PGPX
One Year Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives
 
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for admission to PGPX?
What are the criteria for admission?
Is the admission process different for sponsored candidates?
Is there a minimum GMAT score?
If I have more than one GMAT score, which will be considered?
Is it sufficient to submit the application with the test centre score or do you need the official score before the last date?
Will CAT scores be considered?
What is the minimum grade I should have at the Bachelors’ level for me to apply for admission?
I have already completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Management/MBA and have been working since then. Will this earlier education be considered as a disqualification for the PGPX programme?
What is ‘substantial’ work experience?
Should the experience be in a for-profit organization?
What would be judged in the leadership profiling?
Is there any reservation for people working outside India?
14.   
Is there any reservation for company sponsored candidates?
How many seats are available?
What are the specializations available for the PGPX course?
Which electives are available to the participants?
What degree is offered at the end of the programme?
How is the programme different from the existing two year Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIMA?
What is the international immersion segment?
Will placement services be available?
My age is significantly above the minimum required for PGPX. Will any company show interest in hiring me after finishing the course?
What is the charge for the application form? How can I pay it?
What is the schedule of the admission process for the course starting in April 2006?
What are the documents required for application?
Will an entrance test be conducted? If so, where and when?
Is staying on the institute campus mandatory?
What will be the nature of the accommodation?
What is the fee for the programme?
What is the fee payment mode?
What about bank loans to finance the programme?
Does the programme offer scholarships?
Can I know a little more about Ahmedabad?
Can I talk to someone at IIMA for further clarifications?

 

1.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission to PGPX?

Here are the basic criteria:

     (a) Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in any discipline
     (b) Minimum Age – 27 years at the start of the course [born on or before March 31,
          1979 for batch starting April 2006]
     (c) Upper age limit: None
     (d) GMAT (www.mba.com) score obtained not earlier than April 1, 2002 for batch
          starting April  2006. To ensure that scores are sent directly to IIMA, please enter
         
ETS CODE: 7156.
(TOP)

 
2.
What are the criteria for admission?

Admitted candidates are likely to have good GMAT scores, a good academic record, a clear idea of why they prefer IIMA for doing their one-year programme and substantial work experience that shows some evidence of a supervisory/managerial role in an organization that they have worked for. Leadership potential will also be considered.
(TOP)
 
3.
Is the admission process different for sponsored candidates?

No. All candidates, whether sponsored or not, will go through the admission process.

(TOP)
 
4.
Is there a minimum GMAT score?

No. But the higher the GMAT score the better the chance of admission.
(TOP)
 
5.
If I have more than one GMAT score, which will be considered?

Highest score amongst the tests taken after April 1, 2002 will be considered.
(TOP)
 
6.
Is it sufficient to submit the application with the test centre score or do you need the official score from ETS before the last date?

We will accept the test centre (unofficial) GMAT score from candidates as follows:

Candidates located in India Up to June 30, 2005
Candidates located outside India Up to August 10, 2005

Candidates are required to have the official score sent from ETS to IIMA [CODE: 7156] soon after their submission of scores/application. The application will be considered incomplete unless the GMAT score is received from ETS.

The deadline for receiving the Application Forms remains June 30, 2005 for all the candidates.

(TOP)
 
7.
Will CAT scores be considered?

We will not be considering CAT scores for PGPX.
(TOP)
 
8.
What is the minimum grade I should have at the Bachelors’ level for me to apply for admission?

There is no minimum. However, selected candidates are likely to have had a consistently good academic record.
(TOP)
 
9.
I have already completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Management/MBA and have been working since then. Will this earlier education be considered as a disqualification for the PGPX programme?

No.
(TOP)
 
10.
What is ‘substantial’ work experience?

We are targeting about seven years of organizational experience at the start of the programme.The nature of the work experience including demonstrated initiatives would be important.
(TOP)
 
11.
Should the experience be in a for-profit organization?    

Not necessary.
(TOP)
 
12.
What would be judged in the leadership profiling?

We want to understand the leadership potential which will be done partly through application forms and partly through interview.
(TOP)
 
13.
Is there any reservation for people working outside India?

No. However the programme is actively seeking an international mix of participants.
(TOP)
 
14.
Is there any reservation for company sponsored candidates?

No.
(TOP)
 
15.
How many seats are available?

Target for the first batch is 40. In the subsequent years, the number would be increased to 70.
(TOP)
 
