can make the journey seem tougher for non-engineers, who often struggle to compete in quantitative and logical sections. However, the challenges faced by non-engineers are not difficult.
With the right preparation, focused strategies, and a mindset of consistent effort, non-engineers can bridge the gap and pass these competitive exams.
By using their strengths in verbal ability and adopting a high-achiever mindset, they can turn their disadvantages into opportunities.
Institutions like Achievers’ Journey are designed to support this transformation.
With expert guidance, tailored resources, and a personalized approach, non-engineers can not only clear MBA entrance exams but also secure spots in top B-schools.
Remember, success is not about where you start; it is about how you prepare and persevere.
FAQ:
1. Is MBA the only career option for engineers who want to transition into management roles?
No, while an MBA is a popular choice for engineers, it is not the only option for transitioning into management. Engineers can explore certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) for project management, Six Sigma for process improvement, or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) for finance-related roles. However, an MBA provides a structured pathway with networking opportunities and holistic skill development, making it a preferred choice for many.
2. Do B-schools favor engineers during the admission process?
B-schools typically follow a merit-based admission process that includes entrance exam scores, academic performance, work experience, and personal interviews. Engineers perform well in entrance exams due to their strong math and logical skills, which often boosts their chances. However, B-schools also value diversity and welcome applicants from varied educational backgrounds who bring unique perspectives to the classroom.
3. Can a non-engineer succeed in a top B-school environment?
Absolutely! B-schools are designed to nurture diverse talents. Non-engineers often excel in areas like communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. These skills are highly valued in management education and career progression. With the right effort and preparation during the admission phase, non-engineers can thrive and even outshine others in a B-school environment.
4. Why do engineers struggle with the verbal section of MBA entrance exams?
Engineers often focus on technical subjects during their education, leaving limited room for developing verbal and communication skills. As a result, they may find sections like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension challenging. However, consistent practice through reading, vocabulary-building, and mock tests can help engineers perform well in this area too.
5. How can non-engineers gain confidence to compete with engineers in MBA entrance exams?
Non-engineers can build confidence by recognizing their unique strengths, such as verbal ability and creative thinking. Creating a structured study plan, focusing on weak areas, and practicing regularly is key. Using online coaching platforms like Achievers’ Journey, which offers tailored guidance and mentorship, can further boost confidence and ensure success in competitive exams.