INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
AHMEDABAD

The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) was established in 1961 by the Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and Indian industry. IIMA today is a world-renowned institution of management education and research. It is recognised as one of the best business schools in the Asia-Pacific region for post-graduate management education. For over four decades now, IIMA has been successfully pursuing its mission of professionalizing Indian management through innovative teaching, research, institution building, and consulting. At the same time, IIMA has in recent years introduced an international perspective in its Post-graduate Programme in Management. The Institute is located in the city of Ahmedabad, which was founded in 1411 and is known for its architectural heritage, textile industry, enterprise, and a variety of research institutions of national repute. Ahmedabad is the largest city in the highly developed western Indian state of Gujarat.

Activities

IIMA's activities comprise teaching, management development, research, consulting and publishing. Its major educational programmes are: 

• The Post-graduate Programme in Management. 

• The Post-graduate Programme in Agri-business Management. 

• The Fellow Programme in Management—IIMA's doctoral programme in Management. 

• The Faculty Development Programme—a professional development programme for faculty members of management schools. 

• Management Development Programmes—continuing education programmes for middle, senior and top level managers.

he Centre for Management in Agriculture, the Ravi J. Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation, the Centre for Infrastructure Development, the Centre for Telecom Policy Studies, the Centre for Innovation and Incubation, the Computer and Information Systems Group, the Public Systems Group, and the International Management Group, are some of the major centres of research at IIMA. The Centre for Regional Management Studies sponsors research and management development programmes that are of relevance to Gujarat. 

Consulting brings the Institute's faculty members into contact with real-life managerial problems, and thus greatly enriches teaching and research. IIMA faculty members cater to a wide range of clients, such as public and private corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, and international agencies like the World Bank, FAO and the Commonwealth Secretariat. 

IIMA publishes a quarterly journal, Vikalpa. The journal aims at publishing original and stimulating articles based on research on managerial and organisational issues, or on consulting experiences. 

Faculty 

Members of the faculty at IIMA, numbering about 85, design and lead all teaching, research and consulting programmes. Many are involved in the Institute's academic administration and governance. IIMA's faculty members are distinguished by their sustained research contributions in various areas of management and strong practitioner-oriented teaching and consulting. 

Facilities 

The 40-hectare campus includes an academic complex of classrooms and seminar rooms, an auditorium, a well-equipped library, a computer centre, faculty and administrative offices, student dormitories, the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Management Development Centre for executive education, faculty and staff residences, and a sports complex. The Institute is in the process of expanding its facilities; new classroom complexes, offices and student dormitories are under construction. 

Vikram Sarabhai Library 

The Vikram Sarabhai Library (VSL) with a collection of over 1,80,000 books on management and allied disciplines and bound volumes of important national and international journals is rated one of the best in the country. The VSL subscribes to about 610 journals. Its collection also includes about 1700 working papers of IIMA faculty and about 190 dissertations of the Fellows of the IIMA (doctoral graduates). In addition to lending books, the VSL provides reference, indexing and bibliographic services. It gets reading material which is not in its stock from other libraries through an inter-library loan facility and in return provides material to other libraries. The technology deployed at the VSL has undergone significant changes. The VSL has its own separate network (VSLLAN) which hosts 22 PCs and a server system. The library has a variety of electronic information resources, which are classified as follows: 

• Bibliographic Databases 

• Company and Industry Databases 

• Electronic Journals 

Bibliographic Databases 

1. Business Source Premier (Ebsco) 

2. ABI/Inform (Proquest) 

3. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) : Records of books and articles index of VSL 

Company and Industry Databases 

1. CMIE : Information Infrastructure for Institutions, providing access to eleven databases on Companies, Industries, Trade, Business, Agriculture, Economy, Regional Economies 

2. Capitaline 2000 

3. Vans.com (On business environment) 

4. Asian CERC Insight 

5. Cris Infac 

6. India Informer (On business environment) 

Electronic Journals 

1. Kluwer Online 

2. Informs: PubsOnline 

3. ACM Digital Library 

4. IEEE 

The VSL also has standalone CD versions of Financial Times and Economist. User nodes are provided for accessing the various databases mentioned above. The VSL has also created a single point access to the VSL Digital Library (which consists of the above electronic information resources to which the Institute subscribes) and to encyclopaedias, dictionaries and other information resources available free on the Internet. 