16.
What are the specializations available for the PGPX course?

The focus is on general management and hence, no specialization (minor) is officially offered. The programme, however, will offer a wide selection of elective courses for those wanting to do more courses in a particular area.
(TOP)
 
17.
Which electives are available to the participants?

Electives will depend on student interest and faculty supply. Our effort will be to provide a wide range of electives, including on marketing, finance, supply chain management, strategic management, sectoral areas like financial services, infrastructure etc.
(TOP)
 
18.
What degree is offered at the end of the programme?

On successful completion, participants will be given a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. This may be considered equivalent to the one-year management programmes offered by INSEAD (France), Indian School of Business (India), Asian Institute of Management (Philippines), University of Pittsburgh (USA), Cranfield (UK), etc.
(TOP)
 
19.
How is the programme different from the existing two year Post Graduate Programme (PGP) at IIMA?

The programme is aimed at experienced executives who wish to acquire formal training in management. It has a general management focus, with an emphasis on managing across borders and cultures. It has an international immersion component besides teaching content drawn from many countries. The goal is to prepare participants to be ready to take leadership positions in the firms that they join.
(TOP)
 
20.
Would the programme enable participants to go for higher studies like Ph D?

As of now, we are unsure about this. Many international doctoral programmes look more for years of education along with a bachelors for admission. Some course waivers may depend on the masters degree. We would hope that our programme would be recognized as masters equivalent, just like the 2-year programme (which is also not a formal degree, but has got established as being a high quality post graduate education).

   
21.

What is the international immersion segment?

International immersion is a five-week international project, which exposes the participants to work practices in an environment different from their “home culture.” It also helps them understand the macro-economic underpinnings, strengths and weaknesses of the host country from a business perspective. This international immersion will prepare the participants to take on challenging assignments anywhere in the new globalized world.

The design of international immersion segment encourages participants to spend some time (about 20%) in a business school of the host country (to get theoretical knowledge and perspectives about the macro-economics of the country/region), and rest of the time in the project assigned by the sponsor. It is not an exchange programme, but a 'consulting' type of assignment for the sponsoring company.

Please refer the ‘International Immersion’ section for more details

(TOP)

 
22.
Will placement services be available?

Yes, to participants who are not sponsored by companies. Several companies have already indicated strong interest. Our current two-year PGP has an enviable placement record and we think that we will be able to replicate that success on the one-year PGPX as well.
(TOP)
 
23.
My age is significantly above the minimum required for PGPX. Will any company show interest in hiring me after finishing the course?

Our attempt will be to customize placement for each individual.
(TOP)
 
24.
What is the charge for the application form? How can I pay it?

It is free.
(TOP)
 
25.

What is the schedule of the admission process for the course starting in April 2006?

(a) The Application form is available online.
(b) Last date for receipt of filled-in applications: June 30, 2005. Applications will also be accepted  through the IIMA website; you may if you desire, download the application and mail it to us.
(c) Intimation to shortlisted candidates: by August 15,2005
(d) Personal interviews or interviews through videoconferencing : August-September 2005
(e) Intimation to selected candidates: by September 30, 2005
(TOP)

 
26.
What are the documents required for application?

The application form specifies all the documents required. They include: GMAT score, employment history, academic background, achievements etc. While the application will seek information from these documents, the photocopies/originals would need to be provided later in the admission process.
(TOP)
 
27.
Will an entrance test be conducted? If so, where and when?

IIMA will not conduct any entrance test. Applicants have to submit their GMAT score (obtained not earlier than April 1, 2002, for those applying in 2005 for an April 2006 start).
(TOP)
 
28.
Is staying on the institute campus mandatory?

Yes, this is a fully residential programme. Accommodation will be available for both single and married participants.
(TOP)
 
29.
What will be the nature of the accommodation?

Single Accommodation:

One room + bath (total built up area: 315 sq ft)
Each room will be fully furnished with air conditioner, television, refrigerator, telephone connection and internet facility. Each residential block will be provided with a washing machine.

Married Accommodation:

Two rooms + kitchen + bath (total built up area: 676 sq ft).

Both the rooms would be fully furnished. Bedroom will have an air conditioner. The house will have television, refrigerator, telephone connection and internet facility. Each residential block will be provided with a washing machine.

Common Facilities:

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals would be served in the dining hall.

