How is MICA Ahmedabad?

MICA is a place that gets mixed reviews from its community. Some folks think it's not worth the hype, while others say it's a unique journey. Here's a straightforward take for those considering spending 20 lakhs to join the 2020 PGDM batch.

Let's talk about the downsides, since most other reviews highlight the good stuff, especially about campus life, which is indeed awesome. This is about the students, job placements, and value for money.

Cons:

First off, the batch diversity is lacking. It's not just about having a mix of genders, but more about the variety of backgrounds. You'll mostly find students from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad with pretty similar profiles.

The quality of the batch is probably the most disappointing aspect. Only about 20% of students come from prestigious colleges, and they're truly impressive. You'll see a few from places like St. Xavier's Kolkata, DU, and LSR. However, 80% of students are not up to par, and it's rare to find anyone from IITs, NITs, BITS, SRCC, or Stephens. Across my batch, senior, and junior batches, there were just 8 students from these top-tier schools among roughly 600 people.

Most of these 80% come from local colleges with minimal exposure, and their undergraduate degree often amounts to little more than three or four years of not much. Their academic backgrounds typically look like this: BBA, BCom, or BTech from some less-known college, with scores like 80-90% in 10th, 75-85% in 12th, and 65-75% in UG from a Tier 5 college.

I've come across students with a 5 CGPA from engineering schools in places like Mumbai or Indore, showing no creativity over two years in the course, which MICA supposedly emphasizes. Conversations with them can be as dull as talking to a piece of furniture.

While some might have worked hard to get into MICA (though their academic profiles suggest otherwise), it's more of a supply-demand situation where MICA gets tuition fees and students get jobs. Anyone claiming they're deeply passionate about MICA is likely exaggerating. The CCC program is a better fit for those who are truly passionate, creative, and hardworking.

Placements and internships can be hit-or-miss. However, the summer placement season is great for about 60% of the batch. If you manage to secure a good company during this time and get a PPO, your two years at MICA will be much easier.

Final placements can be disappointing. If your summer experience didn’t lead to a PPO, you'll face the same pressures during the final placements. One of the worst things is that your GPA from the first four trimesters isn't included in your CV. So even if you're the top student, it doesn't count much, and MICA tends to level everyone to the same playing field, regardless of GPA.

That said, MICA's placement policies are very student-friendly, unlike many other colleges. You have the freedom to accept or reject offers within a set timeframe. The placement committee treats everyone equally and doesn’t pressure you into accepting random jobs. If you don't want to go through the VIVO process (inside joke), it's entirely your decision. Big props to the placement team for that.

If you're thinking about trying your luck at MICA, aim for a good CAT percentile along with a decent MICAT score, and you might end up in a place full of surprises.

I'll try to share my positive experiences soon to give you a complete picture. Peace out.

MICA in Ahmedabad is a top-tier school for Communications Management and similar fields like Account Planning, Brand Management, Market Research, and Digital Marketing. It's a unique blend of a traditional MBA program but quite different from the usual business schools. The focus is on broadening students' views on communication and marketing, covering areas like culture, ethics, and stereotypes, along with the more typical business topics like revenue and sales growth. MICA stands out by balancing creativity and logic in everything, from picking students to designing the curriculum and assessing academics.

Students at MICA engage in live projects, study various subjects, hear from industry veterans, watch movies, participate in debates, and have late-night discussions over chai and omelets. The learning environment is both joyful and challenging, encouraging everyone to express themselves without limits. The school's innovative approach and open-minded community contribute to shaping well-rounded individuals who can excel in the workplace and question outdated practices.

MICA Ahmedabad is a great place if you're into marketing and communication. I chose the Post Graduate Diploma in Management [PGDM] (Communication) because of the unique courses like semiotics and the strong faculty team. The curriculum is rigorous but manageable, and I found the exams to be quite fair if you pay attention in class. The placement opportunities are also impressive, with companies like Disney and ITC coming on campus. I did my summer internship at IndiGo, which was a fantastic experience. Overall, I think it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into the marketing field.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at MICA Ahmedabad while pursuing the Post Graduate Diploma in Management [PGDM] (Communication). The course is intense, with subjects that are highly relevant to the industry. The faculty are approachable and really know their stuff. Plus, the campus life is vibrant with plenty of events to participate in.

However, the fees are on the higher side at around 22 lakh for two years, but the investment seems worth it given the placement opportunities. I feel confident about finding a good job after this.

MICA Ahmedabad has its strengths and weaknesses. The Post Graduate Diploma in Management [PGDM] (Communication) curriculum is well-structured, focusing heavily on marketing, and the faculty is highly qualified. However, the campus is in a secluded location, which can be a bit of a hassle.

The hostel facilities are decent, but the single rooms in the second year are quite small. On the bright side, I secured a summer internship with a good stipend, and the placement records are strong. Just be prepared for a hectic schedule.