I have recently come across a story, about a parent who sold his two cows to provide a mobile phone for his son, so that his child can attend online classes.   The story is no different from any other parent in India. Majority of the Indian parents would consider the Success of their children would give the kids better opportunities in future and a happy life.  And, a good quality education is considered to be one that shows a clear pathway to a better to that Success.

Integrated MBA in India with programs like IPM is it a path to successful career?

Education and knowledge enlightens us. It gives us a better understanding of right and wrong. And with it comes the door open towards better opportunities.  I am definitely a strong advocate of high quality education for our next generation. Before I proceed further I would like to mention about what I feel about the contrary.   I don’t deny the success stories of high school drop outs, but their passion, hard work and struggles is not as much shown in those stories on media, as much the word school dropout is projected to catch the eye.

For better opportunities, courses with better career options is considered the key. In India, The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses are popular ones when it comes to promising careers. But, in the arena of Non science courses BBA is among the top ones which promises better career options.   However, education these days doesn’t stop with a Bachelor’s degree.  When it comes to an MBA degree people from any stream STEM courses or others can pursue to climb up the ladder.   Also, Integrated Program in Management (IPM) gained its momentum when premier institutions like IIM Indore started its IPMAT program.

 

What does an integrated program mean?

In the last century, being literate or Matriculation (10^th) was considered an achievement. It is not so, now.  Higher education or Specializations after Bachelors education is the new norm, because they are considered to help you start at a better level, and also climb up the professional ladder faster.  Integrated programs are a year or two extended curriculum after your bachelor’s degree.

Some colleges offer a dual degree program. So, after completing the Bachelor’s program, with an extra year mostly they could graduate with a Master’s degree. Many top Engineering colleges like Bits Pilani offer Dual Degree program.

 

What is an Integrated BBA MBA program mean? Is an Integrated MBA after 12^th worth?

A BBA MBA program means, you will be studying for a Bachelors degree in Management and you will also graduate with an MBA degree. The title of the degree conferred varies from one to other educational institution.   A few offer BA degree. Some offer BMS degree.  If students intend to pursue an integrated course in MBA after 12^th commerce curriculum it sounds like a natural continuation.

• These colleges offering integrated program, if it is natural promotion without an additional admission test then you don’t have to face the competition again. Let the numbers speak for themselves here. IPMAT – IIM Indore (https://www.iimidr.ac.in/) is written by 20,000 people in 2020. While CAT which is an MBA entrance exam is written by over 1 Lakh aspirants.
• Since you have already acclimatized with the educational institute, you can avoid another transition.
• Some, of these programs do give exit option that is after completion of 2 year program you can shift you would want to. You can refer to IIM Rohtak IPM program (https://www.iimrohtak.ac.in/index.php/programmes/ipm) for more information.
• Some, colleges offer DEFER program option, which means after completing 3 year Bachelor program, they can take a break and come back in a given timeline to complete the course.
• However, IPM program FEE structure plays a significant role in this decision making.

For opportunities after 12^th students are sometimes confused between BBA vs BCom. The dilemma   can be resolved considering their long term career aspirations.

What are the colleges offering Integrated MBA in India?

 IPM exam or IPMAT is an admission test for the Integrated Program for Management offered by IIM Indore which was was launched in 2011, and is the first of its kind offered by India’s top MBA colleges the IIMs. IPM Indore course confers students with a BA degree after 3 year program, and an MBA degree after completion of the last 2 years in the total 5 year program. For the program in IPM seats available are 150 seats.

• IIM Rohtak also followed IPM IIM Indore and started IPMAT program from 2019. If more IIMs start such programs, then it would soon compete with CAT in terms of number of takers. IIM Rohtak IPM program is a 5 year course, with an exit option after 3 years.
• NMIMS – Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship and Family Business offers an interesting and unique program in Entrepreneurship and family business. It is a 5 year program. At the time of graduation you will be conferred with BBA (E &FBM) and MBA (E & FBM).
• IPM Manipal University (https://manipal.edu/) is another 5 year program which gives a BA (Foundations in Management) and MBA degree. Manipal university is one of the premier educational institutions in the country. These programs aim at equipping students for managerial roles in the job world.
• Nirma University (https://nirmauni.ac.in/) offers BBA MBA program. It considers IPMAT IIM Indore scores for admission process. The program has 216 seats.

 

IPM Fees at IIMs – How much is it?

• IPM IIM INDORE Fees and Accommodation: For the academic year 2020, The course fee for resident Indians for the first three years of the IPM would be Rs. 4,00,000/- (Rupees four lakh) per annum and Rs. 6,00,000/- (Rupees six lakh) per annum for International applicant. Course fee for the fourth and fifth years would be as per prevailing Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) fees. The course fee includes lodging, access to lectures, internet facilities and library.

• IPM IIM ROHTAK Fees: For the 2020-25 batch, the fees for the years 1 to 3 is around Rs  4,51,000 and for the 4^th and 5^th year 7,60,000. So, in total it costs around Rs 28,73,000.

The program fees for the other programs also around a similar range with atleast 3+ lakh per annum.   However, they also offer scholarship.  Education Loans are also available, For instance, HDFC credila.

Does IPM course have internships and placement drives?

• The IPM program offered also plays a key role in deciding whether choose the program or not. It is highly recommended to go through Course structure on the latest information bulletin.

The program from top colleges aims to equip students with leadership skills and knowledge required in the world of management. IPM program is diverse. It trains students from Management courses, Statistics to Skill building. Students have some mandatory internship to be done too.   For instance,  In 2019 IIM Indore placements drive recorded 100 percent selections, and with an average package around 30 Lakhs per annum

 

Can I study BBA and MBA in different colleges?

CAT is one of the highly popular entrance exams for MBA admissions in India.  IIMs consider these scores for their process. The eligibility is a bachelor’s degree. So, with any Bachelor’s degree you could appear for their entrance exams.

A few Bachelor’s degrees are 3 years and a few like B.tech are four year programs. This needs to be carefully noted given under eligibility criteria, at the time of application. With the new education policy of 2020, things may be different in future.  In International admission applications, the number of years of Bachelor’s degree may come into play in some courses.

However, Job opportunities are available for BBA graduates. And, with a degree from a good university gives you the knowledge and skills to bag those opportunities.  So, it is important that due consideration needs to be given even about the college where you do your BBA.

 

Our Recommendations:

MBA program, at IIMs are highly competitive. When you can have an opportunity to study at India’s premier institution like  IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak  after 12^th    it is recommended to accept it. If you have a clear career goal, and it is MBA ultimately, the Integrated MBA in India can be an option.

However, do look at the financial aspects.  Also, since you have an exit option you are not locked up for the entirety in case you have other thoughts after joining the course.

We believe choosing the right undergraduate college is very important for any course you plan to take up.