TGBS Logo low
ISO 21001 : 2018 Certified
Latest Updates
  • Admissions Enquiry open for the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Program for the Academic Year 2023 - 2024.
  • Click here to Apply Online for Academic Year 2023-2024

Conquering PGDM Admissions: Expert Tips and Guidance from Thakur Global Business School

Before you enter the gates of PGDM, you will have to go through the gatekeepers. The three gatekeepers that guard the doors of PGDM admission are entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews. Clearing them gives you access to enter the gate and pursue your journey in the PGDM specialization of your choice.

In this blog, we will provide you with some expert tips and guidance on how you can improve your chances of getting admission. We will offer expert advice on how to effortlessly navigate your group discussions and personal interviews.

Let’s get started.

Table of Content

  1. 5 Valuable Tips to Clear the Entrance Exam
  2. 5 Valuable Tips to Clear Group Discussion
  3. 5 Valuable Tips to Clear Personal Interviews
  4. Conclusion

5 Valuable Tips to Clear the Entrance Exam
A student holding a pencil and solving exam paper

For your PGDM admission, you need to clear one of the following entrance exams:

  1. CAT
  2. CET
  3. MAT
  4. XAT
  5. CMAT
  6. GMAT

A PGDM entrance exam has the highest weightage when it comes to your admission process. It carries 35% of total weightage; meaning, you can’t take your entrance exams lightly. Follow these tips to clear your entrance exams with flying colors:

  1. Understanding the Examination Pattern: Become aware of the structure, topics, and course outline of the entrance exam you intend to take. Have information about the format and time span of the entrance exam.
  2. Make a Study Schedule: Create a well-organized study schedule that allows enough time for every exam section. Set realistic deadlines and goals to guarantee thorough coverage of the syllabus.
  3. Emphasis on Fundamentals: Become more proficient in the areas of logical reasoning, data interpretation, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge. Prioritise laying a solid foundation to properly understand more complex topics.
  4. Practice Frequently: To increase your accuracy and speed, practice answering sample papers, question papers from prior years, and mock exams. This will assist you in acclimating to the format of the exam and in efficiently allocating your time when taking it.
  5. Seek Professional Guidance: To obtain specialized advice and individualized study materials, think about enrolling in online courses or coaching sessions. You can also take advice from your friends or individuals who have appeared in these examinations previously.

5 Valuable Tips to Clear Group Discussions
Four students participating in group discussion

Once you have cleared the first gatekeeper, your next opponent is group discussion (GD). Group discussions are important for sharing diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering collaboration, and reaching consensus on complex issues. They allow individuals to learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and develop critical thinking skills.

Tips for mastering group discussions:

1. Research General Group Discussion Topics

There is little to no chance that you will get the topic in advance, yet you can try to anticipate the topics. Look for common topics to incorporate into a group discussion at the institute level. For example, is AI replacing human workers? OR should remote learning become the new normal? can be good topics, taking into consideration the world’s current situation. Remember, the panel won’t be judging your knowledge; rather, their focus will be on how you present your answers.

2. Start the Discussion Only When Confident

Now, starting first can reflect confidence, which is true, but the insight you share must be valuable. For example, you can start the discussion if you know an amazing fact about the topic or if you have a nice story that can deliver your point. If you are not confident, it is better to wait and let other members of the group start.

3. Respect the Opinion of Other Group Members

Every year we conduct group discussions, and one huge problem that we notice year in and year out is the lack of respect some individuals share for other group members. The chance of selecting these individuals is pretty slim. If you disagree, you can use quotes like:

  • I beg to differ…
  • I respect your opinion, but…
  • I value your opinion, but…

These quotes reflect your strong communication skills as well as show the panel that you respect others’ opinions.

4. Listen Carefully

The art of listening is one of the most important and difficult skills to master. The panelists will constantly analyze whether you are listening to others or not. To show that you are attentive, you can acknowledge someone’s opinion, nod your head, or expand on someone’s insight.

