12 Tips To Apply At Soil - From The Pgdm Director For Admissions

Name: Crack SOIL's PGDM Admissions
Uploaded: 2023-02-06
Duration: 57 min 51 s
Description: Watch the Admissions Team of PGDM at SOIL explaining the aspects like Design Thinking to help the listeners understand the program better, giving them the opportunity to raise queries in the Q&A session. They also highlight the admission process helping the candidates crack their admission rounds. Listen and Learn!

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12 TIPS TO APPLY FOR PGDM – DIRECTOR, PGDM ADMISSIONS

31 Oct 2022
- admin
- Admissions Office
2 Year MBA, Admissions, PGDM, Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Management in Business Design, Two Year MBA, Two Year MBA in India

Table of Contents
The beginning of the new year has brought fresh tidings. The corporate sector continues its rebound, rebuilding after the ravages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. New hiring is on the high and there is optimism that percolates in the markets.

New hiring is on the high as the corporate sector rebuilds after the ravages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we are in the current cycle of admissions, the time has come to beat the deadline and put in your application. Remember, an error-free and strong application is the precursor for securing admission at SOIL. SOIL follows a well-thought-out process to identify and attract the best talent in India for its PGDM program, the full form of which is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Keeping this in mind, I would like to put forth a refresher on tips that could help you to take forth your dream of joining our flagship PGDM program. The two-year MBA – PGDM program is uniquely designed to teach the candidate Management, Design Thinking & Liberal Arts. The concept is leading a revolution in management thinking in the corporate world and leans on innovation rather than mere functional specialization. Being an MBA aspirant, I am certain that a lot of planning from your end has already gone into the process of getting ready for the application stages. Surely you may have gone through the entrance exams mandated for an MBA admission, namely CAT/ GMAT/ XAT/ NMAT.

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

Fill out a simple form and we will reach your shortly.

