1. How many B-schools are there in the country?

Over the last few years, there has been a meteoric rise in the number of B-schools across the country offering multiplicity of programs from regular full-time to part time to Executive MBAs. Altogether currently there are more than 1100 management institutes in India and more are being added while you are reading this.

The Intrac comprehensively covers B-schools under two categories: Prominent B-schools and Other B-schools. Do keep visiting the INTRAC since this site will keep on adding information about B-schools.

In India as anywhere else you should only apply to institutes that have a great reputation. This is crucial because you are doing an MBA for a stable career and future apart from the learning and education that you may seek.

Your choice of institute will depend on your aspirations, capability, career goals and objectives. Some of the parameters that you should keep in mind while choosing a B-school are:

1. Placements
   
2. Specialization
   
3. Infrastructure & Faculty
   
4. Location
   
5. Expenses
   

If you wish to read more on how these parameters have to be used, click on any of the above or click HOW TO SELECT YOUR B-SCHOOLS.

3. What are Specialized Institutes / Courses?

Certain institutes are dedicated in the pursuit of singular specializations. These institutes offer unique programs which, from the very beginning focus on a particular specialization like International Business, Rural Management etc. All such institutes have been listed in the 'Specialized Institutes' category. For example: IRMA, IIFT, TISS etc.

Apart from these, there are some B-schools, which, in addition to the regular courses offer some Specialized programs like IIM Calcutta's PG Diploma in Computer Aided Management, IIM Ahmedabad's Agri Business Management programme etc. All such courses have been listed in the 'Specialized Programmes' category.

However, since you will be studying a specialized field please ensure that you have a clear interest in this area of specialization else there will be a mismatch between your goals and the education. Usually students who may not be sure of a particular specialization should apply to general MBA programs.

4. Should I apply to the Specialized Programs?

As a student you need to be very clear about your interest & career plan before you apply to any of these 'Specialized Programmes'. You should then carefully check whether your expectations are in sync with the objective and curriculum of the course and the career path it can offer you. This is extremely important from long-term career perspective.

If you are certain about your future career course then applying to these institutes in addition to the regular institutes is a must for you.

5. What is the selection / admission process at B-schools?

Given the large number of applicants, institutes follow a detailed selection process which usually includes -

• Written Test - Admission to MBA programs is through an entrance test. Based on the performance in this written test, students are short listed for the next stage. Some institutes apart from the exam also add some other criterion for call students for the next stage of the selection process. Most entrance tests are conducted between November and January which are normally paper-pencil tests barring a few which are online tests.
  
  Details of Management Entrance Tests are available on the Prominent Tests Page.
  
  
• Group Discussion & Personal Interview - All shortlisted students need to appear for a Group Discussion and / or Personal Interview as a part of the second stage selection process. Some institutes use other tools like Essay writing, Extempore speech, Group tasks, Group Interview etc. to select students. This stage is held between February and April for most institutes.
  
  After the two stages listed above, successful candidates are given FINAL CALL LETTERS for admission.