Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) — known as “The School of Ideas” — was founded in 1991 by advertising veteran A. G. Krishnamurthy to nurture leadership in strategic marketing and communication. It holds the distinction of being India’s first fully residential institute dedicated exclusively to communications and marketing, and likely the only one across the Asia-Pacific region.

Spread across a lush 19-acre campus on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in Shela, MICA offers modern infrastructure including air‑conditioned classrooms, media and analytics labs, seminar halls, a library, auditorium, community radio station (“MICA Vaani”), open‑air theatre, and sports and recreation facilities. Hostel accommodation for over 300–400 students, a 24×7 canteen, and full campus Wi‑Fi support its vibrant learning environment.

Academically, MICA's flagship offering is the Post Graduate Diploma in Management‑Communications (PGDM‑C) — a two-year full-time residential program approved by AICTE and equivalent to an MBA, with specializations in brand management, advertising, media management, digital communications, and marketing research. The institute also offers the Fellow Programme in Management‑Communications (FPM‑C), a doctoral-level research degree, along with shorter Crafting Creative Communications (CCC) residential and online certificate programmes in areas such as luxury marketing, consumer insight, media analytics, and data-driven communication. MICA has partnerships with prestigious institutions globally, including Northwestern, Michigan State, Emory, NTU (Singapore), and others.

Underpinned by a faculty combining academics and industry experts, MICA emphasizes experiential pedagogy — case studies, simulations, live projects, and internships — to foster creative problem-solving and real-world readiness. It also engages students in research publications and student-led initiatives such as MICANVS (branding festival), MICA Lecture Series, MICR (student research), MICAVAANI radio, and committees spanning culture, sports, media, and entrepreneurship.

MICA consistently achieves 100% placement for its residential programs, with students securing offers from leading firms in FMCG, digital, media, consulting, and branding. Recent average salary packages hover around ₹19 lakhs p.a., with top offers exceeding ₹35 lakhs, and recruiters including Aditya Birla Group, Godrej, L’Oréal, Samsung, Accenture, and Tata group companies.

With its strong alumni network of over 11,000 graduates, global collaborations, and a rigorous yet creative curriculum, MICA continues to solidify its reputation as India’s premier institution for strategic communication and marketing education.

In short: MICA is a pioneering, fully residential institute dedicated to communication and marketing leadership — blending academic excellence, industry relevance, creative expression, and a close-knit campus culture that continuously attracts top talent and recruiters.

 

Here’s a detailed overview of the courses offered by MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) along with the latest fee structure for its key programs:

🎓 1. Post‑Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM‑C) & PGDM

  • Program: Two-year, full‑time, residential.

  • Specializations:

    • Advertising & Brand Management

    • Digital Communication Management

    • Marketing Analytics / Data Science & Business Analytics

    • Media & Entertainment Management

    • Sales & Customer Relationship Management (Minor)

  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from recognized university; valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score and MICAT; followed by GE and PI.

  • Seats: Approximately 180 for PGDM‑C and 36 for PGDM general stream.

  • Tuition + Residential Charges: ₹23 lakhs for two years (2024‑26 batch; may revise to ₹26 lakhs for 2025‑27).

  • Hostel Fee: ₹1.78 lakhs (approx.) per year included in total fees.

2. Post‑Graduate Certificate in Crafting Creative Communication (CCC)

  • Program: One-year, full-time residential certificate focused on advertising, copywriting, video production, ad-film making, etc.

  • Seats: Around 24.

  • Eligibility: Graduate degree; selection via online creative aptitude test + personal interview at select cities.

  • Fee: Approximately ₹10 lakhs for entire program.

  • Placements: Entry-level starting packages typically in the ₹6–9 LPA range in related creative roles.

3. Fellow Programme in Management – Communications (FPM‑C)

  • Program Type: Doctoral-level research fellowship, residential but campus off-site.

  • Duration: 3–5 years.

  • Eligibility: Master’s degree (min. 55%); selection via FPM Admission Test, presentation & interview.

