Cracking IIM A B Interviews: Your Chances with Below Academic Scores
Academic credentials are sufficient to make it to most Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) like IIM-C and various other business schools. However, if you aspire to get into the elite IIM-A and IIM-B, your chances could be a bit more challenging due to the stringent requirements. IIM-A and B, renowned for their rigorous admissions process, look for consistent academic performance, particularly in the 10th, 12th, and graduation levels with a CGPA and GPA above 80.
Understanding the Admission Criteria
If you have scores of 75% in 10th, 82.8% in 12th, and 7.62 GPA for the first two years of BBA with a CGPA of 9.6, your chances are already decent. These scores can get you into many esteemed business schools, with a bit of additional preparation and a competitive profile. However, IIM-A and B carry higher expectations, particularly concerning consistent academic performance over these critical years of education.
Setting Your Target Percentile
Setting an appropriate target percentile is crucial when aiming for the top business schools of India. Unlike lesser-ranked business schools, IIM-A and B are known for their intense competition. You must aim for the best percentile to ensure your admission chances are maximized.
Strategies to Boost Your Chances
Below are some strategies that can help you improve your chances of getting into IIM-A and B:
Target a Higher Percentile: You need to score at least a 95th percentile or above to stand a good chance. The competition is fierce, so having a very high percentile will put you in a much better position. Comprehensive Preparation: Focus not just on academic scores but also on developing other aspects of your profile, such as extracurricular activities, leadership roles, work experiences, and aptitude tests like the CAT (Common Admission Test). Networking and Internships: Building strong connections with alumni and professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Additionally, securing internships can boost your resume and show your dedication to the field. Mock Interviews and Mock CATs: Regular practice through mock interviews and mock CATs can help you familiarize yourself with the format and improve your performance. Tailored Application Strategy: Tailor your application to each institute, emphasizing how your unique background, experiences, and aspirations align with the institute's mission and values.Learning from Successful Applicants
Learning from successful applicants can provide valuable insights and strategies. One compelling example is that of Ant, a candidate who scored 95th percentile and was successful in getting into IIM-A and B. Ant's profile built upon consistent academic performance, strong extracurricular activities, and strategic preparation.
Ant's Story: Ant had a challenging academic journey, securing scores of 75% in 10th, 82.8% in 12th, and 7.62 GPA for the first two years of BBA with a CGPA of 9.6. Despite these scores, Ant maintained a consistent academic performance and developed a strong profile through extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and targeted preparation.
Ant's success highlights the importance of rigorous preparation and maintaining a strong overall profile. Ensuring a higher percentile is crucial to compensate for any shortcomings in academic performance. Ant's story can inspire you to aim high and prepare diligently.
Best of Luck
The path to IIM-A and B is challenging, but with thorough preparation, a strong application, and a clear strategy, your chances can be significantly improved. Remember to set a realistic but aspirational target, and work towards it with determination and persistence.
Ensure you have a well-rounded application that showcases your intellectual capabilities, soft skills, and real-life experiences. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make your dream of getting into IIM-A or B a reality.