IIMs will soon offer degrees instead of diplomas

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will get the approval over its much awaited decision of offering degrees to students instead of diplomas. The officials at leading management institute of Indian Institute of Management are waiting for this decision as it is pending in the Parliament and decision on the proposed bill will be taken after the new government is formed.

As per the proposed bill, once it will be clear IIMs will be able to offer five years post graduate integrated degree in management. Those who will pass this integrated programme in management will get a degree and not a diploma or certification as earlier. Presently, IIMs are working as autonomous institutes and they do not fall under the category of university. IIM-Indore is the only one among 13 IIMs to offer five years IPM.

IIM-Indore director Rishikesha T Krishnan said, “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.”

He further added, “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 also happy over this new development. A second year student stated, “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.”