How can I join ICFAI Business School for MBA/PGPM programs?

Starting an MBA or PGPM course can shape your career, and ICFAI Business School (IBS) is a top choice when you want to get started. Ranked among India’s best business schools, IBS combines academic rigor with practical experience for MBA/PGPM aspirants. IBS Class of 2024, has impressive placement highlights, with the highest international CTC standing at INR 36.76 LPA and the highest national CTC at INR 26.19 LPA.

With over 70,000 alumni, the school has a history of producing global industry leaders. Do you want to join these successful professionals? If yes, then this guide will help you understand the steps, from eligibility to the selection process. So, let’s explore how you can join ICFAI Business School and set the stage for a promising future.

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The two-year MBA/PGPM program at IBS is crafted to equip graduates with essential management skills, preparing them to become specialists who are capable of integrating various functional areas in a dynamic organization. They provide 100% case-based learning to ensure practical experience.

This program comprises 29 courses (of which 21 are compulsory & 8 are electives) providing a thorough understanding of every area related to management. The courses emphasize the practical application of principles, methods, and concepts to address contemporary businesses' real-world difficulties. Program’s purpose is to provide students with a managerial viewpoint to develop and execute business plans.

Students are taught to make critical and analytical decisions, considering both business factors and ethical implications. The program deepens their understanding of key management areas and strategic aspects while encouraging them to adopt the latest tools and techniques for their future careers.

Now that you are interested in joining IBS for an MBA/PGPM program, given below are some of the vital steps you should consider first. 

Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Requirement: First of all, you must have completed your graduation in any field with at least “50%” of the minimum credits. It is mandatory for you to complete your undergraduate studies in English. If you haven’t, you must submit your IELTS or TOEFL scores by the specified time. This is to prove your English language competency.

2. Educational Duration: Interested candidates must have finished at least 15 years of school (calculated using the 10+2+3 or 10+2+4 formats). This prerequisite ensures students have a solid academic foundation prior to enrolling in the MBA/PGPM programs and is in line with India's higher education requirements. 

3. Final Year Students: Undergraduate students in their final year of study are also eligible to apply, provided they complete all graduation requirements by May 31, 2025, which include assignments, vivas, practical tests, and clearing any backlogs. Proof of graduation must be submitted by the mentioned time. This option allows students nearing the end of their undergraduate journey to apply without delay.

There are two different ways to apply for MBA/PGPM program at IBS

1. Online Registration: To apply, students need to sign up for IBSAT, IBS's entrance exam. This test checks skills in areas like math, data analysis, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The fee is INR 1800.

2. Purchasing Application Form: You can buy the application form online or at IBS marketing offices in India. Once purchased, fill it out with your personal and academic details. During the online process, you will have to provide contact details, make a payment, and receive a confirmation email. A hard copy of the PGPM 2024 Bulletin will be sent within a week.

Entrance Exam: IBSAT 2024

1. Overview of IBSAT: The two-hour IBSAT computer-based exam determines your readiness for business management courses. It is jam-packed with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering a wide range of topics, including analytical thinking, vocabulary development, data interpretation, and quantitative approaches. The IBSAT 2024 test is scheduled on December 28-29, 2024. The result will be announced in the 1st week of January 2025.

2. Exams for Alternative Entrance: Don’t worry, that's not the only way to get in. You can also use the results of any previous national management entrance exams you may have taken. Since 2021, IBS has been accepting scores from the CAT, GMAT, NMAT by GMAC, or XAT. Please note that, candidates with valid CAT/NMAT by GMAC™/XAT/GMAT™ scores from 2022 onwards are exempted from writing the IBSAT 2024 Test. 

Selection Process: IBSAT 2024

1. Micro Presentation and Personal Interview (PI): If you meet the cut-off scores in the IBSAT or other accepted exams, you'll move on to Micro Presentation and PI stages. These stages assess your communication skills, leadership qualities, and personality. The selection process for the next batch will take place during February/March 2025 and will include a Micro Presentation and Personal Interview round.

2. Final Admission Offer: Your final selection is based on your academic record, Micro Presentation and PI performance, and entrance exam scores. This thorough evaluation ensures that selected candidates are well-prepared for both academic and business success.

The fee structure for the MBA/PGPM programs varies across different IBS campuses.

IBS provides huge scholarship opportunities for excellent students. If we talk about the year 2024, a total of INR 10 Crores will be given to 500 eligible applicants (INR 2 Lakh each). The money can be split into two parts: Rs 1 lakh for the first term and Rs 1 lakh for the second term, which will be used to reduce the program fee.

The scholarships are distributed based on:

1. Performance in IBSAT: Top scorers in the IBSAT exam.

2. Wards of IBS Alumni: Children of IBS alumni.

3. Physically Challenged Candidates: Students with physical disabilities.

4. Wards of Defense Personnel: Children of in-service or retired defense personnel​​.

There is a withdrawal policy for this scholarship opportunity. If a student withdraws from the program for any reason, the scholarship amount they received will be deducted from any fee refunds they might get.

Getting into ICFAI Business School for an MBA/PGPM program involves several important steps. First of all, you should be meeting eligibility requirements. Given that, you can consider taking entrance exams. The final process calls a candidate for going through a selection process and personal interviews. Remember, the fees of this program differ by campus, but there are great scholarship opportunities for top students. All things must now be sorted, if you're interested in the MBA/PGPM program, you should get ready for every stage in order to get selected into one of India's best business schools. 

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