Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad (MICA) is a premier autonomous B-School in the field of Marketing and Communication. Apart from its well-known interdisciplinary PG Diploma courses, it also offers a number of online programmes in subjects such as Digital Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Advertising and Public Relations Management.
To be eligible to apply for admission to MICA, one needs to have secured less than 50% throughout his academic career and have completed graduation from an AUC accredited university. Other notable features about the admission procedure are:
With the help of regular practise, solving previous year papers and hard-work, one can easily ace the admission test. The personality and thought process of a candidate is judged through the GE and PI. Thus, along with preparing for the aptitude tests, one also needs to focus on his/ her creative aspects by continuously reading books, newspapers, blogs.
MICA university holds 12th rank issued by outlook in 2019. Admissions in this university are based on entrance tests followed by personal interview and counseling. Placements at this university are really good.
Symbiosis Center for Management & Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) holds 13th rank for MBA issued by times. Admissions for MBA are based on entrance tests followed by personal interview and group discussion.
Tabulated below gives a brief overview of both institutions:
Particulars |
SCMHRD |
MICA |
Application fee |
1000 INR |
1,965 INR |
Top recruiters |
Accenture, ACCENTURE, Avalon Consulting, Axis Bank, Bajaj Auto, Barclays Bank, Bridgei2 |
Raymond, Titan, Saavn, Walmart, Amazon, Google, Apollo, Linkedin, YesBank, Amazon, Puma, Usha and Topline |
Average salary |
15.6 lakhs |
12.8 lakhs |
Admission process
MICA
SCMHRD
Placements
SCMHRD
MICA
Infrastructure
SCMHRD
MICA
Overall both institutes are equally good for management. The admission process of both institutes is based on entrance tests conducted by institutes. Placements of both the institutes are equally good. Both institutes have an engaging and encouraging environment.
XLRI offers a program in digital marketing through the Talentedge platform which is a 4 month online course. MICA on the other hand offers a certificate program in digital marketing which is for 5 months and offered online and through the upgrad platform.
Admissions:
Particulars |
MICA Digital Marketing |
XLRI Digital Marketing |
Eligibility criteria |
10+2+3 from a recognized University |
Minimum 3 years of work experience 10+2+3 from a recognized University |
NIRF Ranking |
Top 100 |
9th |
Total seats |
30 |
20 |
Fees |
INR 70,000 |
INR 70,000 |
MICA: Collaborations with Nanyang University, Queensland University and a few other top colleges from Europe help enhance knowledge and outlook. Internship opportunities are also provided with average stipend being 81,000 and highest stipend being over 1.5 lacs.
XLRI: Tie-ups with universities like Tulane, University of Virginia and many others help include top faculty members from across the globe who are also advisors at the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN.
MICA: The course is spread across 7 modules with Business methods, Search Marketing, Social media marketing, Email marketing, Display marketing, Mobile marketing and Web analytics. They also conduct additional tutorial classes in between modules and learn inter-module dynamics of digital marketing channels.
XLRI: The course has a good mix of theory and practical subjects with a comprehensive capstone project at the end of the semester related to the different aspects of digital marketing. It has core subjects like strategic brand communication, digital media analytics, content marketing, marketing plan and more. The curriculum has been designed in a way to build and develop a better understanding towards digital marketing tools and manage digital campaigns.
Since these are certification courses, the institution does not offer direct placements but completing this course will surely allow professionals to further enhance their career and gain expertise in this field. This certificate course earned by professionals helps 70% of them to either find a higher paying job or start a new career.
Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad (MICA) has been ranked among the top 5 management institutes in Gujarat. The institute offers only postgraduate diploma programmes and no undergraduate programmes. Apart from its well-known interdisciplinary PG Diploma courses, it also offers a number of online programmes in subjects such as Digital Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Advertising and Public Relations Management.
Neither are there any undergraduate programmes on offer nor any specific course on animation. But the Creative Crafting Communication (CCC) course is a unique course offered which aims at developing idea crafters. It’s a ten-month long intensive programme, including two months of compulsory internship training, aimed at training students in creative designing, creative problem solving for the creative communication industry.
Art Direction, Film-Making, Animation & Stop Motion are the specializations which lay their focus on animation. It includes brainstorming on the concepts, storyboards, animation production, shooting and editing cinematic and animatic scenes.
Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad (MICA) has been ranked among the top 5 management institutes in Gujarat. Apart from its well-known interdisciplinary PG Diploma courses, it also offers a number of online programmes in subjects such as Digital Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Advertising and Public Relations Management.
The Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Communications (PGDM-C) course offered by the institute aims at grooming business leaders. The primary focus of this course is to enhance creative thinking, communication, consumer-centricity and community outreach. Few factors to keep note of about this course are:
Two-year full-time programme divided into six terms
Total Fees: 20 lacs
Students are encouraged to do a summer internship at the end of the first year to make themselves industry ready
Various specializations offered are: a) Advertising Management b) Media Management c) Brand Management d) Digital Communication Management e) Marketing Research and Analytics
Eligibility: 50% throughout academic career and graduation from an accredited university
Admission process involves three steps:
Step 1- Clearing CAT/ XAT/ GMAT cut-off
Step 2- MICAT test involving 3 sections namely, (a) Psychometric Test (b) Aptitude testing verbal ability, quantitative ability and data interpretation, general awareness, divergent and convergent thinking (c) Descriptive Test
Step 3- Group Exercise and Personal Interview
Key features about the previous year placement statistics are:
70+ companies took part in the recruitment drives and made 150+ offers
Average CTC on offer was 12.8 LPA
Highest domestic package was 33 LPA
Highest international package was 58.2 LPA
Average placement rate was over 90%
Top roles offered were Sales and Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, Brand Manager and Analytical Lead
Major recruiters were HCL, Amazon, Nestle, IBM, E&Y, CITI among many others
Highest stipend offered to summer interns was 3.2 lacs, average being Rs.70,000
While choosing between MICA, IRMA, and XIMB, it's important to keep in mind that these institutions are very different from each other. They have different missions, visions, and outcomes. While XIMB is a general management institute, MICA and IRMA are focused on their respective domains.
If you're someone who is primarily driven by CTC and ROI, then it's important to think twice before opting for these niche programs based on general parameters. You might end up in something that you might not enjoy.
IRMA is the pioneer of rural management, with the aim of bringing about a change in the rural sector of the country through professional management. As a participant in the program, you'll learn all the principles of general management, along with social and liberal arts subjects. One of the unique features of IRMA is their three internship segments, which provide a different perspective on rural realities and society through a different lens.
By choosing IRMA, you can expect to have a rewarding career afterwards. However, keep in mind that the program is geared towards those who have a genuine interest in rural management and development. It's important to do your research and self-reflection to see if this program is the right fit for you.
MICA CAT cutoff goes above 80. There is no such MICAT cutoff as of now. Getting admission to MICA depends a lot on your performance in MICAT. Here are the factors that play a crucial role in selection.
They also check whether you are flitting in with the batch and institute. For MICAT preparation, brush up on your business GK, ensure your writing is good, and present your arguments well.
It would be recommended that you talk to the faculty, alumni, etc. of each of the schools and make an informed choice instead of thinking that either is 'bad'. Don't be naive and ask generic things like 'does a MICAn MBA have any disadvantages'. Remember, there are truly no absolutes and every institute can have its pros and cons depending on what you want out of it.
Assuming that you want to do Brand Management specifically, MICA is a great choice and potentially better than NMIMS given that it's a full-fledged specialization, something that MICA is known and reputed for, and you'll get good placements in that field. Additionally, MICA is known for its industry partnerships, collaborations, and real-world experiential learning opportunities, all of which can help you gain practical skills and industry exposure.
However, keep in mind that MICA is a niche school that focuses primarily on communications and marketing, so if you're looking for a more general MBA program that covers all aspects of business, NMIMS might be a better choice for you. NMIMS has a strong brand and reputation in the industry and offers a well-rounded MBA program that covers all the major functional areas of business.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which school is the best fit for your personal and professional goals. Do your research, talk to people in the industry, and consider your own strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. Remember, the school you choose is just one piece of the puzzle - your own hard work, dedication, and determination are what will ultimately lead you to success in your career.
One of my friends graduated from MICA Ahmedabad, knowing her, I might be able to share her interview experience. From what she was asked and how she approached every situation, I will provide all the details. This would give you a general idea of what takes place in an interview.
These will obviously vary among candidates as an interview is a personal and unique experience for an individual. But what you can learn from it is how to approach certain situations and when to agree and disagree with the interviewers.
So finally, all you have to do is be confident, honest, and keep a calm stature because ultimately everything will be focussed on your work and how well you are able to work or function in a pressure situation.