Determinants of Student Academic Performance in Indian B-Schools – An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

Given the highly competitive nature of MBA admission, one cannot help asking the question if the criteria used in the admission
decisions are predictable for success in management courses offered at various B-Schools. This paper tries to explain the determinants of performance of students who are enrolled in regular MBA program in an Indian B-School. The study is conducted on first
year students of a premiere B-School using multiple regression. Study shows that performance of MBA student in the course is not
determined by their earlier academic performance. It can be explained only by the student’s exposure to the course contents either
through previous experience or otherwise. Academic performance is also explained by motivation to learn, or the efforts student
put during the course. This study has implications for management education not only in the area of admission decision but also in
area of teaching methods.