After the 12th grade, getting into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) is challenging but doable. Being accepted into one of the IIMs, the most prestigious business schools in India, might open the door to a rewarding career in management. But it is a complex undertaking that requires much effort and commitment.
The methods to enter an IIM after completing 12th grade are covered in this article, along with advice on increasing your chances of acceptance.
Steps to get into IIM after 12
Step 1: Choose the right stream in 12th
The first step towards getting into IIM after the 12th is to choose the right stream. IIMs accept students from various academic backgrounds, but most prefer students from the Commerce stream. If you plan to pursue a management course in IIM, opting for Commerce in 12th grade is recommended. However, IIMs also accept students from other streams, such as Science and Arts, provided they have an excellent academic record.
Step 2: Get good grades in 12th
The second step towards getting into IIM after the 12th is to get good grades in the 12th. IIMs have minimum eligibility criteria of 50% marks in 12th for general category students and 45% for reserved category students. However, the competition for admission to IIMs is very high, and to improve your chances of admission, you need to score much higher than the minimum eligibility criteria. Aim for at least 85% marks in 12th to have a good chance of getting into IIM.
Step 3: Prepare for entrance exams
The next step towards getting into IIM after the 12th is to prepare for entrance exams. IIMs conduct their entrance exam called the Common Admission Test (CAT), a computer-based test. The exam tests the candidate's ability in various areas, such as Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation. The CAT exam is generally held in November every year.
Apart from CAT, there are other management entrance exams that you can appear for, such as XAT, SNAP, NMAT, etc. It is recommended to appear for multiple entrance exams to improve your chances of admission.
Step 4: Attend coaching classes
Coaching classes can help you prepare for entrance exams and improve your chances of getting a good score. Various coaching institutes offer coaching for management entrance exams. You can join one of these coaching institutes to get expert guidance and improve your chances of admission to IIM.
Step 5: Build your profile
IIMs look for academic excellence and consider the candidate's overall profile. You can build your profile by participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering for social causes, and pursuing hobbies that showcase your skills and interests. Building a strong profile can help you stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of admission.
Step 6: Write a good Statement of Purpose (SOP)
A Statement of Purpose is a document that highlights your academic and professional achievements and explains why you want to pursue a management course in IIM. A well-written SOP can help you impress the admission committee and improve your chances of admission.
Step 7: Clear the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI)
The final step towards getting into IIM after the 12th is to clear the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Once you clear the entrance exam, the next round of the selection process involves a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The Group Discussion is a group activity where candidates are given a topic to discuss, and their communication skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork abilities are assessed. The Personal Interview is a one-on-one interaction between the candidate and the interview panel, where the candidate's academic background, work experience, and personality traits are evaluated.
To clear the GD and PI, it is essential to prepare well in advance. You can practice group discussions with peers, read newspapers and current affairs magazines to stay updated with the latest happenings, and practice mock interviews to improve your communication skills.
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Talk to an ExpertTips to improve your chances of admission to IIM
Apart from the steps mentioned above, there are a few tips and tricks that you can follow to improve your chances of admission to IIM. These include:
- Start preparing early: Preparing for IIMs early in your academic career is essential. This will give you enough time to build a solid academic record, participate in extracurricular activities, and prepare for entrance exams.
- Read extensively: Reading extensively can help you improve your communication skills, expand your knowledge base, and stay updated with the latest happenings. You can read books, newspapers, and online blogs to improve your reading and comprehension skills.
- Join clubs and societies: Joining clubs and societies can help you develop your leadership and teamwork skills. You can join clubs such as the debate club, student council, or sports team to showcase your skills and interests.
- Network with alumni: Networking with alumni can help you get valuable insights into the admission process and the curriculum at IIMs. You can connect with alumni through social media platforms such as LinkedIn and attend alumni events to learn more about their experiences.
- Stay motivated: Getting into IIM after the 12th is not easy; it requires hard work and dedication. Staying motivated throughout the process and keeping your end goal in mind is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, here are four frequently asked questions related to getting into IIM after the 12th:
Is it possible to get into IIM after the 12th?
Yes, it is possible to get into IIM after the 12th. However, you must take the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) route IIMs offer. This five-year course includes a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in management.
What are the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for the IPM program at IIM?
The minimum eligibility criteria to apply for the IPM program at IIM is 60% aggregate marks in Class 10th and Class 12th. Additionally, the candidate must have appeared for and cleared the entrance exam.
What are the standard entrance exams for admission to IIM?
The two standard entrance exams for admission to IIM are the Common Admission Test (CAT) and the IPM Aptitude Test (IPMAT). CAT is conducted for admission to the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in management, while IPMAT is conducted for admission to the IPM program.
What is the selection process for admission to IIM?
The selection process for admission to IIM typically involves a written entrance exam, followed by a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The written exam tests the candidate's aptitude in Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. The GD and PI rounds assess the candidate's communication skills, leadership qualities, and personality traits.
