IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) All Questions

For your profile (92% in 10th, 93% in 12th, 8.3 CGPA in Master’s, SC category, fresher with no work experience), here’s a realistic CAT percentile target:

• IIM Ahmedabad (A): With SC reservation, a 92–95 percentile is generally safe for a call. Since you’re a fresher with strong academics, 94+ would maximize chances.

• IIM Bangalore (B): Around 90–93 percentile should be competitive for SC. They value academics highly, and you’re strong there.

• IIM Calcutta (C): Usually calls SC candidates around 90–92 percentile.

• FMS Delhi: Typically requires slightly higher even for SC 94–96 percentile as seats are fewer and competition is intense.

So, aiming 95+ percentile would cover you well for all of these.

Hello,

Depending on the IIM, SC or PWD candidates minimal percentile for an IIM call typically falls between 50 and 70. Generally speaking, a percentile score of 80 or more is seen as a safe bet for admission assurance. However, various IIMs and even different years for the same IIM may have varying cut offs and admission chances.

Hi Lokendra

As you are from SC category and also a PWD candidate, your chances of getting a call from IIM A,B,C will be very good at 60 - 65 percentile. The official minimum percentile required for your category (cutoff) is 50 percentile but the safe percentile for getting a call from IIM ABC is 65 percentile. The safe percentile to guarantee your admission would be 80 percentile.

To know more about CAT: CAT by CAREERS360

Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!

Hello Aspirant,

1. Minimum Percentile for IIM A/B: While there isn't a specific percentile to guarantee you admission to IIM Ahmedabad or IIM Bangalore, a 99+ percentile CAT score is typically deemed competitive at these schools in particular for GEM candidates. The percentile is only one consideration alongside your academic history, experience and other accomplishments, so the required percentile is variable.
2. Is it worth trying without work experience - It is possible for you to get into IIMs with no work experience; however, preferably in particular for IIM A/B, candidates typically have gained work experience along with 2+ other years in the workplace when they apply for an MBA. These colleges want candidates to demonstrate real-world experiences where they were impactful, have taken on leadership roles etc. In other words, if your goal is Management Consulting, the experience in your current job offer will provide you with solid practical experience and credibility to apply later.
3. Should wait or go ahead with job offer - If Management Consulting is your goal, the real value of the job offer is through the work experience. Over the long term, securing work experience through the job offer is valuable and beneficial to your profile. IIMs really appreciate a mix of academic performance, experience in the workforce and individuals who demonstrate past leadership potential to make the jump into an MBA. Besides, if you take the job, it also gives you time to stretch your mind to determine if management consulting is really what you want to do with your life before you apply for an MBA.

Hello Priyanshu,

During the 2023 final placements at IIM Ahmedabad , the highest salary package offered was Rs.1.46 crore per annum, marking a significant achievement for the institute's placement process. This package was offered in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector, which is known for offering lucrative compensation to top-performing graduates.

The IIMA placement process saw a diverse range of companies from various sectors such as Consulting, Technology, FMCG, and BFSI hiring students for roles in management, consulting, and strategic positions. However, the exact company offering the Rs.1.46 crore package has not been disclosed, which is typically kept confidential to maintain the privacy of both the company and the candidate.

IIMA's reputation as one of India's top business schools and the extensive placement support it provides are reflected in the competitive salary offers that graduates receive. Additionally, IIMA achieved 100% placement for its students with a mix of roles offered by both domestic and international firms.|

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hello,

The specific company that offered a Rs. 1.46 crore package in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector during IIM Ahmedabad's placements has not been publicly disclosed. However, notable points include:

• The highest package of Rs. 1.46 crore in the BFSI sector at IIM Ahmedabad 2023 placements remains undisclosed.
• Prominent BFSI recruiters included Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and JP Morgan.
• BFSI sector's average package was Rs. 41.33 lakh per annum, with a median of Rs. 35.05 lakh per annum.
• The institute achieved a 100% placement rate, with Rs. 1.46 crore as the highest domestic package overall.
• Consulting emerged as the top sector, followed by BFSI, with leading companies like McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group actively recruiting.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

You are unlikely to get into IIM Ahmedabad's PGPX (Post Graduate Program in Management for Executives) with only 2 years of work experience. Key points:

• Minimum Requirement: IIM Ahmedabad requires a minimum of 4 years of full-time work experience for PGPX as of the start date of the program.
• Average Experience: Most candidates admitted have 8-10 years of work experience.
• Program Focus: PGPX is designed for mid-career professionals with substantial managerial or leadership exposure.
• Alternative Programs: Consider IIM’s PGP or Early Career programs tailored for candidates with 2-3 years of experience.

Hope it helps  !

Hello,

Kusum, it's great that you're determined to pursue your dream of an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad despite financial challenges. Here's a strategy for self-study:

• Understand the Exam Structure : Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, which includes sections on Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning.
• Create a Study Plan : Allocate specific hours each day for each section, focusing on weak areas. Break it into manageable chunks.
• Use Free Resources : There are plenty of free online resources that include YouTube channels, CAT preparation websites, and apps for practice questions with video tutorials. Some popular ones are Unacademy, BYJU's, and Career Launcher.
• Take Mock Tests Regularly : Use mock tests regularly to assess progress and adjust study plans accordingly.
• Focus on Concepts : Strong foundations in math, logic, and English. Regular practice with books like "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" and "Word Power Made Easy" for vocabulary.

Consistency and discipline are the keys! Stay motivated, and you can achieve your goal.

Hello,

Based on the details you provided, here is an assessment:

1. IIMs (General Category) :

   • IIMA (FABM) : Your 92.4%ile in CAT is competitive, but for IIMA FABM, which focuses on agricultural business management, your BSc. Botany background might help, though the cutoff for FABM is typically around 95-96%ile. However, if you have strong academic performance in other areas (work ex, 10th/12th), there might be a chance for shortlisting in the interview round.
   • IIML (ABM) : With your work experience and background, IIM Lucknow's ABM program (Agriculture Business Management) could be a strong option, as the cutoff for this program is generally around 90-92%ile, and your CAT score is close to this threshold.

2. IITs :

   • You may have a better shot in IITs like IIT Kharagpur (for MBA in Agri-Business), as their cutoff is typically lower than IIMs, especially with work experience.

3. Improvement Areas :

   • Focus on your CAT score improvement or interview prep to bolster your chances further.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

CAT percentage score: 92.4%ile; Educational background: B.Sc. Botany; Work Experience: 34 months; CGPA 9 in Class 10 With such a profile, the niche programs like IIMA FABM (Food and Agribusiness Management) and IIML ABM (Agri-Business Management) present a competitive edge. This is because these programs offer good diversity in academic backgrounds that align well with your profile.

While your 12th (65.7%) and graduation (65.2%) scores may eliminate opportunities at the older IIMs for their core PGP programs, newer IIMs in the list are IIM Udaipur, IIM Raipur, and IIM Kashipur; the MBA programs at the IITs like IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, or IIT Kharagpur are also worth examining with their slightly lower cut-offs.

Emphasise academic diversity, work experiences, and career goals that are in agribusiness to strengthen your application and prepare for interviews to eventually apply strategically to maximise your chances at institutions whose values align with yours.

You can use the online CAT College Predictor tools to estimate the probability of receiving interview calls from different IIMs and other top MBA colleges based on your CAT percentile of 92.4% and academic background.