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I have mediocre academics is it realistic to crack IIM Ahmedabad based on CAT score and interviews alone?
The emphasis at IIM Ahmedabad is on strong all-round performers (not just academically) and a little bit on diversity. People with mediocre academic records are admitted to IIMA. The caveat here is that your lack of academic performance must be compensated for by excellence in another field.
If you have mediocre academics, it will be difficult to gain admission to IIM Ahmedabad solely on the basis of your CAT score and interviews.
How can I get admission in IIM Ahmedabad if my score in the 10th class is 59 and in the 12th class is 40 and 80 in the BBA final 80?
With a graduation score of more than 50%, you are eligible to take the CAT and gain admission to IIM Ahmedabad. With your academic background, admission to IIM Ahmedabad is extremely difficult. With the addition of 5 points for work experience, your chances of getting may improve if you have more than 36 months of experience.
In the academic rating, you will receive the following scores:
10th grade = 2/10
12th grade=1/10.
Graduation=8/10.
To be considered for an interview with IIMA, you must have a composite score of 0.642 out of 1. You will need 0.512 out of 0.7 in CAT score with a 13/30 academic rating, which is 0.512/0.7*300=219.42 marks in CAT. If you live in Delhi and are studying for the CAT, you can be mentored by IIMA alumni.
How is it like being at FMS Delhi? Would you trade your life with someone studying in top IIMs A B or C?
In comparison to the IIMs, FMS retains the advantages of small batch size and a fee structure that is relatively low. The small batch size simplifies placements significantly. With the exception of a few foreign consultancies, most of the top companies that visit the IIMs also visit FMS. Despite all of the university's bureaucracy, etc., there is a well-established alumni network that still ensures that things work out for the current batches.
Because of the small batch size, people are extremely competitive. This was in stark contrast to what you hear about the IIMs. Even though they have competition but they maintain some semblance of sanity due to the large batch. FMS can be difficult to manage at times, both in obvious behaviours and subtle actions by people you study with.
The culture at FMS is influenced by the culture of Delhi. In comparison, IIMs are unquestionably more cosmopolitan. Unless you have prior exposure, adjusting to a new environment can be difficult for people from very different cultures, such as the South or East. Otherwise, you'll have to learn to adjust the hard way. But it's still worth the effort. The people you meet in both locations are of the highest calibre. It is up to you to make the best of the situation.
Even if given the chance, there's no way one would like to trade places with the IIMs.
How can a graduated aspirant with a year drop improvise her resume for IIM Ahmedabad?
Trust me when I say, a year drop has no or very little influence during admission if you justify it rightly. In fact, with the right strategy, it might even work in your favor. The best way is to utilize the gap year in a productive way such as
- Get a recognized certification like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or an FRM (Financial Risk Manager).
- During your free time, volunteer at an NGO or do some social work. It might not add to your work experience but imply that you do contribute to society.
- Get yourself a good internship during your summer/winter break.
- Another effective way is to participate in a student exchange program.
- Make your profile unique by identifying your passions and pursuing them. The interviewers might get more impressed by your extraordinary talents than by your academic performance.
- Complete extra courses out of College from Coursera, edX, Udemy, etc to showcase your learning instincts.
- In this age of online platforms, it’s vital to be active with a great online profile. You can start your own blog, or a Youtube channel, or have a strong Quora profile.
- Learning a new language. It’s better to learn more than 3 languages as it adds to the credibility of your profile.
- Participating in various competitions will portray your enthusiasm and keenness for challenges.
Thus, don’t let a gap year dishearten you as you can make the most out of it and impress the interviewers.
How is the MStat at ISI compared to an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, or IIM Calcutta in terms of job and higher education perspectives?
In terms of job opportunities, IIM is far superior.
IIM A, B, and C would have an average placement of around 22 LPA, whereas ISI would have 16-17 LPA. However, you must keep in mind that you would pay at least INR 20 lac for your IIM degree while receiving a 65k stipend and contingency grant from ISI for free.
You might start out as a data scientist, financial analyst, or consultant if you join ISI, and you would advance along that career vertical. IIM exposes you to a much broader range of roles such as FMCG, general management, and so on.
In terms of higher education, 40-50% of ISI batches pursue Ph.D. programs in the US/abroad, while nearly 100% of IIM batches pursue jobs. Going straight to a Ph.D. after IIM is difficult due to the large educational loan (assuming you take one). However, many of them pursue Ph.D. degrees at various business schools around the world.
However, these institutes (ISI and IIM) are incomparable because one teaches statistics, and the other management. These are two very different topics. So it all comes down to what you want to do with your life.
Does it affect at IIM Ahmedabad if you are not from a prestigious institution?
It makes little difference in terms of interview call conversion at IIM Ahmedabad. If the interviewers believe that the candidates (from whatever institute they completed their graduation) are qualified, they will hire them. In fact, if they have to choose between two candidates who are equally good, they will most likely choose the candidate who graduated from a less well-known academic institution. They receive many institutes from well-known colleges, but having a student from a lesser-known college can bring a unique perspective to the class.
Coming to the point of impact of college graduation at IIM Ahmedabad. Impact on various levels:
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Academics: Everyone must earn their grade by performing well in quizzes, exams, and, most importantly, group projects.
