'Willing To Provide Reservations In PhD Programmes': IIM Ahmedabad Informs Gujarat High Court After Initial Resistance

A division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P. Mayee was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by the alumni association of IIM – Global IIM Alumni Network in 2021, seeking a directive for IIM-A to incorporate reservations in its PhD programs.

In an affidavit filed on November 10, 2022, on behalf of IIM-A, it was initially argued that the PhD programs at IIM-A differ from regular university programs, where fixed seats are allocated based on standardized tests.

However, the recent affidavit, submitted through the chief administrative officer, Colonel Amit Verma, revealed a shift in IIM-A's position.

"An internal committee consisting of faculty members is being formed at IIMA to work out a methodology for providing reservations. Considering the peculiar circumstances and the long-prevailing practice where on an average 2 to 3 students are admitted in each area of Ph.D. programmes, the Committee is facing an uphill task to provide a proper methodology. It is the endeavour of IIMA that while providing reservation, there is no discrimination to anybody," the affidavit informed.

The affidavit explained that the committee faces a challenging task in designing an appropriate methodology due to the peculiar circumstances of the PhD programs at IIM-A. These programs typically admit only 2 to 3 students in each area of study. IIM-A, however, aims to ensure that reservations are implemented without any form of discrimination.

The affidavit also said that the development of a suitable methodology may take some time but reiterated IIM-A's commitment to providing reservations in its Ph.D. programs.

During the hearing of the case, when the court sought additional information regarding IIM-A's recent decision, a week's extension was sought by the petitioner’s counsel to consult with the client and furnish a comprehensive response. The court has accordingly scheduled the next hearing for October 19, awaiting further developments in this matter.

Case Title: Global IIM Alumni Network vs. Union of India

Case No. Writ Petition (PIL) No. 130 of 2021