India’s higher education system is expanding rapidly. According to the British Council, student enrollment reached 43.3 million in 2024—an increase of nearly two million in just one year. With this growth, competition for admission to leading institutions such as Ashoka University, OP Jindal Global University, and FLAME University is intensifying. These universities have moved beyond traditional academic performance and test scores to identify the best applicants, adopting a more holistic admissions approach. A key component of this process is the personal statement or essay—a crucial tool that allows students to showcase their unique stories, aspirations, and perspectives. However, unlike the US, where many universities accept the Common Application essay, or the UK, which uses a single UCAS personal statement, India’s emerging universities typically have distinct essay requirements. This blog explores the essay prompts of some of India’s leading universities, helping you understand their expectations and craft compelling responses.
Ashoka University
Ashoka University aims to admit well-rounded students through a holistic admissions process. It emphasises intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, academic rigour, and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. The online application form has two mandatory essays. Each essay is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective, experiences, and aspirations. These essays also allow admissions officers to know you beyond the scope of your academic performance. Let’s explore these essay prompts and understand how to approach them effectively.
Prompt 1:
We want to understand how you think, reflect, and engage with yourself and the world around you. Choose one of the following two options for your first essay that you wish to write about and provide a well-researched response. (400 words)*
In the course of an Ashoka education, you will learn to unlearn and question opinions and beliefs that are important to your community and/or to you. Reflect on an important belief or opinion that you previously held, which you questioned and examined. What initiated your thinking? What different points of view did your research reveal? What was the final result?
OR
Describe a Scientific, Technological or Mathematical concept that has influenced you or is an important part of your daily decision-making process. What different points of view has your research on this concept revealed? How do you think this concept will impact the larger global community?
Approaching the prompt:
- Use anecdotes: Rather than just stating your belief change or interest in a concept, illustrate your journey through a compelling anecdote. Discuss when you started questioning an idea or how a concept shaped your daily life to bring your story to life with specific details.
Example: If you once believed that all history textbooks told the complete truth but later realised that different sources present different perspectives, describe a moment—maybe a class discussion or a documentary—that made you question and dig deeper into historical events.
- Engage with multiple perspectives: A strong response showcases your viewpoint while acknowledging and analysing different angles. If you’re writing about a belief you questioned, discuss what other people around you thought. How did your initial perspective compare to alternative viewpoints? Discuss differing viewpoints on the topic if you’re talking about a scientific or mathematical concept.
Example: If you are writing about the concept of climate change and initially believed it was a straightforward issue but later realised the complexity of economic and political factors, discuss the different perspectives. Maybe a conversation with a family member who was sceptical or a documentary that highlighted conflicting viewpoints made you reconsider your initial understanding. Explain how engaging with multiple sources—scientific studies, policy debates, or expert opinions—helped you see the issue from different angles.
- Showcase research to strengthen your essay: Admissions officers want to see intellectual curiosity in action. Reference books, articles, academic journals, podcasts, or even conversations that influenced your thinking. Go beyond surface-level research—choose sources such as newspaper articles, academic journals, books, and podcasts that add depth to your essay. If possible, tie in real-world applications or historical context.
Example: If you are writing about the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity, don’t just state your opinion—support it with research. Perhaps you initially believed AI could never produce truly creative work, but your perspective evolved after reading studies on AI-generated art or listening to experts debate the topic. You might reference research on machine learning, interviews with digital artists, or case studies on AI-created music and literature to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
- Consider broader global implications: Whether it’s a shift in your belief system or a scientific concept that influences you, connect your response to a larger context. How has a specific realisation shaped your future goals, interactions with others, or understanding of the world? For the science/math/technology prompt, explore its societal, ethical, or global impact.
Example: If you are writing about the ethical implications of gene editing, don’t just focus on your stance—consider its broader consequences. Perhaps you initially saw CRISPR technology as purely beneficial for eliminating genetic diseases, but your perspective broadened after researching debates on designer babies and unintended consequences. You might explore how different countries regulate genetic modification, ethical concerns raised by scientists and policymakers, and its potential long-term impact on global healthcare and inequality.
