After graduation, most students aim to pursue a postgraduate program at a reputable institution. This is the point at which students should consider enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) at institutions like the Welingkar Institute of Management, which are known for their industry-aligned curriculum and holistic approach to management education.
However, gaining admission topremier institutes for their PGDM programs is no easy feat, it requires not just academic readiness but also strategic preparation. With entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, and others serving as key gateways, cracking them demands a combination of smart study techniques, time management, and clarity of concepts. This blog outlines some valuable tips and strategies to help aspiring candidates crack the entrance exam!
How do the PGDM entrance examinations work?
Welingkar Institute of Management accepts the following entrance exam scores:
- CAT: Common Admission Test, a computer-based test, comprising three sections – verbal ability and reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and data interpretation and logical reasoning. The goal of this entrance exam is to assess the candidates’ proficiency in key managerial subjects and shortlist eligible candidates for admission to reputed management institutes.
- XAT stands for Xavier’s Aptitude Test. It is conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur. The goal of this entrance test is to evaluate aspirants for management on topics such as verbal and logical ability, quantitative ability and data interpretation, decision-making, and general knowledge.
- CMAT is an acronym for Common Management Admission Test, which is a three-hour MCQ-format aptitude test conducted by the National Testing Agency. The topics covered in this test range from quantitative techniques, data interpretation, logical reasoning, general awareness, language comprehension, and innovation to entrepreneurship.
- GMAT is short for Graduate Management Aptitude Test, which is a computer-based exam focused on targeting current-generation skills. The exam comprises 3 sections – quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.
- ATMA, the AIMS Test for Management Admissions, is a credible, objective-type entrance test.
The paper pattern last year consisted of a total of 6 sections. Each section containing 2 parts. The main subjects being tested in the entrance test were – verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning.
How it’s evaluated
The admission process for a PGDM program at Welingkar Institute of Management (WeSchool) is holistic, as it is based on the candidate’s overall profile. To apply for any PGDM program, candidates must secure a minimum of 50% at graduation. The candidates must also give one of the entrance tests mentioned above. However, the cutoffs for each program differ. During the selection process, Welingkar Institute evaluates candidates based on several criteria:
- Overall academic performance
- Work experience
- Group discussions
- Personal interview along with written test scores
Admissions are holistic and based on merit! Therefore, candidates aiming for Welingkar Institute of Management should work on improving their profile immediately, while closely monitoring PGDM deadlines.
Tips to crack the entrance examination
Be Firm in Your Foundations
Based on the entrance exam one is preparing for, being firm in one’s foundation means having a strong and thorough understanding of the basic concepts of each section of the respective entrance exam. For instance, aspirants preparing for CAT should work on a strong grasp of the fundamentals of English, mathematics, and logical reasoning in order to approach tricky questions with confidence and ease. Moreover, strengthening foundational knowledge in the entrance subjects can improve speed and accuracy, enabling one to deal with any curveballs the test might throw.
Organization and Plan
For cracking entrance tests, the right planning strategies are extremely crucial. This includes following a clear study plan, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and setting realistic daily or weekly targets. A well-organised approach helps track progress, stay consistent, and avoid last-minute stress. Keeping organised notes, creating a timetable, and using planning apps have all been found to improve focus and efficiency. In essence, an organised and structured strategy can help turn overwhelming exam preparation into a clear, goal-oriented journey.
Identify Weaknesses
When preparing for entrance tests, identifying one’s weaknesses is important for targeted preparation. Regularly attempting mock tests and quizzes can reveal where the problem lies, be it a particular section, concept, or type of question. Addressing these weaknesses early can drastically boost confidence and prevent repetition of the same mistakes during the actual exam. Another pro tip is that while focusing on weaknesses, continue focusing on topics one is well-versed in, as aspirants tend to neglect this.
Practice
Practice plays a crucial role in preparing for entrance exams, as evidenced by the mantra, “Practice makes perfect”. Most aspirants solve multiple mock papers while timing themselves to get an idea of what the actual exam might look like. While the same questions might not appear in the paper, there is always a possibility of similar types of questions. Thus, consistent practice can reduce last-minute nerves and boost confidence on the final day!
Conclusion
While the entrance exam for a PGDM course may seem difficult, do keep the above-mentioned tips in mind while preparing for it. And while the life of an aspirant is exhausting, remember what Nelson Mandela once said, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” In moments of doubt, remember that cracking PGDM examinations is all about strategy, consistency, and determination!
