IPM (Integrated program in management) is a dual degree program offered at various IIMs. The IPM course is split into three years of undergraduate and two years of post-graduation. 

The course is one of the most preferred programs for many aspirants who wish to make a career in managerial and leadership roles. The aspirants after passing 12th grade also have a choice to either pursue a three-year BBA course separately and later apply for an MBA after finishing their bachelor’s course. 

However, aspirants should know that there are numerous advantages to choosing an IPM course directly after class 12th rather than going for a BBA and MBA individually. 

One-of-a-Kind Curriculum

The IPM curriculum is very different from that of a regular BBA+MBA course. The IPM course includes various subjects like humanities, arts, social studies, commerce, and so on unlike the regular BBA which tends to focus only on commerce or business-related topics.                                                              

The IPM course is built with a holistic approach of an individual in mind. Thus, if you’re someone who is highly interested in commerce and business-related topics, choosing a BBA is more suitable for you.

The IIM Tag

Another important thing is having a unique IIM experience. The experience that you get in IIM will be like nowhere else. Pursuing an IPM course in the prestigious IIM will provide you with ample opportunities such as having to meet and associate with industry people from across India. IIMs are also known for their good placements and strong alumni aid. 

High Fee Structure

The IPM course can be quite costly compared to a regular BBA+MBA course. Hence, many young aspirants who want to pursue an IPM course may not be able to afford it. However, the number of opportunities offered in IPM is far better than in BBA.                         

With this, you can make your decision wisely after fully evaluating the type of career that you want to build and the skill set you want to acquire. 

So how is an IPM course different from a regular BBA+MBA course? And how should one decide whether to choose a BBA+MBA or IPM course? Let’s find out below:

Duration and Format

A regular BBA and MBA are two separate programs. BBA is a three-year course while an MBA is a two-year course. Meanwhile, IPM is a five-year Integrated course (BBA+MBA) that offers broad management learning.

Educational Program

BBA provides basic learning in business; applicable for engineer-level positions of further studies such as an MBA. Whereas IPM offers rigorous teaching from UG to PG levels, concentrating on higher-level management abilities. 

Admission Criteria

A regular BBA admission may be done through an entrance test or merit-based. Whereas admission into the IPM is more complex as it requires specific entrance tests followed by a personal interview and WAT.

Career Prospects

After completing BBA one may need to apply for MBA. Usually, BBA graduates land a job in various beginner-level business roles whereas IPM graduates are trained for advanced-level managerial roles right after completing their course due to their interest in MBA.

Colleges

BBA course is offered at numerous top colleges whereas IPM is only offered at a few IIMs, known for their rigorous training and international exposure.

BBA+MBA Vs IPM: Differences

The tables given below are the differences and similarities of BBA+MBA and IPM courses after class 12th:

BBA+MBA Vs IPM Course: Similarities 

Conclusion

Generally, serious aspirants take all the IPM and BBA entrance examinations as they ultimately lead to their management dreams. More or less the exam syllabus for all these exams is similar and the difference lies in the exam’s difficulty level. 

As educators, we also advise students to take all the management exams after class 12 to make their chances of pursuing their managerial dreams stronger.