Hey future changemakers! If you’re reading this, you must be preparing for ISDM’s Online Assessment, which is a critical step that helps us assess your readiness for the program in the admissions process for the PGP-DM program. We know the Online Assessment might seem intimidating at first, but fear not – we’ve got your back!
Before you start prepping, let’s make sure you’re aware of the basics. The Assessment has two main components — an Analytical Test and an English Test. Simple enough, right? If you’re wondering how long the Assessment will be, 40 minutes is all it takes.
Now, you have the option to take the Assessment on your preferred device — desktop, laptop, tab, or even your trusty smartphone. We’re flexible like that, although a desktop or laptop might offer a smoother experience. However, if you wish to use an Android or iOS device, please make sure to download the Mobile App first, using the link provided in the Instruction Manual on the Student Dashboard.
Oh, let’s not forget — the Assessment is proctored, so you would need to have your camera and microphone connected and enabled, with a stable internet connection, in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
But hey, we won’t bore you with all the technical requirements here. You can easily find those in the Instruction Manual on your Student Dashboard. We’ve also curated Preparatory Material, which gives you a sneak peek into the questions that might pop up during the assessment, and added that on the Student Dashboard as well. All clear? Awesome!
With the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into what you’re here for — preparing for the Assessment!
Preparing for the Analytical Test
Let’s look at the Analytical Test first, which evaluates your numerical abilities, attention to detail, data-interpretation skills, logical reasoning and spatial reasoning proficiency.
- Are you worried because you haven’t taken a Math test in years? Just brush up on your 10th grade Math — percentages, ratios, mensuration, basic geometry and statistics. And you’re all set!
- Love playing games? Turn your prep into fun, with games and visual puzzles focussed on spatial reasoning, pattern-recognition, info-logical reasoning, sequencing, Sudoku, and so on.
- If you’re someone who can analyse graphs and datasets, and recognise patterns and identify anomalies, the Analytical component should be a breeze for you!
- If you’re more inclined towards solving questions the traditional way, you could practise with question banks targeting numerical and analytical aptitude — there are plenty available online.
And that’s all! Do these and you’re all set for the Analytical Test!
Preparing for the English Test
Now that we’ve conquered the intricate tapestry of numerical intricacies and patterns, let us embark on an exploration of the labyrinth of linguistic complexities that underpin the art of communication.
Ahem… sorry we got a little carried away.
Don’t worry, this won’t be a plunge into Shakespearean sonnets or arcane literary complexities for eloquent wordsmiths. Our English Test offers a refreshing departure from traditional written assessments, and allows you to showcase your active listening and spoken English prowess in simulated conversations. It is a dynamic assessment that values practical communication skills, making it relevant and entirely manageable. This means that prepping for it is equally easy and intuitive.
- If you enjoy listening to podcasts, audiobooks or TED Talks with a variety of English accents, you’re in luck! The English Test is a breeze for a good listener who is comfortable with accents.
- Love watching English movies, with or without subtitles? Your movie marathons are about to pay off in this test!
- If you want to be better prepared for the Vocab and Grammar sections, you could brush up on English grammar guides and solve practice questions.
In addition to these, you can also look up practice questions for Basic Analytical and English tests online. Just make sure they’re aligned with the sample questions we’ve provided in the Preparatory Material.
Time Management is Key
Alright, seems like we’ve covered most of the things here, but we hope you remember that our Online Assessment is timed and of 40 minutes only. As you may be aware from your past experience of taking tests of any kind, when time is limited it is important to manage it effectively, so that you can attempt the Assessment in its entirety. This also makes it important to go through sample questions provided by us, especially for the Analytical component, and understand the time you would need to allocate for various question-types. Consider timing yourself when you take practice tests, so that you can find your pace for the actual Assessment.
If you follow these suggestions and utilise the Preparatory Material, you should be sufficiently prepared to ace the test. Did we tell you that unlike many other standardised tests, ISDM’s Online Assessment has no negative marking? Consider that as another concern taken off your shoulders!
Feeling confident yet? All the best with your preparation, and the eventual Online Assessment! We’re rooting for you, and can’t wait to welcome you to the ISDM community!