Prompt 2:
Share with us an important experience or moment in your life, which has significantly shaped you as a person or offered you a new perspective. Provide relevant details to help us understand you better. (150 Words)*
Approaching the prompt:
- Brainstorm the experience or moment: Since this essay is only 150 words, choosing a precise moment is crucial. Instead of broad topics like “moving to a new city” or “winning a competition,” brainstorm a specific event within that experience that led to self-discovery or change. The best essays often highlight subtle but impactful moments that reveal personal growth rather than just listing achievements.
Example: Instead of writing about how participating in a debate competition made you more confident, focus on when you discovered the power of listening. Maybe during the rebuttal round, you paused, truly heard your opponent’s argument, and restructured your response—not to “win” but to engage in a more meaningful discussion. That shift in mindset, from competition to understanding, might have shaped how you approach conversations today.
- Reflect on personal impact: Ashoka values introspection and self-awareness. The focus should not just be on what happened but on why it mattered and how it changed you. Ask yourself: Did this moment challenge a long-held belief? Did it push you out of your comfort zone? Did it shift your priorities or help you understand yourself better? Avoid simply narrating an event—show how your thoughts, emotions, or behaviour evolved directly from the experience. Even small moments can lead to profound realisations.
Example: You always believed that success was about standing out, but one moment made you rethink that idea. Maybe in a school project, you initially wanted to take charge, but when an unexpected challenge arose—like a technical failure—you saw how a quiet teammate’s problem-solving skills saved the day. That moment taught you the value of collaboration over individual recognition, changing how you approach teamwork.
- Offer a new perspective and demonstrate growth: The key to a strong response is the depth of insight rather than the scale of the experience. A small moment can have a lasting impact if you clearly express how it shaped your thinking and continues to guide you. Admissions officers seek maturity, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from experiences. So, instead of just stating the lesson learned, show the process that led to your understanding. What internal conflict did you face? Did it challenge a belief you once held? How did your behaviour or decision-making evolve as a result?
Example: You always believed stepping out of your comfort zone required a grand leap, but one moment changed your perspective. Hesitant to share your thoughts in class, you finally spoke up, only to find your insight resonated with a classmate. That experience redefined confidence for you—not as innate but as something built through small steps, encouraging you to contribute more openly.
FLAME University
FLAME University seeks academically proficient undergraduate students passionate about liberal education, interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. You must submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) comprising three questions as part of the application process. Remember the answer to each of these questions shouldn’t exceed 250 words. Let’s dive into the questions of this SOP and explore ways to tackle them.
Question 1:
Why do you wish to join FLAME University?
Approaching the question:
- Understand the prompt: This is the classic “Why College/Why Major” question or prompt, which gauges your understanding of the institution beyond its reputation. It aims to determine if your academic and personal interests align with the university’s offerings and culture.
- Conduct research: To avoid generic responses and a puff piece, explore courses, faculty, and resources, and visit the campus for firsthand insights. Connect with students, read testimonials, and ask meaningful questions to the admissions office.
- Identify your interests and align them with university offerings: Start by reflecting on your academic and personal interests—what excites you, what skills you want to develop, and what career path you envision. Then, explore how the university’s offerings complement these interests. Demonstrating this connection in your application shows authenticity and a well-thought-out reason for choosing the institution, making your essay more compelling and personal.
Example: You can discuss how your fascination with psychology and communication drew you to FLAME’s interdisciplinary approach. Perhaps a faculty webinar on behavioural economics showed you how cognitive biases shape decision-making—precisely the kind of cross-disciplinary learning you seek.
Question 2
Please describe your academic and non-academic accomplishments and career goals for the next five years. Describe a challenging experience or project you have undertaken and how it has shaped your personal and academic growth.
Approaching the question:
- Understand the question: This question has two parts. First, describe your academic and non-academic accomplishments and outline your career goals for the next five years. Second, reflect on a challenging experience or project you’ve undertaken, focusing on how it shaped your personal and academic growth. A strong response will link your past experiences to your future goals, showing both direction and self-awareness.
