The number of GMAT takers in India is growing every year. And experts predict the number to grow at between 20 to 25% over the next three to five years. Here�s what�s attracting Indians towards this international test.

From less than six thousand in 2001, to over 16,000 last year, the number of Indians opting for GMAT, is increasing every year. Out of the two lakh people taking GMAT every year across the world, about 5% are from India. Experts say the number of GMAT takers in India is growing at 20% per annum already.

Chad Troutwine, Co-Founder, Veritas Prep said, �It’s one of the 5 most popular in the world. It’s also the fastest growing. Just three years ago, less than 10,000 students took the GMAT exam in India, so it’s not only an ideal market, it’s the fastest growing. And, we think, it could also be an indicator where growth could be in other countries in Asia”.

Experts say, the number of GMAT takers from India, will continue to grow at 20 to 25% per annum for the next 3 to 5 years. The increasing interest from Indians to study abroad is cited to be the main reason for this growth. But that’s not all.

Nikhil Mahajan, MD, Career Launcher said, �3 to 4 of the IIMs have launched a one-year executive program, which used GMAT score as their entry criteria. ISB is probably the biggest GMAT user within the Indian market”.

With this increasing interest, not only from students but from educational institutions as well, GMAT it seems has taken off in India.

IPMX, the first, full time, one-year residential executive programme would be launched in April 2008 at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow-NOIDA Campus. The International Programme in Management for Executives, is designed for mid/senior level professionals, to prepare them for leadership roles. The programme is designed to develop business education that is grounded in the Indian and international business environment. It will accelerate understanding of business at functional and strategic levels, and prepare students to manage enterprises engaged in global business. The curriculum would focus on a strategic understanding of business, rooted in practical skill development through action learning projects and industry interface. A core component of the programme is an international module of 4-5 weeks at Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal Canada which will provide students with the opportunity for an international learning experience to equip them with the knowledge and perspective relevant to current global business issues. The programme would be rigorous as well as rewarding as it would provide ample opportunity for personal development and professional growth through inquiry and insight in an interactive learning environment. NOIDA being the hub of commercial and industrial activity, the locational advantage of the NOIDA Campus would also extend to the learning process where industry related assignments and real management contexts form an integral part of the course curriculum. The delivery is oriented towards best practices, an integrated strategic perspective, project work and constant engagement with industry The Corporate Resource Centre of the Institute would facilitate in providing placement services for non-sponsored students. .

Programme Objective

The overall goal of the programme is to broaden the core managerial competencies to further enhance the professional growth of students. The specific objectives of the programme are to:
Provide students with the fundamental principles of effective management of modern business organizations

Develop understanding of the roles and responsibilities of business managers in increasingly global nature of social and economic orders and corporate operations

Sharpen diagnostic and analytical skills for effective decision making in complex business perspectives

Sensitise students to the issues of cultural diversity and develop skills for effective management within multi-cultural work environments

Strengthen strategic leadership and team working skills

(Source: IIML website)