The VSL is fully automated. Libsys, an integrated library software, has been used for automating all the functions and processes of the VSL. It has the option of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) which allows one to log in and access the VSL's databases from any place. 

A National Information Centre on Management (NICMAN), funded by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, National Information System for Science & Technology (NISSAT), Government of India, has been set up to provide timely management and business information to decision makers in the country, and to support applied management research that leads to improved management practices. The centre has generated three information services, which are quarterly publications: 

1. Information Bulletin on Management 

2. Current Contents on Management: Marketing 

3. Current Index of Management: Marketing 

The Information Bulletin on Management contains executive summaries of the latest articles/papers from about 600 very important management and social sciences journals published all over the world. In addition, database searches for locating references on any subject or topic from the online and CD-ROM based databases and VSL's local database are performed for a fee. This service also includes supply of copies of full text of article/s. To provide information about the current papers published in the journals being received in the library, electronic Current Content Service (e-CCS) has been introduced. It consists of scanned contents pages of the current issues of the journals grouped by area and subject. It is also available on Intranet through single point access. The VSL remains open for 116 hours every week. 

Computing Facilities 

Computing facilities at IIMA consist of several servers and about 600 PC nodes. Almost every workplace on the campus including individual faculty rooms, student dorm rooms, classrooms, computer labs and administrative offices, has network connectivity. Students will be facilitated to acquire a PC in their dorm rooms. All 450 rooms are networked to a fibre optic backbone of the institute. In addition to the PCs in their rooms, students have access to high powered computer labs with over 50 nodes and the IIMA library server offering several CD ROM databases subscribed by the institute. All systems on the campus are in one large inter-network that comprises of several individual Local Area Networks. Through these systems, campus users have access to the windows based office suites consisting of spread sheet, data management, word processing, and presentation software systems, and several language processors, statistical, math programming, simulation, project management, CASE, ERP, and client-server database software packages. In addition, a high-end computer lab for advanced applications is located in the computer centre building. 

Networking at IIMA is based on a variety of technologies including TCP/IP, SPX/IPX, Novell Netware, Unix and Windows NT. Linux and Novell servers provide file, print, and many other value-added services like email, electronic notice boards and web services. Every user on the campus is provided an account on a server and has access to email facility. 

The institute has online Internet connectivity through a 2 Mbps leased line. The Internet connectivity at IIMA provides services like email, ftp, telnet and web browsing. The main web server (http://www.iimahd.ernet.in) carries information on IIMA. Another web server (http://stdwww.iimahd.ernet.in) provides facilities for individual students to host their home pages. 

Classrooms are equipped with PC nodes and computer projection systems. These nodes are connected to the campus network through which faculty and students can access their accounts on their servers. The network backbone and networking environment were recently upgraded to offer high-speed communications, high-end computing, and improved desktop facilities to faculty members, students, library and various administrative offices. 

1. Post-graduate Programme (PGP) 

The two-year Post-graduate Programme in Management (PGP) is a full-time residential course for graduates from all disciplines wishing to choose a career in management. 

Eligibility 

At least a three-year bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline recognised by the Association of Indian Universities/AICTE as eligible for post-graduate studies in management. 

Candidates appearing for the final bachelor's degree examination can also apply. Such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate latest by June 30, 2004 from the Principal/Registrar of their college/institute (issued before June 30, 2004) stating that they have appeared for the examinations (including practicals) in all the subjects required for obtaining the bachelor's degree. Their admission will be confirmed when they submit the marksheet and a certificate of having passed the bachelor's degree examination referred to in the certificate issued by Principal/Registrar of their college/institute. The deadline for submission of marksheet and the certificate is December 31, 2004. Non-fulfilment of this condition will automatically result in the cancellation of the provisional admission. 

Profile of Past Students 

Students admitted to the Post-graduate Programme in the past have had scholastic achievements in different disciplines such as arts, commerce, science and professional streams such as medicine, engineering and agriculture. Many of the students have also had achievements in extra-curricular and organisational activities. Some of the qualities which characterise past students include high levels of initiative and energy, capacity for hard work, strong task orientation, willingness to learn, and a temperament suitable for teamwork. The PGP classes have had a mix of fresh graduates and persons with work experience; over a third of the selected candidates have had full-time paid work experience of more than six months after graduation. 

