IMI Delhi adopting ‘comprehensive branding strategy’ to improve NIRF rank among b-schools

NEW DELHI: International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi, is India's first corporate-sponsored B-school. It offers three PG diplomas in management – the flagship PGDM with 300 seats, as well as human resource management and business and financial studies with 60 each.

Himadri Das, director general, IMI, discussed the challenges posed by competition among private business schools, the importance of diversity, and IMI’s NIRF rankings with Careers360. Edited excerpts from the interview.

Q. How has the journey of IMI Delhi been so far?

Since its founding in 1981, IMI has distinguished itself as India's first corporate-sponsored B-school. Initially backed by the RP Goenka Group and a consortium of other companies, including Nestle, Tata Chemicals, ITC, British Oxygen, SAIL and Williamson Magor, IMI was built on a strong foundation of industry collaboration.

This corporate sponsorship instilled a mindset focused on engaging with industry, which has become increasingly important in today’s rapidly-evolving business landscape.

While other institutions have had to adapt to this approach, IMI has naturally progressed in its commitment to aligning educational offerings with industry needs.

Q. Is there a challenge to IMI Delhi with the crowd of MBA institutes in North India?

The increasing number of MBA institutes in North India presents challenges primarily on two fronts: competition for quality students and job placements.

With a limited pool of aspiring students and a fixed number of job opportunities, the influx of institutions intensifies competition. Each school must consistently deliver strong outcomes to attract the best candidates, leading to a classic demand-supply scenario.

If, however, an institution can differentiate itself by providing exceptional value and results, overcrowding becomes less of an issue.

Schools that excel in quality education leading to superior learning outcomes and placement opportunities will continue to stand out, regardless of the number of competitors in the market. Ultimately, maintaining high standards and fostering strong industry connections are key to thriving in a crowded landscape.

Q. Why should a student consider IMI Delhi for an MBA?

IMI New Delhi boasts a rich legacy, having been established more than 40 years ago, which has fostered a robust alumni network. This extensive alumni engagement offers current students valuable networking opportunities and mentorship that many newer institutions cannot provide.

Additionally, its location in the heart of New Delhi allows for easy access to industry leaders and professionals.

Moreover, with a curriculum that is regularly updated in consultation with industry experts and a commitment to industry-relevant learning, IMI New Delhi presents a compelling choice for aspiring MBA candidates.

Q. Why did IMI New Delhi slip in the NIRF ranking from 34 in 2023 to 40 in 2024? Do you have plans for improvement?

IMI New Delhi’s drop in the NIRF [National Institutional Ranking Framework] can primarily be attributed to a decline in perception, which is measured through surveys conducted with recruiters and academic peers, such as directors and vice-chancellors from various institutions.

To address this issue, we are implementing a comprehensive branding and marketing strategy aimed at enhancing our visibility and reputation in the recruiter and academic community.

Additionally, there is an opportunity for improvement in our research publications output. We have recently expanded our doctoral programme to bolster research publication output.

Q. The programme fee is Rs 22 lakh. Are financial constraints a barrier for students?

At IMI New Delhi, we recognise that financial constraints can hinder access to quality education. To address this, we offer a full tuition fee-waiver scholarship that we provide to 5% of our sanctioned strength each year. This waiver is provided to students based on the government’s Economically Weaker Section (EWS) criteria.

By doing so, we aim to attract talented students who might otherwise be unable to afford management education. This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also enhances the diversity and quality of our student body.

Q. How is the research atmosphere at IMI New Delhi?

We are dedicated to fostering a robust research atmosphere that encourages faculty and doctoral students to engage in research activities leading to high quality research publications. We recognise that research is crucial for enhancing academic reputation and contributing to the body of management knowledge.

To strengthen our research capabilities, we have expanded our doctoral programme to increase the number of scholars and intensify research activities. This expansion will lead to more high-quality research publications.

Additionally, we generously incentivise faculty to publish in reputed journals and encourage collaborative research with international faculty.

Also read NIRF 2024: IITs wrote 24% of all research publications, over 55% MBA institutes had none

Q. How are you competing with IIMs and other private management colleges?

We compete with IIMs and other private management colleges through our industry-aligned curriculum, which includes 20% course delivery by practitioners, ensuring our students receive industry-relevant education.

We have recently launched a compulsory sustainability and social impact programme. This further differentiates us from other management colleges, preparing students for modern business challenges while being socially sensitive.

Additionally, our extensive 40-year alumni network provides valuable connections and opportunities. We also prioritise high placement rates by fostering meaningful industry partnerships and proactive career services.

Q. How do you ensure diversity among students on your campus?

We actively engage with prospective students from diverse backgrounds, whether in terms of gender, region, work experience, educational background, or financial status, through various outreach programmes. This ensures a very diversified class on all of these dimensions.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join us. We also provide tuition fee-waiver scholarships to ensure that students from economically weaker sections have our support.

Q. What are some key academic partnerships that IMI New Delhi has established? How do they benefit students?

IMI New Delhi collaborates with various business schools around the world that provide students a holistic experiential learning experience and shape them into global leaders.

The PGDM – Banking and Financial Services programme – is affiliated with CFA Institute, USA, making its curriculum in line with global industry standards. Qualifying students also get a scholarship to take the CFA exam.

As part of the human resources management programme, we have a unique 84-week internship with NGOs around Delhi NCR, that allows participants to develop empathy and expand their cultural and professional and social sensitivities.

The recently-launched sustainability and social impact (SSI) programme is designed to foster social sensitivity amongst its students. The SSI program is designed around three foundational pillars: primary education, rural development, and empowering the underprivileged.

Q. How does IMI New Delhi support entrepreneurship among its students?

The entrepreneurship cell at IMI Delhi aims to cater to the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs as well as to shape the mindset of strategic thinkers. The club is primarily responsible for fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship amongst the young entrepreneurs and providing experiential learning opportunities for students to bridge the gap between concepts learned in the classroom and the problems that need to be solved in today’s business environment.

We have, among our alumni, several successful entrepreneurs who mentor current students seeking an entrepreneurial path in terms of business plans and funding opportunities.