The PGP-FABM program does not have any marks limit in its eligibility criteria. Rather it requires you to hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in agricultural sciences or agriculture-related disciplines with at least 50% marks ( or equivalent CGPA).
The specific stream clause was added last year only. Make sure your stream does not pose any problem and you are fit to apply. Your chances depend on two factors/
CAT score
Your performance in the interview
There is no specific age limit for this program.
When you compare Harvard to IIM, you are comparing the Indian education system to the education system in other countries. There are three major differences, which are all listed below:
1. Diversity or Familiarity
Harvard: Harvard will expose you to a more multicultural environment. You'll be part of a campus teeming with students and professors from all over the world, representing a diverse range of countries, nationalities, and cultures. You'll learn about different traditions and lifestyles, understand and appreciate differences, be able to relate to your international peers, and discover a connection to your roots.
IIM: While you won't have as much global diversity as a study abroad program, your classroom may be filled with students from all over India. The transition to college life will be easier because you'll be surrounded by a familiar environment and peers who share your cultural and traditional values.
2. Self-Learning or Teacher-Guided Learning
Harvard: Prepare to experience a completely new learning style and academic rigor. Harvard has created an all-encompassing curriculum that emphasizes continuous learning, interactive teaching, extensive research, self-study, collaborative enterprise, classroom presentation, excursions, and exchange programs. Assessment and evaluation tools include a wide variety of mediums such as pop quizzes, project work, essays, seminars, class participation, project work, and so on. The curriculum encourages more student participation and initiative, with professors serving as facilitators. Because Harvard invented the case study method, the faculty members are experts in delivering it.
IIM: The lecture-based system centered on teachers and exams at the end of each semester is the foundation of the Indian curriculum. It is not a continuous learning method, which could be ideal for students who excel in this learning environment or want to pursue other interests after college, such as CA preparation or working in the family business. Many institutions, including IIM, are incorporating international pedagogical approaches to empower students to take greater ownership of their education.
3. Academic Flexibility or a Professionally Focused Program
Harvard: Your college experience at Harvard is very different from your experience at an Indian college. You can take more initiative in designing your course around your learning objectives. You can even change your major if you meet the requirements of the department. You can also double major, which means you can earn two degrees in two different academic fields.
IIM: You must complete a college-prescribed course within a specific program timeline. Courses are more subject-specific or designed to meet specific professions' requirements. For example, if you are studying Maths, you cannot choose Dance as an elective but must instead study Statistics, Physics, or a related field of study because the course syllabus limits your options. It allows you to specialize in your field while remaining focused on your professional objectives. Furthermore, IIM offers a PGDM degree rather than an MBA. The IIMs intend to offer an MBA degree rather than a PGDM degree in the near future.
When deciding between colleges in India and abroad, keep your priorities, strengths, and objectives in mind. Studying abroad will have a different impact on you than studying in your own country. It is entirely up to you how you want to maximize the opportunities that each presents. You must analyze your needs, do your homework, consult with family and friends, and think deeply; you'll undoubtedly choose the best option for you.
IIM Ahmedabad had many students who secured international placements in cities across the world such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Qatar, etc. in the placement year of 2020. International offers were made in the domains of consulting, finance, general management, and sales & marketing. The salary data are provided below -
Some of the reputed companies that visited the campus are McKinsey & Co., BCG, MasterCard, JP Morgan, TCS, Amazon, Microsoft, FinIQ, RPG, etc.
All in all, you will get ample opportunities for securing an international offer from the campus itself.
Financially speaking, FMS Delhi is a better option. The fees are extremely low compared to most other B Schools. The low fees do not compromise the quality of education here. But the accommodation and other expenses are high in Delhi. So the best option is to get a hostel in DU. But if you are okay with below-average rooms then rooms are available near FMS in the Malka Ganj area. They cost around INR 4000-7000.
If you go for IIM Ahmedabad, the scholarships and student loans will help you a lot. They will cover your tuition and hostel fees and will have to just pay your personal expenses (10k-15k in PG). One won’t regret investing in IIM Ahmedabad in the long run. But the ultimate choice is yours.
The CAT score required to gain admission to the top IIMs is determined by one's profile. The admission process at IIM Ahmedabad is a little complicated, and it is determined by a number of factors other than the candidate's CAT score. The following are the broad criteria for receiving a call from the IIMs:
The following are the weights assigned to each component in order to calculate the Final Composite Score:
COMPONENTS | WEIGHTS |
CAT Score | 25 Points |
Personal Interview | 50 Points |
Analytical Writing Test | 10 Points |
Application Rating | 15 Points |
Total | 100 |
Here is a quick summary of the admissions process for IIM Ahmedabad.
The 99.5+ percentile requirement is for candidates from an engineering background.
This is because 90 percent of CAT aspirants are engineers.
A few years back, one of my friends with less than 90 percentile in CAT got a call from IIM Ahmedabad, and converted successfully. He was from the general category, and had a non engineering background.
The aim of IIM Ahmedabad is to maintain batch diversity. 99.5 percentile means roughly 1000 candidates, far more than the quota for engineering background.
The final cutoff is much lower for candidates from other academic backgrounds. Moreover, the final selections are not solely based on CAT percentile.
The top 5% of people from any academic category will be preferred when giving a call provided that they have cleared the various criteria. They include:
Primary sectionals
Overall CAT cutoff
scored above the specified percentage in 10th and 12th
scored above the 80th percentile graduation score
If you have cleared all these criteria then you will be among the eligible candidates. But IIM Ahmedabad calls only 5% of the top composite score holders. For example, if there are 100 general candidates then it will call only the top 5 composite score holders. If there are 2000 general candidates it will call only 100 top composite score holders. But the maximum number of calls made will never exceed 100.
IIM Ahmedabad is a top management institution getting into which is a dream of many aspirants.
My sister went to IIM Ahmedabad for her dual degree. According to her, the institution is incredible for various reasons. Her class was filled with students who were geniuses, having been selected from among 1000 aspirants. Most of the time she had difficulty in following the entire lesson or conversation. At the same time, one is exposed to incredible speed, quality, depth of analysis, and precision of synthesis.
This is why an IIM A graduate gets a huge advantage in anything that they try to pursue.
The architecture is amazing and highly inspiring. My sister loved the activities at IIM A and its vibe. The people are incredible and still most of them are down-to-earth in nature.
The Environment at IIM Ahmedabad is good and there are no restrictions as such. People are broad-minded and one can freely express oneself. The faculty members are friendly with the students. There are different clubs that conduct various activities which enable students to pursue their interests in fields outside of academics.
IIM Ahmedabad also runs the Facebook and Twitter pages of the student community where the latest student activities, achievements, and events, among other aspects of students’ life at IIMA are posted.
Overall, the experience of students at IIM Ahmedabad is very good and the institution truly ensures an all-round development of its students.
The academics and the opportunities offered at the top IIMs are similar. IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta offer similar academics, facilities, and peer groups. Irrespective of which IIM you are choosing, you will get similar placement and internship opportunities. The rankings keep changing and people have this perceived notion that IIM Ahmedabad is the no 1 b-school in the country, due to its long-standing legacy.
To get admission in IIM Ahmedabad, you need to appear for CAT, first. International students need to appear for the GMAT. Students who score above the required cutoff and composite score, are shortlisted for the WAT-PI round. The final selection will be based on various factors such as your past academics, work experience, CAT score, performance in WAT-PI, etc. IIM Ahmedabad also looks for leadership qualities in students.
Clear your basics in English and Quants. Study newspapers and stay updated with the happenings around you. Solve puzzles. These are some of the things that you can do while preparing for IIM Ahmedabad.