Curriculum 

The first year's curriculum is compulsory and covers the basic functional areas of accounting and finance, behavioural science, communication, economics, information technology, marketing, personnel management and industrial relations, production and operations management, and quantitative methods. At the end of the first year, a student works in an organisation on a summer assignment lasting eight to ten weeks. 

The second year courses provide the students with an opportunity to pursue studies in areas of special interest to them. Therefore, all the second year courses, with two exceptions, are electives. This approach helps students develop an integrated approach to solving management problems. 

Method of Instruction 

The case method is a major instrument of learning at IIMA. Other methods, such as seminars, group exercises, role-plays, lectures, and discussions, are also used. Cases are descriptions of actual management situations based on the experiences of organisations in a wide range of settings. They present facts known to the executives responsible for dealing with the situations presented, and through discussions of these situations, students learn how to solve different kinds of managerial problems. Both Indian and foreign cases are used. 

Diploma 

Graduates of PGP are awarded the 'Post-graduate Diploma in Management'. 

Placement 

PGP graduates have been employed in a wide range of public and private sector industries, and multinational corporations. In recent years, international recruiters have included ABN Amro, Deutsche Bank Global, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, National Kidney Foundation, Olam International Ltd., I2 Technologies, and McKinsey & Co. Graduates have been mainly placed in General Management, Finance, Marketing, Information Technology and Consulting. Many of the 5750 PGP alumni today occupy top managerial positions in industry, within the country and outside. 

The two-year Post-graduate Programme in Agri-Business Management (PGP-ABM) is designed to develop young men and women into professional managers who would make their mark and rise to become leaders of organisations and businesses in the agriculture, food, rural and allied sectors. 

Eligibility 

Candidates should have, from an institution recognised by the Association of Indian Universities/AICTE, 

(a) a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Agriculture Sciences 

                            OR 

(b) a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Agriculture related disciplines 

                            OR 

(c) at least a three-year Bachelor's degree in any discipline, and a strong interest in Agriculture, Agro/Food Processing, Rural and Allied Sectors. (Such candidates, with a strong interest in these sectors, must submit a special form available with the PGP-ABM Office during October 2003.) 

Candidates appearing for the final bachelor's degree examination or final master's degree examination can also apply. If selected, such candidates will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate latest by June 1, 2004 from the Principal/Registrar of their college/institute (issued by June 1, 2004) stating that they have appeared for all the examinations (including practicals) in all the subjects required for obtaining the Bachelor's/ Master's degree. Their admission will be confirmed when they submit the marksheet and a certificate of having passed the Bachelor's/Master's degree referred to in the certificate issued by the Principal/Registrar of their college/institute. The deadline for submission of the marksheet and the certificate is December 31, 2004. Non-fulfilment of this condition will automatically result in the cancellation of the provisional admission. 

Curriculum 

The preparatory programme starting in the beginning of June is compulsory for all those who are admitted to the PGP-ABM programme. The first year's curriculum is compulsory and covers the basic functional areas of management including accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, operations management, and strategic management. It also covers the basic foundations of economics, behavioural sciences, information technology, quantitative methods, and communication in the context of management. In addition there will be a special course on rural environment and institutions to build familiarity and linkage of the students with the sectoral environment. After the end of the first year, students will work in an organisation engaged in agri-business on a summer assignment lasting eight to ten weeks, and also undergo a rural immersion programme. 

The second year of the programme is designed to impart specialised multi-functional knowledge and skills required by agri-business managers for excellence in planning, decision-making, organisation and implementation in the sector and in different sub-sectors. The second year courses also provide the students with an opportunity to pursue areas of special interest to them. The second year programme consists of compulsory courses in general and agri-business management, as well as electives. 

Method of Instruction 

The case method is a major instrument of learning at IIMA. Cases are descriptions of actual situations faced by managers in organisations in a wide range of settings. They present facts known to the executives responsible for dealing with the situations, and through discussions of these situations, students learn how to analyse and solve different kinds of managerial problems. Other methods such as seminars, group exercises, independent projects, role-plays, lectures, and discussions are also used. 

Diploma 

Graduates of PGP-ABM are awarded the 'Post-graduate Diploma in Agri-Business Management'. 

