The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) is set to introduce reservation policies for its PhD programme starting with the 2025 academic year, marking the last of the 20 IIMs to implement the policy. This move follows years of advocacy and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2021, leading IIMA to submit an affidavit in October 2023, committing to the change.
While most IIMs have long adhered to government-mandated reservation policies, IIMA’s decision has reignited discussions on the benefits and challenges of such measures. Professor Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, supports the policy, noting that it opens doors for marginalized groups and contributes to a more inclusive academic environment. He acknowledges potential resistance, particularly around meritocracy concerns, but argues that the policy will help address India’s shortage of qualified teachers by expanding the pool of candidates eligible for academic positions.
Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, emphasized that IIMs play a crucial role in producing future educators, and the implementation of reservations is part of their constitutional duty. Sahay also pointed out that without reservation at the PhD level, teaching positions reserved for marginalized groups might remain vacant, leading to a “pipeline problem” where there are not enough qualified candidates from these backgrounds.
At IIM Raipur, Professor Ram Kumar Kakani highlighted the importance of faculty diversity and shared that his institute supports reserved category students through mentorship and peer networks. Meanwhile, Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, noted that their PhD programme prioritizes reserved category candidates, with a flexible approach allowing students to complete the programme at their own pace.
However, not all voices are in full agreement. An anonymous professor from one of the IIMs welcomed the quota for SC/ST and PwD candidates but cautioned against government interference in intellectual decisions, arguing that faculty members are better equipped to make academic judgments.
Overall, while the reservation policy at IIMs remains a topic of debate, many academics believe that its long-term impact will lead to a more diverse and inclusive teaching workforce capable of meeting the needs of a broader student population.
