Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) is one of the most prestigious business schools in India and globally. Founded in 1961, IIMA has consistently been at the forefront of management education, research, and practice. Its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections make it a coveted destination for aspiring business leaders.

Renowned as a flagship institution among India’s esteemed Indian Institutes of Management, IIM Ahmedabad achieved the prestigious designation of an Institute of National Importance by the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India in 2017.It holds a distinguished position as the foremost business school in India, revered globally for its excellence and prestige in the realm of business education.

All about IIM Ahmedabad

Peruse through the given columns to know everything about IIM Ahmedabad.

Historical Background

Founding and Early Years

The idea of establishing IIMs in India was conceived in the late 1950s to address the need for professional management education in the country. IIM Ahmedabad was established on December 11, 1961, with significant contributions from the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and the Indian industry.

Notably, the initiative received substantial support from the Harvard Business School, which played a pivotal role in shaping the institute’s early years, including its curriculum design and faculty training.

Visionaries Behind IIMA

The founding fathers of IIMA included visionary leaders such as Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, a renowned scientist and industrialist, and Kasturbhai Lalbhai, an eminent industrialist. Their vision was to create an institution that would support the best practices of Western management education alongside the unique challenges and opportunities present in India.

Campus and Infrastructure

Iconic Architecture

The IIM Ahmedabad campus, designed by the legendary American architect Louis Kahn, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. The distinctive red-brick buildings, interconnected by a series of corridors and open spaces, create an environment that fosters learning and collaboration. The campus’s design emphasizes natural light, ventilation, and an aesthetic that merges functionality with beauty.

Top-class Facilities

IIM Ahmedabad has excellent facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, advanced computing facilities, a vast library with an extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources, and modern hostels that provide comfortable living quarters for students.

Additionally, the campus features sports facilities, a management development center, and various spaces for cultural and social events.

Academic Programs

Flagship Programs

IIM Ahmedabad offers a variety of academic programs designed to cater to the diverse needs of students and professionals.

The flagship programs include:

Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)

The PGP is a two-year, full-time MBA program that aims to develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of business management. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organizational behavior, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning through case studies, projects, and internships.

Post Graduate Program in Food and Agribusiness Management (PGP-FABM)

The PGP-FABM is a unique program that combines management education with the specialized needs of the agribusiness sector. It prepares students for careers in agribusiness, rural development, and allied sectors, addressing the critical challenges and opportunities in this vital area of the economy.

Fellow Program in Management (FPM)

The FPM is a doctoral program that aims to train scholars for academic and research careers in management. It offers specializations in various disciplines such as economics, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, production and quantitative methods, and public systems.

Executive Education

IIM Ahmedabad also offers a wide range of executive education programs designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. These programs include short-term courses, certificate programs, and customized training solutions for organizations. The executive education programs cover diverse areas such as leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, and operations.

Faculty and Research

Distinguished Faculty

IIM Ahmedabad’s faculty is renowned for its academic excellence, research contributions, and industry experience. The institute’s faculty members hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities worldwide and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom. They are actively engaged in research, consulting, and policy-making, contributing to the advancement of management knowledge and practice.

Research and Innovation

Research is a cornerstone of IIMA’s mission. The institute encourages faculty and students to undertake powerful research that addresses contemporary business challenges and societal issues.

IIMA’s research output is published in leading academic journals and presented at international conferences. The institute also collaborates with industry, government, and international organizations on research projects that have a real-world impact.

Centers of Excellence

IIM Ahmedabad houses several centers of excellence that focus on specific areas of research and practice. These centers facilitate interdisciplinary research, knowledge dissemination, and engagement with industry and policy-makers.

Some of the prominent centers include:

Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (CIIE): This center promotes entrepreneurship and supports startups through incubation, mentoring, and funding.
Ravi J. Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation (RJMCEI): Focused on educational research and innovation, this center aims to improve educational practices and policies.
Centre for Management in Agriculture (CMA): Dedicated to research and training in agribusiness and rural development, CMA addresses the unique challenges in the agricultural sector.

Student Life

Diverse and Talented Student Body

IIMA attracts a diverse and talented student body from across India and around the world. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the best and brightest students gain admission. This diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where students can learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences.

Clubs and Activities

Student life at IIM Ahmedabad is ecstatic and enriching, with numerous clubs and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. These include academic and professional clubs, cultural and sports clubs, and special interest groups.

