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The CET (Common Entrance Test) is conducted each year by the Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra, in the month of February, and is the mode of admission to Two Year Full Time Post Graduate Degree Courses in MBA/MMS and Post
Graduate Diploma Courses in PGDBM/PGDBA in the Government, University Managed, University Departments and Unaided Institutes in the Maharashtra State.

It tests the students on three main competencies: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability and Reasoning. It is a 200-question test with each question carrying one mark. There are no negative marks and the test duration is 2 and a 1/2 hours.

What sets CET apart from the other MBA entrance tests is that it provides a level playing field for students from all backgrounds. Whereas other exams focus more on the aspirants' numerical and quantitative skills, CET pays more attention to their reasoning abilities.

We are not looking for a Shakespeare or a Ramanujam, but we are looking for intelligent students with good communication skills and ability to think effectively under pressure. Another factor that differentiates CET from its counterparts is the Visual Reasoning type of questions. These questions test the students' ability to put together patterns and interpret them, a must for any modern day manager.

A common misconception about CET is that it is an easier alternative to CAT or XAT. But the acceptance ratio at JBIMS is around 1:500 (out of 60,000 applicants, 120 make it), much more stringent than the other elite B-schools in India.

Given the cut-throat competition levels, it makes sense to start preparation early. A candidate should focus on the basics to begin with. Once the foundation is laid, the emphasis should be on practising as many questions as possible. The last couple of months are all about leveraging your strengths and getting your test strategy in place. After the written test is taken, the aspirant should loose no time but start preparing for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Many a times, the GD&PI is the deciding factor. A good balance of dedication, smart work and general awareness levels should ensure success for the candidate.

Concluded.

* Contributed by -
Corporate Relations Committee,
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.