Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sirmaur, located in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the newer additions to the prestigious IIM family. Established in 2015 by the Government of India, it is part of the Ministry of Education’s efforts to expand access to quality management education. The institute operates under the guidance and mentorship of IIM Lucknow, one of India’s top business schools.

Though IIM Sirmaur is young, it has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to academic excellence, focusing on creating future leaders in business and management. Its scenic location in the Sirmaur district, surrounded by the Shivalik Hills, offers a unique environment for students to engage in learning while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Cut-offs for Admission

Admission to IIM Sirmaur’s flagship Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP) is based on the Common Admission Test (CAT) scores, followed by a rigorous selection process. Being an IIM, the competition is intense, and the cut-offs are relatively high.

  • CAT Cut-offs: For the general category, the CAT percentile cut-off typically hovers around 93-95%. However, this can vary slightly each year depending on the number of applicants and the overall performance in the CAT exam.
  • Sectional Cut-offs: In addition to the overall CAT percentile, candidates must meet the sectional cut-offs (in Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension). These cut-offs are generally in the 70-75 percentile range for each section.
  • WAT-PI: After clearing the CAT cut-off, candidates are shortlisted for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). These stages are critical in determining final admission.

Admission Dates

The admission process to IIM Sirmaur follows the timeline set by CAT:

  • CAT Registration: Applications for the CAT exam usually open in August, with the exam being held in November.
  • CAT Results: Results are announced in January, followed by shortlisting for WAT-PI in February.
  • Final Admission Offers: The final selection list is released in April-May, with admissions being finalized in June for the academic session starting in July.

Candidates applying to IIM Sirmaur through CAT need to regularly check the official IIM CAT website for key updates on registration, exam dates, and results.

Programs Offered

  1. Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP): This is the flagship program at IIM Sirmaur, designed to develop managerial skills and leadership qualities. The curriculum is rigorous, with a blend of core management subjects and elective courses allowing students to specialize in areas such as Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Human Resources.
  2. Executive MBA (eMBA): For working professionals, IIM Sirmaur offers an Executive MBA program that helps enhance management skills and career growth while maintaining job responsibilities.
  3. PhD Program: The PhD in Management is aimed at students interested in academic research and teaching. The program is designed to contribute to the body of knowledge in various domains of management.

Student Reviews

IIM Sirmaur has garnered positive reviews from students, particularly for its academic rigor, growing reputation, and overall campus experience. Some key highlights from student feedback include:

  • Academic Environment: Students praise the academic structure at IIM Sirmaur, which combines theoretical learning with practical applications. The institute follows a case-study-based approach, enabling students to engage with real-world business scenarios.
  • Campus and Location: The scenic campus in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is appreciated for its peaceful environment. Although the campus is still under development, students enjoy the opportunity to focus on studies amidst nature.
  • Faculty and Mentorship: With support from IIM Lucknow, IIM Sirmaur has attracted experienced faculty members. Guest lectures and mentorship programs further enrich the learning experience.
  • Placements: Placement records at IIM Sirmaur are steadily improving. The 2023 placement season saw participation from reputed companies like Deloitte, EY, HDFC Bank, KPMG, Cognizant, and ICICI Bank. The average salary offered was around ₹12-13 lakh per annum, with the highest package reaching ₹26 LPA. However, as a newer IIM, it still faces the challenge of building a larger recruiter base compared to older IIMs.
  • Extracurricular Activities: IIM Sirmaur has an active student life with various clubs focusing on management, entrepreneurship, culture, sports, and social responsibility. Events like TEDx talks, management fests, and guest lectures by industry experts provide students with platforms to showcase their skills and network with professionals.

Conclusion

IIM Sirmaur is emerging as a promising institute in the IIM family, offering quality management education in a unique and serene setting. With its solid academic foundation, growing industry connections, and focus on leadership development, it is becoming a preferred choice for MBA aspirants. While the institute is still young and expanding, its affiliation with IIM Lucknow and consistent placement performance make it a strong contender among India’s premier management institutes.