Now IIMA, HEC (Paris) offer dual degree option

The Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) formally entered into a strategic partnership with HEC School of Management, Paris, on Wednesday.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed on IIMA campus between HEC dean Prof Bernard Ramanantsoa, and IIMA director Prof Samir Barua.

The partnership will introduce a student exchange programme under which students will be able to secure two degrees - one from IIMA and the other from HEC.

Explaining the significance of the partnership, Barua said that in the era of globalisation, B-schools needed to give their students and teachers exposure beyond national boundaries. Greater interaction between the two premier institutions will now be possible through a student exchange programme.

"Under the student exchange programme, IIMA students will be able to spend one year at HEC Paris (instead of just one term)," Barua said. "Similarly, HEC students will also be able to spend a year at IIMA under the agreement."
In the last six months, two IIMA professors have visited HEC, Paris, one of whom is currently teaching there, the IIMA director said.

Prof Ramanantsoa said the involvement of France in India's economy was growing. "Under various student exchange programmes and because of business houses, people find themselves in either country," he said. "There has also been an increase in the modes of investment."