SPJIMR is the only premier b-school, offering admission to at least half of its batch size based on its applicants' profiles. CAT score does play an important role to be eligible for the admission process, but not actually for the profile based shortlist. This is because the profile based shortlist is out days before the CAT results are out. So, it becomes really important to fill 'Application Form A' and showcase your profile in the most effective manner. Application form A consists of many sections, but the most important ones are 'Specialization' and 'Work Experience & Achievements'.
For the
Specialization section, it is extremely important to have proper reasons for selecting a particular specialization. SPJIMR gives the option to select a maximum of two specializations from Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Finance and Information Management. The preference of order matters and the first preference should preferably be aligned with your profile, meaning having graduation in the particular field, relevant work experience or any specialised courses related to it. The second preference, if filled, should also reflect genuine interest with effective reasoning.
As per the batch profiles in recent years, SPJIMR prefers candidates with work experience in Operations & Supply Chain Management and Information Management. For the rest of the two specializations Marketing and Finance, there is a mix of freshers and people with work experience.
For the
Work Experience & Achievements section, presenting qualitative data along with quantitative data reflects a more appealing profile.
For applicants with work experience, there is a mandatory field to be filled "Describe Your Role Briefly". One of the crucial fields in the form. While mentioning your role here, try to mention the impact as well. This impact, if presented in quantitative data, can be fruitful. For example, mentioning the number of clients you worked for, the number of projects you worked in, or even the impact in percentage terms, like profit increase, efficiency increase, etc.
In the same section, after work experience, achievements and versatility are to be filled. This is the heart of the profile based shortlist and differentiates one from the rest.
In
Achievements, a maximum of three academic achievements can be filled. These can include your research papers, research internships, scholarships, merit certificates, academic rankings or percentiles in school, college, olympiad or national level entrance exams. While describing a particular achievement or award, try to mention the number of participating candidates, the lessons from the process, and the idea behind the award. Make sure relevant proofs are available for anything claimed. Trophies without certificates are not considered. Written proof is a must.
In
Versatility, a maximum of five activities can be filled. Although, it is not necessary to fill all five activities. But it is recommended to have at least five including achievements and versatility combined. While filling the activities in the versatility section,
interest and
proficiency need not be
high and
expert respectively in every activity, a fair representation of involvement in the particular activity is a good approach to follow. Also, while describing a particular activity, mention your role, learnings and the impact that activity created on the surrounding, society or the people around you.
In case of any kind of position of responsibility (POR) being held for a particular activity, written proof is required in form of a certificate or a letter from the concerned authority.
One last piece of advice, be true in your application form.
All the very best.