The paper presents the finite element analysis of a consolidating unit cell model, comprising a soft soil with a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) under a prescribed surcharge load. In this regard, the response of a soft soil column containing a PVD is assessed during its consolidation phase. In the current study, the PVD has been modeled considering the drainage line element available in PLAXIS 2D and soft soil material model is used for defining the cohesive soil. An axisymmetric 2D analysis of the unit cell containing the soft soil with a PVD has been carried out considering a uniform surcharge load until 90% consolidation is achieved. Further, an assessment of the same considering an equivalent plane strain condition is also undertaken. Hird’s permeability compatibility approach has been employed to comprehend the consolidation characteristics of the PVD improved soft soil with geometric configuration and soft soil properties. The material properties of the soft clay in the current study is considered from soft soil site of ultra-mega power project at Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India (KUMPP). Comparatives from the outcomes between axisymmetric and plane strain condition was scrutinized to illustrate the differences and agreements between the two approaches and ascertain the predominant influence of horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the consolidation of soft soil. It is observed that the consolidation rate in 2D axisymmetric condition is rapid upto degree of consolidation of 15% as compared to that noted for the plane strain condition. Beyond 15% of degree of consolidation, the consolidation rate for the axisymmetric condition is found to be slower than the equivalent plane strain condition.