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How to Get Admission In IIM Colleges?
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are one of the best management schools in India and are known to provide world-class education as well as career opportunities for aspiring management professionals. To get into an IIM, you need to take a fully committed and strategic approach, and you must understand the selection criteria. The IIM colleges have various management programs, including Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Executive MBA, Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), and the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) specifically for students after Class 12. The following is a complete guide on getting admission into different IIMs at different reference points, and a full-time program.
How to Get into IIM Colleges After Graduation
Once you have graduated or in the final year of graduation, you can write the CAT and apply for the flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management. Furthermore, many IIMs offer Executive MBA programmes that are designed for working professionals. These programs have different eligibility criteria and also use tests like the GMAT and their own admissions test. Here's how to go about it:
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45 % for SC, ST, PwD).
- Final year candidates can also apply.
- There is no age limit to appear for CAT and pursue MBA from IIM.
Steps to Get into IIM After Graduation
- Register for CAT: Most CAT notifications come out in July/ August.
- Prepare for CAT: Prepare wholeheartedly for CAT. You can use use an online CAT coaching platform like Cracku to prepare in a structured manner.
- Score well in CAT: To get a seat in IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, you will need to be ranked above the top 99th percentile.
- Clear WAT/PI: After being shortlisted, get ready for interviews, written ability tests, etc., conducted by IIMs.
- Get the final call: If you're selected, you will receive an admission offer through email or the IIM portal.
How to Get Admission in IIM Colleges After 12th
IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodh Gaya, and IIM Jammu (the 5 IIMs in India) offer a five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) for students after Class 12 or equivalent. IPM is a unique program that allows students to combine an undergraduate degree and a postgraduate degree in their five-year program, ultimately resulting in an MBA.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed their Class 12 or equivalent degree with a minimum of 60% ( possible relaxation for SC/ST/PwD categories to 55%).
- Age limited to a maximum of 20 years.
IIM Admission Process After 12th
- Apply for the IPMAT - Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test conducted by the IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak.
- Prepare for the IPMAT - Important sections will be Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability. It is also possible for some IIMs to provide a logical reasoning section for the IPMAT.
- Sit for the Aptitude Test - Achieve a solid score to get shortlisted.
- WAT and PI rounds. Candidates who get shortlisted will need to clear WAT and PI to gain admission.
- Final admission will be determined based on the challenger candidates' performance in the IPMAT, WAT, PI, and academic record or profile.
How to Get Into IIM Colleges Without CAT
While CAT is the main MBA entrance exam to the various Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), there are other routes into specific programs. Students after class 12th can't appear for CAT as it is a graduate level exam. Here is a list of other exams that can aid the admission of students to IIMs without CAT.
GMAT for Executive Programs
IIMs have Executive MBA programs (EPGP, PGPEX, etc.) for working professionals. Admissions are based on GMAT, academic performance, work experience, and interviews.
IPM After Class 12
As mentioned before, you can only get in via IPMAT or SAT (some IIMs).
PhD/Fellow Programs
You are required to get in via some Research Aptitude Test (RAT) or GRE/GMAT/GATE/UGC-NET entrance exam; no CAT required in some IIMs.
Direct Admission Through Sponsored Category
Some IIMs have a sponsored category for candidates sponsored by an organization College/school must be recognized by IIM.
International Applicants
Foreign nationals can apply via GMAT, etc., and must have valid passports. Alternative routes usually apply to specialized programs/offerings and typically would not be comparable in experience to flagship PGP.
IIM Admission Process
As the IIMs are the best institutes, they have a specific selection and admission process. With the help of the steps below, we have detailed the IIM Admission Process.
Step 1: Select the program you are applying for: PGP, IPM, Executive MBA, or FPM, and check the eligibility of the program on the IIM official website to avoid any confusion.
Step 2: If you are applying for PGP, then register for CAT (Common Admission Test). If you are applying for IPM, then register for IPMAT or SAT, depending on the IIM. If you are applying for an Executive MBA, then prepare for the GMAT or the IIM-specific entrance test.
Step 3: Take the entrance exam, make sure you have everything you need, and arrive on time for the CAT. Work hard and do your best to get a desirable pass mark and percentile cut-offs.
Step 4: Once the results are out, the IIMs release their merit list for the next round. The IIMs' shortlist is based on the exam marks, academic performance, work experience, and diversity.
Step 5: WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI: After the written exam aspirants should get ready for the interview process.
Step 6: IIMs create a composite score using the varied weightage which are as follows:
- CAT/GMAT/IPMAT Score
- Academic Record - 10th, 12th and graduation
- Performance in WAT and PI
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Gender and Academic Diversity
Step 7: The final merit list is published. The candidates who are selected will receive an admission offer by email and through the IIM portal.
Step 8: Accept the Offer, submit the required documents, and pay the admission Fees.
How To Get Admission In IIM Colleges? Conclusion
While getting into an IIM is undoubtedly a difficult task, it is an achievable goal. Depending whether you are applying after your 12th, after your graduation, or as a working professional, there are different paths to get to an IIM. With planned preparation, an effective profile and the ability to work hard, aspirants can eventually get there. Be sure to prepare early, familiarize yourself with the process, and be consistent in your efforts.
The value of an IIM is not only in the world class education they provide but also in the opportunity that it brings to your career or career advancement in the business and management sector.
