Here's How Navya Naveli Nanda Secured Admission To IIM Ahmedabad

Navya Naveli Nanda has embarked on a new academic journey, enrolling in the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad for a two-year BPGP MBA program. She shared her excitement on Instagram, posting several pictures from the campus and expressing her happiness at this milestone.

Navya Naveli Nanda's New Academic Journey at IIM Ahmedabad

Navya, an entrepreneur and the daughter of Shweta Bachchan and Nikhil Nanda and granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan put up a post writing, "Dreams do come true!!! Home for the next 2 years... with the best people & faculty! BPGP MBA Class of 2026.” In the first image, she is seen wearing a black suit while standing next to the iconic IIM sign. 

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A post shared by Navya Naveli Nanda (@navyananda)

Navya also shared pictures of the campus and introduced her new friends, giving a glimpse of her life at the prestigious institute. One of the photos featured her cutting a cake, with a note of gratitude to her teacher, Prasad, for helping her prepare for the CAT/IAT entrance exams that got her into the program.

Did Navya Really Take the CAT?

Soon after Navya's social media announcement, many were taken aback by her admission to such a prestigious institution. Some questioned how she secured a spot, while others dismissed her course as not being a "real MBA." There was also speculation among users about whether she gained admission through a "quota." 

The primary reason for their curiosity lies in the unique admission criteria at IIM, which include standardised test scores like the Common Admission Test (CAT) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). These scores are typically used by most IIMs to assess a candidate's aptitude and preparedness for the demanding program.

However, on September 2, an IIM Ahmedabad professor addressed the chatter on X. Promila Agarwal, an associate professor at IIM-A, commented on the high-profile student, stating, "She has a solid CV, by the way. You don't necessarily need CAT. Regardless, kudos to everyone for signing up for a rigorous program. PS: Like other students, I’m looking forward to her posts complaining about the tough life at IIM-A."

She got solid CV btw*. U don't necessarily need CAT. Link**. Irrespective, hats off to everyone for being courageous enough to sign up for rigorous program.



PS: Just like other students, looking forward to her posts cribbing abt hard life at IIMA 😂 https://t.co/MMx5Y4XdbW

— Promila Agarwal (@promila_agarwal) September 2, 2024

Her Vision for the Future of Young India

Before her journey to IIM, Navya was known for hosting her own podcast, What the Hell, Navya, alongside her grandmother Jaya and mother Shweta. The podcast focused on conversations about feminism and the role of women in society. In a conversation with SheThePeople, 26-year-old Navya Naveli Nanda, an entrepreneur and advocate for women's rights, shared her optimism about India's youth and their potential. Navya, who is also the founder of Project Naveli, a non-profit focused on gender equality in India, emphasised the significant responsibility that comes with this potential.

She remarked, "I think there’s so much happening and it’s a great time to be a young person in India. However, as young Indians, we must now take responsibility for pushing more on this growth and all carry the legacy of changemakers before us. I believe in young India and I know we have some incredible minds and some amazing ideas, and I am grateful and lucky to be a part of this India. I am sure five years down the line we will be having a conversation about how young India has furthered the achievements and greatness that are happening today.”