IIM Ahmedabad has 58 clubs to support its student body’s interest. The list of clubs include:

Agile – Computer & Connectivity Club (CCC)
Abacus – The Quant and Analytics Club
ACADS COUNCIL
BETA
Chaos
Club 3.0
Consult Club
ConsultX
Cultural and Social Affairs Committee
Decibel, the music club of IIMA
eCommerce Club
Eloquence
EnergyX
Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club
Equipoise
Exchange Council
FAB Club
FABM Committee
Finesse
FinX
Footloose
Forum for Industry Interaction
FSI
GMLC- The General Management & Leadership Club
WLS
The Equal Opportunities Students Committee (EOSC)
The Red Brick Summit 2022
Virasat- Heritage Club
Synergy
TechX
TedX IIMA
Sportscomm
Stargazers
Students’ Alumni and External Relations Committee
Share
Smile
Soul Curry
RTERC
Sale & Marketing
SASH
Prayaas
ProdMan
Public Policy
Pawsible
Perspectives- The photography Club of IIMA
Prakriti- Nature & Sustainability Club
Niche
Optime
Panacea
Media Cell
Mentorship Cell
Mess Comm
IIMActs
LSD
MAD
Healthcare HawX
IDEOS
IIM Ally

Events and Competitions

IIM Ahmedabad hosts several events and competitions that add to the vibrancy of campus life.

Some of their events include:

Confluence: The annual management symposium that brings together industry leaders, academicians, and students for discussions, workshops, and competitions.
Chaos: The cultural festival that features a wide range of events, including music and dance performances, fashion shows, and literary contests.
Amaethon: The agribusiness summit that focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the agribusiness sector, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and competitions.

Alumni Network

Strong and Supportive Alumni Community

IIM Ahmedabad possesses a strong and supportive alumni network that spans the globe. The institute’s alumni have achieved remarkable success in diverse fields, including business, academia, government, and the nonprofit sector. They play a crucial role in supporting the institute’s activities, providing mentorship to current students, and contributing to its development through donations and endowments.

Notable Alumni

Some of the notable alumni of IIM Ahmedabad include:

Harsha Bhogle, Renowned cricket commentator and journalist.
C. K. Prahalad, Influential management thinker and author.
Shikha Sharma, Former CEO of Axis Bank.
Raghuram Rajan, Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and distinguished economist.

Global Recognition and Rankings

Accreditations

IIM Ahmedabad is accredited by several prestigious international accreditation bodies, including the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). These accreditations are a testament to the institute’s commitment to maintaining high standards of academic excellence and continuous improvement.

Rankings

IIM Ahmedabad consistently ranks among the top business schools in India and globally.

Consistently ranked at the top of Indian B-Schools by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) since 2018.
Achieved 39th position globally for Executive Education according to the Financial Times Executive Education Rankings 2022, notably for programs offered by IIM Ahmedabad.
Secured the first position globally for Career Progress in IIMA’s one-year MBA Programme, as per the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2022.
Topped the Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking 2022 in Agribusiness/Food Industry Management, reflecting excellence in specialized education areas.
Ranked 29th in the QS Masters in Management Rankings (MBA) 2022, showcasing consistent international recognition.
Continuously acclaimed as the leading B-School in India by the Businessworld B-School Rankings since 2018.

Eligibility Criteria

The Post-graduate Programme (PGP) at IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) offers a comprehensive two-year residential course designed for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds aspiring for a career in management.

Following are some basic eligibility criteria that interested students have to satisfy in order to attain admission in this prestigious institute.

Academic Qualification

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or educational institution.
A minimum aggregate of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA is required.
For candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories, a relaxation to 45% is provided.
The bachelor’s degree or its equivalent should involve a minimum of three years of education post higher secondary schooling (10+2) or equivalent.
In case grades or CGPA are awarded instead of marks, equivalence will be determined based on the conversion certified by the respective institution. If the institution lacks a conversion scheme, IIM Ahmedabad will establish equivalence by dividing the obtained CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result by 100.

For Final Year Candidates

Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree or its equivalent are eligible to apply.
Such candidates must provide a certificate from the principal/head of the institution certifying their current status and the latest available grades/marks.
Provisional admission may be granted based on this certificate, subject to the condition that the candidate furnishes a certificate from the institution confirming completion of all degree requirements (result awaited) by June 30, 2024.
Confirmation of admission is contingent upon submission of the final mark-sheet and degree certificate by December 31, 2024.
Failure to meet this requirement will lead to automatic cancellation of provisional admission.
Candidates failing to fulfill all bachelor’s degree requirements by June 30, 2024, will not be eligible for admission to the PGP at IIM Ahmedabad.

Admission Process

Here’s a refined version of the admission/selection process for candidates applying to the PGP at IIM Ahmedabad through CAT:

Preliminary Screening

Candidates applying for admission to the 2024-26 Batch of the PGP at IIM Ahmedabad undergo a preliminary screening based on their CAT scores.

The CAT exam comprises three sections:

Quantitative Ability (QA)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Only candidates meeting the following criteria will proceed to subsequent stages:

Achieving minimum sectional percentile ranks as well as an overall percentile rank in CAT.
Obtaining a positive raw score in all sections of CAT.

