It is a risky option to drop a year for IPMAT because the acceptance rate is extremely low i.e. 0.7%. It would be better to keep other options as a backup in place.
You can start studying for other entrances as well or get enrolled for a course if you want to save a year. You can also leave and go for IPM a year later if you get selected.
But, if you think that you are very serious about IPM, and you will do whatever it takes to get on by preparing rigorously after taking a drop for a year, and if you have a strong belief that you will get into it, then consider taking a drop.
The infrastructure of IIM Indore is pretty good. The institute has good classrooms and a big auditorium. There is also a library for the students.
Apart from these, IIM Indore also has a full-size swimming pool, courts for tennis and badminton. There is also a playing area for football and also a gym for the students.
There are mass facilities available 24/7. There are also shops inside the campus from where you can buy whatever you require.
IPM from IIM Indore is a Five-Year Integrated Programme. In this course, the participants are awarded the Bachelor of Arts (Foundations of Management) and the Master of Business Administration (under the Dual Degree Programme) by IIM Indore on the completion of the program.
On completion of the IPM course, the students get an IDM, “Integrated Diploma in management."
IIM Indore conducts an entrance exam called IPMAT (IPM Aptitude Test) for inducting students in its 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM) course, the form for which is usually released in the month of May each year.
The test has three sections, i.e. Quantitative Ability (MCQ), Quantitative Ability (Short Answer), and Verbal Ability (VA). So naturally Mathematics and English are the two subjects you should focus on to ace the exam. In mathematics topics such as probability, trigonometry, mensuration topics such as area, volume and perimeter should be your top priority. A good grip on class 10 mathematics will definitely help you.
In English, you need to be proficient in the language. Grammar, reading comprehension through paragraphs, and punctuations are some of the most important topics to cover in the language section. I hope if you practice enough, you can easily cross the cutoff of the test.
HSEE at IIT Madras is humanity and social sciences course so don’t expect a satisfying placement after pursuing this course. If you are willing to opt for civil services after the end of this course, then you may go for it. The highest package offered so far has been 12 LPA. Your placement package is determined by your caliber in the field.
Whereas IPM is a 5-year integrated course at IIM Indore. It endows you with an MBA after graduating from this 5-year course. Placement opportunities are tremendous in this course. The average salary ranged around 15.6 LPA for the students of the IPM batch.
My elder brother completed his education at IIM Indore. So I think I can answer your question.
IIM Indore provides an IPM (Integrated Program in Management) course after you complete your high school education. It's a five-year program that has proven to be really beneficial. In those five years, you'll have acquired comprehensive management skills. Math is required in this course. So, students coming from a Math background do have an advantage. But there are students with non-mathematical backgrounds too. So, you can definitely have a seat at IIM Indore, even if you didn’t have maths in 12th.
But don't be discouraged, the MBA and PGDM programs do not require math in class 12; all you need to do is pass the CAT exam. You'll need to study hard for that, as it's a competitive and difficult exam. So plan beforehand and give it your all. IIM Indore is an amazing institute, and it is well worth your time to study there.
It is preferable if you enroll in any educational coaching institution because you are taking a drop year, especially for IPM preparation. This is because for IPM, students have to give a PI and an Aptitude Test.
Lastly, as I have seen my friends prepare and do well in exams, I will encourage you to do the same. Be confident while giving your answers and attend the PI with complete honesty.
SJMSOM, IIT Bombay is better than IIM Indore for a PGP. It has a compact batch size and an excellent industry interface. There are around 110 students per batch, so everyone gets the required attention from the faculty.
IIT Bombay MBA placements of 2022 had an average CTC of around INR 25.9 LPA. While the highest CTC offered was INR 49 LPA.
Other than these, you will get the option to network with B.Tech people who holds the top 100 ranks in JEE. IIT Bombay has a business incubator that offers excellent live projects. You will also get the location advantages of Mumbai.
The Himalaya Outbound Program (HOP) is the best part at IIM Indore. This 4-credit course was only available for those who had not yet completed STEP (Student Exchange Program).
Second-year PGP students are eligible to participate in this program. You will get a chance to visit several soothing and peaceful areas in the Himalayas. It will be organized for a week full of various activities including outbound adventures focused on experiential learning.
You will learn the importance of leadership qualities as you might be appointed the leader of the team randomly. The program can prove to be a great digital detox where every member of the team will be disconnected from the entire world for three days.’
One of my friends graduated from IIM Indore and according to him, it's worth trying as it provides an opportunity to get admission to IIM Indore, one of India’s top educational institutes.
IPM from IIM Indore is a decent program with good faculty and placement opportunities, so you should opt for it, given the option.