Overview: Dive into the comprehensive IIM Bangalore BBA exam analysis for the new DBE program starting in 2024. Gain insights into the exam's structure, difficulty levels, key sections, and preparation tips to navigate this inaugural entrance test effectively.
IIM Bangalore is launching its Online BBA program in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship in September 2024. This article offers a detailed analysis of the entrance exam, designed to assess candidates' aptitude in management, digital technologies, and entrepreneurship.
Our experts provide insights into the exam structure, difficulty levels, and key sections, along with strategic advice to help prospective students prepare effectively.
IIM Bangalore BBA Exam Analysis 2024
IIM Bangalore BBA Exam Analysis 2024 for Session 2
The IIM Bangalore BBA Exam 2024 for session 2 consisted of 60 questions for 90 minutes. The 4 major
Section
Questions
Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation
20
Verbal Ability + Reading Comprehension
20
Logical and Analytical Reasoning
10
General Awareness
10
Total
60
Highlights of the exam
The QA Section was at the same level as the one asked for during the 10th of August shift.
GK was a mix of Modern History, the Future Mission of India, Business-related questions, and current affairs.
There were match the following based questions in English and GA.
IIM Bangalore BBA Exam Analysis 2024 for Session 2- Level of Difficulty (Overall)
Section
Difficulty Level
Quantitative Aptitude and DI
Moderate
General Awareness
Easy to Moderate
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Easy
Logical Reasoning
Very Easy
Overall
Easy to Moderate
IIM Bangalore BBA Exam Structure and Pattern
The IIM Bangalore BBA Exam 2024 consisted of 60 questions across four key sections. Below is the exam pattern that outlines the structure and major components of the test:
The IIM Bangalore BBA entrance exam was more challenging than expected, with several deviations from the anticipated format:
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section was time-consuming and difficult, featuring 20 questions (16 Math + 4 DI). Unexpected topics like functions, inequalities, and permutations and combinations (PnC) were included, which were not typically part of the syllabus.
General Knowledge (GK): A diverse mix of questions covering current affairs, business-related topics, and modern history required a broad knowledge base.
English: The section deviated significantly from the official sample paper. Instead of the expected four RCs and simple vocabulary questions, the actual exam had only two RCs with additional questions on paracompletion, grammar, and synonyms/antonyms, making it more unpredictable and challenging.
Lengthy Quantitative Section: The Quantitative Ability (QA) section was notably lengthy and complex, consuming a significant amount of time and impacting overall exam pacing.
Rough Sheets and Pens: Students were provided with rough sheets for calculations but needed to bring their own pens, as none were provided at the venue.
Flexible Section Navigation: The exam format allowed students to freely switch between different sections, offering strategic flexibility in handling the paper.
Onscreen Calculator: An onscreen calculator was available to assist with quantitative problems, though many students found it difficult to locate quickly during the exam.
No Clear Marking Scheme Displayed: The marking scheme was not displayed during the exam; however, IIM Bangalore had informed in prior webinars that correct answers would carry four marks each with no negative marking for incorrect answers.
IIM Bangalore BBA Paper Analysis for Logical Reasoning
Topic
Number of Questions
Direction
1
Coding
1
Series
1
Syllogism
1
Blood relation
1
Circular arrangement
1
Order and ranking
2
Calendar
1
Venn diagram
1
IIM Bangalore BBA Analysis for Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section of the exam features a total of 16 questions, evenly divided between Arithmetic-based topics and a combination of Algebra-based topics and the Number System, each category accounting for 50% of the questions.
Predicting the cutoff score for the first IIM-B DBE entrance test presents several challenges:
Lack of Historical Data: As the exam is being conducted for the first time, there are no past trends or benchmarks available for making accurate predictions.
Undisclosed Number of Test-Takers: The exact number of students who registered and appeared for the exam has not been released, adding uncertainty to the cutoff estimation.
Examination Format and Normalization: The test was conducted in two slots, indicating that a normalization process will be applied. The specifics of this process, however, remain unclear, which could affect the fairness and predictability of the cutoff scores.
Lower Registration Numbers: The program is new and not widely known, which resulted in fewer registrations than expected. This could lead to more lenient cutoff scores due to reduced competition.
According to candidates, the overall difficulty level was moderate, comparable to that of JIPMAT.
Students found the logical reasoning section easy, while the reading comprehension in the verbal ability section was relatively straightforward, but the data interpretation questions in the quantitative section were challenging.
The examination included questions on reading comprehension, grammar, sentence completion, conjunctions, and prepositions, deviating from the format presented in the official sample paper.
Students noted that the quantitative aptitude section was similar to those in the IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT exams.
Students also pointed out that 80-90% of the questions were similar to those in the practice mocks.
IIM Bangalore BBA 2024 Preparation Tips and Resources
Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on high school mathematics and introductory business statistics. Recommended resources include the latest editions of quantitative aptitude books by authors like R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma.
Verbal Ability: Practice with sample papers, especially for reading comprehension. Regular reading of editorials in newspapers like "The Hindu" or "The Economic Times" will also be beneficial.
Logical Reasoning: Books by M.K. Pandey and online puzzle platforms provide good practice materials.
General Awareness: Regular updates from "Pratiyogita Darpan" and "The Economist" can be particularly helpful.
The IIM Bangalore BBA entrance exam represents a unique opportunity for prospective students to enter a cutting-edge program designed for the digital age.
By understanding the exam format, expected difficulty, and preparing accordingly, candidates can enhance their chances of success significantly.
Key Takeaways:
Diverse Exam Sections: The exam includes Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness, each assessing different key skills for business management.
Targeted Preparation: Success hinges on tailored preparation for each section, utilizing specific study materials and regular practice tests.
Emphasis on Analytical Skills: The exam particularly values analytical and reasoning abilities, crucial for problem-solving in business contexts.
Lack of Past Trends: With no previous batches, candidates must prepare thoroughly without the aid of historical performance data.
Focus on Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills: The program and exam are designed to prepare students for leadership in digital business and entrepreneurship.