Hi friends,
Started my journey through the MBA course at ICFAI Business School Kolkata last Monday. My initial feeling as of now is that I am already dumbstruck by the amount of work thrust on us. Have already been through one English language test, one impromptu presentation and several preparatory (revision) classes on Maths & Accounts.
Ok, I'll try to write it one by one chronologically.
Day 1: June 2
There was to be a welcome party and registration for Term 1. Arrived at IBS at 9.30 sharp to find hoards of anxious looking students and parents (yes, they were also invited) waiting for the show to begin. After the registration, the HR Manager of BOC India and the Asst Vice president of ABN AMRO Bank, 2 leading recruiters of IBS Kolkata stated what they expected from a prospective employee. The Dean then introduced the faculty members,who adviced us on how to go about the course. The meeting was followed by refreshments. And oh, yes, we were given the Term 1 Study Mats, huge fat books, all total 16 in number.
Our regular MBA instructions begin on 10th June,Pre-midterm exams begin on July 14. Dont know how we can manage, as the syllabus is real huge. :(
Day 2: June 3
We joined the week long preparatory classes from today. The maths class started at 9.30 ( as well as the Accounts class, which I was not allowed to attend, as it was only for non-commerce students ) . At 11.45 the ragging began. It was a pretty decent ragging, and I was asked to propose to 2 girls simultaneously,and take them out on a movie. Not much problem at all
A surprise English Language written test began as soon as the ragging ended. This continued till evening, which meant that we had to forget about lunch today. The test was Part 1 of the proficiency test for soft skills, i.e based on the results, we will be put in the soft skills course. Those who fail, will have to undergo a Soft skills batch for the entire term, and the lucky ones who pass will only have to do a book review. This will mean that they will get the last period from 4.00PM-5.15PM free, and can spend the time in the canteen.
Day 3 June 4
Had part 2 of the English test in the morning. It involved a impromptu presentation to be made with a preparation time of 2 mins only. The Maths prep classes were held for 2 hours in the afternoon. Spent the rest of the time in the canteen and the computer lab playing Roadrash and Cricket 2002 ;-) I just started liking the place even more
Okay Now I want to write down some facts for posterity, which I feel will clear some confusions about IBS (Atleast its Kolkata centre) :
The batch strength this year is 116, down from 163 last year. PGDBA ( now renamed as general MBA) students : 85, MBA (Finance) 21. Other courses not available this year.
Environment is good, and you feel like studying.
Library is okay. Haven't got my card as yet. After I get it , I will check the library out, and let you know about the books available. There is A huge repository of journals.
The computer lab has about 30-35 terminals. I think some more are there, but they have been sent for a overhaul. There are 2 servers, and a 128 KBPS internet connection ( Being upgraded to 256 KBPS. work is on for that)
The canteen is very cheap, and the food is quite pallatable. Full Chicken thali is available for Rs20/-. Snacks and drinks are also moderately priced.
Will write again later . Gotta sleep now, as hardly got any last night.Subbu, write ur experiences soon. All my new classmates are very eager to hear about Hyderabad. It there really the army of students we have heard about so much ?
Chiao