  • Stipend: MICA offers fellowship support; students don’t pay tuition. First-year stipend approx. ₹38K; later years ~₹41K/month or some variation depending on batch.

📋 Summary Table

Programme

Duration

Fee (₹ Lakhs)

Remarks

PGDM‑C / PGDM

2 years

₹23–26 lakhs

Flagship residential management programme

CCC (Creative Communication Cert.)

12 months

₹10 lakhs approx.

Creative/advertising-focused certificate

FPM‑C (Fellowship, doctoral-level)

3–5 years

Stipend provided

Research-focused PhD equivalent

💡 A Few Additional Notes

  • Fee variation: Some sources quote ₹23 lakhs for the PGDM‑C fee for the 2024–26 batch, while others estimate ₹26 lakhs for the 2025–27 batch—fees may vary slightly batch to batch.

  • Scholarships & financial aid: Select scholarships (25–30% fee waiver) are available based on academics and need; loans are also common.

  • Campus & placement: PGDM‑C and PGDM have similar placement profiles, with average salary packages around ₹19–20 LPA and top offers exceeding ₹35 LPA in recent years.

  • CCC placements: More for creative entry-level roles; salary packages are considerably lower compared to PGDM programmes—more suited for early-career advertising aspirants.

 

Here’s an updated detailed overview of the admission process for MICA, Ahmedabad, focused on its major programmes:

🎓 1. PGDM‑C / PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communication)

Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree (10+2+3) or equivalent from a recognized university (final‑year students can apply provisionally).

  • A valid score in CAT, XAT, or GMAT (GMAT 2017 onward accepted).

Admission Phases

Step 1: CAT/XAT/GMAT

  • Candidates must take at least one exam. There’s no officially disclosed sectional cutoff, but aspirants typically aim for 90+ percentile in CAT/XAT to enhance chances.

Step 2: MICAT (MICA Admission Test)

  • A comprehensive computer‑based exam with three sections:

    • Section A: Psychometric test (qualifier round)

    • Section B: Descriptive writing

    • Section C: Aptitude — Verbal, Quant, Data Interpretation, Divergent-Convergent reasoning, and General Awareness.

  • Candidates may take both MICAT‑I (Dec 2024) and MICAT‑II (Jan 2025); better of the two scores is used.

Step 3: Group Exercise (GE) & Personal Interview (PI)

  • Shortlisted students (based on CAT/XAT/GMAT + MICAT) are invited to GE & PI rounds in multiple cities (Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata).

  • GE is often a group task—a campaign design, skit, or debate—observed silently by assessors. PI panel typically consists of 3 members; at least 2 must recommend to clear.

Weightage & Shortlisting

  • Shortlist for GE & PI: 50% CAT/XAT/GMAT + 50% MICAT (Sections A, B, C collectively).

  • Final merit rank: 20% CAT/XAT/GMAT + 30% MICAT + 20% GE + 30% PI.

Timeline for 2025 intake (for 2025–27 batch)

Event

MICAT‑I

MICAT‑II

Registration Opens

September 2024

November 25, 2024

Registration Closes

November 22, 2024

January 11, 2025

Exam Date

December 7, 2024

January 25, 2025

MICAT Result

December 20, 2024

February 14, 2025

GE & PI Shortlist

February 14, 2025

GE & PI in Cities

Feb–Mar 2025 across Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata

 

Final Results

On or before April 15, 2025

 

2. CCC (Crafting Creative Communication – Certificate Programme)

Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3) or equivalent. Final-year students may apply provisionally.

Admission Process

  • Separate online creative aptitude test (unrelated to MICAT). MICA emails tasks which need to be completed within ~48 hours.

  • Shortlisted candidates are called for GE & PI on campus.

  • Final selection combines performance in the online test and GE/PI.

3. FPM‑C (Fellow Programme in Management – Communications)

Eligibility

  • Master’s degree with at least 55% marks.

  • Professional/research experience in communication/media preferred.