5. Sit Properly and Dress Formally

While dressing formally is like an unsaid rule, many candidates show up wearing casual outfits. It leaves a terrible impression. During the group discussion, be calm and sit properly. Don’t move your body too much or constantly try to change your posture.

Following these steps will definitely leave an amazing impression on the panelists and showcase your professionalism. Remember, non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication in a group discussion setting.

5 Valuable Tips to Clear a Personal Interview

Three interviewers interviewing a female candidate

Once you clear the second gatekeeper, you face the final and strongest gatekeeper: a personal interview. Interviews are always nerve-wracking, especially when your dream college is on the line. Here are a few tips that can help you clear not just institute-level interviews but also job interviews:

1. Research the College

Find out about the academic offerings, extracurricular activities, campus culture, mission, and values of the PGDM offering colleges. Customize your answers to highlight your qualifications for the college and how you can contribute towards the goal and mission of the institute.

2. Examine the Submitted Materials for your Application

Prepare a brief explanation of your application materials, which should include your volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic records, and personal interests. Consider your aims, desires, and aspirations.

3. Practice Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare your answers to frequently asked interview questions. Some of the most common questions include:

  • What makes you wish to enroll in this particular college?
  • What academic objectives and interests do you have?
  • Could you describe a struggle you overcame?
  • What will you be able to offer our campus community?
  • What are your advantages and disadvantages?

4. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Speak with clarity and assurance. As you listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions, give careful thought to your answers. You can take a few seconds before answering. Make sure you keep eye contact and listen intently. Best business schools will always prefer students who have a good grasp of their communication skills.

5. Be Sure to Ask Questions

You must prepare a few questions that you can ask the interviewer. Some common questions include:

  • How accessible are professors after class?
  • Which are some of the best organizations that visit this institution for recruitment?
  • Are there any programs or workshops other than the PGDM curriculum that can help students?

Prof. Darshana Pednekar, one of our most respected and loved professors says “An interview may not make or break your admission. You may still get selected because of your marks but it pushes students out of their comfort zones. An interview is also a perfect platform for a candidate to show what their marks and grades can’t show.”

Conclusion

As you embark on the journey toward PGDM admission, it’s crucial to recognize and navigate the gatekeepers—entrance exams, group discussions, and personal interviews—with diligence and strategic preparation. By implementing the expert tips provided in this blog, you can improve your chances of success and confidently pursue your aspirations in the PGDM program of your choice.

If you are interested in pursuing a course in PGDM, you must definitely check out Thakur Global Business School. We are considered one of the Best PGDM Colleges in Mumbai because of our annually updated curriculum and amazing campus and facilities. We also regularly conduct workshops and guest lectures that help students gain knowledge beyond the textbooks and curriculum. Our specializations include PGDM in Finance, Marketing, HR, and Operations. Visit our website to learn more about our eligibility criteria, curriculum, faculty members, fee structure, and hostel facilities (for both boys and girls).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ABOUT AUTHOR
TGBS Mumbai

Thakur Global Business School (TGBS), managed by Zagdu Singh Charitable Trust (ZCT) offers Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). PGDM is TGBS’s 2-year flagship program approved by AICTE, DTE & Govt. of Maharashtra.

Our gallery

PGDM BATCH 2024 -26

ENQUIRE NOW
About

Dr.Nilesh Gokhale is the Director(I/C) and a Professor of Marketing with a total experience of 22 years spread across Academics, industry and Research.

An Engineering graduate himself, Dr. Gokhale is an MBA and holds a Doctorate in Marketing from Pune University. Dr. Gokhale has authored 3 textbooks and published several research papers in national and international journals of repute indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science. His areas of interest include Brand Management and Consumer Behaviour. Dr. Gokhale is a Ph.D guide and is also on the Board of studies of reputed institutions. He has conducted corporate training programs and has also worked as a Brand consultant.