- Mention academic and non-academic achievements you aim for in the next five years: Demonstrate how you will pave the way to your five-year plan through academic and non-academic achievements. Discuss whether you want to participate in research projects or develop subject expertise. Outside academics highlight personal or professional achievements. This could include community work, creative projects, entrepreneurship, or sports.
Example: If you want to become a financial analyst specialising in sustainable investing, start by discussing an internship at a firm focused on ESG investing to gain hands-on experience in data analysis and market research. Talk about strengthening your expertise with courses in financial modelling, investment strategies, and sustainability while engaging in research projects and finance clubs.
- Connect your goals with the education at FLAME University: Explain how FLAME University’s curriculum, interdisciplinary approach, experiential learning, or faculty mentorship will help you achieve your goals. Mention specific courses, research opportunities, student organisations, or campus resources that will support your aspirations. Demonstrating a clear connection between your goals and what FLAME offers will strengthen your response.
Example: If you want to become a media strategist or digital marketing person after five years, discuss how FLAME University’s Media Strategy and Digital Marketing programmes provide the perfect foundation to achieve these goals. Discuss how the curriculum blends media planning, consumer insights, and digital advertising with practical case studies and industry-driven projects.
- Reflect on a challenge or significant project: Choose an experience that genuinely tested you. Describe the situation clearly—what made it challenging, the stakes, and how you overcame the obstacle. Doing so will demonstrate resilience, determination and strength of character.
Example: Take an experience in school that challenged you, like organising your school fair. Describe the challenge of being the liaison between outside partners and the school. Highlight skills such as effective communication and teamwork that you developed during your experience and demonstrate how this challenge helped you as a student and personally.
Question 3
Creativity, Innovation and effective communication are the driving factors of a student’s success. Agree or Disagree? Give your reasons.
Approaching the question:
- State your position clearly: Begin by stating whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Since FLAME University emphasises a multidisciplinary approach, agreeing with this perspective aligns with its values. Explain why creativity, innovation, and effective communication are essential for student success.
Example: If you agree that creativity, innovation, and effective communication are vital for student success, demonstrate why through authentic experiences. You may have once thought that academic achievement depended solely on strong grades, only to realise that problem-solving and originality were key to excelling in a research project or competition. However, working in a team challenges you to articulate your ideas clearly, leading to a breakthrough solution. You might reflect on how exploring new approaches in your studies or extracurricular activities enabled you to adapt and grow. By illustrating these moments, you can highlight how these skills have shaped your educational journey.
- Connect these qualities to your experience: Reflect on how these values have shaped your academic journey. Have you used creativity to solve problems, innovation to develop new ideas, or communication skills to collaborate effectively? Highlight moments where these qualities helped you excel in academics, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles.
Example: Consider how creativity, innovation, and communication have influenced your academic journey. Let’s assume you tackled a challenging assignment by approaching it from a unique angle, making your work stand out. You could introduce a fresh perspective in a group project, leading to a more efficient or impactful outcome. Strong communication skills might have helped you convey ideas clearly in presentations, lead a team effectively, or navigate disagreements in collaborative work. By reflecting on these experiences, you can show how these skills have shaped your growth and prepared you for future opportunities.
- Provide specific examples: Use specific examples to support your response. Did you approach a challenging project with creativity or develop an innovative solution to an academic or personal problem? Have you used communication skills to lead a team or effectively present your ideas? Well-chosen examples will make your response more engaging and persuasive.
Example: Reflect on moments where creativity, innovation, or communication played a key role in your success. You may have reworked a complex project by presenting information visually engagingly, making it more impactful. You could have developed an original solution to an academic problem, applying an unconventional approach that led to better results. Strong communication skills might have helped you lead a team through a debate, deliver a compelling presentation, or mediate differing viewpoints in a group task. By providing straightforward examples, you can demonstrate how these skills have contributed to your growth and prepared you for future academic and professional challenges.
Plaksha University
Plaksha University is a forward-thinking institution that values academic rigour, curiosity, and the drive to innovate. As outlined in its latest admissions policy, the university seeks students with strong academic records and entrance exam scores, a clear potential for innovation, and a track record of excellence beyond the classroom. Its undergraduate application process requires you to write two essays assessing your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the university’s values.