UTM Source*

PGDM course details

Here are a few PGDM course details that could offer some insights on how to approach the MBA application and ensure that your submission is complete and results in action from our end too.
1. General Tips – The entire application process is online and requires you to register on the SOIL application site. The application form has multiple sections. A response to all the sections of the application would result in a holistic picture for the PGDM admissions team. Omissions could put you at a disadvantage.
2. PGDM Eligibility – SOIL conducts a design thinking workshop to identify students who are the right fit for its program. To be considered for shortlisting for the next round you have to qualify as per the criteria laid down –
  - A Bachelor’s degree from any recognised institution with 50% at least in graduation. Candidates should have a full-time undergraduate degree completion certificate before 15th June 2023.
  - Above 60% in 10th & 12th Standard Examinations.
  - Valid CAT*/NMAT/GMAT/XAT*/MAT scores are accepted.
  - Freshers and candidates with work experience UPTO 60 months can apply.
3. Transcripts – Check all transcripts of school and graduation and have them handy. Scan them beforehand and keep ready as they are required to be uploaded to the admissions portal. In case of missing transcripts, your application may be rendered incomplete.
4. Work Experience Certificate from Employer – In case you are employed, try and obtain a work experience letter from your employer. In case you are not able to do so, an employment letter with a pay slip should also suffice. Keep these handy while filling the application.
5. Awards and Extracurricular activities – A well rounded applicant would be advised to outline awards/ extra-curricular activities/ details. Have all certificates/ letters scanned and ready for submission as these have to be uploaded along with the application.
6. Personal Interview – The PI is one of the most critical aspects of the application process that enables you to show yourself as a person and put your best foot forward. It can help you outline your career aspirations, career path, interests, achievements and above all your vision in pursuing the PGDM programme at SOIL. Below is a list of all that you want to prepare for –
  - Tell me about yourself?
  - Why PGDM in Design Thinking?
  - Why SOIL?
  - Work experience if any and the nature of work?
  - Add on qualifications for PGDM – special courses, or projects that add to your profile.
  - Any social service or leadership experience in college.
  - Why should you be considered for admission to the SOIL’s PGDM?
  - What values will you contribute to SOIL and to your peers?
  - Your career goals.
  - How will PGDM in Design Thinking help you to achieve your career goals?
  - Extra-curricular activities, hobbies, and interests.
  - Any unique aspect/ characteristics that define you and that could help the PGDM admissions team in knowing you better.
7. References – Before you name your references in the application, do talk to them to make them aware and take their consent. In case of a check back, they should be aware of the application submitted by you for the PGDM course at SOIL.
8. Application Fee – All applicants are required to pay a nominal sum to be eligible for the screening process. Have your debit/ credit card/ netbanking details handy before you start the application.
9. Submission Deadline – Do not wait till the last minute to submit the application. Remember, seats are limited and an early application would stand a better chance to be considered for scholarships and give an edge in admission.
10. Preparing to ace the Design Thinking Workshop – The design thinking workshop is a group-based assessment activity where aspirants are asked to work on real-life problems using design thinking tools. The shortlisted candidates are put through a Design Thinking masterclass where they are exposed to the concept. Candidates understand methods, techniques and tools into innovating and creating compelling service experiences. The key in design thinking is having an empathetic outlook to solving problems, generating innovative ideas and a collaborative effort. You would be divided into teams and given a problem statement in a given scenario. Thereafter, you will be required to brainstorm ideas that focus on quantity rather than quality. The next stage will be to come to generating possible solutions and converging on a single one. This will involve creating possible prototypes through idea modelling. The key to ace the design thinking workshop is to be creative, user oriented and empathetic as you approach the exercise. Going through online resources to learn about the Design Thinking concept will certainly be of use. You can read about Design Thinking here. The DT workshop aims to find students who are extremely good and efficient at real-time working environments rather than identifying students solely based on their past academic performances and PGDM entrance exam scores. Aspirants would be advised to approach the process with an open mind and have a team approach.
11. Cracking The Interview – What SOIL looks for in a candidate. The interview at SOIL is a self discovery process that looks at taking in the best talent on a score of parameters. The PGDM admissions team looks for students who are-
  - Not only defined by academic records or percentile scores but have a genuine desire to learn.
  - Independent and think beyond popular perceptions and biases.
  - Look to blend analytical and creative skills with business acumen, with an intuitive understanding of the limitations of existing management programs.
  - Are consumed with an urge to make a difference and a commitment to building oneself for the future and not just to get the next job.
12. Candidates should look to follow basic etiquettes like neat formal dressing and be on time. It would be helpful if you are prepared with –
  - ‘Must know’ questions that revolve around your career, ambitions, life and of course ‘Why MBA in Design Thinking?’ and ‘Why SOIL?’
  - Displaying confidence through body language, speech and fluency.
  - Be honest in your answers and look to have answers to gaps in your resume. You should be prepared to back up statements as being truthful works the best.
Here are a few PGDM course details that could offer some insights on how to approach the MBA application and ensure that your submission is complete and results in action from our end too.

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

Fill out a simple form and we will reach your shortly.

UTM Source*

Conclusion

As I conclude my tips, I would like you to be an integral part of the journey of self-introspection and discovery. The selection process at the SOIL Institute of Management is knowing more about yourself than just being a selection process and your participation would be helpful in breaking the myth that the process is complicated. Being prepared beforehand would help in an objective assessment of your application. It is important for you to know that the process involves assessment on a mix of parameters like test scores, academics, extra and co-curriculars and achievements and your overall profile. Management capability is all about a mix of psychographic and psychological factors and being prepared to showcase your innate abilities is key to the process. Best of luck!

The selection process at the SOIL Institute of Management is knowing more about yourself than just being a selection process and your participation would be helpful in breaking the myth that the process is complicated.

FAQs
What is Design Thinking?

Design thinking is a process-driven approach that draws on the designers’ skills and matches technology, strategy, and most importantly – peoples’ needs. The idea is to explore and create outcomes that benefit the end user.

