IIM-B gets ready to go global

IIM BANGALORE has taken the first step to add to its memorandum of association a clause about expanding its activities outside India. And it is not alone in its ambition. Other IIMs too are preparing to put forth similar proposals before HRD Minister Arjun Singh on February 1.

On Friday, IIM Bangalore's board of governors decided to amend the institute's MoA. IIM Bangalore director Prakash G. Apte told reporters in Bangalore the MoA signed in 1973, when the institute was established, did not include a clause about expanding its activities outside the country.

But there appears to be a climbdown on the part of IIM Bangalore, as Apte said it would open a “virtual campus" for executives in Singapore and not a "physical campus”.

Government sources say IIM Bangalore is not alone in wanting to global with virtual campuses.

IIM Ahmedabad is looking for options in Singapore and West Asia. IIM Kolkata plans to have a virtual campus for executives in Dubai and other countries in West Asia. “Our short-duration online courses are very popular and they’re asking us to start a longer-duration course for executives,” said IIM Kolkata director Suresh Chaudhari.

Explaining the concept, an official said, “Most of the teaching is done online. The students are required to attend some classes on the campus of the institute of our foreign collaborator. Our faculty goes there for teaching.”