Class 12 students can reach IIMs through the IPM course without taking CAT

As the Class 12 board examinations approach, almost every student begins to worry about a career. Those who want an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) no longer need to wait for graduation to end or spend years preparing for a tough examination such as the Common Admission Test (CAT). A seat can be secured while still studying in Class 12.

Most people associate the IIMs with CAT, taken after graduation. But the IIMs have opened a special route for students who have passed Class 12. It gives access to the IIM campus and the same world-class exposure without taking CAT. Understanding the course and the background of its entrance examination before the board examinations begin will ease much of the career worry.

The route is the IPM, or Integrated Programme in Management. It is a five-year dual-degree programme in which BBA and MBA are studied together. The course is offered at several leading MBA institutions, including IIM Indore, Rohtak, Ranchi, Bodh Gaya and Jammu. Its biggest attraction is that the dream of studying at an IIM can be fulfilled right after Class 12.

CAT is not required for admission to the IPM course. The entrance examination is IPMAT (Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test) or JIPMAT, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) or the IIM concerned. It mainly asks questions on quantitative aptitude (mathematics), verbal ability (English) and logical reasoning. Basic preparation can be done comfortably alongside the board examinations.

Students from any stream, whether arts, science or commerce, who have passed Class 12 or are appearing in the board examination can apply. Generally, 60 per cent marks in Class 12 are required, while the threshold for reserved categories is 55 per cent.

Students who do not wish to study in one place for five years have an exit option after three years. On completing three years, they receive a BBA or BBA (Analytics) degree and can leave for further study or a job.

Some tips for preparing for the IIM entrance examination alongside the boards: give just one hour a day to aptitude and basic English reasoning in addition to board studies. The IPMAT pattern differs from the board examinations, so take an online mock test once a week. A personal interview (PI) follows the written test, so keep up with important national and international events.

There is no need to wait until the board examinations end to seek admission to an IIM. Fill in the IPMAT form and draw up a good study strategy. Following it can put a candidate ahead of lakhs of others. It is the fastest and surest way to reach a top management institute without the stress of CAT.