CIMAGE's Uncompromising Standards: Cultivating Industry-Ready Talent
Dr. Neeraj Agrawal, Director of CIMAGE Group of Institutions and an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, often shares his vision for students, likening them to unbloomed flowers that need nurturing to fully blossom. He emphasizes that many students, particularly those from rural areas or outside Patna, arrive with immense potential but lack exposure and refinement. This perspective forms the core of CIMAGE's educational philosophy.
Dr. Agrawal highlights that CIMAGE aims to transform these "raw" talents into polished professionals. He stresses that this transformation requires significant effort from the students, comparing it to iron needing to be forged in fire to become high-quality steel. CIMAGE's rigorous approach is not for everyone, a point Dr. Agrawal is very clear about. He mentions a student who recently called, stating they couldn't keep up with the expected academic rigor, to whom the response was that CIMAGE might not be the right fit.
The institution's commitment to creating well-rounded individuals is evident in its strict discipline and academic demands. Dr. Agrawal proudly states that CIMAGE's curriculum for technology courses like Data Sciences, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence is on par with what is taught at IITs. The key difference, he points out, lies in the student's background. IIT students are pre-selected for their ability to dedicate long hours to study, while CIMAGE students often come from diverse backgrounds, some without prior exposure to such demanding academic environments. Thus, CIMAGE takes on the crucial role of instilling that discipline and work ethic.
A strong emphasis is placed on practical, application-based learning. Dr. Agrawal shares that students are required to undertake individual projects, creating full-fledged software, websites, or applications. This deviates from many colleges where a single project is shared among multiple students, often leading to a lack of individual learning. CIMAGE's policy ensures every student gains hands-on experience, and failure to complete a unique project can result in academic setbacks.
Dr. Agrawal also addresses the common aspiration for government jobs in Bihar, cautioning against solely pursuing them. He advocates for the vast opportunities available in the private sector, citing the example of an ICICI Bank employee (a CIMAGE alumnus) who began their career in Hyderabad's financial district and now holds a managerial position. He also proudly recounts an anecdote of a CIMAGE alumnus working at TCS in Dubai, heading the automation of Dubai's Central Bank with a team that includes IIT graduates. This student's salary, he notes, has dramatically increased, demonstrating the immense growth potential in the private sector for skilled individuals.
Another crucial aspect of CIMAGE's approach is its focus on English language proficiency. Dr. Agrawal acknowledges that many students, despite being proficient in written English, struggle with spoken English due to a lack of emphasis on spoken communication in their prior education. He highlights the importance of English for success in the industry and explains that CIMAGE offers a bridge program to enhance English speaking, math, and basic computer skills before the main curriculum begins. This ensures students are well-prepared to engage with the English-language course material and present their projects effectively.
Dr. Agrawal strongly advises parents in Patna to consider undergraduate (UG) studies within Bihar, especially at institutions like CIMAGE, and reserve postgraduate (PG) studies for top-tier institutions outside the state if they wish to send their children away. He highlights the significant financial burden of pursuing both UG and PG degrees outside Bihar, often amounting to ₹40-50 lakhs. He argues that if a student is not aiming for an NIT or Triple IT for their UG, pursuing it at a local, quality institution like CIMAGE makes more financial and practical sense.
Ultimately, Dr. Agrawal's message is clear: CIMAGE is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about transforming students into capable, hardworking professionals. He is unconcerned if seats remain empty, as long as the institution's reputation for producing talented and dedicated graduates remains intact. CIMAGE prides itself on being a stepping stone for students, particularly those from humble backgrounds, to achieve significant career success, thereby contributing to Bihar's development.
