Ms. Prachi Malhan is currently serving as the Head of Admissions at the I Business Institute,Greater Noida. A postgraduate in management with over 13 years of experience in admissions, outreach, and marketing of higher education institutions. A keen planner, strategist, and implementer with demonstrated abilities in devising marketing activities and achieving enrollment targets An effective communicator with excellent people skills and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

I Business Institute

How do you guarantee that the institute’s admission process remains equitable, transparent, and encompassing for all candidates?

At I Business Institute, we ensure an equitable, transparent, and inclusive admission process at all stages, which involves adhering to the following practices:

Clearly defined criteria: We have established clear admission criteria based on merit and the applicant’s suitability for the program. This criteria is well laid out on our website and prospectus and is accessible to all applicants.

Diverse and non-discriminant Admissions committee: We have a diverse admissions committee that represents various perspectives and backgrounds to reduce bias in decision-making. The committee is absolutely committed to non-discrimination based on any factors such as gender, religion, or social and economic status. There are regular training sessions for the admissions committee to prevent any bias.

Holistic review: The admission process is quite holistic consisting of the following four rounds post application:

Case study analysis

Faculty panel’s interview

Dean’s interview

Admissions head’s interaction

We not only consider the academic achievements but also personal experiences, character, motivation level and potential of the candidates.

Scholarships: We offer scholarships to ensure accessibility. The following categories of scholarship help in creating a diverse batch and making the programme accessible for all regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Scholarship for a child being raised by a single mother

Girl child scholarship

Timely communication: Every applicant is connected to an admission counselor who clearly and promptly communicates with applicants at every stage of the process to maintain transparency.

Feedback system: The interviewers and the admission counselors give proper feedback to the candidates to maintain clarity during and after the admission process.

Regular audits: The top management conducts regular audits of the admission process to identify and address any biases or shortcomings.

Alumni and recruiter engagement: We involve alumni and recruiters in the admission process to promote transparency and inclusivity.

How do you stay updated on trends and changes in higher education admissions?

As a professional in the higher education industry, I keep myself engaged with strategic groups, communities, and associations and stay informed about evolving trends and changes in the higher education space. I am an active participant in professional associations related to higher education; these associations often provide resources and networking opportunities.

I regularly review academic research reports and publications related to B-school admissions. Also, the updates from government agencies and regulatory bodies responsible for education policy help a lot in predicting and reviewing trends.

I have been in B-school admissions for the last 13 years now. So, I collaborate with my counterparts at peer institutions, and we all discuss admission practices. Peer benchmarking can provide valuable insights into what is working at other places.

We also have an advisory board in our institute that comprises experts in higher education, admissions, and related fields. These advisors provide guidance on emerging trends.

I personally believe that we should leverage technology solutions that offer data analytics and insights into application and admissions trends. These tools also help me and my department adapt to changing circumstances. As an institution, we are very open to feedback from various stakeholders like recruiters, alumni, students, and parents. We consider the feedback, learn from it, and take corrective measures.

Check I Business Institute Courses & Fees

Can you provide an example of a challenging admission situation you've faced and how you handled it?

In our country, there is a gap in the quality of education and resources available in different regions. As a result, applicants from more privileged areas usually had better preparation for our admission process, while those from disadvantaged regions used to struggle to meet the admission criteria.

As a responsible higher education institution, we aim to give opportunities to everyone across the country, but at the same time, we cannot lower our admission criteria to maintain quality. We, therefore started with outreach programs in colleges and coaching centers in regions in which the students did not have access to the resources. As the head of the admissions department, I continuously monitor the demographic trends, which help me analyze the success of these outreach programs.

Could you elaborate on any recent changes or innovations you've implemented in the admission process to enhance its effectiveness?

Being one of the top B schools in our region, we continuously strive to enhance effectiveness, promote inclusivity, and adapt to the changing needs and preferences of applicants. The following points highlight the recent changes that we have adopted in terms of technology and innovation implementation.

Hybrid admission selection process: An applicant has the option to appear for the admission selection process either offline on campus or online via Zoom to provide flexibility and accessibility to students across the country.

Virtual tours and engagement: We have invested in virtual campus tours, webinars, and online engagement platforms to provide applicants with a virtual experience of campus life and our academic offerings.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives: We are actively working to increase diversity in our batch with a more holistic review system in the admission process, outreach activities, scholarships, etc.

Digital application process: We use Meritto, which has a very user-friendly digital application portal that streamlines the application process, making it easier for applicants to fill out their applications, submit their documents, and track their progress.

Can you discuss the role of technology in modern admissions processes?

Technology has revolutionized the way educational institutions attract, evaluate, and select candidates.

Digital applications: Online application portals have become the norm, allowing applicants to submit documents electronically. This streamlines the application process, reduces paperwork, and makes it more convenient for both applicants and admissions staff.

Analytics: Educational institutions are using tools to analyze applicant data and forecast trends. This helps in identifying candidates who are the best fit for their programs.

CRM system: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like LeadSquared, Meritto, etc. are employed to manage interactions with prospective students. These systems track inquiries, communications, and engagement data, thereby helping institutions tailor their admission strategy.

Automated communication, AI, and chatbots: Automated email campaigns and chatbots are used to engage with applicants, provide information, and answer frequently asked questions. These technologies improve efficiency and ensure consistent communication.

Video interviews: Video interviewing platforms enable institutions to conduct remote interviews, reducing logistical challenges and expanding their reach.

Virtual campus tours: With the growth of virtual reality and augmented reality, institutions offer immersive virtual campus tours, giving applicants a realistic feel for the campus and its facilities.

Test proctoring software: Remote test proctoring software has become important for administering standardized tests securely in a remote setting.

Online fee payment: Online payment systems facilitate the payment of fees, making it easier for applicants.

Social media and digital marketing: institutions leverage social media and digital advertising to reach and engage with prospective students. These platforms allow for highly targeted outreach.

I believe these advancements help institutions offer the best to applicants in this digital age.

How would you address declining enrollment numbers or shifts in student demographics?

This requires a multifaceted approach that considers both short-term and long-term strategies.

Short-term strategies can include the following: Flexible admission criteria, scholarships, Digital marketing and virtual engagement

Apart from these short-term strategies, institutions that have the mission of growing in the long run should ideally adopt the following points: Programme diversification, Quality improvement, Industry collaboration, Faculty development, research, Data-driven decision-making

Addressing declining enrollment and shifting student demographics is a complex challenge, but with a combination of short-term and long-term strategies, institutions and policymakers can adapt to the changing landscape of higher education in our country.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing college admissions in the next five years?

The landscape of college admissions in India is evolving, and several challenges are expected in the next five years.

Increase in competition: As the number of college-bound students continues to rise in our country, competition for limited seats in prestigious institutions will intensify. This will put pressure on both students and colleges.

Challenge of diversity and inclusivity: Ensuring diversity in student demographics, including gender, socioeconomic status, and regional representation, will remain a significant challenge.

Digital divide: access to technology and the internet is not uniform across the country. I don’t see this digital divide being removed in the next five years.

Mental health and well-being: The pressure on students to perform well in entrance exams and secure admission to prestigious colleges can have detrimental effects on their mental health. Addressing mental health challenges among students is critical.