The Dilemma of MBA Student

It was a high moment for Sundar’s family as he got admission into a very good management institute. His younger sister, a budding cook, made ‘kheer’ for the first time! It appeared that life was made.

Sundar had a bright record throughout his high school and undergraduate years. But he quickly found during the ‘Induction Program’ that many in his batch were solving problems and answering questions faster than him. Half of the class was scoring more marks than him in quizzes too.? He painfully discovered that he is no longer the ‘Best Boy’!

During the very first week of his MBA nominations were invited for ‘Student Committees’. The list of Committees was impressive – Placements, Cultural, Sports, Digital & Social Media, Consulting, and a few more ‘student clubs’! Drama and cultural activities interested him as he used to participate earlier. He was also on his college cricket team during his undergrad days. ?

But the challenge on the academic front looked daunting. MBA, he joined for is divided into six trimesters, and each trimester looked hectic for Sundar. The subjects looked interesting but were demanding. He also learned that it is not the ‘Final Exam’ but the assessments here are ‘Continual’. ?In fact, the End-Term exam has only 40% weightage, and the internals are 60%! He heard that there shall be ‘Surprise Quizzes’. And all class activities whether Quizzes, Presentations, and Case Discussions in the class count for the ‘Grade’. It is ‘Relative Grading’ there, meaning it matters ‘How many did better than him’. Grades matter for ‘passing’, reputation, and placements. It is said that there is a rush for better grades.

With the above information Sundar is in a dilemma - should he opt for the committees or focus on studies? His earlier ‘all-rounder’ image got a bit shaken now. What should Sundar do is the question? Opportunities and activities related excitement is beckoning but the challenge on time management and focused academic fronts are challenging. What would you do if you were Sundar?