MICA Admission 2027-28: programmes, tests and dates
MICA's 2027 admissions page covers seven programmes across its School of Management, School of Applied Creativity and School of Strategic Communication. This guide focuses on the Ahmedabad institution and the published 2027 intake; it distinguishes the two-year 2027-29 PGDM batch from programmes listed for the 2027-28 academic year. Before applying, choose the exact programme first: the required qualifying score, MICAT stage and interview are programme-specific, so a test combination for one course should not be assumed to apply to another. MICA Admissions 2027
Choose the programme before choosing an exam route
MICA lists the two-year, full-time residential Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and PGDM-Communications (PGDM-C) as separate programmes for the 2027-29 batch. The admissions page gives 60 seats for PGDM and 180 for PGDM-C. PGDM is presented around management, strategy and analytics; PGDM-C emphasizes marketing, media, advertising, brands and communications. These are distinct awards and seat pools, even though the entrance-test stages overlap. Applicants considering both should select both programmes in the application and follow the instructions for each; the PGDM page notes that candidates shortlisted for more than one programme must accept only one offer by its stated deadline. PGDM admissions
The one-year, full-time Post Graduate Certificate in Management-Sports Management (PGCM-SM) is listed separately with an off-campus residential format and a 2027-28 cycle. Its school page describes the route as CAT, XAT or GMAT together with MICAT, followed by a personal interview; applicants with sports-industry exposure or relevant work may explain that background in the form. Do not treat this certificate as either of the two-year PGDM awards.
MICA also lists three certificate routes for 2027-28: PGCM in Advertising and Marketing Communication (PGCM-AMC, formerly CCC), PGCM in Digital Media and Marketing Communications (PGCM-DMMC, formerly CCE), and the Certificate Programme in Strategic Communication (CSC). The first two are one-year programmes; the admissions page gives CSC an 11-month duration. The listed settings differ: PGCM-AMC is on-campus residential, while PGCM-DMMC and CSC are off-campus residential. Each programme page states a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks and MICAT, followed by an interview. The displayed duration, location and approval status belong to these certificate programmes, not to PGDM or PGDM-C. MICA Admissions 2027
The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) is a research route, not a taught PGDM. MICA's current page lists a four-year, full-time, non-residential programme for 2027-31 with eight seats and describes it as PhD-equivalent. Its eligibility pathways differ from the general bachelor's requirement: the page names eligible master's-degree routes and a four-year bachelor's degree with Honours and Research and a minimum CGPA of 7.5/75%. Relevant research, academic or professional experience in marketing, media, advertising, public relations, journalism or communications is considered. Read the full FPM conditions before applying; a general 50% rule should not be substituted for its stated degree pathways. MICA Admissions 2027
Which entrance tests are required?
For PGDM and PGDM-C, MICA requires a valid score from at least one of CAT 2026, XAT 2027 or GMAT (2025 onwards), and also requires MICAT. These tests work together in the application route: CAT, XAT and GMAT are qualifying-score options, while MICAT is an additional MICA assessment. They are not four independent alternatives. The official process then considers the qualifying score and MICAT I/II, followed by a Group Exercise (GE) and Personal Interview (PI) for shortlisted applicants. The better MICAT score is considered when a candidate takes both MICAT attempts. PGDM admissions
The admissions overview groups PGDM, PGDM-C and PGCM-SM under "MICAT plus CAT, XAT or GMAT." It labels FPM, PGCM-AMC, PGCM-DMMC and CSC as "MICAT only." There is a material inconsistency for FPM: the detailed FPM section also says applicants need a valid CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, UGC-NET/JRF or GATE score, assigning that score 10% weight in a four-stage process. Because the programme-specific statement conflicts with the overview's "MICAT only" label, FPM applicants should confirm the required score with MICA before selecting an exam or paying. This guide does not resolve that conflict by choosing one statement.
For PGCM-AMC, PGCM-DMMC and CSC, the 2027 admissions page describes MICAT followed by a personal interview and final merit list. It says the better MICAT score is considered for the certificate routes where both MICAT attempts are available. Applicants should verify the programme-specific form before submission, especially where page labels or programme names have changed from earlier titles.
