File photo (Credit: makeitbloom.com)
The Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) may consider an alteration in the dates for the Group Discussion/Personal Interview (GD/PI) process. Some of them are clashing with the Bharat Bandh called by the trade unions on February 20 and 21.
Prof Pradyumna Dash, admission Chairperson, IIM Raipur, which is the nodal point for admissions to the newer IIMs this year, said that since the GD/PI process is scheduled in only two of the five interview centres (Mumbai and Bangalore) on the respective dates, the institute is waiting for communication from the respective centres before taking the final decision.
“Senior faculty members have travelled to both the cities for a review of the situation. They will get back with a report,” Prof Dash told PaGaLGuY.
“According to the communication so far, there will be no effect on the railway and airline schedules on the two days. So far, the only news is that the autoricksha wallas in Mumbai may be on a strike on the two dates,” the professor added.
Prof Dash added that it is not simple to change GD/PI dates since the institute has reserved hotels for the process. In addition, even the candidates who have booked their train/flight tickets will stand to lose.
A firm decision on the same will be taken tomorrow evening. A total of 300 candidates are scheduled to appear for the GD/PI in both the cities on February 20 and 21.
GD/PI schedule for the newer IIMs –
| Centre | Dates |
| Bangalore | Feb 15 – 24, 2013 |
| Delhi | Feb 15 -19 and Feb – March 5, 2013 |
| Mumbai | Feb 15 – 24, 2013 |
| Kolkata | Feb 27 – March 4, 2013 |
| Chennai | March 6 – 11, 2013 |
Meanwhile, candidates too, are hoping for a reprieve from the confusion. “My interview is scheduled for February 21 and have already booked my tickets to Mumbai. I just hope that the admission committee tells us their final decision soon,” an aspirant who did not wish to be names said.