Six from A’bad secure admission to coveted IIMA

On April 15, 2026, it was announced that six students from Ahmedabad successfully secured admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) for the two-year MBA program for the 2026-2028 academic years. These students come from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, chartered accountancy, commerce, law, and pharmacy, showcasing a rich tapestry of experiences and aspirations.

Unique Journeys to IIMA

The six successful candidates each have unique stories that set them apart, demonstrating that success can stem from various paths. Their admission was not solely based on high percentile scores; the interview panels evaluated their clarity of thought and ability to engage in discussions on a wide range of topics. Questions ranged from the Sabarmati Riverfront to the gig economy, testing the candidates’ ability to think critically and express their views effectively.

Vardhan Shah

Vardhan Shah, a 23-year-old chartered accountant, achieved a 98.92 percentile in the CAT examination on his first attempt. An alumnus of HL College of Commerce, he previously worked with KPMG. Vardhan approached his CAT preparation strategically, focusing on analyzing past question patterns to maximize his performance while minimizing risks associated with negative marking.

In his IIMA interview, Vardhan found the process refreshing compared to his previous experiences in technical interviews. He noted, “The interviewers were genuinely interested in understanding me as a person. They wanted to know about my aspirations and the value I bring to my work.” His honest approach and self-awareness played a significant role in his success.

Rudra Kosambi

Rudra Kosambi, a computer science engineer from PDEU, scored an impressive 99.17 percentile in his first attempt at the CAT while working at Sabarmati Gas. He hails from Anand, where his father runs a wholesale business and his mother is a homemaker. During his interview, the panel began with familiar questions about the IIM campus, which quickly evolved into a deeper discussion about his job profile and the nature of respect in professional titles.

Rudra explained, “I discussed the difference in addressing leaders versus household help, emphasizing the formal nature of professional relationships.” His ability to articulate his thoughts clearly impressed the interviewers.

Stavan Pota

Stavan Pota, who completed his BCom from RJ Tibrewal College, scored 99.28 percentile in CAT. Living with muscular dystrophy, Stavan faced his IIMA interview on the day of the Union Budget announcement. He recalled, “It was my first interview among all IIMs, and I was advised to stay calm and confident.” The interview began with questions related to his commerce background, leading to unexpected queries about cooking and tomatoes.

Stavan remarked, “When asked which country produces the most tomatoes, I guessed China. The panel also asked me to draw a graph of income and tax rates, which I tackled to the best of my ability.” His preparation and composure contributed to his successful admission.

Prashansa Shah

Prashansa Shah achieved a remarkable 99.98 percentile and highlighted her ten months of work experience as a focal point during her interview. With over a decade of training in theatre, she integrated her artistic background into her responses. “The panel presented a hypothetical situation regarding consumer engagement, which required me to think critically and combine my knowledge of mathematics and engineering,” she explained.

Her ability to draw connections between her experiences and the questions posed by the interviewers showcased her analytical skills and creativity.

Stavan Mehta

Stavan Mehta, who topped the CLAT in 2023, decided to pursue psychology and English literature at Ashoka University instead of following the conventional law path. He prepared for the CAT in just eight days without formal coaching, relying on his strengths in mathematics. Stavan shared, “My strong foundation in mathematics significantly aided my preparation.”

During his interview, he encountered unexpected questions about the Sabarmati Riverfront. “I mentioned the improvements in cleanliness over the years, and the panel engaged me in a discussion about the Riverfront Park,” he said, reflecting on the unusual yet thought-provoking nature of the interview.

Kashish Shah

Kashish Shah, a final-year student at LJ Institute of Pharmacy, scored 99.88 percentile in CAT. Her family background includes her father working in catering and her mother as a homemaker. In her interview, the panel asked her about her academic interests, the pharmaceutical industry, and the gig economy. One particularly intriguing question revolved around the rapid development of COVID vaccines.

Kashish noted, “They were interested in understanding how vaccines reached the market so quickly, which typically takes years of research. This question allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge of current events and their implications.”

Conclusion

The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these six students underscore the multifaceted nature of success. Their journeys to IIMA reflect not only academic excellence but also resilience, creativity, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with complex issues. As they embark on this new chapter in their educational and professional lives, they serve as an inspiration to aspiring candidates across the nation.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest admissions to IIMA and reflects the achievements of the students as of April 2026.