Admission Stages

  1. Online application + fee

  2. Telephone screening of eligible candidates

  3. On‑campus FPM Admission Test (3‑day): includes Written Test (open-book), Individual Presentation based on research proposal, and PI.

  4. Merit considers academic track record (10+2 onward), research/work experience, and performance in selection components.

📋 Quick Comparison

Programme

Required Tests

Key Stages

Final Weightage Factors

PGDM‑C / PGDM

CAT/XAT/GMAT + MICAT

Shortlisting → GE & PI

CAT/XAT/GMAT, MICAT, GE, PI

CCC

Creative Aptitude test

Online test → GE & PI

Aptitude task + GE + PI

FPM‑C

Telephone interview → Campus test, IP & PI

Academic/experience + test/presentation/interview

📝 Insights & Tips

  • Psychometric section (MICAT Section A) is an elimination round—consistency and self-awareness matter.

  • Preparation: GE tasks assess collaboration and creativity—avoid being overly dominant or passive in the group task.

  • Interview: Less HR-oriented than IIMs; panel probes communication, passion for media/marketing, clarity of thoughts—especially for non-creative backgrounds.

  • Selectivity: Only ~10% of applicants are called for GE/PI; for ~180 flagship seats, around 900–1000 candidates get called—makes it highly competitive (~1:3 call-to-offer ratio).

 

Here’s an up-to-date summary of MICA – Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad and its official accreditations, approvals, and memberships:

📜 Recognized Accreditations & Approvals

  • AICTE: MICA’s flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Communications (PGDM‑C) and PGDM programmes are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the statutory body overseeing technical and management education in India.

  • NBA: These postgraduate management programmes are also accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), highlighting adherence to national academic quality standards and industry relevance.

  • Equivalence of MBA: MICA’s PGDM degrees are formally recognized as equivalent to an MBA degree by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

🌍 International Affiliations & Memberships

  • Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK): MICA is an accredited partner, offering global industry recognition in marketing education.

  • Fulbright Affiliate: MICA holds the status of a Fulbright Affiliate Institute, reflecting high academic and research standing in collaboration with international scholarship ecosystems.

  • AAPBS & AMDISA: Active member of the Association of Asia-Pacific Business Schools (AAPBS) and Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA), enabling faculty exchange, benchmarking and collaborative programs.

✅ Summary Snapshot

Recognition

Scope / Significance

AICTE Approval

Legally approved PGDM/PGDM‑C programmes

NBA Accreditation

Quality assurance for management programmes

AIU Equivalence

PGDM equals MBA in academic recognition

Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK)

Endorsement in global marketing education

Fulbright Affiliation

Academic & research partnership prestige

AAPBS & AMDISA Membership

Regional business school network and collaboration

ℹ️ Why It Matters

  • AICTE approval and NBA accreditation safeguard the academic legitimacy and trustworthiness of the programmes.

  • AIU recognition ensures that the PGDM can serve in place of an MBA in professional and academic contexts.

  • Global affiliations with institutes like CIM UK and Fulbright enhance MICA’s international outreach and positioning in marketing and communications education.

  • Membership in regional and international associations like AAPBS and AMDISA strengthens its institutional reputation and access to global best practices.

 

Here’s an updated, accurate summary of placements and recruiters at MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad) based on the latest 2024–25 data:

🎯 Final Placement Highlights (Batch 2022–24)

  • Placement Rate: Maintained 100% placement in both 2023 and 2024 for the PGDM‑C and PGDM batches.

  • Highest Domestic Package: ₹35.50 LPA in 2024 (₹36 LPA in 2023).

  • Average Package: ₹19.21 LPA in 2024 (slight decline from ₹20.09 LPA in 2023).

  • Median Package: ₹18 LPA in 2024 (₹19 LPA in 2023).

  • Top Segments’ Averages (2024):

    • Top 25 students: ₹29.90 LPA

    • Top 50 students: ₹26.61 LPA

    • Top 100 students: ₹23.12 LPA.