Prompt 1:
What excites you about a career in engineering/technology? Why do you think your abilities and skills are a good fit for Plaksha’s B.Tech program? (500 words)
Approaching the prompt:
- Discuss your interest in technology: Begin by sharing what sparked your interest in engineering or technology. This could be a specific moment, project, or subject that caught your attention. Focus on what excites you and motivates you to pursue this field.
Example: You might begin when your school switched to online learning. While others focused on navigating video calls, you became curious about the platform. Maybe you spent hours exploring how virtual classrooms were built or tried recreating a basic interface using free coding tools. That initial curiosity—sparked not in a textbook but during a moment of disruption—may have been when you realised your interest wasn’t just in using technology but in understanding and building it.
- Discuss the impact of engineering and technology on solving real-world problems: Explain how technology plays a role in addressing real-world challenges, such as climate change, health care, or accessibility. Reflect on why this matters to you and how it influences your desire to become an engineer or technologist.
Example: Let’s assume you always thought innovation came from big tech companies until a classmate used an old smartphone, a temperature sensor, and a simple app to help a local fruit vendor reduce spoilage. Watching that low-cost solution in action changed your view. You began seeing how accessible tech, when used thoughtfully, could solve everyday challenges. That realisation pushed you to think about engineering as a career path and a tool for social impact.
- Discuss the future of technology and how you see yourself contributing to this field:
Share your thoughts on where technology is headed and the role you hope to play in shaping that future. Whether through innovation, leadership, or research, show that you’re thinking ahead and see yourself as part of the solution.
Example: You used to imagine the future of technology as a world filled with flying cars and robots until you attended a webinar on ethical AI. What struck you wasn’t just what technology could do—but what it should do. That conversation shifted your focus. You started reading about algorithmic bias and even ran a small experiment testing how recommendation systems work on social media platforms. Now, you’re not just interested in building tech—you want to help shape its values and direction.
- Mention specific programmes and professors at Plaksha that excite you: Refer to particular elements of Plaksha that resonate with you—such as the curriculum, labs, student-led initiatives, or faculty members. This shows you’ve researched the university and understand how its offerings align with your interests.
Example: If you first came across Plaksha while attending a virtual session. Don’t just mention the topic. Discuss how the session unfolded and how it sparked your interest in cybersecurity. Talk about how you liked Plaksha’s approach, which blends technical depth with interdisciplinary learning and how it will help you grow.
- Highlight your relevant skills and explain how they make you a strong candidate: Talk about the abilities you’ve developed—such as programming, problem-solving, or teamwork—and how these have prepared you for Plaksha’s rigorous and collaborative learning environment. Use examples to support your points.
Example: You always enjoyed solving puzzles, but it wasn’t until you built a budget tracker for your family using Google Sheets and simple scripts that you realised how much you loved making practical tools with technology. To make it user-friendly, you had to think beyond code—design, test, and explain it clearly to others. That small project combined your programming ability, attention to detail, and communication skills. It made you confident in writing and using code to solve everyday problems—skills you’re eager to sharpen in a more collaborative, project-based environment.
Prompt 2:
Share a time when you contributed to a project or activity that positively affected your school or community. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn about leadership and perseverance? (500 words)
Approaching the prompt:
- Introduce the initiative and its impact: Begin by setting the context. What was the project or activity, and what need did it address? Focus on why it mattered and how your school or community benefitted. This creates a strong foundation for your story.
Example: When your school faced a water shortage, you initiated a campaign to install low-flow taps and raise awareness about conservation. Water usage dropped noticeably within a month, and the school permanently adopted some of your suggestions. It showed you how small, practical changes could create lasting impact.
- Describe your role and responsibilities: Clarify your involvement. Were you leading the initiative, part of a team, or stepping into a role unexpectedly? Talk about your responsibilities—planning, organising, problem-solving—and what that looked like in action.
Example: You were initially just a volunteer at your school’s Model UN, but you took charge overnight when the lead organiser fell ill. From rescheduling speakers to coordinating logistics, you ensured the event ran smoothly. It taught you that leadership sometimes begins in moments of chaos.
