1) Tell me about the Northpoint Centre Of Learning
Northpoint is a training and management development centre. It is built on the philosophy of 'Building Actionable Knowledge'. To make all learning relevant, this unique model works through a close partnership with the industry to deliver customized development of effective talent through sustained engagement.
2) The programme in a nutshell
The Post Graduate Program in Market Research & Data Analytics is offered in association with leading Market Research & Consumer Insights companies such as NielsenIQ, IPSOS, Brandscapes and Hansa Research. It's an 11 month, residential career program. The program has been designed and delivered by senior managers from leading Market Research & Consumer Insights companies and other MNCs.
3) How is this program different ?
The PGPMRDA is the only program in the country that trains you for a career in leading Market Research & Consumer Insights companies such as NielsenIQ, IPSOS, Brandscapes, Hansa Research and others. You will be trained at the hands of at least 80 senior managers from the Program Partners and other MNCs and get an opportunity to intern with Program Partners, on the field and with their clients.
4) What are the pre-requisite skills ?
An eye for detail, passion for numbers, good communication skills and a desire to excel is what we're looking for in potential students.
5) What are the kind of Group Discussion topics that one can expect ?
The intention of the Group Discussion is to gauge the depth of your contribution to the discussion, knowledge of the subject, quality of thinking, communication skills and how good a team player you really are! The topics range from current affairs, to marketing research related, to value-based generic ones.
6) How long has it been since you have offered the program?
Northpoint has succesfully run 13 career programs in Market Research & Data Analytics since 2010.
7) What is the intake of students each year? Or what is the batch size?
Each year, Northpoint selects not more than 25 students to undergo the program.
8) Is a job guaranteed?
Placement assistance with our Program partners at a package of between INR 6.5 - 8 lakhs per annum, subject to successful completion of the course with a minimum of 60% marks in each module, dissertation project and all internships offered during the course; as well as no record of any disciplinary issue during the program.
9) What's the package, on completion of the program?
The Program Partners will offer all students who successfully complete the program, a starting salary of between Rs. 6.5 - 8 lakhs per annum.
10) Is this program affiliated to any University or is it accredited?
The PGPMRDA is a Certificate program. It is a launch pad for careers with leading Market Research & Consumer Insights companies such as NielsenIQ, IPSOS, Brandscapes, Hansa Research and others. There is no affiliation or accreditation for this unique Northpoint training model.
11) Where will the classroom training be held?
The classroom sessions will be held at our Northpoint campus in Khandala. However, a large portion of the program is real-life exposure in the form of internships with our partners who are some of the leading Market Research & Consumer Insights companies as well as on a Rural Internship.
12) Is there a Selection process?
On receiving the application forms, shortlisted candidates will be called for a written examination that will test their language ability, data interpretation, numerical ability, logical reasoning and analytical skills. The candidates shortlisted from the written test will be invited for a Group Discussions and Personal Interview
13) What is the Admission criterion?
Graduates from all streams with a minimum of 50% are eligible to apply. Candidates appearing for the final year degree examinations can also apply. Good scores in competitive examinations like CAT/ CET or equivalent examinations will be an added advantage. Though work experience and CAT/ CET scores are not compulsory, it will be an added advantage.
14) What is the format of the Written Test?
The written test is a 90 minute online test which assesses your aptitude. The paper has three sections comprising of multiple choice type questions i.e. each question has two to five options. The appropriate option against each question in the test sheet would need to be circled.
Section 1 : Mathematical ability
Section 2 : Language ability
Section 3 : Logical Reasoning
15) What questions will be asked at the Personal Interview?
The personal interview is a chance for Northpoint to get to know you on a one-on-one level and the questions are largely based on the information that you fill in, on the application form.
16) Is work experience a requirement for the program?
Work experience is not a pre requisite to apply for the marketing research program. A passion for numbers, eye for detail, good communication skills and a desire to excel are the traits that are essential for every marketing research professional. The fast track career program that we offer is one of its kind giving you the much needed jump to start your career.
17) Will Northpoint allow the students to engage in some sort of part time job during the course?
The program is extremely rigorous, with assignments and projects that will need to be completed even after class hours. Hence, you will not be left with any time to pursue a part time job.
18) What is the career growth path after the student joins the Market Research & Data Analytics company? At what level and designation does the student join at?
On conclusion of the PGPMRDA course, you would join as a Research Executive with a package of 7 lakhs per annum subject to successful completion of the course with a minimum of 60% marks in each module, dissertation project and all internships offered during the course; as well as no record of any disciplinary issue during the program.The career path thereon, depends on the calibre of the individual and the results delivered by him. The available progression ladder varies from company to company. An indicative career progression path is as follows:
Research Executive - Senior Client Servicing Executive - Mananger - Senior Manager - Associate Director - Director - Executive Director - Managing Director - President
19) Who are our Alumni and what are their achievements?
You could connect with some of our alumni on Facebook and learn their career growth path with Nielsen. Darryl Pereira (PGPMR batch of 2010-11) won the Emerging Product Ideas worldwide contest conducted by Nielsen on the Social Media Equity Model: Pioneering Social Media Equity Measurement -in India and beyond.