What are the reasons for pursuing a PGDM program?

Post Graduate Diploma in Management is meant for students straight out of college looking for a management career, or professionals with an experience of around two years wanting to advance their career prospects. The idea of the PGDM programme is to integrate learning and exposure across all functional areas and also increase awareness. The sole aim of the PGDM program is to develop a well-rounded personality that is ready to take on the rigorous business world.

How do I make my MBA application stand out?

The application mechanics are not that difficult. However, to enable a consideration by the panelists, information therein should be through and bring out the true self of the candidate.

Your application should cover the basic particulars of the candidate keeping in mind the requirements of the course.

Eligibility Criteria in terms of previous education, the school and gradation scores should be met.

Work experience criteria demand that the candidate applying for the PGDM in Business Design should have 0-5 years of experience while those applying for the one year MBA – PGPM should have upwards of two years’ work experience. Since work experience is a parameter that gives the candidate an edge, the same should be elaborated in the application.

Transcripts covering education should be available.

Extra-curricular and Co-curricular activities, achievement and awards should be mentioned as these are key parameters during a SOIL evaluation.

Essays forming part of the application should be written by the candidate without external help.

Apply early, since SOIL follows a rolling intake and early applications stand a better chance of being accepted.

What are the skills you need before pursuing a course in MBA?

Here are several skills that you need in order to benefit the most from the MBA program in this highly competitive world.

Developing Business Acumen

Excel at Microsoft Excel

Working in teams

Have Good Work Ethic

Crisp Communication

What does the PGDM curriculum entail?

The autonomous nature of PGDM courses, and institutes are very sensitive to the changing demands of the industry. The PGDM curriculum changes to ensure students are up to date with current industry trends. PGDM courses are much more adept in being industry-ready.

What are the types/specializations of PGDM?

The students of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme are exposed to the following functional core courses, in the first year. They then choose their specializations accordingly, in the second year. The popular specializations are –

Marketing

Finance

Analytics

Human Resources

What does SOIL look for in a candidate?

The interview at SOIL is a self-discovery process that looks at taking in the best talent on a score of parameters. The admissions team looks for students who are –

Beyond academics – a desire to unlearn and learn

Independent and think beyond popular perceptions and biases.

Able to integrate analytical and creative skills with business acumen.

Have a latent urge to make a difference and a commitment to building oneself for the future.

Capacity to think, learn, act, communicate and relate to others.

The School Of Inspired Leadership is one of the few B-schools which doesn’t have a Group Discussion as part of its Admissions process. It assesses aspirants on the basis of group exercises that are based on self-leadership, group work, and innovative thinking.

Why should I choose SOIL Institute of Management for my MBA course?

There are several unique experiences that one goes through. Here are some of the key experiences that according to me, make SOIL special.

Bold Thinking

Network And Community Building

Empathetic Leadership style

Define The Future

The Unique Pedagogy

So, be a part of the SOIL advantage and realize the vision of widening your body of knowledge.

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Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

What is Design Thinking?

What are the reasons for pursuing a PGDM program?

How do I make my MBA application stand out?

What are the skills you need before pursuing a course in MBA?

What does the PGDM curriculum entail?

What are the types/specializations of PGDM?

What does SOIL look for in a candidate?

Why should I choose SOIL Institute of Management for my MBA course?

Never miss a beat. Get Blog updates regularly in your inbox

PGDM Batch 2025-27 Orientation Start Date - 20th June 2025

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

What is Design Thinking?

What are the reasons for pursuing a PGDM program?

How do I make my MBA application stand out?

What are the skills you need before pursuing a course in MBA?

What does the PGDM curriculum entail?

What are the types/specializations of PGDM?

What does SOIL look for in a candidate?

Why should I choose SOIL Institute of Management for my MBA course?

Never miss a beat. Get Blog updates regularly in your inbox

PGDM Batch 2025-27 Orientation Start Date - 20^th June 2025