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Navya Naveli Nanda – IIM Ahmedabad Admission Controversy: Facts Over Fiction

Last Updated: September 4, 2024 | By Prof. SK Agarwal | Published on: CareerChoice360.in

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) found themselves at the centre of a heated online debate after Navya announced on September 1 that she had secured admission into the prestigious institute’s new MBA programme.

Shortly after her celebratory post on social media, where she wrote, “Dreams do come true! The next 2 years… with the best people & faculty! Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP) Class of 2026”, a barrage of sceptical comments began flooding platforms like X and Instagram. Users speculated about celebrity privilege and questioned whether her admission was based on merit or connections.

Who is Navya Naveli Nanda?

Navya Naveli Nanda is a young entrepreneur and the daughter of Shweta Bachchan and businessman Nikhil Nanda. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology from Fordham University (2016–2020). Her professional profile includes internships with Facebook, Ogilvy, and Godrej, and she is the Founder of Aara Health, a women-centric healthcare platform.

What is the IIM Ahmedabad Online MBA Programme?

The controversy stems from a lack of awareness about the new two-year Online MBA program launched by IIMA in January 2024. Unlike the traditional PGP program that requires CAT scores, this blended-mode MBA is designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs with at least 3 years of work experience.

Eligibility Criteria Include:

  • A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Minimum 3 years full-time work experience post-graduation
  • Minimum age of 24 years (by June 30, 2024)
  • Admission through:
    • IIMA Admission Test (IAT), or
    • Valid CAT/GMAT/GRE scores
    • Personal Interview

The admissions closed in August 2024, and classes began on September 1, 2024.

IIMA Faculty Steps In: Clarification from Prof. Promila Agarwal

Amid rising online trolling, Prof. Promila Agarwal, Associate Professor of HRM and Strategy at IIM Ahmedabad, responded boldly to queries, stating:

“She got a solid CV btw. You don’t necessarily need CAT… Hats off to everyone for being courageous enough to sign up for a rigorous program.“

Prof. Agarwal, who has been with IIMA since 2013 and is actively involved with innovative startups, emphasized that merit and eligibility, not celebrity status, govern admissions.

Why Indians Must Stop the Cynicism and Support Our Institutions

This controversy, driven largely by speculation and misinformation, risks undermining the credibility of one of India’s most respected educational institutions. While global schools like Harvard, Wharton, and Oxford routinely admit high-profile individuals, such admissions are viewed as assets that bring diverse perspectives.

Instead of welcoming Navya’s decision to pursue higher education in India, sections of social media have created a toxic narrative. This not only discourages celebrities from choosing Indian institutions but also reflects poorly on how we treat our own success stories.

Navya Naveli Nanda met all eligibility norms for admission to the IIM Ahmedabad Online MBA program. The program itself is legitimate, transparent, and competitive. Her selection is a testament to her profile, qualifications, and ambitions, not a product of privilege.

Let’s promote trust, fairness, and a culture of celebrating excellence in Indian education, regardless of the surname.