Words of wisdom on the ADPR Entrance Test

Indrani is 7th topper of Ad-PR 2012-2013 and is currently working in HCL as an Account Manager(Client Servicing). She loves music and theatre.

I wish I could tell you to read the following topics and you are through the entrance exam. It does not work that way.  Ad-PR by its very nature is not about mugging up some facts and spewing them out. So my first piece of wise advice would be start thinking creative, start thinking smart. There is no fixed syllabus in the exam but it would probably be a good idea to start reading newspapers, as well as cover the main headlines of the last couple of months.

This is a test not only to check your awareness of public affairs but about the world of brands as well. Start following websites such as afaqs and exchange4media. Read Brand Equity the Wednesday supplement of Economic Times, as well as business magazines. Be aware of what is happening in the ad and brand world. Also the questions asked are not just limited to trending topics. Last year we had to write a paragraph on issues such as malnutrition and globalisation. Seems easy, but it depends on how well you present the answers (if it’s easy for you, it’s easy for everyone else as well). For example, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to write something about your favourite global brand in globalisation (hey! Louis Vuitton is valued as much here in India as elsewhere!).

Digital media is always a hot topic. But the good part is most of us are well versed with that particular medium already as we use it a lot. We understand how it functions, but read on the topic, on innovations within the digital space, on trends on the internet, on advertising in digital spaces etc.
Last year, the mathematics section was a surprise, but it is very basic maths. Maths is not my strong point and even I could do it, so you probably should not be very worried. You could probably practice some basic profit & Loss, mean, median etc.

There will always be a question testing your creative skills. You should just enjoy this question and have fun. Think absurd, think big, think smart.

Honestly it is just about being sharp and quick. After a certain point everyone knows the basics so it is how well you put your thought and apply your understanding of the topic and subject to each question. If your aim is to become one of them, start thinking like them. Also for recreational purposes start watching Mad Men (it is a TV Show). Not only is it fun, but you’ll understand the ad world way better as well.

A word of caution, do try and finish every single question. The paper is only for 2 hours. Divide your time well, and make sure the time you spend on the questions correspond with the marks they carry. I heard people complaining last year about the fact that they did not get time to finish the last question (which carried some 20 marks). Time yourself well.

The written is crucial, as the interview is just 10 or 15 marks, so do well in this exam. All the best, and hope the deserving ones make it through IIMC.