Can You Do MBA If You're Weak in Maths?

The idea of pursuing an MBA in today’s highly competitive climate is a decision that needs to be taken with caution. MBA being a prime choice for postgraduate studies, entrance exams for MBA courses and top-tier universities have evolved to sort and select only the best out of the entire pool of candidates. However, the ability to crack competitive management entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, SNAP, and others is not dependent on a single factor like proficiency in Mathematics as many would lead you to believe. In this article, we are going to tackle the question, can you do an MBA if you’re weak in Maths?

Is Mathematics Compulsory to Do an MBA?

We often come across this myth that hoping to pursue an MBA degree , PGDM or Executive MBA from a reputed institute is futile if you’re not highly proficient in Mathematics, whereas, in reality, there is much more depth to this idea. Mathematics is a significant part of most entrance exams for management courses. Exams like the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) put more emphasis on their Quantitative Aptitude questions, which require a thorough understanding of the basics of mathematics.

However, there are exams like the NMIMS Management Aptitude Test (NMAT) and the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) where the level of difficulty in terms of Quantitative Aptitude is relatively low. An important observation is that these entrance exams only use Mathematics as an assessment tool since an advanced knowledge of Mathematics is not essential for pursuing most MBA specializations. That being said, there are ways in which a student can overcome their inadequacy when it comes to pursuing an MBA.

How to Tackle Mathematics as an MBA Aspirant

One of the aspects of pursuing an MBA that is feared by most aspirants is Mathematics. Although it is an added bonus if a candidate has an academic background in Mathematics, it is not a prerequisite for an MBA. Since a sizable chunk of MBA aspiring students hail from a Commerce background where they did not have Math as a core subject, the question of how to overcome this gap in Mathematical knowledge arises quite often. Students will come across various tips, strategies, and pointers on how to tackle their inefficiencies in Mathematics when it comes to seeking an MBA. However, there are primarily two solutions for MBA aspirants who have a weaker skill set in Mathematics, and they are discussed in detail below.

1. Invest in a Good Coaching Centre/Guide

It is a hard pill to swallow, but aspirants need to have a certain amount of skill if they wish to pursue an MBA degree from a reputed university. MBA entrance exams are known to be one of the most competitive assessments for students who want to undertake higher education. Therefore, to overcome the competition, a student needs to match the level of preparation and performance required to be considered a worthy candidate.

These days, it is a natural phenomenon to join a coaching center/guide while preparing for an MBA entrance exam. Although a major portion of the preparation is done as self-study, a good coaching center can make a huge difference in terms of the quality of preparation. Similarly, if a student is falling behind in a particular subject, which is mathematics in our case, the aid provided by a good mentor or trainer can help raise the level of efficiency and confidence of the student to the desired degree. Thus, one of the most productive ways a student can increase their capabilities in mathematics and crack their choice of MBA entrance exam is by choosing a great coaching institute.

Also Read: How to Select Study Material & Coaching Centre for MBA Preparation

2. Undertake Courses or Participate in Math Contests

It is important to understand that a good score in Quantitative Aptitude and other Mathematics related questions during MBA entrance exams is not entirely dependent on the student’s prior knowledge of the subject. Although a fundamental understanding of the concepts is required, a student’s ability to solve difficult problems on the spot is what determines their level of success in an MBA entrance exam.

In order to enhance problem-solving skills when it comes to quantitative and other math-related questions, a student must involve Mathematics in their daily routine. Undertaking supplementary courses to increase mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills is an ideal choice for students who feel they are weak in Math. Participating in activities, contests, and events where quantitative skills are tested is also a great way to improve mathematical skills and time efficiency.

3. Highlight Your Mathematical Aptitude in Your MBA Application

When selecting candidates for MBA/PGDM courses , it is not just the academic background and entrance exam scores that are taken into consideration. Most of the premier business schools for management studies analyze the entire profile of a candidate, dating back to their high school years when it comes to MBA admissions .

With that in mind, it is vital that a candidate possesses relevant experience in areas where they feel they might be weaker than other potential candidates. If a candidate feels like their profile shows an apparent lack of Mathematical ability, it is important to bridge that gap by including work experience, and activities in their profile that highlight their capabilities in Mathematics.

Right MBA Specialization for a Weak Math Profile

An MBA degree is a sophisticated postgraduate course that is meant for individuals who already have a certain level of expertise in the field of management or business administration. It is a commonly known fact that an MBA course has different specializations which cater to various sections of the corporate and business world. Therefore, choosing the right specialization which suits a student’s personality is essential for a promising career.

First of all, it is important to understand that a considerable number of MBA specializations will have a certain degree of Arithmetics and Numericals involved and a good MBA student is expected to be comfortable with such concepts. However, the degree of Mathematics involved in such postgraduate disciplines varies from one course to another. Thus, if a student is not comfortable with Mathematics, then MBA courses and specializations that are more Arithmetic oriented, like Finance, may not be the ideal choice. Keeping that in mind, there are options available in terms of MBA courses that do not involve advanced Mathematics and also lead to a fruitful career in the long run. Given below are some of the best MBA specializations for aspirants who are weak in Mathematics.

• MBA in Marketing
• MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MBA in Human Resource Management
• MBA in Retail Management
• MBA in Business Law
• MBA in Company Secretaryship
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Rural Management
• MBA in Corporate Communication
• MBA in Infrastructure Management

Also Read: Best MBA Specializations in India

Finally, there is no rule that says you can’t pursue an MBA if your Mathematics is not good enough. There are individuals who have cracked exams like the CAT, GMAT, SNAP, and many others with a high percentile with the sheer force of will and determination. With that, we would like to wish you all the best!