IIM Jammu IPM Selection Criteria 2024 Sparks Controversy

Overview: Learn more about the controversy surrounding IIM Jammu's IPM selection criteria. Learn about the confusion over the omission of "percentile," the merit preparation process, and the implications for candidates. Explore the key issues and the need for clarity and transparency in admissions.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu has recently come under scrutiny due to its controversial selection criteria for the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM).

The controversy primarily stems from the omission of the word "percentile" in the selection process documentation, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among prospective students and stakeholders.

Overview of IIM Jammu Selection Process

IIM Jammu's IPM program admits around 140 students annually through a rigorous selection process that involves the Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The merit list for admission is prepared based on the JIPMAT score and gender diversity considerations.

Detailed Criteria for Merit Preparation

The merit list preparation involves a composite score, comprising:

Components	Percentage
JIPMAT	95
Gender Diversity	5 (Female: 5 Male: 0)

The eligibility criteria for candidates include passing Standard XII/HSC or equivalent in 2022, 2023, or appearing in 2024. Additionally, candidates must have passed Standard X/SSC or equivalent examination in 2020 or later, with a minimum of 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Candidates from international schools affiliated with foreign boards like IGCSE and IB are also eligible to apply.

Offer Acceptance and Fee Withdrawal

Candidates receiving an admission offer from IIM Jammu must pay an acceptance amount of Rs. 50,000 within the stipulated date. This amount will be adjusted against the Semester I Fee. If a candidate withdraws the offer before the specified date, a refund will be issued after deducting Rs. 1,000 as processing charges. No refund will be provided for withdrawals after registration.

Recent Notification and Controversy from IIM Jammu

A recent notification from IIM Jammu clarified the merit list preparation process as per the IPM Admission Policy 2024, approved by the IIM Jammu Board and published on January 1, 2024. This policy includes a two-step process:

1. Shortlisting of Eligible Candidates: Candidates are shortlisted based on the following category-wise sectional cut-offs:

Category	Quantitative Aptitude	Data Interpretation	Verbal Ability
General	50	50	50
EWS	35	35	35
NC-OBC	35	35	35
SC	30	30	30
ST	25	25	25
PwD	25	25	25

2. Composite Score Calculation: The composite score is calculated by assigning 95% weightage to the JIPMAT score and 5% to gender diversity (5 marks for females and 0 for males).

Key Issues Raised

The controversy arises from several key issues:

1. Percentile vs. Raw Scores: The absence of the term "percentile" in the selection criteria has led to confusion. While percentiles are generally preferred for their equitable measure of candidate performance, the use of raw scores could create disparities.
2. Gender Diversity Weightage: While promoting gender diversity is commendable, the current policy's allocation of 5% weightage solely for female candidates has raised concerns. A more nuanced approach considering various diversity factors may be more equitable.
3. Consistency with Previous Years: The policy claims no changes from the previous year's criteria, but the absence of explicit mention of percentiles has led to questions about the consistency and transparency of the selection process.

Conclusion

The ongoing controversy regarding IIM Jammu's IPM selection criteria underscores the need for clear, transparent, and equitable admission policies. As students and stakeholders seek clarity, it is imperative for IIM Jammu to address these concerns promptly, ensuring a fair and just selection process for all candidates.

For further details, visit the IIM Jammu official website.