The drill continues...

Testing Times

The PUC results are out but that is not the end of the road for many. There are many other hurdles that the students have to face to get the course of their choice in their favourite college.

Students get admission in other courses on the basis of interviews but for B Com and BBM, they have to write entrance exams at various colleges. College authorities says there are valid reasons for introducing the entrance exams.

“The demand for these courses are high, so we have both the cut-off as well as the entrance exams,” says Alex Joseph, lecturer at Christ University.

The cut-off for B Com has been varying between 80 and 90 per cent at various colleges.
 “At St Joseph’s, the cut-off is 85 per cent for boys and 90 per cent for girls,” says Sindoori B N, who has applied at St Joseph’s and Mahaveer Jain College.

While Mahaveer Jain College and St Joseph’s are done with their entrance exams, Jyoti Nivas College had its BBM entrance on May 12 and B Com entrance is on May 13. Christ University would be conducting a BBM entrance exam on May 25. So what exactly is the structure for these exams since each college conducts its own?

“The exam tests basic high school maths, analytical reasoning, general knowledge and English,” says Neil Lobo, a student. “After the entrance exams, the students are selected for a group discussion. The shortlisted candidates then are interviewed by the principal and after this the merit list is displayed,” he adds. So, what is required to crack one of these exams? “Though no special coaching is required to prepare, it’s better if you study for a month before writing the exam. Reading newspapers regularly also helps,” says Ashvin, a student who is appearing for the Christ’s entrance exam.

“I have brushed up my maths books of both the years for the paper and I am hopeful I will get in,” says Praveen, another student.

While entrance exams are common in most colleges, there are some like Mount Carmel, which are conducting walk-in interviews for the students instead. The interviews for BBM and B Com were on May 10 and 11 respectively. The science and arts interviews with the principal of the college are on May 13. “The cut-off at MCC is 75 per cent for outside students and the interview is quite informal. I was neither asked questions to test my aptitude nor about the course,” said Marian Sandra, who has applied there.

And while the rest of the population is busy just trying to get into a college, there are some who have other plans too. “I am also giving the common proficiency test, for chartered accountancy, which I want to pursue along with my B Com,” says Kavitha M S.

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