Recruiters estimate that the on-campus job offers in 2010 will be better than in 2009. Can you elaborate on the status of campus recruitments? Do you think the effects of global recession are over?
Recruitments 2010: Its the sunny side up!
Dr H. Chaturvedi, Director, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH)
“The campus placement situation definitely looks much better this year. More than 40% of our students have already been placed with reputed companies. We hope to complete the placement process by March, 2010.The outcome looks positive and the Indian economy is coming out of the effects of recession.”
Prof Mamkootam, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University
“Recession at one stage is completely over. However, I do not foresee a situation where the pre-recession atmosphere can be brought back any time in the near future. Recruiters, this time, are very cautious and companies are much more limited in their ambitions. Recruitment is a risky business and therefore, companies and students are careful.
I can say, though, that the placements this year will be better than the last two years.”
The first online Common Admission Test (CAT) examination was disrupted due to technical glitches. What could have been done better to avoid the disappointment of the students and the community as a whole in these kind of efforts?
Gradual Transformation Towards Online CAT Exams a Pre-requisite
Dr Anwar Ali, Director, Institute of Management Technology
“The first computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT) across the country became a contentious issue following the difficulties in executing the test. However, we at IMT are of the firm opinion that these initiatives are inevitable and that the institutes should approach such situations with a positive bent of mind. The admission process will be a bit delayed this year and we are gearing up for the same with great vigour and enthusiasm.”
Dr H. Chaturvedi, Director, Birla Institute of Management Technology
“I think the CAT Online Examinations should have been taken up by an Indian company instead of being entrusted to Prometric, an American company, as the case was. There should have been a mock online examination and transformation towards an online process had to be gradual. Many students, who appear for the exams, are also from backward and rural areas who do not have any experience in using computers. Mock tests would have helped address this issue.”
The Centre has recently decided to increase the number of seats for students seeking admission to engineering and management schools countrywide. What is your take on this, considering the wide disparity that exists between the Northern and Southern states in relation to management and engineering schools?
Churning Management Graduates to Suit Industry Requirements
Prof B S Sahay, Director, Management Development Institute
“According to the National Knowledge Commission report, presently there are about 90,000 management graduates. This, in 15 years, is going to increase three folds owing to the escalating demand from the industry. Therefore, initiatives have to be taken to cater to the demand and supply patterns. However, quality standards in dissemination of management education have to be rigorously maintained.”
Dr H. Chaturvedi, Director, Birla Institute of Management
“The earlier policy promoted by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) was to restrict the student intake to 50 seats in B-Schools. This, however, was not financially viable for management institutes. But now they are allowing 120 students in the first year; 180 in the second year, 240 in the 3rd year; 300 in the 4th Year; and 350 in the 5th year.
My suggestion is that opening of new institutes have to be based on rigorous and comprehensive manpower research. This is essential because in 2009, 75000 engineering seats remained vacant. Similar was the case in many management institutes. There should be no mismatch between demand and supply.”
