Soil School of Business Design: Selection Criteria

Pulkit Garg
Dec 3, 2024
5 min read

The SOIL School of Business Design, located in Gurgaon, India, is an innovative and forward-thinking business school that offers an alternative approach to traditional business education. SOIL focuses on the development of responsible leaders by blending the principles of design thinking, business acumen, and social responsibility. The school offers various programs, including the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), designed to equip students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing global business environment.

The SOIL School of Business Design prides itself on selecting individuals who are not just academically sound but also creative, driven, and committed to making a positive impact in the world. This blog will delve into the selection criteria for the programs offered at SOIL, providing a comprehensive guide to help aspirants understand the process and maximize their chances of being selected.

Overview of SOIL School of Business Design

SOIL’s approach to management education is distinct because it blends design thinking, business fundamentals, and human-centered leadership to create well-rounded professionals. The institute encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Key Features of SOIL’s PGPM Program:

Curriculum Focus: The program focuses on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking. It integrates real-world problem-solving, strategic management, and responsible business practices.
Industry Exposure: SOIL has strong connections with industry leaders and offers opportunities for internships, live projects, and networking events.
Global Perspective: SOIL has a diverse faculty and student base, providing global insights into business trends.
Innovative Learning Methods: The program includes experiential learning through design thinking labs, creative workshops, and leadership modules.

SOIL is committed to nurturing individuals who can create sustainable businesses, tackle complex social problems, and contribute to the broader community. Now let’s take a closer look at the selection criteria for admission to the various programs at SOIL.

Stage 1: Eligibility Criteria

The first step for candidates is ensuring they meet the eligibility requirements for admission. SOIL looks for applicants who have the right blend of academic background, professional experience, and personal qualities that align with the school’s values.

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Educational Qualification	A bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks
Work Experience	Ideally, candidates should have at least 2-3 years of work experience; fresh graduates are also encouraged to apply
Entrance Exam	SOIL accepts scores from GMAT, CAT, XAT, GRE, or SOIL’s own entrance test
English Proficiency	Non-native English speakers must prove proficiency through TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)

Stage 2: Application Process

Once candidates meet the eligibility criteria, they can start their application process. SOIL provides a streamlined online application process, and applicants must fill out an application form along with submitting various documents.

Application Components:

Application Form: The application form requests personal, academic, and professional details.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Candidates must write an SOP to explain why they want to pursue an MBA at SOIL, what drives them, and their future career goals.
Essays: Some applicants may be required to submit one or more essays about their background, experiences, and leadership potential.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Two professional references, including one from a supervisor or manager, are generally required.
Entrance Exam Score: The entrance exam score of GMAT, CAT, XAT, or GRE must be submitted. If candidates have not taken any of these exams, they can appear for SOIL’s own entrance test.

Once the application is submitted, SOIL’s admissions committee reviews all applications thoroughly and shortlists candidates based on their overall profile.

Stage 3: Shortlisting Based on Exam Scores

After reviewing the applications, SOIL shortlists candidates based on their entrance exam scores. Candidates must meet the minimum score requirements to be considered for the next rounds of the selection process.

Entrance Exam	Minimum Score Requirement
GMAT	600+
CAT	85 percentile+
XAT	85 percentile+
GRE	315+
SOIL’s Entrance Test	Based on performance in SOIL’s own test

Shortlisted candidates are invited for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, which are critical stages in the selection process.

Stage 4: Group Discussion (GD) and Personal

Interview (PI)

The GD and PI rounds provide the admissions committee with deeper insights into candidates' personalities, communication skills, leadership potential, and fit for the program.

Group Discussion (GD)

The GD focuses on assessing candidates’ ability to think critically, work in a team, and present their views effectively. The topic is generally related to current affairs, business trends, or societal issues, and participants are expected to discuss it openly and collaboratively. Evaluators look for individuals who are good team players, can articulate their ideas well, and contribute to the discussion in a meaningful manner.

Personal Interview (PI)

The PI is an individual assessment that evaluates the candidate’s motivation for pursuing the program, academic background, work experience, and personal values. Interviewers ask questions related to the candidate’s professional journey, career aspirations, and reasons for choosing SOIL. Candidates are also asked to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities and leadership potential.

Successful candidates in both the GD and PI rounds proceed to the final stage of selection.

Stage 5: Final Selection Criteria

After the GD and PI rounds, SOIL evaluates candidates using multiple factors to determine their final admission. The following table summarizes the selection criteria used to assess each candidate:

Selection Criteria	Weightage (%)
Entrance Exam Score	35%
Group Discussion (GD)	25%
Personal Interview (PI)	30%
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	10%

The final decision is based on the cumulative performance in all aspects of the selection process, including the entrance exam score, GD, PI, and SOP.

Stage 6: Admission Offer

Once candidates successfully clear all the selection rounds, they are offered admission to the PGPM program at SOIL. To confirm their seat, they must complete the following steps:

Accept the Offer: Candidates must formally accept the admission offer through the online portal.
Pay the Admission Fees: Candidates must pay the required fees, which include the registration fee, first-term fee, and other necessary charges.
Submit Documents: All required documents, such as academic transcripts, work experience certificates, and identity proof, must be submitted for verification.

Once the formalities are completed, candidates will be enrolled in the program and will begin their journey at the SOIL School of Business Design.

Key Features of SOIL School of Business Design

1. Innovative Curriculum

The PGPM curriculum is designed to equip students with a mix of management skills and creativity, fostering leaders who can drive change and innovation.

Core Areas of Learning	Details
Leadership Development	Focus on building leadership qualities through workshops, training, and real-world projects
Design Thinking	Emphasis on creative problem solving and innovation
Strategy & Operations	Understanding business strategy, operations, and global management practices

2. Industry Connections

SOIL maintains strong ties with industry leaders, allowing students to benefit from internships, live projects, and company interactions.

Industry Exposure	Details
Internship Opportunities	Students are placed in leading companies for internships, gaining hands-on experience
Corporate Partnerships	SOIL has established partnerships with firms like McKinsey, P&G, and Accenture
Guest Speakers & Networking	Regular guest lectures from business leaders and networking opportunities for students

SOIL School of Business Design offers a unique approach to management education, focusing on leadership, innovation, and responsible business practices. The selection process is highly competitive and thorough, ensuring that only the most promising candidates are admitted. By understanding the selection criteria and preparing effectively for the entrance exams, GD, PI, and other components, candidates can maximize their chances of securing admission to this prestigious institute.

SOIL's PGPM program is an excellent choice for individuals who want to make a significant impact in the business world by thinking differently, creatively, and ethically.