The number of Information Technology (IT) professionals witnessed a new low at Indian Institute of Management- Ahmedabad (IIM-A) this year with just 25 out of 90 students from IT background having taken admission at the one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) of the B-school. Institute authorities see the change as organic and resulting in greater diversity in the classroom, as the programme gains visibility across other sectors of professionals.

The figures suggest that the PGPX at IIM-A is no more an option beckoning IT professionals, but people from manufacturing, energy, financial services, health care services and management, management consultancy, telecom and defense are also trying to enrol in the one year programme.

In 2016-17, only 27.78% of professionals enrolled in PGPX are from IT background, showing a decline of around 13% from 2006-07, when the course was launched. In 2008-09 and 2010-11 there was a surge of around 10 and 9% per cent, respectively, in the number of IT professionals studying in PGPX.However, the decline in the number of IT professionals in the course has been constant since the academic year 2011-12. Professor Sunil Sharma, chairman of PGPX admission at IIM-A, said the phenomenon increases diversity in the programme.

"We have always encouraged diversity in our programme and this diversity is not just restricted to gender diversity, but it is also in terms of background diversity. It is extremely important for any MBA programme to have a diverse cohort, because that enriches class discussion and improves interaction in and experience of the MBA programme," Sharma said. "This diversity has occurred in a very organic manner, without having the need to impose any kind of quota or artificial restrictions. As the programme has gained visibility, people have realized that there are considerable leaning and placement opportunities in this programme ," Sharma added.

See original article