Navya Naveli Nanda, the granddaughter of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, recently gained admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), sparking a heated discussion on social media. Navya, who is 26 years old, shared her excitement about joining IIM-A on her Instagram account, posting pictures with professors and classmates. While her fans celebrated the news, some social media users questioned how she secured her spot at such a renowned institute.
The online debate centered around whether Navya, coming from a famous and influential family, received special treatment during the admission process. Some speculated that she might have used the management or NRI quota to gain entry into the program. The discussions grew so intense that a user directly questioned an IIM-A professor on social media, asking if Navya had cleared the Common Admission Test (CAT) or achieved a high percentile.
In response to these inquiries, Associate Professor Pramila Agarwal of IIM-A addressed the concerns on X (formerly Twitter). She defended Navya’s admission, stating that there are no quotas for the program Navya enrolled in. Professor Agarwal clarified that Navya met the necessary cut-off and passed the interview just like any other candidate. She also mentioned that Navya has a strong CV, which played a crucial role in her selection. Furthermore, the professor highlighted that CAT scores are not required for the specific course Navya joined.
Navya’s admission brought to light a broader discussion in India about the education choices of children from wealthy and well-known families. While many choose to study abroad, Navya’s decision to pursue higher education in India surprised some and triggered curiosity. People have long debated why star kids often opt for foreign universities instead of enrolling in top Indian institutions.
Navya has enrolled in the Business Programme for Graduate Professionals (BPGP) at IIM-A, a course designed for individuals with a few years of professional experience. To qualify for this program, candidates need to have a graduate degree in any field and at least three years of work experience in business. At 26, Navya meets all these requirements. She is the founder of Aara Health, a platform focused on women’s health, and also runs her own podcast.
The buzz surrounding Navya’s admission showcases the ongoing interest in how celebrity children navigate their careers and educational journeys. Her entry into IIM-A, one of India’s top business schools, adds another layer to her already impressive profile, demonstrating her commitment to furthering her education and expanding her professional skills.