Are you ready to unlock the doors to your dream business school? Have you ever wondered what separates successful candidates from the rest in the competitive world of PGDM entrance exams? As you prepare for one of the most important milestones in your career, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. After all, cracking the entrance exam is your first step towards a promising future in business management. But what if there was a way to simplify this journey? What if there were strategies and tips to boost your chances of success?
Let’s delve into the essential tips that can help you crack the PGDM entrance exam and secure a spot in a prestigious B-school in India.
Top tips for cracking the PGDM entrance exam in India
1. Understand the exam format inside-out
Before diving into preparation, spend ample time understanding the structure of the exam you’re targeting—be it CAT, MAT, XAT, or CMAT. Each exam has unique sections, a specific number of questions, and a different marking scheme. Knowing these details will help you allocate preparation time accordingly.
- Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that appear in each section (e.g., Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning).
- Take note of sectional cut-offs, as many top B-schools require you to meet minimum marks in each section, not just overall.
- Ensure you know negative marking schemes, as this will guide your answering strategy.
2. Develop a smart study plan
A structured study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses is critical to success. Begin by assessing your current knowledge level and areas of improvement. From there, break down your preparation into manageable daily or weekly goals.
- Balance: Ensure that you’re devoting enough time to all sections. A balanced approach is essential to avoid focusing too much on your strengths while neglecting your weaker areas.
- Revision time: Set aside time in your plan specifically for revision. Regularly revisiting topics you’ve already covered ensures better retention and understanding.
3. Strengthen your basics first
A strong foundation is key to tackling advanced-level questions in any section of the PGDM entrance exam. Without a clear understanding of fundamental concepts, solving complex problems will be time-consuming and frustrating.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Revisit high school mathematics topics such as algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. These form the basis of most quant questions.
- Verbal Ability: Focus on improving grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Read widely from different genres—newspapers, novels, and magazines—to build a strong language base.
- Logical Reasoning: Understand the basic principles behind common reasoning problems, such as puzzles, seating arrangements, and syllogisms. Begin with simpler questions before advancing to more challenging problems.
4. Take regular mock tests
Mock tests are your best friend when preparing for the PGDM entrance exams. These tests allow you to simulate the actual exam experience, helping you manage stress, time, and question difficulty.
- Performance analysis: After each mock test, take the time to review your mistakes. Understand where you went wrong—was it a conceptual error, misreading a question, or poor time management?
- Progress tracking: Track your progress over time by noting your scores and improvements in specific sections. This will provide insight into how much more preparation is needed for each area.
5. Time management is key
Time management is one of the most critical aspects of PGDM entrance exams. With limited time to solve multiple sections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
- Prioritise easier questions: Start with questions that you find easiest and are confident about. Solving these will build momentum and boost your confidence.
- Set time limits for each section: Practice pacing yourself during mock tests by setting specific time limits for each section. For instance, if you have 30 questions in 60 minutes, you should aim to solve one question every two minutes.
- Move on when stuck: Don’t spend too much time on a single question. If you’re stuck, skip the question and return to it later. Time is precious, and each minute should be used wisely.
6. Stay updated on current affairs
General Knowledge is an essential section in many entrance exams, and being well-read in current events can give you an edge. Not only does it help you in exams, but it’s also valuable for interviews and group discussions, where you’re expected to be informed about the business and economic landscape.
- Read daily: Make it a habit to read newspapers, especially the business and editorial sections.
- Follow reliable sources: Websites like Economic Times, Business Standard, and The Hindu are excellent for keeping up with current events, particularly in business, politics, and international affairs.
7. Focus on accuracy, not just speed
Many students make the mistake of rushing through the exam to answer as many questions as possible, only to get penalised by negative marking. Instead, your focus should be on accuracy, as even a few incorrect answers can significantly impact your overall score.
- Understand negative marking: Exams like CAT impose a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer, so avoid guesswork unless you’re reasonably sure of the answer.
- Speed vs accuracy: Develop a balance between speed and accuracy during your preparation. Start by attempting questions slowly to ensure correctness, then gradually increase your speed without compromising accuracy.
8. Work on your communication skills
Your journey doesn’t end with the written exam. Once you’ve cracked the entrance test, you’ll face group discussions (GD) and personal interviews (PI). This stage assesses your communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
- Participate in group discussions: Join mock GD sessions or online forums where you can practice discussing a range of topics. Learn to express your thoughts concisely and listen to others’ perspectives.
- Mock interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career coaches to refine your answers to common interview questions and improve your body language, tone, and confidence.
9. Stay calm and positive
Preparing for a competitive exam can be stressful, but keeping a positive and calm mindset is vital for success. The pressure of preparation can sometimes lead to burnout, so it’s important to maintain balance.
- Take regular breaks: Avoid studying for long, uninterrupted periods. Taking breaks will refresh your mind and improve retention.
- Practice mindfulness: Incorporate stress-relieving practices like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises into your daily routine. These activities help you stay calm under pressure, particularly on exam day.
Why pursuing a PGDM from a top B-school matters?
Cracking the entrance exam is just the first step. Choosing the right business school for your PGDM can shape your career trajectory. Institutions like Badruka School of Management offer a comprehensive PGDM programme backed by internationally accredited instructors, practical projects, and a vast corporate network.
- Internationally accredited instructors: With global exposure, the faculty ensures that you learn the latest in management practices, giving you a competitive edge.
- Practical projects: Real-world business projects help you apply your classroom knowledge to actual scenarios, preparing you for the challenges of the corporate world.
Listen to Sudeep Chhabra’s practical approach at BSM Hyderabad!
- Wide corporate network: Leading B-schools maintain strong ties with top companies, giving you valuable opportunities for internships, mentorship, and placements.
Download the BSM PGDM curriculum here!
Choosing a reputed institution like Badruka School of Management ensures that your PGDM serves as a reliable stepping stone to a successful career in business management.