Absolutely, it is true. It has been seen that many students who have average academic scores are selected in IIM Indore for the IPM course. Basically, the selection is based on the criteria that include aptitude test score, personal interview, and written ability test for which the scores required are 50 percent, 35 percent, and 15 percent respectively.
The panelists in the interview can ask various questions related to the low academic score but if you can tackle the situation with some of the respectful reasons then there is a high possibility for your selection.
Lastly, we can say that despite your low academic score you can manage to get into IIM Indore for the IPM course by giving your best into the personal interview and written ability test.
Obviously, a low score may affect your interview but only a little. The key is to justify your low scores confidently and also answer any questions that are asked from your 12th syllabus.
Another way is to highlight your extra-curricular activities and achievements. Mention your other strengths but don’t lie about anything.
As far as the drop year is concerned I don’t think it will be much of a hurdle in your selection process because a major chunk of IPM students has taken a drop year. Still, you should be able to specify the reason for the same if asked.
Integrated Program in Management (IPM) is a 5-year program offered by IIM Indore after completion of which you will get two degrees; a Bachelor in Arts (Foundations of Management) which will consist of the first three years and an MBA for the last two years.
The course curriculum of the final two years will be exactly the same as that of the MBA students; a total of 6 semesters spread over 2 years. The first three years will have a total of 9 semesters. The various courses offered during the first three years along with the topics are given below.
A brief look at the courses offered at MBA level is also given below.
These are briefs of the courses being offered at the institute. The actual curriculum along with the credit points are given on the institute website.
You should go for it without a second thought. And, yes it is totally worth spending 5 years there.
The greatest advantage that IPM gives you is that you can join IIM Indore just after completing your 12th examination. Additionally, you will get great job offers from good after completing the IPM course from IIM Indore.
During the placement drive of 2021, the highest package offered was INR 56.8 LPA while the average company CTC stood at INR 23. 6 LPA, and the median CTC was INR 22.6 LPA.
So, if you are getting an opportunity to join the course, go for it.
Minimum percentage required for an open category student is 60%. So considering your profile you have a high chance of getting into IIM Indore for IPM.
But the admission criteria of IPM Indore involves a composite score and a small part of it is 12th marks. The 2 parameters that are considered are
Aptitude Test Score- 65% weightage
Personal Assessment- 36% weightage
Your 12 marks come under the PA or Personal Assessment. But the weighting is very less. Maximum weightage is given to the interview that is conducted after shortlisting.
So you can easily compensate for your low 12th marks with higher marks in Aptitude Test and Personal Interview.
Every coin has two sides. Similarly, every college has its pros and cons. My review of the IPM course will list the pros and cons of IIM Indore and its IPM course. Fortunately, the pros overshadow the cons to a large extent
Pros
In addition, there are humanities, literature, and skill-building courses, along with an option to pursue a foreign language. The IPM also has a group of subjects called ‘bridge courses’. They comprise courses related to information technology, intellectual property rights, or introduction to corporate law.
Cons
Choose wisely after weighing the pros and cons according to your convenience and interests
You cannot make such a binary comparison between IPM and CA.
You will learn topics from a variety of fields in this program, including math, science, economics, sociology, psychology, law, accountancy, and the arts. The PGDM curriculum that follows teaches you the fundamentals of finance, marketing, human resources, operations, information technology, etc., and prepares you to specialize in any subject of your choice. Regardless of your academic performance, you will be able to spend 5 years at an IIM after graduation. This strengthens your character in a way that is impossible in CA, where you must make all of your own preparations. You'll be able to interact with the best minds in the nation all at once thanks to it. Early exposure to cultural differences is crucial for the development of your personality and professionalism. The fact that IPM students receive the same treatment as PGDM students place a great deal of responsibility on them.
CA is a professional program that develops your accounting skills and offers competitive pay. However, doing so necessitates independent study, which calls for strong self-discipline. It lacks the social learning component, which must be made up for in another way.
You should choose IPM and pursue CFA, actuarial, or another type of certification intermittently. Many people have chosen to do this, and the outcomes have been very positive; they have been hired by prestigious financial institutions like JPMC, DE Shaw, Nomura, etc.
Your decision actually depends on the fact if you want to pursue BBA or you want to study at MSU. This is because if your sole interest is in BBA then trust me there are many better colleges for it. But if you are adamant about studying at MSU, then it’s better you search for your own interests.
I will recommend you take the aptitude test which is free in the psychology department. This test will let you decide what to study. Don’t be a part of the herd and pursue what others are pursuing. Rather follow your own interest that you will not regret later.
IIM Indore is a major deal in and of itself. According to my friends studying at IIM Indore, around 15000 students (approximately) took the aptitude test last year.
But that is not just the case, you can get in if you have above-average intelligence and can solve problems quickly. If you approach the interview casually, admission can become difficult.
Last year my cousin got admission for the new IPM program by IIM Rohtak, and according to his experiences, here are some key highlights you need to have a look at before going for it.
Once you successfully complete the course, you will be awarded a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree by IIM Rohtak.
Pros:
Cons:
A five-year integrated course is a great option if you are looking to pursue an MBA altogether after your graduation without having to clear additional formalities and hustle. Also, if fee structure and budget is not a constraint for you, you can definitely choose this course. However, if you aspire to pursue MBA from other top institutes or abroad, this course is not for you.