Placement 

The PGP-ABM graduates will be given assistance for placement in organisations engaged in agri-business, food, agriculture and allied sectors, rural economy and agricultural development. Opportunities would be open for them for careers in agricultural input companies, agro-industries, food processing industries, agro-food marketing, international agricultural trade, agricultural services, rural financial institutions, rural development institutions and voluntary organisations engaged in rural development. 

INFORMATION COMMON TO PGP AND PGP-ABM 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2003 is the first step in the process of seeking admission to the PGP and PGP-ABM. Refer to Section 1 of this Bulletin for instructions on how to apply for CAT. A sample of the CAT Application Form is also given in the Bulletin. Candidates are advised to use this sample to practice filling out the Application Form. Please note that no additional fee is to be paid along with the Application Form.

Selection 

In selecting candidates for admission to the post-graduate programmes, our endeavour is to select a batch with a mix of candidates from diverse educational backgrounds. The selection procedure is a two-stage process. 

In the first stage, candidates to be called for group discussion and personal interview are shortlisted from among those who have applied to IIMA's post-graduate programmes. The CAT score is one of the inputs used in drawing up the shortlist; the other inputs used are past academic background and achievements, and post-degree work experience. 

In the second stage, candidates to be admitted to the post-graduate programmes are selected from among those who have attended the group discussion and personal interviews. In preparing this admission list, inputs such as performance in group discussion and personal interview, the CAT score, academic background and achievements, extra-curricular activities, and post-degree work experience, are taken into consideration. 

Thus, the shortlisting of candidates for group discussions and personal interviews, and the final selection for admission to the post-graduate programmes, are based on multiple criteria, and not on the CAT score alone. In other words, it is possible that a candidate with a higher CAT score than another candidate may not be shortlisted for group discussion and personal interview/ may not be selected for admission. The candidate with the lower CAT score may be shortlisted for group discussion and personal interview/ selected for admission because of his/her performance on dimensions other than the CAT score. 

Reservation for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Candidates and Candidates with Disabilities 

As per the Government of India requirements 15% and 7½% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates who meet IIMA's admission requirements. Government of India scholarships are available to SC/ST students. Needy SC/ST students are also granted part fee waiver. 3% seats are reserved for candidates with Disabilities as per the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 who meet IIMA's admission requirements. 

Preparatory Programme 

A preparatory programme will be offered in June 2004 to those selected students who are found deficient in mathematics or/and communication in order to facilitate their learning in the first year. (This programme is compulsory for PGP-ABM students.) 

Expenses 

Yearly expenses on tuition, library, computer, room, board, teaching material, and other fees are about Rs. 1,75,000 at present. (However, please note that this estimate is subject to review every year before the incoming batch's sessions begin.) Personal expenses on travel, clothes and laundry will be extra. 

Financial Assistance/ Scholarships 

It is the endeavour of the Institute that no student be denied opportunity to pursue the post-graduate programmes in Management at IIMA for want of adequate financial resources. Keeping this objective in view, IIMA has instituted a need-based scholarship scheme from its own resources to help its economically weak PGP/ PGP-ABM students. Under this scheme, every year many students are provided with scholarships. The scholarship amounts are fixed on the basis of the annual gross family income, parental asset ownership, number of dependants etc. 

The Government of India Merit-cum-Means scholarships of Rs. 2,200 a year are available to a maximum of 25 per cent of the students, provided that these students meet the merit and means criteria. Several industry-sponsored merit scholarships, worth up to Rs. 50,000 a year, are awarded at the end of each academic year. In addition, a few industry-sponsored need-based scholarships of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per year for two years are available to needy students. 

Many commercial banks and financial institutions provide educational loans to students. For details, contact their branch offices. 

Students' Affairs Council 

The Students Affairs' Council has primary responsibility for developing and implementing policies and codes for the conduct of student activities. The coordinator, who is elected by the student body, has the overall responsibility for academic, financial, mess, publications, cultural, and sports activities. 

IIMA Alumni Association 

The Alumni Relations Activity Committee provides a forum for continuing education and for strengthening the bonds between IIMA and its alumni. The Association has chapters in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nasik, New Delhi, London, Muscat, Singapore and USA (NJ). Alumni receive the Institute's publications, participate in seminars and conferences at the IIMA, and are provided hospitality during their visits to the Institute. The Association brings out the IIMA Alumnus three times a year; this magazine serves as an important medium for communication among alumni.

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