Mudra Institute of communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), founded in 1991, is an autonomous non profit institution recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The institute aims to conduct application-based research in communications to create and share new knowledge in this fast growing and increasingly important field. As part of its agenda, MICA also collaborates with other institutions, both Indian and foreign, in carrying out research in fields related to the communication business.

MICA draws its visiting faculty from practising professionals and the programmes are designed in such a way that students learn to combine the theory they learn with its practical applications. The alumni of this institute have found jobs in advertising firms like Ogilvy and Mather and Lintas, market research organisations like ORG-MARG and media companies like New Delhi Television and the Indian Express group. Educational loans are available to a few MICA students from banks and the Eklavya Education Foundation, Ahmedabad.

The two-year postgraduate diploma programme in communications management is the flagship programme of the institute. MICA also conducts postgraduate certificate programmes in retail, design and crafting communications as well as management development programmes. The certificate programme in crafting creative communications is a six-month course for those who wish to pursue a career in advertising, specifically, aspiring copywriters and art directors, mainly in the print medium.

Apart from the regular courses, MICA offers online courses like the executive development programme in media management and data analytics and a PG certificate in advertisement management. It also conducts short-term programmes (from two days to one year) for working professionals.

The application form and brochure can be obtained from the programme office by sending a demand draft for Rs 1,750 in favour of Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad and payable at Ahmedabad.

Eligibility

A three-year bachelors degree, or an equivalent degree, in any discipline recognised by the Association of Indian Universities is required. Those who opt for art direction in crafting creative communications (module B), need an equivalent diploma or degree in fine arts or applied arts. The institute looks for candidates who are curious, have diverse interests and are creative.

Entrance exam

Selection for this programme is based on performance in the written test and personal interview held at MICA in January.

Pattern of exam

The paper consists of social awareness issues which you need to express creatively.

How to prepare

There is no particular preparation for this exam. It is essentially meant to check your thinking ability, general knowledge about advertising and basic skills like drawing / visualising or writing.

You should keep yourself updated by reading newspapers and magazines regularly. Some books on creative writing you could go through are Creative Writing the Easy Way by Esther Hirschi and A Hands on Guide to the Craft of Writing by Maureen Ryan Griffin.

sample test paper

Express your opinion on woman power today through 5 lines, 2 squares and 5 words and 2 colours.

What is your opinion on cigarette and tobacco consumption? Discuss the disadvantages.

Write a short essay on global warming.

Express your views on child labour using a rhythmic series of 5 lines.

Which brand is associated with:
a) Bond with the best
b) Dimaag ki batti jala de

Define creativity in your own terms (in not more than 100 words).

Illustrate your perspective on advertising — in print and in electronic media.

Which companies own the following brands?
a) Dulux Paints
b) Kurkure

You are given a picture
of a frog. Connect it to a beauty brand by high-
lighting it with an
interesting tagline.