Degrees at IIMs likely to become a reality

INDORE: If all goes well, much-awaited degrees at Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) would turn into a reality soon. Officials at the premier management institutes of India are eagerly waiting for the polls to get over as the decision on the proposed Bill in the Parliament is likely to be taken after the new government is formed.

If passed, the Bill would ensure that the post graduates and five-year (Integrated Programme in Management) IPM pass-outs from the prestigious institute get a degree and not just diploma or certificate. At present, IIMs do not provide degrees as they do not fall under the category of university. IIM- Indore is the only one among 13 IIMs to offer 5-year IPM.

IIM-Indore director Rishikesha T Krishnan told TOI, "At government level, there is a proposal to enact an IIM Act, which will be applicable to all 13 IIMs in the country. Once it is passed, IIMs will be able to provide degrees of their own. We will also be able to provide degrees to our students at Dubai centre then."

"However, the whole process may take some time. We will have to wait for the new government to take office and if and when they pass the legislation, we will be able to give degrees for all our programmes in India as well as in Dubai."

Students are upbeat over the developments. "PGDM is not recognized at many places abroad and students face problems while pursuing PhD. A degree would ensure better job prospects for IIM students. It will enable them to apply for government jobs and pursue higher education at any place of their choice," said Ankur Jain, a second-year PGP student at IIM-Indore.

IIM-I passout Deepti Jaiswal said, "Quality of education and placement at IIMs matter more than degrees. However, a degree would definitely help students willing to pursue higher studies abroad".