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Navya Naveli Nanda, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, has made headlines by securing a spot at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA). She’s enrolled in their Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP). But here’s the twist—she didn’t need to clear the CAT exam to get into this MBA course. Commenting on this, an IIMA Associate Professor, Promila Agarwal took to Twitter (former X) and wrote, “She got a solid CV btw*.U don’t necessarily need CAT. Link**.”

IIMA’s BPGP Course: A bird’s eye view

BPGP course was introduced in January 2024, it is a two-year hybrid MBA program that integrates live online classes with on-campus sessions. Aimed at professionals with a minimum three years’ experience, it primarily operates online with five on-campus modules. The programme focusses on a case-based, practical learning approach, providing 900 hours of instruction and project work across 36 credits. Each term includes a one-week on-campus module.

BPGP at IIMA: an MBA programme that doesn’t need CAT score

IIMA is famous for offering top-tier courses and has held the crown as the number one B-school in the NIRF rankings for over five years straight. Typically, getting into IIMA requires a high score on the CAT exam, just like most other IIMs. But the BPGP MBA course at IIMA is a bit more flexible. CAT isn’t mandatory for this programme—you can also get in through other exams.

Scores accepted for BPGP course at IIMA

Candidates can gain admission to the BPGP MBA course programme offered by IIMA through the following examinations.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview as part of the final selection process.

IIMA Admission Test

The IIMA Admission Test (IAT) is an online assessment specifically designed for applicants who do not have standard test scores like those from CAT, GMAT, or GRE. Candidates interested in taking the IAT can opt for it via the application portal.
The IAT will be administered at designated exam centers across India, including the IIMA Dubai center. The list of available centers can be accessed through the application portal.
The IAT will follow a format similar to other management entrance exams, with a duration of 90 minutes. It will comprise 45 questions across three sections:

GMAT

The GMAT is a standardized exam designed to evaluate a candidate’s quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities for admission to graduate business schools. Business schools use GMAT scores to gauge applicants’ preparedness for the demanding academic environment of MBA programs, as well as to determine eligibility for scholarships and financial aid. While not all business schools require it, the GMAT is one of the most widely accepted admissions tests globally, particularly for international students.
The GMAT is composed of four main sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and the Analytical Writing Assessment. It contains 80 questions.

GMAT Focus

The GMAT Focus Edition, launched in November 2023, is a revamped version of the GMAT. It aims to be a more streamlined and effective test, concentrating on the key skills essential for success in business school.
The GMAT Focus Edition features three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. It comprises a total of 64 questions.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a globally acknowledged entrance exam commonly used for admissions to graduate programs, especially in the United States. It assesses a candidate’s abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.