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How to Choose IPM Colleges: IIMs and Beyond

CL Team June 26 2025
4 min read

How to Choose IPM Colleges: IIMs and Beyond

Admission Criteria and Strategic Targeting for Serious Aspirants
By Career Launcher, South Ex, Delhi

Introduction

With the rise in popularity of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM), thousands of students across India now consider it a serious alternative to traditional undergraduate routes. The IPM offers a head-start in business education and opens doors to high-impact careers in management, consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship.

While the IIMs offering IPM are undoubtedly the most sought-after, they are not the only options available. Several reputed universities and institutes now offer strong five-year management programmes. However, choosing the right college is about more than just rankings—it involves understanding admission criteria, entrance exams, and aligning your strengths strategically.

This guide by Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi helps you make an informed decision about which IPM colleges to target and how to build a focused preparation plan.

Why the IPM is Gaining Popularity

The Integrated Programme in Management is a five-year course that combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies in management. Students get the opportunity to begin their journey at top institutions straight after Class 12, saving time and gaining an edge.

Benefits include:

  • Entry into prestigious IIMs and top B-schools right after school

  • Early exposure to economics, business, analytics, and humanities

  • Placements and internships comparable to MBA-level roles

  • Cost-effective compared to doing a separate graduation and MBA

  • Opportunity to study in a highly competitive, peer-learning environment

The IIMs Offering IPM

As of now, the following IIMs offer the IPM programme:

  • IIM Indore

  • IIM Rohtak

  • IIM Ranchi

  • IIM Bodh Gaya

  • IIM Jammu

Each IIM has its own admission test and process. While the curriculum focus is similar—foundations in liberal arts, economics, mathematics, followed by management subjects—the entrance criteria and testing patterns vary.

Admission Overview:

IIM Indore

  • Entrance: IPMAT Indore

  • Sections: Quantitative Aptitude (MCQ), Quantitative Aptitude (Short Answer), Verbal Ability

  • Selection: Test + Personal Interview

IIM Rohtak

  • Entrance: IPMAT Rohtak

  • Sections: Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability

  • Selection: Test + Online PI

IIM Ranchi

  • Admission through: SAT/IPMAT/IPMAT Rohtak score + WAT-PI

  • More profile-based selection

IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya

  • Joint programme

  • Entrance: JIPMAT

  • Sections: QA, DI & LR, Verbal Ability

  • Selection: Based on test score + academic profile

Beyond the IIMs: Top Alternatives for Management Aspirants

Several reputed universities and private institutions now offer strong integrated or undergraduate management programmes. These colleges may not carry the IIM tag, but they offer competitive education and placements.

Popular Alternatives:

  • NALSAR University (Hyderabad) – BBA-MBA (with strong business law interface)

  • NMIMS Mumbai (NPAT) – Offers BBA, Branding, Finance, International Business

  • Symbiosis International (SET Exam) – BBA from Pune, Noida, Hyderabad campuses

  • Christ University – BBA and BBA (Finance & IB), known for structured curriculum

  • Shiv Nadar University – Emerging liberal arts and business school

  • Ashoka University (for Econ & Finance) – While not an IPM, a solid choice for management-bound students

These colleges offer varying specialisations, global exposure, and strong peer learning environments. Some even offer pathways to international degrees or MBA programs abroad.

How to Strategically Choose Your Target Colleges

Not every aspirant will be a perfect fit for every IPM college. Your selection should be guided by four key factors:

1. Your Strengths and Academic Background

Are you stronger in Maths and Reasoning or in Language and GK?

  • Choose IIM Indore and Rohtak if you’re strong in Maths and can handle heavy QA sections.

  • Opt for JIPMAT if you're more balanced in aptitude, verbal, and reasoning.

  • Prefer SAT/IPMAT Ranchi if you're building a profile-based application.

2. Entrance Exam Pattern and Comfort Level

Study past papers of:

  • IPMAT (Indore vs Rohtak)

  • JIPMAT

  • NPAT, SET

  • SAT (if considering IIM Ranchi and international options)

Match the test pattern with your strengths. You don’t need to target all exams—prioritise two to three based on your aptitude and time.

3. Long-Term Career Goals

Are you looking to:

  • Get into core management and MBA-level placements?

  • Explore law-management fusion (NALSAR)?

  • Enter branding, international business, or data analytics?

Choose institutions based on your long-term interests. For example:

  • NMIMS is excellent for marketing and finance

  • Symbiosis offers strong business communication training

4. Backup Plans and Parallel Preparation

Many IPM aspirants also write:

  • CUET (for Delhi University B.Com, BBA-FIA, Eco Hons)

  • CLAT (for law and allied careers)

  • SAT (for global undergrad programs)

Have a backup in case your top IPM option doesn’t work out. The good news is—most IPM prep overlaps with CUET, CLAT logical reasoning, and other aptitude-based exams.

Expert Tips from Career Launcher South Ex

  • Don’t spread yourself too thin. Choose 3–5 exams to prepare for deeply.

  • Practice mock tests weekly for each target exam from Class 11 itself if possible.

  • Focus equally on Personal Interview skills—communication, general awareness, and presence of mind matter.

  • If you’re from a non-maths background, strengthen logical reasoning and DI early.

  • Track form deadlines and eligibility (some colleges have minimum % or subject-specific requirements).

Final Thoughts

The IPM is one of the most promising pathways into India’s top business institutions—but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Whether your goal is to get into an IIM, pursue a specialised BBA, or build a foundation for an international career, there are multiple routes available.

By understanding the admission criteria, aligning with your strengths, and targeting wisely, you can give yourself a strategic advantage in this competitive space.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we work closely with IPM aspirants to customise college lists, build performance maps, and optimise preparation timelines. Our goal is not just to help you clear an exam—but to help you make the best career decision possible.

Need help shortlisting colleges or planning your IPM prep strategy?
Reach out to Career Launcher South Ex Delhi for personalised counselling and mentorship.
Your journey to a top management career can begin right after Class 12.
Start smart, plan ahead, and stay focused.