  • Batch Size: 195 students (2024), 173 students (2023) appeared for placements.

🏢 Sector-wise Placement Insights (2024)

Sector

No. of Offers

Avg. CTC (₹ LPA)

Highest CTC (₹ LPA)

FMCG

38

18.30

35.50

IT / ITES

25

21.07

31.75

FMCD

35

18.30 (or 21)

~27

Media & Advertising

32

16.25

~29

Analytics / BFSI / Consulting

35

19.92

~29

Other domains

31

16.67

~23

🤝 Top Recruiters (Frequent & Sector-leading Companies)

Notable organizations participating in recent placement cycles include:

  • FMCG / Consumer Brands: ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Coca‑Cola, L’Oréal, Titan, Marico

  • Consulting & Analytics: Accenture Strategy & Consulting, Deloitte, Mu Sigma, IBM, Gartner

  • E‑commerce & Tech: Flipkart, Google, Microsoft, Atlassian, Infosys

  • Others: ICICI Bank, Paytm, Tata AIA Life, Royal Enfield, Devtron Labs, Schindler Group

🌟 Summer Internship Performance (2024)

  • 100% summer internship placement achieved.

  • Highest stipend: ₹5 lakh over two months (FMCG sector).

  • Average stipend: ₹1.58 lakhs; top‑25 average: ₹4.20 lakhs; median: ₹1.22 lakhs.

🧠 Student & Peer Insights (Community Voices)

From Reddit reports:

  • Marketing-oriented roles dominate: ~65% offers in marketing/strategy/research; other roles include advertising, branding, sales, data, and communications.

  • Average batch package alignment: “Decent to start—₹18‑19 LPA fixed,” with ~35% roles being sales-related.

  • Personal success stories: Students from non-IIM routes (esp. MICA) have secured ₹30 LPA+ roles in marketing agencies.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Reliable and robust placements: 100% of students secure roles.

  • Competitive average packages, especially for top performers.

  • Strong recruiter presence across sectors—especially FMCG, analytics, consulting, tech.

  • Summer internships are lucrative, with exceptional stipends in top batches.

  • Specialized marketing-focused curriculum translates to specialized employer interest and roles.

 

Here’s a detailed overview of the rankings and reputation of MICA – Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad:

🏅 National & Industry Rankings

NIRF Management Ranking (Ministry of Education, GOI)

  • #32 among all management institutes in India in NIRF 2024. This reflects a steady climb from #37 in 2023 and #42 in 2022.

  • Regionally, MICA is ranked 2nd in Gujarat and Ahmedabad in the same survey.

IIRF (Indian Industry‑Research & Intelligence Foundation)

  • In IIRF 2025, MICA topped the MBA/PGDM ranking for private B‑schools in Ahmedabad, placing #1, ahead of well‑known institutes like IMNU and NBS.

  • In IIRF 2024, MICA was ranked #9 nationwide among private management universities; in the West Zone, it was ranked #5.

🎯 Perceived Positioning & Niche Strength

  • MICA is widely recognized as a niche leader in strategic marketing, branding, advertising, and communication. Recruiters consider it Tier‑1 for marketing & creative domains, even if its overall generic management positioning is closer to Tier‑1.5 or Tier‑2

  • As one Reddit commentator put it:

“Overall it’s ranked somewhere in top 5 marketing colleges … Essentially, if you prefer marketing and a lil deviant learning approach, MICA is one of the best communication colleges in India.”

  • Another mentioned:

“MICA competes with tier 1 in terms of marketing program.”

📊 Summary Table — Rankings Overview

Ranking Framework

Year

Category

Rank

Scope

NIRF (GOI)

2024

Management

#32

All India

IIRF

2025

MBA (Private B‑Schools)

#1

In Ahmedabad region

IIRF

2024

MBA (Private B‑Schools)

#9

All India

IIRF (West Zone)

2024

Private Management

#5

Western India

🧠 Reputation & Outcome Strength

  • MICA's placements remain strong with average CTC of around ₹19–20 LPA and top packages exceeding ₹35 LPA. These outcomes are particularly robust for marketing, analytics, and consulting roles.