What MICAT tests and how selection proceeds
MICAT is a computer-based test with three sections: a psychometric test, a descriptive test, and an aptitude test. The aptitude section covers divergent and convergent thinking, verbal ability, and quantitative ability with data interpretation. MICA says the test is conducted at designated centres, with the assigned centre shown on the admit card; candidates cannot choose their own computer or change the assigned venue. The two MICAT sittings are called MICAT-I and MICAT-II. For programmes that require MICAT, check the relevant route above before treating MICAT alone as sufficient.
For PGDM and PGDM-C, the stated sequence is to submit the CAT/XAT/GMAT score option, appear for MICAT-I or MICAT-II, and attend GE and PI if shortlisted. The programme pages say the better of the two MICAT scores may be considered when both are taken. The final merit list follows the assessment stages. MICA's PGDM page also notes that applicants pursuing both PGDM and PGDM-C may face different MICAT section cut-offs: the page says QADI cut-offs may be higher for PGDM because that programme places greater emphasis on analytics. It does not provide numeric 2027 cut-offs, so no threshold should be inferred from prior admissions cycles.
2027-28 MICAT dates to calendar
MICA's published admissions calendar lists MICAT-I registration as opening in September 2026 and closing on 21 November 2026 at 11:50 pm. The MICAT-I admit card is scheduled for 3 December 2026, the test for 5 December, and the score declaration for 18 December. MICAT-II registration is listed to open on 25 November 2026 and close on 30 January 2027; its admit card date is 10 February, exam date 12 February, and score declaration date 28 February 2027. These are the dates displayed for the 2027-28 cycle as checked on 8 November 2026. The first registration deadline is close, so applicants should confirm it on MICA's live calendar before relying on it.
For the PGDM route, the programme page identifies CAT 2026, XAT 2027 and GMAT scores from 2025 onwards. It asks candidates to update the selected test option in the online form and to provide the CAT score, XAT registration number or GMAT score by 30 January 2027 after those results are available. MICA says XAT applicants should provide their registration number and that it will collect the score from XLRI. This score-update date is distinct from the MICAT-I registration close and should not be mistaken for a new CAT registration window. CAT registration has its own authority and timetable.
Eligibility, marks and documents
For PGDM and PGDM-C, the 2027 page states a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks. MICA's PGDM instructions describe the degree as a minimum three years after 10+2 or equivalent and require recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Applicants in their final year may apply using available results, subject to the document deadlines in the detailed instructions. The programme page says a certificate confirming final-year status and completion of degree requirements is due by 30 June 2027; the final mark sheet and passing certificate are due by 31 December 2027. Candidates should check the current notice for the exact certificate wording and any later change.
MICA's percentage guidance explains how it handles marksheets that show grades or CGPA: applicants must convert the result to a percentage using their institution's conversion factor and provide supporting documentation during verification. If the institution provides no conversion factor, MICA's instructions say to multiply CGPA by 10 and provide an institutional certificate confirming the practice. This is an application-document rule, not a separate entrance-test score conversion. For other programmes, use the exact qualification listed on that programme's page rather than carrying the PGDM rule over to FPM or certificate admissions.
Application checklist
- Confirm whether you are applying to PGDM, PGDM-C, PGCM-SM, FPM, PGCM-AMC, PGCM-DMMC or CSC; check programme duration, location and award name.
- Match the programme to its stated entrance route. For PGDM/PGDM-C, plan for one CAT/XAT/GMAT score plus MICAT; certificate routes use MICAT as specified. Resolve the FPM score conflict with MICA directly.
- Check the 2027-28 MICAT calendar and complete the relevant registration before its displayed deadline. Keep the admit card available because MICA assigns the test centre.
- Enter the correct score option and update it when results are available. For XAT, follow MICA's instruction to give the registration number.
- Prepare degree and marks-conversion documents. Final-year PGDM applicants should note the separate June and December 2027 document dates.
- If shortlisted, attend the programme's next stage, such as GE and PI for PGDM/PGDM-C or the interview stated for certificate routes. Follow the final merit list and offer deadline for the chosen programme.
MICA reserves the right to change dates, centres and parts of the process. The current admissions page is the working reference for this 2027 cycle; applicants should check the programme page and live application form again before submitting or paying. Historical dates or older programme names are not evidence of a current deadline or test combination. MICA Admissions 2027