Facilities for indoor/outdoor games and recreation activities are available. Games such as Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football (Soccer), Hockey, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball are very popular among the student community. Fitness conscious students can work out in the gymnasium or go for a jog around the scenic campus. For those who prefer to stay indoors, there is Chess, Carom or Bridge.

Three doctors are in attendance at the dispensary on the campus. A Post Office and a full-fledged State Bank of India branch with ATM facility functions on the campus.

Network Connectivity:

High-speed servers, running on a variety of platforms to suit all kinds of requirements, support the entire network. The Institute's network is linked to the Internet via a dedicated leased line enabling round the clock Internet connectivity on the campus. Every classroom has a computer connected to this network that allows faculty to retrieve relevant information from their desktop or the central database. This connectivity helps both the students and the faculty considerably in their research and projects. Participants are expected to bring their own lap-tops.
(TOP)

 
30.
What is the fee for the programme?

The programme fee is Rs 800,000 (approximately US$ 19,000) for a single participant. This includes tuition, academic expenses like programme material, library and network charges, room and board. (Married participants staying in married accommodation would have to pay the additional costs)
(TOP)
 
31.

What is the fee payment mode?

Two payment modes are available:(International participants may pay the equivalent in US Dollars at the prevailing rate of exchange)

Option A:

1
On acceptance of offer, towards a nonrefundable commitment fee
October 2005
Rs    50,000
2
At the start of the programme, prior to term I
April 2006
Rs 7,50,000


Option B: (Installment basis, with interest charges)

1
On acceptance of offer, towards a nonrefundable commitment fee
October 2005
Rs    50,000
2
At the start of the programme, prior to term I
April 2006
Rs 2,00,000
3 Prior to term II June 2006 Rs 2,00,000
4 Prior to term III August 2006 Rs 2,00,000
5 Prior to term IV December 2006 Rs 2,00,000

(TOP)

 
32.
What about bank loans to finance the programme?

The Institute has found several banks interested in offering loans to those admitted to PGPX. International participants, apart from their own banking sources, can approach bank branches of Indian banks in their countries.

The details of loan schemes from banks are as follows:

 

Bank of India

State Bank of India

HDFC Bank

ICICI Bank

Bank of Baroda

Loan Amount

Rs 7.50 lakh as education loan and Rs 2.50 lakh personal loan for family subsistence

Rs 8.00 lakh

Maximum of Rs 10.00 lakh

Maximum of Rs 7.50 lakh

Maximum of Rs. 8.00 lakh

Margin

Nil upto Rs 4.00 lakh;
5% for above Rs 4.00 lakh

Nil upto Rs 4.00 lakh;
5% for above Rs 4.00 lakh

Rs 50,000 to be paid upfront to IIMA

Rs 50,000

15%

Security

No security upto Rs 4.00 lakh and third party guarantee beyond Rs 4.00 lakh for educational loans. Third party guarantee for personal loan.

None. No co-borrower

None

Parent/Spouse to be taken as Co-applicant for stability

None

Interest

8.75% pa for educational loan; 9% pa for personal loan, linked to PLR (floating rate)

9.25% pa upto Rs. 4.00 lakh, 9.75% pa above Rs 4.00 lakh on floating rate basis

11% p.a. EMI per lakh for 36 months @ 11% is Rs 3274

10% p.a. on reducing balance

9.50% p.a. Additional concession of 1% may be considered based on regular repayment of interest during moratorium period.

Moratorium Period

Course duration + a maximum of 6 months. EMI would be worked out on the basis of simple interest charged during this period and the principal disbursed.

Course duration + 6 month  simple interest applied during moratorium period

Course duration. During this period, the borrower would pay interest on monthly basis.

Course duration + 1 month simple interest on monthly basis would be charged during this period and the borrower would have to pay on quarterly basis.

Course duration + 3 months, or 1 month after getting new job or upon resuming the existing job, whichever is earlier. During this period, the borrower would pay interest.

Repayment Period

Maximum 5 years

Flexible upto 7 years

12 months to 48 months inclusive of moratorium period. No prepayment charges.

