SOIL School of Business Design

Introduction and Legacy
SOIL (School of Inspired Leadership), established in 2008 near Gurugram in Manesar, has emerged as one of India’s premier business schools known for pioneering a distinctive approach combining design thinking, leadership development, and entrepreneurial education. Rooted in values-driven leadership, SOIL integrates liberal arts and business management to nurture managers and leaders capable of solving complex social and business challenges innovatively and sustainably.

The institute was founded by a consortium of visionary business leaders and academicians who envisioned a paradigm shift from traditional MBA education towards purpose-led, design-oriented management programs. From its modest beginning with fewer than 60 students, SOIL now enrolls over 240 students annually in its flagship PGDM programs, with an expansive 25-acre green campus featuring digitally enabled classrooms, innovation labs, and incubation centers.

Vision and Mission
SOIL aims to inspire and develop creative, ethical, and resilient leaders prepared for the evolving global business landscape. Its mission spans transforming individuals academically, personally, and socially by imparting skills in empathy, decision-making, collaboration, and critical thinking.

The School’s holistic framework uses the Five Pillars of Inspired Leadership: Thinker (critical mind), Learner (continuous improvement), Communicator (clear expression), Relater (active collaboration), and Actor (purpose-driven execution).

Academic Distinctiveness and Pedagogy
SOIL’s curriculum is a differentiated blend of management education with design principles, guided by interdisciplinary practice involving business, psychology, arts, and social sciences.

• Emphasis on experiential and project-based learning, including consulting assignments with corporates, industry immersion, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

• Integration of design thinking workshops and agile methodologies to foster innovative problem solving.

• Small class sizes (avg batch of 60) enable personalized mentoring and peer learning.

• Students gain certifications alongside academic credits in Big Data Analytics, Lean Six Sigma, Communication Mastery, and Leadership Labs.

• Partnerships with Stanford’s d.school and Indian Institutes for executive summits enrich academic vibrancy.

• Global immersion programs with universities in Australia, USA, and Europe foster international perspectives.

Research, Incubation, and Industry Impact
SOIL is embedded in multiple research centers dedicated to sustainable business, innovation economics, and social entrepreneurship. The start-up hatchery provides mentorship, venture fund access, and co-working space for entrepreneurs. With alumni founding over 100 startups, SOIL offers unparalleled entrepreneurial ecosystem support.

Faculty Excellence
The faculty base comprises senior academicians and industry leaders with advanced credentials from IIMs, ISB, Harvard, and Oxford. Guest lectures, case method teaching, and active research collaboration create a dynamic, cutting-edge classroom.

Campus and Infrastructure
The eco-friendly, technology-rich campus houses smart classrooms, innovation hubs, a design thinking lab, and modern dormitories with WiFi, catering to diverse student needs. The library supports extensive physical and digital access to management and interdisciplinary journals.

Student Engagement
Students engage actively in professional, cultural, and social clubs catalyzing leadership beyond academics. Signature events include TEDxSOIL, Confluence, Design Leadership Summits, and Social Impact Drives.

SOIL School of Business Design offers a focused selection of Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) courses, emphasizinga fusion of business, design, and liberal arts. The diverse curriculum is designed to developcreative problem solvers and innovative leaders who are prepared for the future of business.

Program Overview

Courses Structure (PGDM Two Year)

First Year: Foundation and Interdisciplinary Core

• Business Foundations: Management Principles, Economics, Financial Accounting

• Liberal Arts: Ethics, Philosophy, Communication, Behavioral Sciences

• Analytical Skills: Quantitative Methods, Data Interpretation, Basic Programming (R & Python)

• Digital Skills: Social Media, SEO, Data Visualization, Design Thinking Introduction

• Leadership Labs: Emotional intelligence, negotiation, agile management framework

Second Year: Specializations and Capstone

• Specializations (Choose any two): Business Design & Innovation, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, HR, Operations, Digital Business

• Electives: Sustainable Business, Blockchain, Fintech, Customer Experience Design

• Capstone Projects: Real-world consulting projects sponsored by industry (Hindustan Unilever, Deloitte, Mahindra)

• Certification: Six Sigma Green Belt, Bloomberg Market Concepts, Google Ads

• Entrepreneurship Module: Ideation workshops, venture planning, pitch sessions

1. Application Submission
   Online application via SOIL’s official admission portal requiring educational credentials, entrance exam scores (CAT, NMAT, XAT, MAT), work experience details, and personal statement.

2. Eligible Entrance Tests
   Valid scores from CAT, NMAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP, GMAT considered. SOIL Aptitude Test (SAT) sometimes conducted for specialized calls.

3. Shortlisting Based on Scores and Profile
   Composite evaluation including academic record, extracurriculars, leadership potential, and entrance exam performance.

4. Design Thinking Workshop
   Unique to SOIL, candidates participate in workshops where they solve real-world business and social problems in teams using design thinking principles; evaluated on problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and communication.

5. Personal Interview (PI)
   Candidates undergo detailed interviews assessing motivation, leadership qualities, problem-solving acumen, ethics, and fit with the SOIL culture.

6. Final Merit List
   Weighted scores combining entrance test (40%), performance in interaction rounds (30%), academic record and profile (20%), and design thinking workshop (10%) determine final admissions offers.

7. Offer Confirmation and Fee Submission
   Candidates receive offer letters with instructions to complete fee payment and document verification.

Flexible installments and financial aid options available.

SOIL School of Business Design’s placement ecosystem highlights the effectiveness of its learner-centric pedagogy combined with real business exposure and deep industry connect.

Placement Highlights – 2024

Sector-wise Placement Distribution

Year-on-Year Placement Summary

Popular Role Profiles Offered