  • While its broad management rank is mid‑tier nationally (according to NIRF), its specialization-focused value—especially in marketing and communication—sets it apart.

✅ Bottom Line

  • MICA consistently ranks in the top 35 management institutes in India via NIRF, and performs exceptionally well among private B‑schools in Ahmedabad and the western region via IIRF.

  • It enjoys Tier‑1 reputation within marketing and communication, while being regarded as Tier‑1.5 overall in mainstream management circles.

  • If your goal is to build a career in strategic marketing, branding, advertising, digital communications or media, MICA is arguably among India’s finest choices.

 

Here’s a comprehensive look at the infrastructure and facilities at MICA Ahmedabad, located on a lush 19–20 acre residential campus in Shela, Ahmedabad:

🏫 Academic & Media Infrastructure

  • Air‑conditioned Classrooms & Seminar Halls: Designed for interactive learning, equipped with modern A/V recording and communication systems for lectures and sessions.

  • Digital Communications Centre: Houses MICA's community radio station Micavaani, an iMac Lab, a publication center, and an online studio—ideal for hands-on media learning.

  • Library (KEIC): A 24×7 Knowledge Exchange and Information Centre offering a robust collection of books, journals, and databases, especially focused on strategic marketing and media.

🛏 Residential & Dining Amenities

  • Hostels: Accommodation for over 300–350 students with separate blocks for men and women. First‑year students typically stay in twin‑sharing rooms; second‑year students may opt for single rooms with attached bathrooms, subject to availability. All rooms come with round‑the‑clock internet.

  • Dining Facilities: Includes a spacious mess for main meals and a 24×7 canteen (Micafe Plaza), which doubles as a central social hub and is the only smoking zone on campus.

🎭 Events & Community Spaces

  • Auditoriums: Both an indoor air‑conditioned auditorium (capacity ~400) and an open‑air theatre (~220 seats) are available for events, performances, and guest lectures.

  • Community Centre & Guest House: Includes a TV/music/cards room and a guesthouse with four bedrooms for visiting faculty or guests.

🎮 Sports, Fitness & Recreation

  • Sports Complex: Offers multiple badminton courts, basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, cricket and football grounds, and even a jogging track. The SCAM Sports Committee organizes regular events and tournaments.

  • Gymnasium: Fully equipped and air-conditioned, encouraging student fitness and wellness.

🌐 Connectivity & Accessibility

  • Wi‑Fi & IT Infrastructure: High‑speed Wi‑Fi covers the entire campus including hostels. LAN and broadband connectivity are available in labs and hostels.

  • Accessibility Facilities: The campus includes ramps, lifts, special toilets, wheelchairs, and transportation aids to support differently-abled students.

📋 Highlights Summary

Facility Category

Details

Academic Spaces

A/C classrooms, seminar halls, Digital Communications Centre

Library

24×7 Knowledge Centre with print & e-resources

Accommodation

Separate hostels (shared/single rooms), 24×7 internet

Dining

Mess + 24×7 canteen

Events & Community

Auditoriums, Open‑air theatre, community center, guest house

Sports & Fitness

Courts (badminton, basketball), grounds (cricket, football), gym

Connectivity & Accessibility

Wi-Fi, IT labs, and facilities for students with disabilities

Creative Media Resources

Media lab, iMac lab, community radio, publication studio

🧠 Student & Community Insights

According to student reviews, the green campus with red-brick architecture creates a pleasant yet functional academic environment. Many note that the lecture halls rival even top institutions like IIM Ahmedabad in design and comfort.

✅ Final Note

MICA’s Shela campus offers a thoughtfully built ecosystem that blends academic rigor with creative, residential, and extracurricular support. From media labs and creative centres to recreational amenities and inclusive infrastructure, the institute ensures that students have everything needed for a holistic, communication-driven learning experience.

 

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