Dominance of arts, commerce, and management students in IIM admissions 2023 

The admissions for PGP and MBA programs at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in 2023 saw a marked dominance of arts, commerce, and management graduates. Traditionally, engineering students have been the frontrunners in these elite institutions, but recent trends suggest a paradigm shift in the preferences of both applicants and admission committees of the IIMs.  

The Common Admission Test (CAT), a prerequisite for admission into top business schools in the country, including the IIMs, which have previously witnessed the dominance of engineering graduates. However, changes in the CAT exam as well as in admission policies, have altered the scenario this time around with IIM classrooms growing more diverse.  

The changing face of IIM admissions 

As per the latest news, 42% of the students admitted to the PGP and MBA programs this year across the IIMs were from non-engineering backgrounds, which is a significant increase over previous years. The factors contributing to this shift are multi-faceted, ranging from a changing business landscape that values diverse skill sets to the IIMs’ own efforts to foster a more inclusive and varied student body. 

The IIM admissions data for the year 2023 reveals that arts, commerce, and management students now constitute a significant percentage of their MBA batch. Arts graduates, with their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, bring a unique perspective to the business world. Commerce students, equipped with a strong foundation in financial and economic principles, are increasingly sought after for their analytical prowess. Management graduates, already well-versed in business strategies, can further enhance their knowledge and skills at the premier management institutes. 

Check out: Got a low score? You can still pursue an online MBA from a reputed college 

IIMs paving the way for inclusivity 

The surge in admissions from arts, commerce, and management backgrounds challenges the notion that only engineering graduates possess the analytical acumen required for success in management roles. The IIMs are acknowledging the significance of a diverse student body, recognizing that success in the corporate world demands a blend of technical, analytical, and creative skills. 

As the IIMs adapt to the evolving demands of the corporate landscape, they are actively encouraging students from varied backgrounds to pursue management education. This inclusivity is not only a testament to the institutes’ commitment to academic excellence but also a reflection of their recognition of the multifaceted skills that contribute to successful leadership. 

Earn online degrees in Arts, Commerce, and Management streams from the reputed Manipal Universities 

Students and working professionals now have the opportunity to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in arts, commerce, and management from the renowned Manipal Universities in online mode. Online Manipal, a higher education platform, offers UGC-entitled online degrees in various streams. These degrees have the same standard and recognition as the regular on-campus degrees and offer the flexibility to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes. This marks a significant step towards democratizing education and making quality programs in arts, commerce, and management accessible to a wider audience. World-class faculty, industry-oriented course curriculum, free e-learning materials, webinars by experts, networking opportunities with domain leaders and industry experts, and placement assistance are some of the key features of these online programs. 

Candidates who failed to clear the CAT exam or scored a low percentile can enroll for the online MBA program offered through Online Manipal. Students who have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50 % marks (45% for reserved categories) can apply for this online MBA degree. Upon fulfilling all the other eligibility criteria and clearing the University’s admission test, students can get admission into the online MBA program.  

Also read: Online MBA doesn’t require CAT or MAT scores 

Conclusion 

The dominance of arts, commerce, and management students in IIM admissions in 2023 indicates a positive shift towards a more inclusive and diverse academic landscape. The IIMs’ recognition of the value that students from these backgrounds bring to the table reflects a commitment to preparing future leaders who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. As the business and education landscapes continue to evolve, this trend encourages individuals from diverse academic backgrounds to thrive in the world of management and leadership.