- Explore the challenges, how you overcame them and their impact: No meaningful project is without obstacles. Reflect on what made the experience difficult—was it limited resources, resistance from others, or managing time and expectations? Describe the moments that tested you. Talk about addressing the challenge and quantify the final impact.
Example: While leading a donation drive, some classmates said it felt more like a show than help. Their feedback made you rethink your approach—so you consulted with the recipient community and adapted the campaign to focus on actual needs. The experience taught you that good intentions need thoughtful execution. You responded by asking the recipients what they required, removed items that weren’t useful, and restructured the campaign to be more straightforward and more practical, focusing on quiet action rather than visibility. As a result, 198 students participated, and the drive collected items that were fully used and appreciated by the community.
Prompt 3 (Optional):
Is there anything else you would like to share with us to understand you better? (150 words)
Approaching the prompt:
- Don’t repeat points mentioned in other sections of your application: This open-ended question is your chance to share something meaningful that hasn’t been covered elsewhere in your application. Avoid being repetitive. Choose a moment, activity, or challenge that offers new insight into your identity, especially something that reveals character, motivation, or a unique perspective. If your application covers everything and you have nothing new to say, skip this prompt.
Example: You are applying for mechanical engineering but have been an avid member of your community theatre. If this has not been discussed anywhere else in your application, use this prompt to offer holistic insight into who you are as a student and a person. Discuss what you did, what skills you learnt and why it is so meaningful to you.
- Discuss an academic challenge you overcame: You can also reflect on an academic struggle that shaped your growth. This shows resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to learning—qualities Plaksha values.
Example: In Year 9, you struggled with physics, especially when applying theory to problem-solving. Determined to improve, you started creating diagrams and using household objects to test fundamental principles like force and motion. Over time, this method helped you move from barely passing to consistently scoring above average—and taught you how to break complex ideas into simpler, workable steps.
Symbiosis School For Liberal Arts
Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA) seeks students with academic proficiency, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to interdisciplinary learning. As part of the application process, SSLA requires students to submit a statement of purpose highlighting their interests, motivations, and alignment with a liberal arts education. I hope to grow at SSLA.
Prompt:
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (This should include why you want to apply to SSLA; what interests you at SSLA; your interests, career goals, and future plans; and how you will contribute to SSLA)*(under 500 words)
Approaching the prompt:
- Clarify your interests and goals: Begin by outlining your academic and personal interests, what motivates you, and what you hope to pursue as a career. Be specific—avoid general statements and focus on what excites you about your future path.
Example: You’ve always been drawn to storytelling, whether through essays, theatre, or photography. Over time, this interest evolved into a desire to study media and communication, with the long-term goal of working in digital journalism. What excites you most is shaping narratives, influencing public opinion and giving voice to underrepresented stories.
- Express your interest in multidisciplinary education: Reflect on why the liberal arts model appeals to you. Maybe it’s the flexibility to explore diverse subjects, the emphasis on critical thinking, or the opportunity to combine disciplines in a way that traditional programmes don’t allow.
Example: You used to think you had to choose between your love for psychology and your growing interest in economics—until you learned about liberal arts education. The flexibility to study both and see how human behaviour links to financial decision-making felt like the ideal learning environment. You value the opportunity to explore diverse disciplines before committing to a narrow path.
- Explain why you want to join SSLA: Mention specific aspects of SSLA’s curriculum, values, faculty, or learning environment that align with your ambitions. Show that your decision is thoughtful and well-informed.
Example: What drew you to SSLA was a webinar you attended on its interdisciplinary approach to public policy. The idea that you could study philosophy, political science, and data analysis in one cohesive programme aligned perfectly with your interest in civic leadership. You were also struck by the openness of the faculty and the emphasis on discussion-based learning.
- Connect academics and extracurriculars: Include subjects you’re passionate about and any extracurricular activities that reinforce your interests. Whether it’s writing, debating, theatre, or volunteering, show how these experiences reflect your curiosity and drive.
Example: Your interest in sociology began after you led a survey project on gender roles in your neighbourhood. You followed that up by volunteering for an NGO that works on women’s health, where you helped design workshops for adolescent girls. These experiences deepened your academic curiosity and shaped your interest in gender studies.
