Know about IFMR GSB Sri City: An Interview with Dr. Amit Das (Professor)

In this interaction with Careers360, Dr. Amit Das, Professor of Data Science and Information Systems at IFMR Graduate School of Business Sri City points out various factors that sets IFMR GSB apart from other B-Schools, eligibility criteria IFMR GSB selection process, placements and more. Read the full article for complete information on IFMR Graduate School of Business Sri City.

About: Founded in 1970, IFMR GSB Sri City is a constituent college of KREA University Sri City. IFMR Graduate School of Business is accredited by SAQs. IFMR GSB Sri City offers courses at the postgraduate and doctoral level in different streams. For admission to IFMR GSB candidates need to appear and secure a valid score in CAT/ CMAT/ GATE/ GMAT/ GRE/ NET JRF/ NMAT/ XAT/ Krea Aptitude Test/ IPMAT/ SAT followed by an interview (if necessary).

Careers360: Describe the journey of IFMR GSB since inception. What was the vision and mission behind its inception?

Answer: Since 1970, the institute has evolved itself from an institution for research and training in the areas of economics and finance to a full-fledged business school with a focus on interwoven learning. The journey of nearly 50 years has been steered by some of the best minds from academia and industry, creating immense value for the economy and society at large.

Careers360: What sets IFMR GSB apart? Why should students choose the institution?

Answer: IFMR GSB offers a multi-dimensional approach to learning which aids high potential individuals in navigating the fast-changing world and creating positive impact. While managing the evolving complexity of business and society, they are enabled to flourish as successful professionals and effective business leaders.

Careers360: What are the various programmes offered at IFMR GSB? Give details on the eligibility criteria.

Answer: Check the MBA eligibility criteria for 2024-26 batch.

IFMR GSB MBA eligibility criteria

NOTE: * Inclusive of all subjects

Applicants who meet all eligibility criteria will be considered for personal interview in the rank order of merit. Shortlisted candidates will be intimated through e-mail and the dashboard of the application portal, along with the interview schedule. Personal Interviews will be conducted Online. In-person interviews will also be conducted in selected cities. The writing skills of applicants will be assessed using their scores on the relevant sections of the qualifying examination (CAT/ XAT/ NMAT/ CMAT/ GRE/ GMAT) as well as the quality of writing displayed in their application forms.

Careers360: What new initiatives have been introduced by IFMR GSB for a robust admission process?

Answer: IFMR GSB extends a special invitation to individuals who have attained top-ranking positions in the nation’s most esteemed educational institutions. This provision is exclusively for applicants who have successfully completed their undergraduate degrees and achieved a university rank.

Applicants who have secured positions within the top 20 ranks among universities and institutes acknowledged by NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework), as detailed in both the comprehensive rankings and university rankings, will not be obliged to submit competitive exam scores. However, it is essential to furnish valid documentary evidence confirming your university ranking.

Careers360: When are students asked to choose specialisations – during admissions or midway through their course?

Answer: Midway through the programme. They can also mix-and-match courses freely to create their own custom specializations.

Careers360: In your opinion, what factors should students keep in mind while making the choice of specialisation?

Answer: Factors that students should keep in mind while choosing their specialisation are interest and aptitude.

Careers360: At IFMR GSB, what steps are taken to ensure a well-rounded classroom with students from diverse backgrounds and gender?

Answer: We admit students from 22 states and union territories. Approximately 40% of our students are women. One third have work experience, the rest are fresh from graduation. Students with STEM backgrounds (engineering, science, mathematics) and those from arts and commerce are evenly balanced.

Careers360: What are the measures undertaken to ensure industry connect for the students at IFMR GSB?

Answer: Our 2000+ alumni from 20+ batches return to campus to mentor students, deliver guest lectures and support our placement efforts.

Careers360: Holistic development is much needed for every management student’s life. How is this facilitated by IFMR GSB?

Answer: We are part of KREA University which offers degrees in 14 disciplines of the liberal arts and sciences. All students, including MBA, benefit from exposure and access to a comprehensive university rather than a standalone business school. Our program is fully residential, with a vibrant campus life that includes a wide range of sports and cultural extra-curricular activities.

Careers360: Please elaborate on the accreditations of IFMR GSB.

Answer: We are accredited by SAQS, the South Asian Quality System.

Careers360: Technology, sustainability and liberal education are now part of the business world. How has IFMR GSB incorporated these in its curriculum, teaching methodology?

Answer: Data science, design thinking and ethical reasoning are taught to all MBAs at IFMR GSB. We subscribe to the full collection of Harvard cases for classroom use, and run a capstone simulation provided by CAPSIM to integrate strategic thinking across disciplines. Bloomberg terminals, a trading room and a well-stocked library support learning at the college.

Careers360: Explain how practical training and internships are facilitated at IFMR GSB.

Answer: Compulsory summer internships lasting for 8-10 weeks are arranged by the college, with an average stipend of Rs. 25,000 per annum.

Careers360: Give details on the placement process and latest placement statistics.

Answer: All students receive job offers from campus placement. As per last year’s IFMR GSB placement report the average CTC was Rs. 13.5 lakhs per annum. Prominent recruiters include Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Societe Generale, Nomura, Barclays, HSBC India, Axis Bank, Crisil, Dell, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Accenture and TVS NEXT.

Careers360: What are the scholarships available to students?

Answer: The School extends scholarships to students in need of financial assistance. The objective of the scholarship policy is to ensure that a meritorious student is not deprived of education for financial reasons. This process is intended for those students who have a pressing need for financial assistance.

Based on CGPA at the end of Term-3, the Office of Academic Administration sends a notification to eligible students to apply for Merit-cum-Means scholarship. IFMR GSB scholarship is given only to those students who are assessed to have the need for it. The Committee makes this decision based on the information provided by the student and a personal interview with him/her, if required. Based on the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee, the top 10 students who meet the above eligibility criteria will be considered for the award of scholarship. The scholarship amount shall be up to Rs 2 lacs per student.

Careers360: What would your message be to MBA aspirants?

Answer: A key skill coming out of the MBA is learning-to-learn. You will need to refresh and even re-invent yourself many times in your career. Develop strong fundamentals; beware of shortcuts, excessive focus on starting salary, and narrow definitions of management. Aspire to be a general manager / CEO in your corporate career.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by IFMR Graduate School of Business Sri City and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.