Navya Naveli Nanda, granddaughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, has sparked debate after securing admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) for their Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP). The twist? She didn’t need to clear the Common Admission Test (CAT) to enter this MBA program. This has led to discussions about the flexibility of IIMA’s admission requirements and the evolving landscape of MBA programs.
Commenting on this, an IIMA Associate Professor, Promila Agarwal, took to Twitter (formerly X) and wrote, “She got a solid CV btw*. U don’t necessarily need CAT. Link**.” This comment highlights the program’s focus on individual qualifications and experience, offering alternatives to traditional entrance exams like CAT.
The BPGP course, introduced in January 2024, is a two-year hybrid MBA program that blends live online classes with on-campus sessions. Aimed at professionals with at least three years of experience, it operates primarily online, with five on-campus modules. The program focuses on a case-based, practical learning approach, providing 900 hours of instruction and project work across 36 credits. Each term includes a one-week on-campus module.
While IIMA is renowned for its top-tier courses and has consistently topped the NIRF rankings for B-schools for over five years, admission typically requires a high score on the CAT exam, similar to other IIMs. However, the BPGP MBA course at IIMA offers a more flexible approach.
Instead of the mandatory CAT, candidates can choose from various entrance exams for admission to the BPGP MBA program:
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Online IIMA Admission Test (IAT):
Designed for applicants who do not have standard test scores like CAT, GMAT, or GRE. Candidates can opt for the IAT via the application portal. It is conducted at designated exam centers across India, including the IIMA Dubai center. The IAT follows a similar format to other management entrance exams, lasting 90 minutes and comprising 45 questions across Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical Reasoning, and Verbal Aptitude.*
Valid Common Admission Test (CAT) score:
Scores from tests taken within the last five years as of May 1, 2024, are accepted.*
Valid Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)/Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score:
Scores from tests taken within the last five years as of May 1, 2024, are accepted.*
Scores from the new GMAT Focus Edition:
This revamped version of the GMAT, launched in November 2023, focuses on key skills for success in business school. It comprises three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.Shortlisted candidates will undergo a personal interview as part of the final selection process.
The BPGP program’s flexible admission criteria and focus on practical learning through a blend of online and on-campus sessions present a compelling option for professionals seeking to enhance their business skills and advance their careers. This trend of offering alternative admission pathways reflects a shift towards recognizing a wider range of skills and experiences beyond standardized test scores in the world of MBA programs.