- Highlight your unique contributions: Close by sharing qualities, perspectives, or experiences you’ll bring to the SSLA community. Whether it’s collaborative spirit, leadership, creativity, or cross-cultural experiences, explain how you hope to contribute meaningfully to campus life.
Example: Growing up in a bilingual household gave you a strong appreciation for language and culture. You often helped classmates understand cultural nuances during group projects and led a school event celebrating regional literature. At SSLA, you can contribute this cross-cultural awareness to classroom discussions and student-led initiatives.
Krea University
Krea University looks for students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and personal qualities that align with its mission. Krea looks for students committed to lifelong learning and willing to engage in diverse academic and extracurricular activities. One unique attribute of the university’s application process is the ‘Personal Story’, where you are encouraged to submit your narrative through any medium—writing or videos. Let’s explore ways to understand and approach the prompt.
Prompt:
What is your personal story, and how would studying at Krea help you become the person you want to be?
Approaching the prompt:
- Understand the prompt: The university wants to learn about your life’s journey. This could include significant experiences, choices, successes, and what you may have learnt from your setbacks. It assesses who you are through your beliefs, motivations and aspirations, and what you want to become.
- Identify the experiences that define you: Begin by reflecting on meaningful moments that have shaped your journey—these could be challenges, achievements, or turning points. Choose experiences that reveal something essential about your values, growth, or perspective.
Example: In Year 11, you created a short documentary on informal waste workers in your city after noticing how little recognition they received. Interviewing them and documenting their stories made you realise how deeply social systems are layered—and how much everyday life depends on people who go unseen.
- Explain why these moments matter: Don’t just narrate what happened—go deeper. What did these experiences teach you about yourself, your environment, or the people around you? Focus on insights, not just outcomes.
Example: Elaborating on the previous example, talk about how one conversation changed everything. A waste collector described how he ate lunch behind a dumpster, not because he had to—but because people avoided sitting near him in public spaces. That moment made you realise the film wasn’t just about showing a problem—it was about giving dignity to stories often ignored.
- Show the qualities you’ve developed: Think about the traits these experiences helped you build—resilience, leadership, empathy, curiosity. Weave them into your story to give the reader a sense of who you are beyond your achievements.
Example: Coordinating the documentary with waste workers taught you how to handle real-world complexity—scheduling interviews, earning people’s trust, navigating language barriers, and editing hours of footage into an honest story. You also learned resilience, active listening, and how to stay accountable to the people you represent.
- Connect your story to Krea’s mission: Krea values interwoven learning, ethical leadership, and social impact. Demonstrate how your journey aligns with this ethos and how you see yourself thriving in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
Example: You don’t want to study sociology or film in isolation—you want to explore how storytelling, policy, and community action connect, and Krea’s focus on interwoven learning mirrors your thinking.
- Illustrate how Krea will shape your next chapter: Conclude by showing how Krea can help you grow. Mention specific elements of the university—courses, faculty, learning culture—that resonate with your goals and the person you want to become.
Example: You’re especially drawn to Krea’s immersive field experiences and the chance to co-design your academic path. You can see yourself blending digital media with ethics and development studies courses to build more inclusive communication tools. At Krea, you won’t choose between creativity and impact—you can work on both.
Watch this video for guidance on writing your personal story for Krea University.
O.P. Jindal Global University
OP Jindal University seeks students who are academically proficient, motivated, and committed to learning. These students focus on achieving success in their chosen fields. The number of application essays and prompts at O.P. Jindal are course-specific. Below, we will discuss the prompts for its BBA programme.
Prompt 1:
Describe your specific career aspirations. How do you believe the BBA (H) program at Jindal Global Business School will help you achieve these aspirations? (150 words)
Approaching the prompt:
- State your specific career aspirations: Identify the career path you wish to pursue—such as marketing, finance, or human resources—and explain what draws you to that field.
Example: You’ve always been fascinated by how brands influence people’s thoughts and feelings. While leading your school’s social media campaign, you experimented with tone, colour, and content—and saw engagement double within weeks. That experience showed you how creative strategy could drive real-world results, and it sparked your interest in pursuing a career in marketing, especially in digital branding and consumer engagement.
