Bollywood mega-star Amitabh Bachchan's granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's announcement of getting enrolled in IIM Ahmedabad has sparked a debate as well as curiosity. Netizens are wondering whether Navya Naveli Nanda cleared the CAT (Career Aptitude Test) which is mandatory for students to study in IIMs or not. On the other hand, many students are also wondering whether they can get themselves enrolled in India's top management institutions like IIM without appearing for CAT examinations or not. Well, the answer is you can. Below is how Navya Naveli Nanda got admission to IIM Ahmedabad and how can you take inspiration from her journey especially when it comes to studying at India's top management college.
How did Navya Naveli Nanda get admission into IIM Ahmedabad?
IIM Ahmedabad Professor Promila Agarwal reacted to the claims that Navya did not clear CAT. IIM Professor Promila Agarwal took to her X handle and wrote, "She got solid CV btw*. U don't necessarily need CAT. Link**. Irrespective, hats off to everyone for being courageous enough to sign up for rigorous program. PS: Just like other students, looking forward to her posts cribbing abt hard life at IIMA."
Indirectly, the IIM Professor confirmed that Navya did not appear for CAT. Moreover, the Professor also shared a link where eligibility criteria was mentioned. Notably, Navya Naveli has been enrolled for Blended Post Graduate Program (BPGP) MBA program. For the unversed, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has launched a two-year Online MBA program this year. The Blended Post Graduate Program (BPGP) MBA program degree for all working professionals and entrepreneurs who want to balance their careers with their aspirations for advanced education at the same time.
It is a hybrid program that includes on-campus, in-person sessions and live, interactive online classes as well. It is designed for students who have at least 3 years of professional experience. For admission, candidates have to go through any of the entrance exams including like IIMA Admission Test (IAT), CAT, GMAT, or GRE.
How to take admission to IIM without CAT?
As per the link shared by the IIM Professor, working professionals and entrepreneurs with a minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience, after completion of graduation, as on June 30, 2024.
One way is IAT. IAT is an online assessment test tailored for candidates who cannot apply with conventional test scores such as those from CAT, GMAT, or GRE. The IAT will be conducted at specific exam centres across India as well as the IIMA Dubai centre. A list of exam centres is available in the application portal. The format of the IAT shall be similar to other management aptitude tests. IAT duration shall be 90 minutes and 45 questions shall be asked from the below mentioned three sections:
a) Quantitative Aptitude
b) Analytical Reasoning
c) Verbal Aptitude
As per PhysicsWallah, several IIMs offer MBA programs that do not require the CAT exam. These include Integrated Program in Management (IPM) and Executive MBA programs.