Navigating Admission Challenges to IIMs: A Student’s Journey

As a student aiming for top-ranked institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), securing admission can be a daunting task. Many students grapple with varied academic backgrounds, differing CAT scores, and extracurricular activity involvement. In this article, we delve into the challenges and requirements for admission to the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, along with a detailed account of one student's journey.

Admission Challenges Faced by Students

One common question among students is if they can get admission in any IIMs given their academic performance. For instance, a student may have scores of 64% in Class 10, 51% in Class 12, and 71% in graduation. The first step towards securing admission is meeting the basic eligibility criteria and performing well in the Common Admission Test (CAT).

Having a good percentile in the CAT is essential. A student needs to score above 99 percentile to have a strong chance at IIM Ahmedabad and other top IIMs. However, meeting the CAT eligibility alone is not enough. The overall academic performance, especially in Class 10 and 12, also plays a significant role. Generally, the CAT eligibility criteria require at least a 50% aggregate in graduation.

Shortlisting Criteria of IIM Ahmedabad

For admission to IIM Ahmedabad, the shortlisting criteria are stringent. Apart from the CAT percentile, the IIM Ahmedabad shortlists candidates based on their overall academic performance. Students aiming for admission to IIM Ahmedabad typically need to meet the 95 CAT percentile and a minimum 70% aggregate in graduation. For normal shortlisting, the average marks of Class X and XII should be at least 80.

Failure to meet these criteria, even with a high CAT score, could lead to not receiving an interview call. This underscores the necessity of excelling in both academic and competitive exams.

Further Requirements for Admission

In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, candidates are judged based on their CAT score, academic scores, and extracurricular activities. Involvement in extracurricular activities, professional experience, and good performance in Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GDPI) rounds significantly enhance a candidate's chances of being admitted to these programs.

A Journey of Dedication and Persistence

To illustrate the feasibility of achieving the desired outcome, let's take the story of a student who attempted the CAT exam multiple times. Initially, she secured a 64th percentile in 10th, a 51st percentile in 12th, and a 71st percentile in graduation. Despite her academic records, her performance in the CAT was not up to the mark, leading to disappointment and uncertainty. However, she did not lose hope and continued to work towards her goal.

In 2018, she attempted the CAT and achieved a 40th percentile, which seemed like a setback. However, she did not give up and prepared for the subsequent exams. In 2019, she improved her score to a 60th percentile, a significant improvement but still not enough for shortlisting by top IIMs. In 2020, despite the uncertainty created by the pandemic, she got a 85th percentile, a step closer to her dream.

Unfortunately, she did not receive interview calls from any IIMs in 2020. However, she was determined to continue her efforts. In 2021, she achieved a 94th percentile, securing an interview and a place at IIM Ranchi. This journey exemplifies the importance of persistence and dedication in competitive exams.

Conclusion and Final Words of Advice

Despite the challenges and the seemingly insurmountable odds, it is not impossible to secure admission to IIMs. The key lies in a well-planned and dedicated preparation approach. This journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

For those on a similar path, remember that every setback is a setup for an even better comeback. As the saying goes, every success has a backstory of struggle. If you are one of those trying to break into the top IIMs, keep pushing and never give up. Your destiny is in your own hands, and it is up to you whether you will break it or make it.

Thank you for reading this article. If you are on a similar journey, feel free to share your thoughts, doubts, or success stories in the comments below. Let's support each other on this inspiring and challenging journey to IIMs.

Stay inspired and keep striving!

- Ankit Anand

Upvote and comment if you are in the same boat!

Please note that the names and details of the student have been anonymized to respect their privacy.