Let’s be honest, figuring out PG admissions can feel like opening 15 mental tabs at once.
One tab says ‘GATE’, another says ‘CAT’, someone mentions SOPs and interviews, and suddenly you’re wondering:
‘Do I even qualify for a master’s programme yet?’
‘Which entrance exam do I have to take?’
‘Is a PG degree still a good investment in 2026?’
If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, then you should know that you are not alone. Every year, there are thousands of students in India who face a similar dilemma when they try to plan for their PG education.
This blog answers all the questions from eligibility and entrance tests to career opportunities so that you can move forward with clear understanding and confidence.
Why Should You Pursue a PG Degree in 2026?
A postgraduate education has stopped being just 'an additional credential.'
In today's highly competitive employment market, undertaking a PG course might allow you to:
- Specialise in a field which is very highly demanded
- Access better job roles and salaries
- Build expertise through research or industry projects
- Get improved career growth over a longer period of time
The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts highly developed skills and specialised knowledge to become the main factors to determine employment in the future. (WEForum)
Checklist for PG Courses in India: 10 Key Steps
Step 1: Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses in India
What is the general eligibility for PG courses?
Generally, most universities require:
- A bachelor's degree from a recognised university
- Minimum percentage (often 50-60%)
- A subject background relevant to the PG programme
- Entrance exam qualification (for many courses)
For example:
- M.Tech usually requires an engineering UG degree
- MBA accepts graduates from any discipline
- An M.Sc. expects a relevant science background
Make sure you check the program and specific requirements at the university level.
PG programmes at Vishwakarma University are thoroughly designed across various disciplines keeping student eligibility and academic support in mind.
Can you pursue a PG degree if your bachelor’s percentage is low?
In many cases, you can still pursue a PG degree if your bachelor’s percentage is low.
Some universities consider:
- Entrance exam performance
- Interviews or portfolio
- Relevant work experience
- SOP strength
To sum it up, even if your UG score isn't perfect,you can still apply if you do it strategically.
Step 2: Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Programs
What are the common entrance exams for pursuing PG courses in India?
Here are some common PG entrance exams at the country level:
|
PG Programme Type |
Common Entrance Exams |
|
M.Tech / ME |
GATE |
|
MBA / PGDM |
CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT |
|
Medical PG |
NEET PG |
|
Research & Teaching |
UGC NET |
|
Law PG (LLM) |
CLAT PG (in some cases) |
Official sources:
How important are entrance exam scores compared to academics?
It depends on the programme:
- M.Tech → Entrance score matters a lot
- MBA → Score + interview + profile
- Research PG → Score + academic background
In short, Academics help build a foundation while entrance exams open doors.
Step 3: PG Admission Process
Here’s a simple breakdown of the PG admission procedure:
✅ Choose your PG programme and specialisation
✅ Check eligibility and entrance requirements
✅ Register for exams (if required)
✅ Prepare application documents
✅ Apply through the university portal
✅ Attend interview/selection rounds
✅ Confirm admission and fee payment
Students at universities like Vishwakarma University, Pune get a lot of help from career counselling, programme clarity, and career-linked learning pathways.
Step 4: Documents Needed for PG Admissions
What are the key documents required?
Most postgraduate admissions require the following documents:
- UG mark sheets and degree certificate
- Entrance exam marksheet
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Updated resume (especially for MBA)
- ID proof and passport-size photos
Tip: Make sure you have both digital and hard copies of all documents ahead of time.
Step 5: How to Study for PG Entrance Exams
A student-friendly preparation guide:
- Start early (6-8 months before exam minimum)
- Solve previous year papers
- Use mock tests regularly
- Focus on basics + revision
- Join course peer groups or mentorship support
An article published by the American Psychological Association (APA) states that planned study sessions can help to reduce stress and lead to better academic performance. (APA)
Step 6: Choosing the Right PG Specialisation
Specialised vs General PG programmes - What’s better?
|
General PG Degree |
Specialised PG Degree |
|
Wider flexibility |
Strong niche advantage |
|
More broad roles |
Higher expertise-based roles |
|
Good for exploration |
Best for targeted careers |
Check in with yourself:
- Do I want research or industry roles?
- Which field has future demand?
- What careers excite me most?
VU programmes generally focus on interdisciplinary and industry-ready learning, helping students achieve their chosen specialisation with good career outcomes.
Step 7: Future Scope and Salary After A Master’s Degree
A PG degree can unlock roles in:
- Advanced engineering
- Data science and AI
- Management and consulting
- Research and academia
- Healthcare and specialised sciences
According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, masters level jobs usually have higher salaries and greater opportunities for career advancement.
Step 8: Funding Options: Scholarships, Loans, & Assistantships
What are the possible avenues a student can explore for funding a PG degree?
Students can consider:
- Merit scholarships
- Education loans
- Government schemes
- University assistantships
- Corporate-sponsored programmes
Always check university financial aid support early during admission planning.
Step 9: Regular PG vs Online/Distance PG: Does It Matter?
Difference between regular PG and online/distance PG programmes
|
Regular PG |
Online/Distance PG |
|
Full campus exposure |
Flexible schedule |
|
Better networking |
Best for working professionals |
|
Strong lab/research access |
Limited hands-on experience |
Both are good, but offline PG programmes sometimes can give you a more profound immersion and placement benefits.
Step 10: University Webinars or PG Counselling Sessions
Attending university webinars, online open days, or PG counselling sessions is one of the smartest (yet most underrated) moves you can make in the PG admissions journey.
It's common for universities to hold such sessions these days to communicate with students and guide them in getting the right information about:
- Programme structure and available specialisations
- Entrance exam requirements or options for direct admission
- Future career pathways
- Placement support, internships, and industry exposure
- Application timelines and required documents
Students at Vishwakarma University, Pune too, often turn to these counselling sessions to understand the industrially aligned postgraduate programmes in greater detail, clear their doubts about the eligibility criteria, and see how their postgraduate education can translate to career outcomes in the real world.
Contact us so we can assist you better.
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Common FAQs: PG Admissions in India (2026)
Q. What are the primary entrance examinations for postgraduate courses in India?
The common PG entrance exams include GATE for M.Tech, CAT for MBA, NEET PG for medical, and UGC NET for research/academics.
Q. Do MBA programmes require prior work experience?
Not necessarily, but it can strengthen your profile and turn out to be a plus point for you during interviews.
Q. Can I get a PG admission without an entrance exam?
There are some universities that offer direct admissions based on the student's UG marks, interviews, or based on their individual institutional criteria.
Q. How can I select the right PG programme?
Focus on your career goals, what jobs are available in the sector, your specialisation interests, and the university's placement system. Also, you can get in touch with your peers or seniors to have a clear understanding of the currently available courses.
Q. How does a Masters degree affect future career prospects and salary?
Graduates with a Master’s Degree often bag higher-paying roles that require specialised knowledge, that translate to faster long-term career advancement in the long run.
