In the current era, the landscape of management education in India has seen an amazing change with the launch of IPM (Integrated Programme in Management) by various new IIMs such as IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodhgaya as well as IIM Jammu. But the older IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore as well as Calcutta which is dominating the PG management education through MBA or other PGP programs, admitting students or candidates through the competitive CAT exam. The new IIMs on the other side are differentiating themselves and building a sustainable identity are adopting the IPM program which is a five year integrated program that admits students right after their class 12th. And this raises an important question- Is IPM genuine to nurture future leaders in an early stage of their career or simply a branding tool to attract attention as well as to survive in the competitive world of top B-schools?
With the rise in competition among the B-schools, various CAT cutoffs, as well as pressure to maintain placement records, the many education experts say that IPM could be a survival strategy for the new IIMs. In this blog we will be talking about whether new IIMs need IPM to survive or it is just a branding tactics, long term impact of IPM on new IIMs and more.
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What is IPM Program in IIMs?
| IIM Offering IPM | Year of Launch | Entry Level | Course Duration | Admission Exam | Degree Awarded |
| IIM Indore | 2011 | After Class 12 | 5 Years | IPMAT Indore | BA (Foundations of Management) + MBA |
| IIM Rohtak | 2019 | After Class 12 | 5 Years | IPMAT Rohtak | BBA + MBA |
| IIM Ranchi | 2021 | After Class 12 | 5 Years | IPMAT Indore + WAT & PI | BBA + MBA |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 2021 | After Class 12 | 5 Years | JIPMAT | BBA + MBA |
| IIM Jammu | 2021 | After Class 12 | 5 Years | JIPMAT | BBA + MBA |
IPM Admissions 2026: Eligibility Criteria
This section covers the expected eligibility criteria for the IPM admissions 2026:
| IIM | Entrance Exam | Educational Qualification | Minimum Marks Required | Age Limit |
| IIM Indore | IPMAT Indore | Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | Minimum 60% (General/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 10 & 12 | Born on or after August 1, 2006 (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| IIM Rohtak | IPMAT Rohtak | Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | Minimum 60% (General/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 10 & 12 | Born on or after August 1, 2006 (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| IIM Ranchi | IPMAT Indore | Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | Minimum 60% (General/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 10 & 12 | Born on or after August 1, 2006 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | JIPMAT | Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | Minimum 60% (General/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 10 & 12 | Born on or after August 1, 2006 |
| IIM Jammu | JIPMAT | Class 12 or equivalent in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 | Minimum 60% (General/OBC); 55% (SC/ST/PwD) in Class 10 & 12 | Born on or after August 1, 2006 |
Do New IIMs Need IPM to Survive or Is It Just a Branding Tactic?
There are many new IIMs like IIM Rohtak, IIM Indore, IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Jammu have their IPM programs that has been seen as a strategic move for the quick presence in India’s competitive world of B-schools. Unlike the older and the reputed IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore as well as IIM Calcutta, the new IIMs face the constant challenge or situation to attract top talent for their MBA programs. But by admitting students or candidates right after class 12th, these institutes are building their own pipeline or brand of high-performing students and primarily reduce their dependencies on the intense or competitive CAT exam which gradually boost their rankings and placement performance as well.
At the same time, the move can also be seen as a branding tactic of new IIMs. The IPM program generates buzz and makes new IIMs stand out among hundreds of B-schools in India. Offering a five year integrated management program not only increases the visibility but along with that stability, academic innovation as well as long term vision. This creates a proper impression that they are not newcomers but very serious institutions that are actually shaping the future leaders.
Is IPM a Branding Tactic for New IIMs?
The big answer is rather than just being a branding tactic, IPM program can be seen as an advanced-thinking initiative by the new IIMs like IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Bodh Gaya as well as IIM Jammu to nurture candidates and help them to be a future leaders in their early stage. So, by admitting students right after their class 12th exam, these institutes are building a strong foundation in leadership, managerial as well as analytical skills under the 5 year integrated program that is IPM. This program not only reflects the commitment by the new IIMs for the excellent academics but apart from that also helps them create a global alumni network and strong academic identity in the corporate world.
Old IIMs vs New IIMs – Does IPM Makes the Difference?
The older IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore as well as IIM Calcutta have already built their strong academic reputation in the world of top B-Schools due to their MBA program whereas the new IIMs are using IPM as a way to build their own strong presence in comparison to the old IIMs, improve the placement performance over time and slowly reduced the gap of this perception between the old IIMs vs new IIMs. While the old IIMs don’t need the IPM program to stay competitive, for the new IIMs, it acts as a differentiator for their growth as well as recognition in the space of management education.
Long Term Impact of IPM on New IIMs
In the long term, the IPM program can strengthen both the brand profile as well as the academics of new IIMs like IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Bodh Gaya as well as IIM Jammu by producing well trained graduates who are having depth management knowledge. As these students complete their five years on campus, they are developing a strong alumni network, better placements as well as increasing the institute’s reputation over the time period. This continuous cycle makes a stronger brand reputation that can help new IIMs close the gap with the older IIMs.
Conclusion: Do New IIMs Need IPM to Survive or Is It Just a Branding Tactic?
Overall, as comparing all the facts, the IPM program is more than just a branding effort for the new IIMs as well as a strategic step to build future leaders. Whereas the old IIMs already enjoy a strong legacy and the new IIMs are using the IPM program to attract talented individuals, creating a long-term identity as well as improving placements in the competitive world of management education in India. This not only boosts their visibility but also helps them to grow strong, and will be an independent institute in the upcoming years.
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