The Post Graduate Programme in Communications Management (PGPCM) leading to Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C)

What is the greatest strength of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM-C) at MICA?

The curriculum of PGDM-C ensures that the students are exposed to the latest information and knowledge in the communications management domain. MICA students are equipped to manage the entire business communications process, which includes commissioning of research, seeking consumer insights, formulating strategies, evaluating media options, analyzing sales and distribution channels and thereby building the brand equity creatively by sowing ideas and harvesting pragmatic solutions.

Is PGPCM now called PGDM-C

Yes, the two year PGPCM is now called PGDM-C as directed by AICTE

Is PGDM-C approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)?

Yes, PGDM-C is approved by the AICTE.

What is the student intake of PGDM-C?

The intake allowed for PGDM-C is 120 students per year.

Do you award a Diploma or a Degree?

MICA awards a Diploma as per AICTE directives for the PGDM-C program.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission to PGDM-C?

A minimum of 50 per cent marks in a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in any discipline recognized by the Association of Indian Universities or the AICTE. Candidates appearing for their final examinations for such a degree are also eligible.

What are the possibilities of going into TV or film-making after MICA?

The PGDM-C is aimed to create proffessional managers who specialise in communications. However, MICA offers short duration courses focusing on communication processes in media houses, like the Crafting Creative Communications programme for 6 months, focusing on Art Direction and Copywriting for Advertising agencies.

What do you look from essay type description in the application form? Dothe essays affect the chances of getting a call?

The descriptions are meant to test the self-assessment skills of the candidates and are used only for reference during the interviews. They are not used for shortlisting the candidates for final selection.

What is the cut off score of CAT to be eligible for MICAT?

MICA screens applicants for the MICA Admissions Test (MICAT) based on the total performance of the applicant in CAT. Cut-offs vary every year. The short list is based on the results of CAT and GMAT for the year in question. MICA normally screens and shortlists upto 1000-1400 candidates from all the applicants for the MICAT on various parameters of education, educational background and work experience.

What is the validity of CAT / GMAT?

While CAT score for the current year is valid, GMAT score of last two years as on 30th December 2007 will be valid for admissions to PGDM-C 2008-2010.

What is the cut-off score for eligibility for the Group Exercise and Personal Interview in MICAT?

There are no standard cut offs. Individual taking MICAT must attempt and complete all the sections of the test satisfactorily to quality for GE & PI.

When is the last date for receipt of the completed application form?

MICA will accept completed application forms till close of working hours on January 15, 2008.

How important is it to have work experience or a portfolio to get into MICA?

MICA prefers incumbent candidates to have a year or two’s relevant work experience. This is, however, not a condition for applicants seeking admissions to the PGDM-C. It has been our experience and observation that candidates with work experience fare better in MICAT, Group Exercise and Personal Interview.

What exactly is tested in MICAT, Group Exercise and Personal Interview?

MICAT is a classroom exam of 90 minutes’ duration, designed to test the candidate’s aptitude and orientation towards communications as a profession. The Group Exercise is given to a group of 8–10 students who will discuss and finalize their findings of an assigned task. It tests the clarity of thought process, verbal skills, lateral thinking and the candidate’s level of comfort in a group situation. The Personal Interview helps to determine the suitability of the candidate for the PGDM-C and the industries it caters to.

What preparation is required for MICAT?

There is no special preparation 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. General awareness towards marketing, advertising and business issues will be additional advantages.

When is MICAT conducted ?

MICAT is usually conducted in the last week of February or early March of every year at the nominated centres.

When is GE and PI conducted ?

GE and PI will be conducted tentatively in the second week of March 2008 at MICA, Ahmedabad.

When will I know the results?

In the first week of April.

Do all the MICA students get jobs on completion of program?

MICA students have enjoyed 100% placement for several years in a row now. For details of 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 the on-campus students activities?

There are several student activities in MICA campus. Some are listed below:

MICA LECTURE SERIES (MLS)

Periodically Eminent personalities from industry to address the 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 the clients under the guidance of Faculty and MICAMINDS coordinator. Projects for Leo Burnett, Yahoo India, O&M and Chlorophyll have been carried out in the recent past.

MICANVAS

This is the annual students’ meet for students from 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 give the students direct exposure to a business environment and encourage them to take 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 ASSISTANTSHIP

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 the area of management consulting within the communications domain.

SANKALP

It is the in-house theatre society, which forms a very integral part of MICA life. It is a platform to showcase talent and is organised with a high degree of proffessionalism.

BLACK COFFEE

The in-house magazine provides an outlet for the literary creativity of students. Managed by a literary society, the magazine is designed, edited and printed for circulation in-house.

TRINETRA

Movies are an important medium of communication and the MICANs keeps in touch through screenings of all time greats, followed by panel discussions.