5 years. If prepaid, prepayment charge would be 2% of principal outstanding

Maximum 5 years after moratorium period

Processing Charges

Nil

Nil

Nil

1% of loan amount payable upfront

Not specified

Contact Person

Mr. A K Makim
Sr Manager (Marketing)
Bank of India, Bhadra
Ahmedabad - 380 001
T: 91-79-2535 6085
F: 91-79-2539 0354
Email: boigujad1@sancharnet.in

Mr Sushanta K Das
Branch Manager,
State Bank of India
IIM Branch, Vastrapur Ahmedabad – 380 015
T: 91-79-2630 8003/2549
F: 91-79-2630 8348
Email: sa.02653@sbi.co.in

Mr. Biju Pillai
Business Head - PL & LAS
The HDFC Bank Ltd
HDFC Bank House
Senapati Bapat Marg
Lower Parel
Mumbai – 400 013
T: 91-22-5652 1002/2496 0733
F: 91-22-2496 0737
Email: biju.pillai@hdfcbank.com

Mr S Swaminathan

ICICI Bank Limited
6th Floor, South Tower-West Wing
Bandra-Kurla Complex
Mumbai - 400051
T: 91-22-2653 1414
F:91-22-2653 1167
Email: swaminathan.s@icicibank.com

Mr V Sheshadri
Dy General Manager
Bank of Baroda
5 th Floor, Near Gandhi Bridge Ahmedabad
– 380 014
T: 91-79-2754 1093
F: 91-79-2754 4852
E-mail: zm.ngz@bankofbaroda.com


(TOP)
 
33.
Does the programme offer scholarships?

As of now, there are none. But eventually, we will institute a few, especially based on performance.
(TOP)
 
34.
Can I know a little more about Ahmedabad?

Founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD, Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, has grown into one of the most important modern cities of India. Straddling the Sabarmati river, this prosperous city of six million is a delight for archeologists, anthropologists, architects, historians, sociologists, traders, bargain hunters, and plain tourists.

The mosques and mausoleums in the once walled city blend Muslim and Hindu styles of architecture. The Sidi Bashir mosque, with its ‘Jhulta minars’ (shaking minarets) continues to amaze and puzzle casual visitors and serious scholars alike. There are several stunning Hindu and Jain temples in and around Ahmedabad. The step wells with their intricate carved stone pillars are exquisite. At the 55-year old Calico Museum of Textiles, one of the best textile museums in the world, one can see and marvel at samples of the finest fabrics and weaving machines produced in different parts of India since early 16th century.

Ahmedabad is a vibrant city of people who work hard and play hard. During the Navratri celebrations (September-October), for example, men and women in dazzling ethnic clothes dance through the night for nine consecutive nights. The kite festival of mid-January fills the skies with kites of all shapes. Arguably, no other city in India can match the predominantly vegetarian Ahmedabad in the number and variety of restaurants.

Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent satyagraha, which led to India’s Independence, was launched from this city. Gandhi’s Ashram, Hruday Kunj, is still preserved on the bank of the Sabarmati, and continues to attract and inspire visitors from all parts of the globe.

Ahmedabad is well-connected by rail and air to all the major cities in India. There are a large number of extremely interesting places in the neighboring states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Goa suitable for weekend visits from here.

One can go on day-excursions from here to Akshardham (Swaminarayan Temple, Gandhinagar, 25km), the sun temple (Modhera, 106 km), Nalsarovar (bird sanctuary that attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds from cold countries, 70 km), and Lothal (remnant of a 4500-year-old city). Within easy reach is the Gir National Park, the only place in Asia you can encounter the Asiatic lion in its natural habitat. The Little Rann of Kutchh sanctuary (100 km) protects the only surviving population of Wild Ass (the Equus Hominus Khur Species) in the world. Surat, the heart of the diamond industry in India, is just five hours away by road or rail.

Ahmedabad has a dry, sunny climate with cooler temperatures between November and February. The average maximum and minimum daily temperatures are as below:

(Degree Centigrade)
Months
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Max
39.9
41.8
38.4
33.3
31.9
33.4
35.8
33.2
29.8
28.4
37.3
36.0
Min
23.4
26.2
27.0
25.7
24.8
24.8
20.9
16.5
13.0
11.7
13.8
18.8
Source: www.airportsindia.org.in

For a detailed account of the attractions of Ahmedabad and Gujarat, please visit any of the following:

www.gujarattourism.com
www.gujaratindia.com
www.gujaratplus.com


(TOP)

 
35.
Can I talk to someone at IIMA for further clarifications?

Please send an email to
with a contact telephone number.
(TOP)


                                                                                                            June 2005