Shortlisting for Analytical Writing Test (AWT) & Personal Interview (PI)

Shortlisting occurs in two stages:

Stage 1: Recognition of Exceptional Performers Across Disciplines

IIM Ahmedabad identifies exceptional performers based on their academic records and CAT performance across diverse academic backgrounds. Top candidates from each academic discipline are shortlisted for AWT & PI based on their composite score ‘CS’, provided they fulfill specific criteria.

Stage 2: Final Shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted for AWT & PI based on their ‘Final Composite Score’s (FCS), computed as follows:

𝐹𝐶𝑆 = 𝑃𝐼𝐹 × Normalised PI Score + 𝐴𝑊𝑇𝐹 × Normalised AWT Score + 𝐶𝐴𝑇𝐹_𝐹𝐶𝑆 × Normalised CAT Score + 𝐴𝑅𝐹_𝐹𝐶𝑆 × AR

Personal Interview Multiplication Factor (PIF) = 0.50
AWT Multiplication Factor (AWTF) = 0.10
CAT Score Multiplication Factor for Final Composite Score (CATF_FCS) = 0.25
Application Rating Multiplication Factor for Final Composite Score (ARF_FCS) = 0.15

Final Selection

Final selection is based on candidates’ performance in CAT, AWT & PI, academic achievements, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, work experience, etc. Selection in different reservation categories adheres to legal proportions.

Additional Information

Shortlisted candidates are notified via the IIM Ahmedabad website and AWT & PI call letters.
Admission offers are made based on diverse attributes. All selected candidates must be 19 years of age by June 30, 2024.
Privacy and confidentiality are maintained throughout the admission process.
Admission offers and waiting list placements are communicated via the IIMA website.

Important Notes

Admission process details may vary due to government guidelines.
Cut-offs are subject to change based on CAT data.
Specific guidelines apply to dual degree holders and integrated master’s degree holders.

Reservation

In compliance with Government of India regulations, a certain percentage of seats are reserved for different categories in the CAT application process.
Specifically, 27% for NC-OBC, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 5% for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD), and up to 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Applicants must accurately identify their category in the CAT application form.
As per The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act 2016), a “person with benchmark disability” is someone with a disability of at least forty percent (40%), as certified by the appropriate authority. The Act outlines specific disabilities, including blindness, low vision, deafness, locomotor disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and others listed in the Act.
For reservation considerations, the list provided by the Central Government at the time of CAT registration is decisive. Any subsequent changes will not apply to CAT or future selection processes at IIM Ahmedabad.
Applicants eligible for reserved categories must carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying. While IIMA aims for proportional representation of NC-OBC/SC/ST/PwD/EWS candidates, they must still meet eligibility criteria and achieve a certain minimum performance level in CAT, as well as in AWT & PI.

IIM Ahmedabad Fees

The total program fees for PGP students in the current (2023-25) Batch amount to INR 25,00,000/-, which includes the tuition fees of INR 18,19,000/-.
Additional expenses such as a laptop computer and personal expenditures on boarding, travel, clothing, and laundry are not included and are to be borne separately.
The program fees for future batches will be disclosed at a later date. It’s mandatory for all students to possess a personal computer, which can also be facilitated through local procurement arranged by the IIM Ahmedabad.

Scholarships by IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad is committed to ensuring that all eligible applicants have the opportunity to pursue its programs, including the PGP and PGP-FABM, regardless of financial constraints.
To support this goal, IIM Ahmedabad has established a Need-Based Scholarship Scheme, supplementing other scholarships from industry and government sources.
Each year, numerous students receive significant financial assistance through this scheme. Scholarship amounts are determined based on various factors, including annual gross family income, asset ownership, and family dependents.
Applications for Special Need-Based Scholarships are solicited annually in July/August.
Additionally, students can explore educational loan options offered by various commercial banks and financial institutions for further support.
For more information, candidates are encouraged to reach out to the branch offices of such banks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is IIMA?

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) was founded in 1961 as a unique collaboration between the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, local industrialists of Ahmedabad, Ford Foundation, and the Harvard Business School.

What is the eligibility criteria for the Post-graduate Programme (PGP)?

To be eligible for the two-year Post-graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at IIMA, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (relaxed to 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Candidates appearing for the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also apply.

What are the admission requirements for Indian students?

Indian students applying for the PGP program must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above. Additionally, they need to submit relevant certificates and documents to prove their qualifications and marks. Admission is provisional until the candidate submits the final mark-sheet and degree certificate.

What is the duration of the PGP program?

The Post-graduate Programme in Management (PGP) at IIMA is a two-year full-time residential course designed for graduates from all disciplines who wish to pursue a career in management.

What are the contact details for IIMA?

Address: Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015
Phone: +91-79-7152 4630/31/32/33/34
Email: admission@iima.ac.in2

Where does IIMA rank globally?

IIMA is a globally renowned management institute and is consistently ranked among the top-30 business schools in the world3.

Are there any upcoming events at IIMA?

Yes! The India Management Research Conference (IMRC 2024) is scheduled from December 7 to December 9, 20241.