The Shift: No CAT? No Problem
While CAT was traditionally the only gateway to IIMs, many top IIMs like Kozhikode, Visakhapatnam, Indore, Raipur, and Amritsar now offer direct admission routes through SOPs, institute-specific EMAT (Executive Management Aptitude Test), and personal interviews.
“Thousands of working professionals hesitate to apply because they think CAT is the only way. But in 2025, that’s no longer true,” says Hari Rastogi, Co-founder and CEO of RiseUpp, and an IIM Trichy alumnus. “We created a clear, guided pathway to help them enter top IIMs without CAT.”
Programs like IIM Indore’s Master of Management Studies (MMS), IIM , Visakhapatnam’s EMBA, IIM Kozhikode’s Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP), and IIM Amritsar’s Executive MBA are open to professionals with 2-3 years of work experience, strong academic backgrounds, and a solid Statement of Purpose (SOP).
But the real challenge isn’t eligibility — it’s navigating the selection process.
What’s New? A Full-Stack IIM Admissions Support System
RiseUpp’s new admission support model for 2025 focuses on the three biggest hurdles candidates face:
- Crafting a Winning SOP
The Statement of Purpose plays a critical role in selection. A good SOP can make up for average test scores or limited experience.
RiseUpp provides one-on-one SOP editing services, helping candidates highlight their professional achievements, leadership qualities, and goals aligned with the IIM program.
- Preparing for EMAT
Several IIMs like Indore, Raipur, Sirmaur, and Visakhapatnam conduct their own EMAT entrance tests. However, most aspirants don’t know where to begin.
RiseUpp offers curated EMAT preparation material, practice tests, and personalized study plans — all based on past patterns and inputs from students who cracked it.
- Mastering the Interview
Interviews can make or break an application. RiseUpp conducts mock interview sessions with IIM alumni who simulate real questions and provide feedback to help candidates present themselves confidently.
In short, the platform has created a 360° mentorship program that covers the entire admission lifecycle — from understanding which IIM fits best, to finally getting that admission letter.
Real Stories, Real Results
Joseph John, now a student at IIM Indore, credits RiseUpp for his smooth admission experience:
“If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be studying at IIM Indore, I might not have believed them. But here I am. Every challenge and every effort was worth it. Special thanks to the RiseUpp team for guiding me throughout this journey.”
Similarly, Aryan Garg, who joined IIM Visakhapatnam’s Executive MBA program, shared:
“This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from the RiseUpp team. Their belief in me gave me the strength to pursue this opportunity with confidence.”
These stories are becoming increasingly common, thanks to RiseUpp’s hands-on approach and expert guidance.
Making Top IIMs More Accessible
The rise in demand for online and hybrid MBA programs from top-tier institutions is no surprise. These programs offer:
- Weekend or evening classes
- Campus immersion opportunities
- Access to IIM alumni networks
- Global industry-ready curriculum
- Placement and career acceleration opportunities
RiseUpp not only helps aspirants get in — but also assists them in choosing the right specialization, comparing fees, and understanding career outcomes. From Finance and Analytics to Marketing and Strategy, each IIM offers something different, and RiseUpp helps users match their goals with the right program.
What’s Next?
RiseUpp plans to scale its mentorship services and collaborate with IIM alumni communities across India to expand its reach in smaller towns and cities. Many professionals from tier-2 and tier-3 cities are capable candidates but lack access to application guidance. RiseUpp wants to bridge that gap.
Explore IIM Online MBA Programs and Admissions Support:
🔗 Explore all IIM Online MBA admissions processes
For press inquiries, partnerships, or interviews, please contact:
📧 support@riseupp.com
📞 +91 63630 79209