About

Dr. Shuchi Gautam is working as Deputy Director and Professor of Finance at Thakur Global Business School. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She holds a doctorate degree in Financial Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her Ph.D. research concentrated on Mergers and acquisition deals of selected pharmaceutical companies. She has a total experience of 18 years in academia and industry

Her research passion is focused on topics that include Corporate Restructuring, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Planning, and Financial Markets. Her research expertise is reflected through a series of publications in financial, and business-related reputed journals.

She has contributed articles to premier business publications and has also presented her intellectual contributions at various national and international conferences.

She has received Distinguished Service awards from AIMS International for her significant contribution towards management education.

She has pursued several Management Development Programmes and training in areas of Finance for Non-Finance, Financial Planning, and Retirement Planning.

About

Prof. Kinjal Manani is a faculty in the area of Finance. She has done her MBA in Finance She has more than 8 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest and expertise is Financial Markets, Security Analysis, Portfolio Management, Investment Decisions etc. She has taught courses in PGDM Finance such as Security Analysis and Portfolio Management along with Financial Markets and Investment Oriented Courses and She has published research papers in 5 journals of repute. Her industry experience is in the field of Corporate evaluation and rating as a Business Analyst.

About

Prof. Jaideep Dasgupta is a faculty in the area of Finance. He is an MBA(full-time) from NMIMS (Mumbai) and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from XLRI Jamshedpur. He has 5+ years of experience in the banking industry with reputed banks such as ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank in core finance profiles related to financial modeling, credit appraisal, new client acquisition and digital banking. He has 3.5+ years of experience in the field of academics. His area of interest is in Financial Technology (FinTech), Educational Technology (EdTech), Data Analytics, Financial Modelling, Wholesale and Retail Banking. He has taught courses for PGDM related to Project Finance, Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, Financial Technology, Python Programming, Financial Markets, Institutions and Services and Business, Financial and Economic Analysis.

About

Prof. Gayatri Ravi Magi is a faculty in the area of Finance. She is an MBA and specialized in Finance Domain. She has more than 4 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest and expertise is Soft Skills and Statistics. She has taught courses in Business Communication, Economics , Statistics and Research Methods. She has published research papers and book reviews in 2 journals of repute. Her industry experience has been as Financial Analyst with Insync Analytics and Trading Operations Analyst with Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (Subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange).

About

Prof. Darshana Pednekar is a faculty in the area of Finance. She is a CMA (Cost and Management Accountant). Also have done PGDM and GDCA. She has more than 11 years of experience in academics. Her area of interest and expertise is Financial Accounts and Financial markets. She has taught courses in PGDM. She has published research papers and book reviews in 2 journals of repute.

About

Dr.Stuti Sahni is a faculty in the area of Marketing She is an MBA with a Ph.D. in Marketing . She has more than 11 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest and expertise are Marketing Management, Integrated Marketing Communication and Legal Aspects of Business. She has taught courses to MBA and PGDM students. She has published 15 research in journals of repute and also has published 2 books in areas of Tourism Marketing and Management

About

Prof. Bhushan Padval is a faculty in the area of Marketing. He has completed MMS in Marketing from University of Mumbai and is UGC-NET qualified. He has more than 16 years of experience in academics and industry.

His area of interest and expertise is Marketing in general and Product & Brand Management in particular. He also has a special liking for Economics and Current Affairs. He has published research papers in ABDC and other journals of repute. His industry experience is in Electronics, Telecom & IT sector.

About

Prof. Ajit Mahendra Maurya is a faculty in the area of Operations and Supply Chain Management. He is an MBA/PGDM pursuing a Ph.D. in Operations and Supply Chain Management. He has more than 7 years of experience in academics and industry.

