Vijay Garg
Choosing the right career after 12th is one of the most important and select steps for any student. Previously, IIT (through JEE Advanced) for engineering and Medical College for Medicine (through NEET) were two major avenues. However, there is a relatively new path to management—IPMAT, which opens the gates of the prestigious Indian Management Institutes (IIMs) soon after Class 12th.
Integrated Programme in Management Aptitude Test (IPMAT) is the entrance test for five-year dual-degree course (BBAI+MBAI) of IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, IIM Ranchi, IIM Jammu and IIM Bodhgaya. Although the reputation of IIT and NEET is very high, IPMAT is gradually becoming a strong choice for students who wish to pursue higher level education focused on management, leadership and business after passing XII. But why are so many talented students now choosing IPMAT instead of IIT-JEE and NEET? Let’s understand the reasons and comparisons of it, and then decide yourself. Quick entry to IIM: An edge A comprehensive, more flexible course mental health and pressure of preparation Career results and benefits on investment Corporate Exposure Overall Skill Development inclusive and open to all streams Versatility & Backup Plans Balanced campus life and less academic burden Conclusion: A major dilemma Quick entry to IIM: An edge The IPM program is a revolutionary move, as it offers candidates the opportunity to enter the prestigious IIMs only after 12th standard.
Entryspecialization in the Margprestigious Institute After IPMAT12th Direct Admission in IIM5 Years (BBA+MBA) Management IIT-JEE12th Post-IIT Admission4 Year (B.Tech) Engineering Admission in Medical College after NEET12th5.5 Years (MBBS)Science You don’t have to study hard 3-4 years of graduation and after that you have to pass CAT exam for IIM admissions. Compare it with IITians who put 4 years for B.Tech studies and often give CAT or GRE exams for further studies. On the other hand, students aspiring for medical studies apply 5.5 years in MBBS followed by years in preparation for PG examinations.
IPMAT, on the other hand, will fetch you BBA+MBA degree in 5 years; you can start your corporate career by age 22 and graduate from IIM with industry experience, internship and placement offers.
A comprehensive, more flexible course One of the biggest advantages of doing IPM is to lay the foundation of Liberal Arts and Management. The first three years include courses of psychology, literature, philosophy, economics, political science, mathematics, and statistics. It helps to develop communication, critical thinking and emotional intelligence as well as leadership skills. The final two years will be of MBA phase, with expertise in marketing, finance, consulting, analysis, etc.
On the contrary, IITs focus mainly on technical subjects, and MBBS is highly domain-specific.
Mental health and pressure of preparation Stress and burnout are the most common factors in candidates. IIT-JEE preparation often starts from 9th or 10th standard, and students spend 3-4 years in coaching institutes. Long study hours and excessive pressure have a serious impact on the mental health of the candidates. NEET aspirants also undergo so much pressure to confirm the seat, which increases anxiety. In comparison, IPMAT preparation can be done in 6-10 months with proper strategy, it has logical reasoning, verbal ability and emphasis on mathematics (mostly class 10-11), and it offers less toxic competition and more rational expectations.
Career Results and Benefits on Investment (ROI) The main goal of most students is a high-paying job, gratifying career, and a systematic life.
Although IITians find admissions with higher packages, it is usually restricted to CS/IT branches. Other branches like Civil, Mechanical and Biotech often start at Rs 6-8 lakh or even at least. Medical science students study 6 to 8 years and start at Rs 5-8 lakh per year, until they master any other specialization. On the other hand, IPMAT graduates can find admissions in top-paying firms like BCG, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Google.
Corporate Exposure Management studies are like choosing an industry-oriented field. IPMAT students get experience of social internships, business internships, summer placements and live projects. Also, IPMAT students get guidance by leading people in the industry, they participate in conferences and participate in various management competitions. This corporate experience ensures that they have knowledge of the functioning of the real world, they get strong networking and become future-ready managers.
Overall Skill Development IITians are amazing problem solvers, and doctors life protectors. But IPMAT graduates are trained to become managers and leaders who communicate effectively, decide under pressure, work in teams, think seriously and adapt faster. While engineers and doctors get these skills in life later in MBA or other leadership programs only, IPMAT students learn these quickly and practically.
Inclusive and open to all streams IPMAT is open for all streams: Commerce, Humanities, and Science. Candidates who do not know mathematics can also apply in other institutes accepting IIMs and IPMAT. It opens the door for millions of talented students, who may not have trends in science, but have strong logic and communication abilities. PCM is mandatory for IIT-JEE, and PCB is mandatory for NEET.
Versatility & Backup Plans A great advantage of IPMAT is that its course overlaps with many other entrance exams like CUET (Central University), Christ University BBA, NPAT (Narsee Monjee), XUB (Xavier’s), SET (Symbiosis), etc. So, even if a student does not succeed in IPMAT, his preparation will not go waste. On the other hand, JEE and NEET are extremely specific exams, and failing in these means starting from the beginning or compromising the quality of the college.
Balanced campus life and less academic burden If you ask any IITian or MBBS student, you will find that campus life is very busy and mentally tiring. The amount and depth of studies often make students tired. However, focus is on peer-to-peer learning, case discussions, presentations, and real-world scenarios at IIM Campus. An active campus life with various clubs and international exchange programs as well as leadership summits.
Conclusion: A major dilemma No way is best or low; every path comes with its challenges, rewards, and visions. The real question is, what do you want to do? Choosing from IPMAT vs IIT vs NEET is no longer a question of prestige; rather it is a question of personal goals, mental health and career options.
If you want a flexible, high-paying and leadership-oriented career in the business, it is advisable to seriously consider IPMAT. If you’re obsessed with science, innovation, or life saving, IIT or MBBS can still be your way. But if you are looking for early admission, less stress, skill building and top corporate experience in IIM, IPMAT is one of the lowest-rated exams in India today.
Vijay Garg Retired Principal educational columnist Eminent Educationist street Kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab Punjab |
