Comprehension
MBA entrance examination comprises two types of problems: formula-based problems and application-based problems. From the analysis of past data, Interesting School of Management (ISM) observes that students good at solving application-based problems are entrepreneurial in nature. Coaching institutes for MBA entrance exams train them to spot formula-based problems and answer them correctly, so as to obtain the required overall cut-off percentile. Thus students, in general, shy away from application-based problems and even those with entrepreneurial mind-set target formula-based problems.
Question: 1

ISM wants more students with entrepreneurial mind-set in the next batch. To achieve this, ISM is considering following proposals: I. Preparing a question paper of two parts, Parts A and Part B of duration of one hour each. Part A and Part B would consist of formula-based problems and application-based problems, respectively. After taking away Part A, Part B would be distributed. The qualifying cut-off percentile would be calculated on the combined scores of two parts.
II. Preparing a question paper comprising Part A and Part B. While Part A would comprise formula-based problems, Part B would comprise application-based problems, each having a separate qualifying cut-off percentile.
III. Assigning one mark for formula-based problems and two marks for application-based problems as an incentive for attempting application-based problems.
IV. Allotting one mark for formula-based problems and three marks for application-based problems, without mentioning this in the question paper.
Which of the following proposal (or combination of proposals) is likely to identify students with best entrepreneurial mind-set?

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When the goal is to identify innovation and entrepreneurship, prioritize proposals that emphasize application-based problem solving over formula memorization.
Updated On: Dec 4, 2025
  • II
  • I & II
  • I & III
  • II & III
  • II & IV
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the objective.
ISM wants to identify students with entrepreneurial mind-set, which usually requires problem-solving ability, creativity, and focus on application-based problems rather than rote formula-based ones.
Step 2: Evaluate proposals.
- Proposal I: Both sections are combined, so application-based focus may get diluted. Not the best.
- Proposal II: Separate cut-offs for formula and application ensures students cannot clear without attempting application problems. This directly aligns with the goal.
- Proposal III: Giving more weightage (2 marks) to application-based problems incentivizes students to attempt them, which again fosters entrepreneurial traits.
- Proposal IV: While similar to III, not informing students about mark differences may reduce fairness and transparency, hence not ideal.
Step 3: Choose best combination.
The best method is a mix of Proposal II (ensuring qualifying cut-off for application problems) and Proposal III (incentivizing application-based attempts).
\[ \boxed{\text{Answer: (D) II & III}} \]
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Question: 2

ISM conducts a common entrance examination every year. This year, the question paper would comprise 60 questions with an equal mix of formula-based problems and application-based problems. All questions would carry equal marks. Balaji is appearing for the examination. Before appearing for the examination he gets the following information from coaching institutes: I. Application-oriented problems take more time to solve in an examination hall.
II. Chances of silly mistakes would be low in application-based problems.
III. ISM would assist the students with bank loans to start a new venture.
IV. Options are generally confusing for formula-based problems.
V. ‘Practice makes a man perfect’ can apply only to formula-based problems.
VI. Students get very good campus jobs. Based on the above information, which of the following options would help him to be better prepared for the examination?

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When filtering exam-related info, ignore statements about {post-exam benefits} (like jobs) or {unrelated perks} (like loans). Focus only on points that affect test-taking strategy, time, and accuracy.
Updated On: Dec 4, 2025
  • I & II
  • I, II & V
  • II, III & VI
  • IV, V & VI
  • I, II, IV & V
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

To determine which points help Balaji in exam preparation, we filter only those statements directly related to examination strategy.
I. Application-based problems take longer time \Rightarrow Important for time management.
II. Lower chance of silly mistakes in application problems \Rightarrow Helps in accuracy.
III. Bank loans for ventures \Rightarrow Not relevant for exam preparation.
IV. Options confusing in formula-based problems \Rightarrow Important exam strategy info.
V. Practice improves formula-based problems \Rightarrow Very relevant for preparation.
VI. Campus jobs \Rightarrow Not related to exam strategy. Thus, the useful information is from (I), (II), (IV), and (V). \[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer: I, II, IV & V (Option E)}} \]
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