The mandatory entrance exam for MBA admission in all the 20 IIMs, Common Admission Test is being conducted by IIM Ahmedabad this year on November 28, 2021 in three slots on the same day. The registration last date for CAT 2021 is closing on September 15, 2021 at 5 PM. Professor M P Ram Mohan, faculty on Business Policy, a Law & Strategy expert and Chairperson Admissions at IIM Ahmedabad is the exam Convener of CAT 2021. IIM Ahmedabad is known for its different academic approach and brings many changes in CAT exam whenever it conducts it. Last CAT which IIMA conducted in 2015, was completely overhauled. This year the CAT convener has announced many changes in CAT exam which may lead to substantial changes in IIM Ahmedabad admission process as well.
As the CAT registration process is closing in a few days, MBAUniverse.com reached out to CAT 2021 convener, Professor M P Ram Mohan, seeking his advice for CAT 2021 aspirants who are planning to apply for the exam and look for the admission in IIM Ahmedabad. The Interview excerpts with CAT convener’s advice and details on key changes in IIM Ahmedabad admission process are shared below:
Q. Recently IIMA has made some key requirements in its Admission criteria. So, who is an ideal candidate for MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad?
A: We believe management education equips a candidate with Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills.
An ideal candidate for IIMA is a person who is:
- Keen to Observe
- Keen toStudy
- Keen to add Value
- Or start an "organization" in all its complexities
Q. What is the batch size for each of your programs at IIMA?
A: For 2021-23 batch we had following batch size:
- PGP: 394
- PGP-FABM: 47
For 2022-24 batch, we will make a decision soon based on the availability of infrastructure.
Q. IIM Ahmedabad has recently increased the programme fee. Is there any fee increase likely for 2022-24 batch?
A: Decision on fee is to be taken in next March only.
Q. What are the changes that IIM Ahmedabad has made in the Admission 2022 process?
A: Yes, we have made a few changes:
- For the batch of 2022-24, we have included other medicine and surgery based degrees, like BDS, BAMS, BHMS also in the Academic Category along with MBBS degree for the shortlisting stage.
- We have also included 'Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India' (FIAI) in the Professional courses' list for consideration in the shortlisting stage
- Candidates with “promotion/pass” instead of “award of marks” certificates in any of the last two years of the bachelor’s program can apply for admission. In their CAT 2021 application form they can enter the “Promotion or Pass” option in the application form. This will allow the candidate to complete & submit the CAT 2021 application form, despite the requirements of minimum percentage of marks. This exception is available only to candidates who are completing the bachelor’s degree this year or are in the final year bachelor’s’ programme (graduation years – 2021 and 2022)
Q: Given the media articles on COVID 19 Third Wave, what are the safety guidelines for CAT 2021?
A: CAT Centre would frame the guidelines closer to the Exam Date, depending upon the situation and after reviewing government's guidelines on the conduct of Entrance Examinations.
Q. With CAT registration closing shortly, what is your message to CAT 2021 aspirants?
A: Register well in advance to have a hassle-free registration process and to avoid last-minute rush. All the best!
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on CAT 2021 and IIM Ahmedabad