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Club selection: It is dependent on the person conducting your interview for the selection. However, it cannot be assumed that a person who did not attend a top-graduation college will face disadvantages.
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Placements: It may have an impact on the placement process. Recruiters may prefer a candidate from his or her college over others. Because the likelihood of a recruiter being from a "prestigious college" is higher, the individual may benefit.
The biggest advantage is that there is a culture in these colleges of getting into top B-schools, so students believe they can do it. They can also get information from seniors regarding the same.
I am interested in PGP-FABM of IIM Ahmedabad. I am 25. X- 86.7%,XII-70.3%, B.Tech-62.5%. AR-17. 1+years of work-ex in Accenture. What are my chances?
The PGP-FABM program does not have any marks limit in its eligibility criteria. Rather it requires you to hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in agricultural sciences or agriculture-related disciplines with at least 50% marks ( or equivalent CGPA).
The specific stream clause was added last year only. Make sure your stream does not pose any problem and you are fit to apply. Your chances depend on two factors/
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CAT score
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Your performance in the interview
There is no specific age limit for this program.
Will an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad provide as much value as one from Harvard/ Stanford/ MIT?
When you compare Harvard to IIM, you are comparing the Indian education system to the education system in other countries. There are three major differences, which are all listed below:
1. Diversity or Familiarity
Harvard: Harvard will expose you to a more multicultural environment. You'll be part of a campus teeming with students and professors from all over the world, representing a diverse range of countries, nationalities, and cultures. You'll learn about different traditions and lifestyles, understand and appreciate differences, be able to relate to your international peers, and discover a connection to your roots.
IIM: While you won't have as much global diversity as a study abroad program, your classroom may be filled with students from all over India. The transition to college life will be easier because you'll be surrounded by a familiar environment and peers who share your cultural and traditional values.
2. Self-Learning or Teacher-Guided Learning
Harvard: Prepare to experience a completely new learning style and academic rigor. Harvard has created an all-encompassing curriculum that emphasizes continuous learning, interactive teaching, extensive research, self-study, collaborative enterprise, classroom presentation, excursions, and exchange programs. Assessment and evaluation tools include a wide variety of mediums such as pop quizzes, project work, essays, seminars, class participation, project work, and so on. The curriculum encourages more student participation and initiative, with professors serving as facilitators. Because Harvard invented the case study method, the faculty members are experts in delivering it.
IIM: The lecture-based system centered on teachers and exams at the end of each semester is the foundation of the Indian curriculum. It is not a continuous learning method, which could be ideal for students who excel in this learning environment or want to pursue other interests after college, such as CA preparation or working in the family business. Many institutions, including IIM, are incorporating international pedagogical approaches to empower students to take greater ownership of their education.
3. Academic Flexibility or a Professionally Focused Program
Harvard: Your college experience at Harvard is very different from your experience at an Indian college. You can take more initiative in designing your course around your learning objectives. You can even change your major if you meet the requirements of the department. You can also double major, which means you can earn two degrees in two different academic fields.
IIM: You must complete a college-prescribed course within a specific program timeline. Courses are more subject-specific or designed to meet specific professions' requirements. For example, if you are studying Maths, you cannot choose Dance as an elective but must instead study Statistics, Physics, or a related field of study because the course syllabus limits your options. It allows you to specialize in your field while remaining focused on your professional objectives. Furthermore, IIM offers a PGDM degree rather than an MBA. The IIMs intend to offer an MBA degree rather than a PGDM degree in the near future.
When deciding between colleges in India and abroad, keep your priorities, strengths, and objectives in mind. Studying abroad will have a different impact on you than studying in your own country. It is entirely up to you how you want to maximize the opportunities that each presents. You must analyze your needs, do your homework, consult with family and friends, and think deeply; you'll undoubtedly choose the best option for you.
Are there international placements from IIM Ahmedabad placements?
IIM Ahmedabad had many students who secured international placements in cities across the world such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Qatar, etc. in the placement year of 2020. International offers were made in the domains of consulting, finance, general management, and sales & marketing. The salary data are provided below -
- Highest International CTC – INR 1.32 Crore ($180,645)
- Average International CTC – INR 61.76 Lakhs ($84,200)
Some of the reputed companies that visited the campus are McKinsey & Co., BCG, MasterCard, JP Morgan, TCS, Amazon, Microsoft, FinIQ, RPG, etc.
All in all, you will get ample opportunities for securing an international offer from the campus itself.
What is a better option between IIM Ahmedabad and FMS Delhi given that I have no financial help from my parents?
Financially speaking, FMS Delhi is a better option. The fees are extremely low compared to most other B Schools. The low fees do not compromise the quality of education here. But the accommodation and other expenses are high in Delhi. So the best option is to get a hostel in DU. But if you are okay with below-average rooms then rooms are available near FMS in the Malka Ganj area. They cost around INR 4000-7000.
If you go for IIM Ahmedabad, the scholarships and student loans will help you a lot. They will cover your tuition and hostel fees and will have to just pay your personal expenses (10k-15k in PG). One won’t regret investing in IIM Ahmedabad in the long run. But the ultimate choice is yours.
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