FAQs

What is the key strength of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management (Communications) - PGDM(C) at MICA? The curriculum of PGPCM ensures that students are exposed to the latest information and knowledge in the Communications Management domain. MICA students are equipped to manage business communications processes holistically. This includes the commissioning of research, seeking consumer insight, formulating strategies, evaluating media options, analysing sales and distribution channels, and thereby building brand equity creatively by sowing ideas and harvesting pragmatic solutions. Is PGPCM now called PGDM(C)? Our two-year programme is called the PGPCM, and it leads to the award of a PGDM(C) upon successful completion of the programme. Is the PGDM(C) approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)? Yes, PGDM(C) is approved by AICTE. What is the student intake of PGDM(C)? The maximum intake for PGDM(C) is 180 students. Do you award a Diploma or a Degree? MICA awards a Diploma known as PGDM(C), as per AICTE directives. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to PGDM(C)? Admission to the PGDM(C) programme requires a Bachelor's degree (in keeping with the 10 + 2 + 3 (4) system) with minimum 50% marks, or an equivalent qualification in any discipline recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and other criteria applicable to CAT 2011. Candidates appearing for final examinations towards a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) are also eligible to apply. What does CAT stand for? CAT stands for Common Admission Test Is CAT required to apply for MICAs PGDM-C? a. b. Yes. CAT is conducted by IIMs. Last date for the registration is 28th September, 2011. For registration of CAT, visit www.catiim.in

What is the cut off score of CAT to be eligible for MICAT? MICA will send call letters for GE/PI based on the performance of the applicant in CAT/GMAT and MICAT. What is the validity of CAT / GMAT? For admissions to 2012-14 batch, GMAT scores of 31st December 2006 onwards are valid for NRI & foreign nationals.

CAT 2011 is required for all other candidates. What are the possibilities of going into TV or film-making after completion of PGDM(C) at MICA? The PGDM(C) aims to create professional managers specialising in Communications Management. It does not focus on the 'creative' careers within media houses. However, there are several MICANs currently working in top positions in TV channels and film-making companies. For those wishing to specialize in art direction or creative writing in advertising agencies, MICA offers short-term programmes such as Crafting Creative Communications (CCC), a 6-month residential course. This course has a module that touches on the basics of advertising on TV and Radio. It does not, however, go into the technicalities of scriptwriting or film production. What do you look for from the essay-type description in the application form? Do these essays affect the chances of getting a call? These descriptions are a means for us to know a little bit about candidates, and are used only for reference during interviews. They are not the sole basis for short-listing candidates or making our final selections. What is the cut-off score in MICAT for eligibility to the Group Exercise and Personal Interview round? There are no standard cut-offs. Individuals taking the MICAT must attempt and complete all the sections of the test satisfactorily to qualify for GE & PI. Performance in CAT/GMAT and MICAT will be considered for shortlisting for GE/PI. How important is it to have work experience or a portfolio to get into MICA? MICA prefers incumbent candidates to have relevant work experience. This is, however, not a precondition for applicants seeking admissions to the PGDM(C), and there is no weightage given to candidates with work experience. What exactly is tested in MICAT, Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interview (PI)? MICAT MICAT is a paper-pencil exam designed to test the candidate's aptitude and orientation towards Communications Management as a profession. GE and PI - This consists of a series of interactions with candidates, on campus, to assess their suitability for the Communications Management industry. This does not require any prior preparation. What preparation is required for MICAT? We expect our prospective candidates to be well-read, innovative, and intelligent with an analytical bent of mind. We also expect them to be aware of contemporary social and industry issues including general awareness towards marketing, advertising, and business issues. A regular habit of reading newspapers and practice in analytical and creative writing would be useful. The MICAT is designed to assess analytical ability, divergent thinking, written communication skills, and general awareness about the Communications industry. Do all MICA students get jobs upon completion of the programme? MICA students have had 100% placement for several years in a row now. For details of the industry sector and companies, please refer to the Placements section. Do you have international placements?

Yes, the number of international companies recruiting from MICA is growing every year. For details please refer to Placements. What are some of the on-campus student activities? Some of our many student activities are listed below: MICA LECTURE SERIES (MLS) Periodically, eminent personalities from the industry come here to address students on issues relating to organisational excellence. MICAMINDS Through this student consultancy arm, MICA students apply academic learning to live projects for external clients. Students pitch for projects, conduct research and present reports for clients under the guidance of Faculty and MICAMINDS co-ordinators. Projects for Leo Burnett, Yahoo India, O&M and Chlorophyll have been carried out by students in the recent past. MICANVAS This is our annual students' meet for domestic and international institutes, organised by MICANs. The event also attracts professionals for panel discussions on issues concerning the world of the consumer and brands. MODEL SERVICE CENTRES Model Service Centres, under the aegis of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) give the students direct exposure to a business environment and encourage them to undertake entrepreneurial initiatives. Participating students gain insights into factors to be taken into account while structuring a business deal, charging fees and maintaining profitability, by regular interaction with practicing professionals. ON CAMPUS ASSISTANTSHIPS Faculty members often announce project-based requirements for assistance. Interested students take up these jobs. These assignments offer insights into live-project management with learning experience in areas of management consulting within the Communications domain. SANKALP It is the in-house theatre society, which forms a very integral part of any MICAns life. It is a platform to showcase talent, and is organised with a high degree of professionalism. BLACK COFFEE Black Coffee, our in-house magazine, provides an outlet for the literary creativity of MICA students. Managed by a literary society, the magazine is designed, edited and printed for in-house circulation. TRINETRA Movies are an important medium of communication and MICANs keep in touch with the best in this field through screenings of all-time greats, followed by panel discussions.