IIM Ahmedabad introduces Quotas for PhD Admissions

This significant decision aims to enhance accessibility for candidates from reserved categories, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and persons with disabilities (PwD).

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has announced the introduction of quotas for admissions into its PhD programmes. This significant decision aims to enhance accessibility for candidates from reserved categories, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and persons with disabilities (PwD).

Implementation Details Pending 

While the specifics of the quota system have yet to be disclosed, the institute has confirmed that it will adhere to the Government of India's guidelines for reservation during the admissions process. The announcement highlights that candidates from the reserved categories will receive a relaxation of 5 percentage points in the minimum degree marks requirement for eligibility. This means that SC, ST, PwD, NC-OBC, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates will have a more accessible pathway to apply for the Doctoral Programme in Management (Fellow Programme in Management).

Background and Legal Context 

This decision follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2021 in the Gujarat High Court, which called for the implementation of reservations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates in IIM Ahmedabad's PhD programme. The Global IIM Alumni Network, which filed the plea, argued that the institute was in violation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006, despite being governed and funded by the Union education ministry.

Institute’s Initial Stance 

Initially, IIM Ahmedabad countered the PIL, stating that implementing reservations might lead to unintended consequences and inequities for other deserving candidates. The institute maintained that avoiding reservation policies would be in the broader interest of maintaining academic integrity. However, in October 2023, IIM Ahmedabad expressed its willingness to implement reservations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates in its PhD programme over time.

A Shift in Admission Policy 

Historically, IIM Ahmedabad’s doctoral programme, which has been operational since 1971, did not incorporate any admission quotas for reserved categories. This new policy marks a pivotal change in the institute's approach towards fostering inclusivity in higher education.

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