Insights from Navya’s IIM-A Experience

After completing her earlier studies abroad, Navya discussed the difficulty of transitioning back to student life, filled with exams and demanding coursework. She stated, “It’s a two-year full-time blend of on-campus and online. Of course, it has been tough … anyone who’s done an MBA, especially from IIM-A, can attest to that.”

She noted significant personal growth throughout the past year, particularly as she adjusted to exam conditions after a six-year break from formal education. Learning from a diverse group of classmates has been invaluable.

“The best part for me has been the friendships. What I’ve learned from my batchmates is far more than what I’ve learned inside the classroom,” she said. She commended the professors and curriculum, describing the overall experience as one of the most fulfilling yet.

Despite facing criticism after her admission to IIM-A, many recognized her genuine achievements. IIM-A professor Promila Agarwal defended her enrollment, highlighting that Navya met all required criteria and cleared the program’s cut-off like any other student. “Even if people want to discredit her interview & CV, she, dammit, cleared the cut-off,” the professor commented on X.

Navya’s Ongoing Projects

Apart from her academic pursuits, Navya juggles multiple roles. She is the founder of the non-profit Project Naveli, a co-founder of women’s health tech company Aara Health, and actively involved in her family business, Escorts Kubota. Additionally, she hosts the podcast What The Hell Navya with her mother, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, and grandmother, Jaya Bachchan.