IIMs plan common MBA SOPs, inter-student transfers; fee refund norms under review

The Indian Institutes of Managements (IIMs) are discussing a coordinated policy framework covering MBA admissions, student transfers, fee refund rules and faculty exchange mechanisms, as per the discussions held at the latest coordination forum meeting chaired by union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan at IIM Ahmedabad.

As per the education ministry press release, one of the major agenda points during the meeting was the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for MBA admissions across IIMs. The deliberations also included proposals for inter-IIM migration of students and the creation of common fee refund policies across management institutes.

The meeting further discussed a proposed secondment policy aimed at providing academic exposure to young faculty members and newer IIMs through temporary placements and collaboration with older institutes. Discussions also covered implementation of reservation rosters for faculty and non-faculty positions across IIMs.

Also read IIM Fees vs Placements: Soaring cost, stagnant salaries, students in debt

IIMs coordination framework

The coordination forum meeting brought together chairpersons of boards of governors of different IIMs, directors of IIMs, senior officials from the department of higher education and representatives from the Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh governments.

According to the education ministry press release, discussions were also held on aligning undergraduate entrance examinations with future national requirements and improving coordination among IIMs as part of broader institutional reforms.

The press release mentioned that, Dharmendra Pradhan said IIMs have emerged as important institutions in India’s educational and economic landscape. He added strengthening innovation ecosystems and responding to emerging global challenges would help management institutes contribute to the country’s long-term development goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Also read No AI product, no MBA degree: BITSoM Mumbai integrates artificial intelligence across all management courses

Secretary, department of higher education, Vineet Joshi, highlighted the role of the Coordination Forum in improving collaboration and institutional coordination among IIMs. The ministry said the discussions focused on addressing shared concerns and streamlining policies across management institutions operating under the IIM system.