- Outline your short- and long-term goals: Mention what you hope to achieve immediately after graduation and where you see yourself in the long run. Show a sense of direction and ambition.
Example: After graduation, you aim to work with a leading marketing agency to understand industry trends and client management. In the future, you can build your consultancy that helps homegrown brands scale using digital platforms.
- Refer to specific features of the BBA (H) programme: Highlight elements of the programme that excite you—such as specific courses, professors, exchange programmes, or internship opportunities—and explain how they support your goals.
Example: You’re particularly interested in Jindal’s BBA (H) programme because of its specialised courses like Digital & Social Media Marketing and Strategic Brand Management, which align closely with your interest in consumer behaviour. Additionally, the mandatory corporate internship ensures early industry exposure—something you value as essential to your career development.
- Identify the skills and knowledge you want to develop: Discuss what you hope to gain from the academic and practical aspects of the programme, such as analytical thinking, leadership, or industry exposure.
Example: Discuss strengthening your understanding of consumer psychology and improving your ability to analyse data for business decisions. You also hope to gain real-world exposure through live projects and case-based learning.
- Connect the programme to your future goals: Explain how the education at Jindal Global Business School will help you grow professionally and achieve your long-term aspirations.
Example: You discuss building a career in digital brand strategy, where you can combine creativity with data to shape how brands connect with consumers. You need a strong understanding of consumer psychology, marketing analytics, and real-world brand-building to do this. O.P. Jindal’s courses support these goals by offering both theoretical grounding and applied learning.
Prompt 2:
Imagine you are leading a group project in school where your team has to organize a charity fundraising event. However, there are different opinions among team members on how to conduct the event, leading to a lack of progress. How would you approach resolving the differences in opinions among your team members to ensure the event is organized successfully and on time? Reflect on what leadership qualities you think would be important to exhibit in this scenario.
Approaching the prompt:
- Reflect on managing team conflicts: Begin by acknowledging that differing opinions are natural in group work. The focus should be on how you approach disagreements constructively and guide the team towards a shared solution.
Example: You’ve been part of school projects where strong opinions stalled progress. In one instance, disagreements over the format created tension while planning a debate competition. You realised that resolving the conflict meant addressing the team dynamic, not just the task.
- Explain your conflict-resolution strategy: Describe how you would handle the situation, such as through active listening, encouraging open dialogue, or finding common ground. Emphasise collaboration, adaptability, and keeping the team focused on the larger goal.
Example: You called for a quick team huddle and asked each person to share their viewpoint without interruption. Then, you summarised everyone’s ideas and proposed a blended approach that combined key suggestions. You restored momentum and trust by focusing on shared goals and respecting every voice.
- Demonstrate leadership in action: Use this hypothetical scenario to show how you would lead by example—whether that means facilitating communication, delegating tasks effectively, or motivating others to stay on track and meet deadlines.
Example: Once the plan was agreed upon, you divided tasks based on each member’s strengths and set clear deadlines. When one person fell behind, you checked in privately, offered support, and adjusted timelines slightly. That helped the team stay on track without creating friction.
- Summarise your leadership qualities and connect them to Jindal’s values: Conclude by reflecting on the qualities you believe are most important—such as empathy, decisiveness, or accountability—and show how these align with O.P. Jindal’s emphasis on responsible leadership and teamwork.
Example: The experience taught you that good leadership isn’t about control but clarity, empathy, and staying solution-focused under pressure. You admire these values in Jindal’s vision of collaborative, ethical leadership and those you hope to keep developing through the BBA programme.
So, now that you have a more comprehensive idea of what undergraduate application essays are required by leading new-age institutions in India, you may begin with The Red Pen INK (Interactive Narrative Kit), India’s first ethical AI tool to help kickstart your essays. But if you need the tailored guidance of our essay specialists, please get in touch. Meanwhile, read our blogs: The Revival of Liberal Arts Education in India and Beyond Borders: Indian Liberal Arts Colleges Offer Study Abroad Programmes.