His areas of interest and expertise are Operations, Supply chain management, and Analytics. He has taught courses like Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Advanced Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Total Quality Management, Operations Management, and Current Affairs Analysis. He has published research papers and books in the Journal of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), and Innovision-NL Dalmia, journals of repute. His industry experience is in the fields of Oil and Gas sector as a design engineer and as a research associate in the market research fields of chemicals and materials.

About

Dr. Shiny Colaco is a faculty in the area of Human Resource Management. She is an MBA in Human Resources with a Ph.D. in Human Resources. She has more than 6 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest and expertise is Human Resource planning, Learning & Development. She has taught courses across PGDM which includes HR specialization and other domains. She has published research papers and book reviews in 7 journals of repute.

About

Prof. Ritu Kashyap , is a faculty in the area of Marketing. She is an MBA from Nagpur University She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. She has more than 20 Years of experience in academics and industry.

Her area of interest and expertise is Marketing & HR. She has taught courses BMS & BAF in Mumbai University, with subjects in Marketing & HR. She has published research papers in 15 journals of repute. Her industry experience is in the Marketing & administration of various Banks Profile & Network companies, like Vodafone, Citi, GE Countrywide, IDFC first, SBI etc.

About

Prof. Surabhi Gawade is a faculty in the area of Finance. She has done her Master of Commerce from Mumbai University and has completed her MBA in Finance and is also an Inter-CA. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the Management under University of Mumbai. She has more than 6 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest and expertise is Financial Accounting, Financial Market, Financial Literacy and Financial Management along with a keen research interest in the field of Sustainable Development Goals and ESG Investing. She has taught a variety of courses to students of Finance and other domains. She has published a wide range of research papers in the field of finance and has also participated as a paper presenter at various national and international research conferences. With her demonstrated experience in the field of finance, she is a unique blend of leadership, management and public speaking skills with an optimistic and goal-oriented approach towards work.

About

Prof. Anuja Roy is a faculty in the area of Marketing & is a Soft Skill Trainer. She has done her PGDM in marketing and is a certified NLP Trainer. She has more than 20 years of experience in academics and industry. Her area of interest is soft skills. She has taught courses in marketing and grooms' students towards Corporate Readiness. She has published research papers in journals of repute and has presented Case studies in International Conferences. She has conducted more than 250 workshops in the area of Etiquette & Grooming. Her industry experience is 12 plus years.

About

Prof. Jonita D'costa is a faculty in the area of Finance. She has done her B.Sc. in Statistics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and has completed her MMS in Finance. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Finance. She has more than 3.5 years of experience in academics and industry.

Her area of interest and expertise is Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Business Statistics. She has taught courses to both MMS and PGDM students of Finance and other domains. She has published research papers and book reviews in ABDC, Scopus indexed and UGC Care journals of repute. Her industry experience is in the Wealth Management space with a more focused exposure to Financial Advisory.

About

Prof. Prateek Shrivastava is a faculty in the area of Operations He has done his B.E in IT and has completed his MMS in Operations he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Applied Management Sciences.. He has more than 10 years of experience in academics and industry.

His area of interest and expertise is Operations, logistics, and the adoption of technology in the supply chain. He has published research papers and book reviews in around 3 journals of repute. His industry experience is in the services Industry - with a more focused exposure to service operations.

About

Dr. Divya Jain is a human resources faculty member & trainer for nation building from BOSCH India Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in Management, an MBA (DAVV), a Dip. in T&D (ISTD), and more than 13 years of experience in both academia and business. She has successfully led a number of MDPs in her capacity as a soft skills trainer. She has also led internal sensitization trainings on the prevention of sexual harassment and is a certified POSH trainer. She has authored multiple research papers that have been published in reputable journals such as UGC-CARE and ABDC. She is currently working on "Learning & Development" as a book. She has worked in the HR operations and talent acquisition fields.

Her areas of expertise are Organizational Behaviour, Emotional Intelligence and Learning & Development. She has proficiently handled courses like HR Metrics & Analytics, Learning & Development, HRM, Competency & Performance Management, Organizational Behaviour & Business Communication.