In global MBA admissions, an entrance test score is only one part of an application. Business schools may also consider academic performance, work experience, career progression and achievements outside the classroom.
A candidate’s academic record, choices at work and involvement beyond the classroom give admissions teams more to consider than a test score alone. What matters, and how much it matters, depends on the school’s selection process.
At S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), applicants to the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) can be shortlisted through two routes: profile-based and profile-cum-score-based selection.
SPJIMR selection criteria: how profile-based selection works
SPJIMR shortlists applicants for its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) through two routes: profile-based and profile-cum-score-based selection.
For profile-based shortlisting, the admissions team considers academic performance, the relevance of prior experience to the chosen specialisation, and achievements beyond academics.
Profile-cum-score-based shortlisting takes place after entrance test scores are available. This route considers the applicant’s profile alongside their CAT or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) performance.
SPJIMR invites shortlisted applicants for an interview through either route, not both. The final selection considers the applicant’s profile, academic record, entrance test scores, relevant experience (if any) and interview performance.
What does SPJIMR assess in an applicant’s profile?
Ramessh Misshra, Deputy Director, Marketing & Admissions Outreach at SPJIMR, links the profile focus to the institute’s vision.
“Our vision is to influence managerial practice, and that’s what we look for in our students too,” he says.
He highlights three aspects of an applicant’s profile:
Academic performance
SPJIMR considers a candidate’s marks in Class 10 and Class 12, along with their graduation results.
Work experience
For applicants with prior experience, its relevance to the chosen specialisation matters.
Versatility
The institute also considers a candidate’s involvement beyond academics, including extracurricular activities, co-curricular pursuits, and other achievements.
Misshra advises candidates to complete the application form with care and present their experiences accurately. For a college project or competition, describe your contribution and the outcome rather than simply listing the activity.
For fresh graduates, internships, academic projects, and college activities can help demonstrate their interests and contributions.
When describing an experience, go beyond the title or role. Explain what you did, the decisions you made, and the outcome. Be ready to discuss these examples during the interview.
Choosing between PGDM and PGDM (Business Management)
SPJIMR’s PGDM offers specialisations, while PGDM (Business Management) follows a general management approach. Before applying, consider which programme aligns with your interests and career plans, and why.
How to present your profile in an SPJIMR PGDM application
A list of titles tells the admissions team very little. ‘Final-year project, supply chain’ says what happened, not what you did. Spell out your part: the analysis you ran, the section you wrote, the vendor calls you handled. If your team won a case competition, describe your own role.
Double-check your marks before submitting. SPJIMR looks at Class 10, Class 12 and graduation scores, so make sure every figure matches your mark sheets.
For the PGDM, be clear about why you want to study your chosen specialisation. Connect it to your academic background, interests, or previous experience. For PGDM (Business Management), explain why you want to pursue general management.
Review your application before submitting it. Make sure your examples are accurate and reflect your actual contribution. The interview may include questions about the experiences you mention.
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