In conversation with Rajesh Agrawal, Faculty, IIM Udaipur

An MBA from IIMs is a coveted aspiration for many management enthusiasts. IIM Udaipur has launched the first ever Pre-MBA Summer Program in Management for those ambitious college students and graduates who want to explore the possibility of doing an MBA. 

This program is for students who would like to experience student life at an IIM, as a build-up to applying for an MBA program as well as those interested in a one-time learning experience.
The course content of this summer program comprises various management areas, such as, Business Environment, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Digital Transformation, Marketing, Finance, Business Communication and Social Events etc.

Recently we got an opportunity to have a close conversation with Professor Rajesh Agrawal, who is chairing the Summer Program in Management to shed light on the program. 

Question: Can you provide an overview of the Summer Program in Management? What topics will be covered in the program?

Answer: This is the first ever Pre-MBA Summer Program in Management by an IIM, which provides a unique opportunity to experience campus life, study and learn at a prestigious IIM. The program is designed to give participants a peek into how students learn management and expose them to the case method of teaching and learning.

The course content of this summer program comprises various management areas, such as, Business Environment, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Digital Transformation, Marketing, Finance, Business Communication and Social Events.

Question: Who is the target audience for this program? Is it geared towards undergraduate students, working professionals, or both?

Answer: The Summer Program in Management is specifically designed for those students who aspire to study MBA in future. The students who are pursuing graduation or those who have graduated (in any discipline) are eligible to apply for this program. Likewise, this will be helpful for working professionals as well.

Question: What are the admission requirements for the program? Is there a minimum GPA or work experience required?

Answer: The Students should be at least 18 years of age on the date of application. The students who are pursuing graduation or those who have graduated (in any discipline) are eligible to apply for this program. Neither an admission test nor an interview is required to get admission. No minimum GPA or work experience is required. Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose describing the reasons and motivations to pursue this program. The applications will be reviewed by the admission committee and selected candidates will be offered admission.

Question: How long is the program, and what is the schedule like? Will there be any online or in-person components?

Answer: This is a 10 day program and will be held at the IIM Udaipur campus  starting from May 2, 2023 and ending on May 12, 2023. All classes will be in-person and on campus only. The students will reside at IIM Udaipur campus during this program where Single Room (Air-conditioned) accommodation and board arrangements will be done. Typically each day the participants shall have four classroom sessions.

Question: What is the cost of the program? Are there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities available?

Answer: The applicants applying before April 01, 2023 will get an early bird discount and they will have to pay Rs. 95,000 (inclusive of GST @ 18%). Applicants applying after April 01, 2023, will pay Rs. 1,25,000 (inclusive of GST @ 18%). Unfortunately, there is no financial aid available.

Question: Will there be any networking opportunities for students in the program, such as with industry professionals or alumni?

Answer: Definitely, this program will help students to network with faculty, MBA students of IIM Udaipur, fellow participants and industry professionals. These 10 days will add great value to their professional network.

Question: What sets this Summer Program in Management apart from others offered by competing B-Schools in India?

Answer: First of all, this is the first ever Pre-MBA Summer Program in Management offered by an IIM, so that makes it unique. Second, this program gives an opportunity to experience campus life, study, and learn at an IIM. Third, it is designed to give a peek into how students learn management at an IIM through the Case Method of teaching. And Most importantly the students will get to network with faculty, MBA students of IIM Udaipur, fellow participants, and industry professionals. They will also get to explore the historic city of Udaipur.

Question: What are the key skills or knowledge that students will gain by attending this program?

Answer: The students will immerse into a transformative academic environment where they will get exposure to the Case Method of learning. They will practice the art of healthy debate and learn to communicate with clarity. Further, they will be exposed to various functional areas of management, including contemporary issues in Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship.

Question: How is the program structured? Will it be a combination of lectures, case studies, and hands-on activities?

Answer: The program shall have a combination of case studies and lectures.

Question: Who will be the faculty members for this program? What is their experience in the industry or academia?

Answer: The program will be delivered by the world-class faculty members of IIM Udaipur who are distinguished in their respective disciplines. Similarly, the program shall also have industry guest speakers.

Question: Will there be any guest speakers or industry experts invited to share their insights with students?

Answer: The program shall have guest speakers from the industry who will share their  valuable insights with the participants.

Question: Is it open to international students as well?

Answer: This time the program is only open for Indian students.