20) What are the Boarding and Lodging facilities provided to the students?
Breakfast, mid-morning tea, lunch, evening tea and dinner.
The student quarters are equipped with an individual lockable cupboard, bed, pillow, bed-sheets, blankets, soap, towels, hangers and hot water kettle; a common pantry for tea/coffee and ironing facility. You student will need to carry all personal toiletries. A flashlight will also come in handy.
The laundry service is also being made available to you, once a week at Rs. 10/- per piece, the bill for which will need to be settled in cash, unless you wish to do your own laundry.
All expenses of personal nature like phone calls, transportation, etc will be borne by you.
If you would like to use your personal vehicle on campus, a permission slip signed by your parent would need to be submitted. Please note that Northpoint is located on the higher slopes of a mountain and the road leading up to it is typical hill terrain.
You have complete access to the exclusive club house which is equipped with a swimming pool, tennis court, squash court, gymnasium, table tennis and billiards. You will be required to wear appropriate clothes/ footwear for each of these activities.
The library houses books related to the program as well as books in management, self development, leadership, etc. which can be freely availed of.
21) Which are the companies that recruit graduates from this course?
We draw very senior professionals from our partner organisations to train students on MR. Upon successful completion over the course, the students have an opportunity to get assisted with any of our partner companies depending upon their performance and vacancies available with our partner organisations.
22) All your programs seem interesting. How do I gauge which program is more suitable for me?
All Northpoint programs are unique and equally proficient in their own way. It is for you to decide if you are more inclined to a creative stream (any of the communications programs) or an analytical (marketing research) environment. If you enjoy exploring what and why people see and buy, want to learn how best to reach them when and where it matters, if you enjoy reducing tons of numbers to meaningful hypothesis/strategies, then you may enjoy a career in Marketing Research. At Northpoint, no matter what course you chose, we have the best faculty and industry partnerships to set you sailing towards a great career.
23) How do I get to the campus?
The address to the Centre in Khandala is:
Northpoint Centre of Learning,
Rustic Highlands,
Old Khandala Road,
Khandala - 410 401.
Tel: +91 9594992598 / 99
Should you choose to travel by train, the schedule of trains departing from Mumbai to Lonavala, is listed below for your ready reference.
Train No. Train Name Origin Departure Time Destination Arrival Time
11007 + DECCAN EXPRESS MUMBAI CST 05:10 am LONAVALA 07:18 am
12525 + INDRAYANI EXP MUMBAI CST 05:53 am LONAVALA 08:00 am
12127 + INTERCITY EXP MUMBAI CST 06:58 am LONAVALA 08:50 am
Also available from Lonavala station are auto rickshaws going to Northpoint (average fare of Rs 250 per trip). There are also regular buses and trains to Lonavala every half hour from Pune station. For those traveling by road, you can locate us on Google maps.
24) What is the fee structure?
Post Graduate Program - Fee structure (all figures in INR)
(For Market Research only)
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Aplication form Fee
|
2000.00 |
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Fees
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7,00,000.00 |
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This includes GST applicable at current rates.
Any changes in the taxes structure and impacts the fee
shall be born by the student at the new applicable rates.
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Library Deposit (refundable) |
5,000.00 |
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Schedule for payment |
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(in 3 installments, the same will be communicated at the time
of selection to the program)
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25) Are there any scholarships or Loan Facilities available?
An education loan facility can be availed from most renowned banks and is subject to the bank's discretion and approval.
Incidentally, our students have previously availed loans from UCO Bank, Allahabad Bank, Union Bank, Citizencredit Co-op Bank, etc.
No scholarships are available for any of the programs.
26) Are there any additional costs to me during the program?
There are no additional costs during your stay at the campus. However, any personal costs incurred by you during projects/internships will be borne by you.
27) What do I need to equip myself with before joining the program?
You will need to equip yourself with a laptop and data card which are essential requirements of the program.
28) How can I interact with the Alumni of Northpoint?
On Facebook or Twitter! Or call us and we will connect you to our Alumni.
29) How do I apply?
Step 1 - Fill the application form online.
Step 2 - Make the online application fee payment of Rs. 2,000/-
The application fee can be sent through NEFT; the details of sending the same are given below:
Name : Northpoint Training and Research Pvt. Limited
Bank Name : HDFC Bank Limited
Branch Name : Express Towers Branch
Branch : Ground Floor, Express Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021
Account no. : 02912020000324
Account Type : Current account
IFSC for NEFT : HDFC0000291
Step 3 - A link to your completed application form will be sent to your registered email id. Download and Print the application form.
Step 4 - Once the application fee has been sent by NEFT, please share the following details over email to admissions@northpointindia.com :
scanned application form. Before scanning kindly affix your photograph and handwrite the NEFT details on the application form.
scanned copy of the handwritten essay.
A confirmation of the receipt of the application fee will be conveyed, thereafter.
Your application is incomplete until you send us the scanned version of the duly filled in application form along with your scanned handwritten essay and the online application fee of Rs. 2,000/-.
30) Can a candidate who applied previously, reapply?
Yes, Candidates can reapply and will have to go through the entire selection process once again.
