i-merit Signs MoU with SRM Institute to Launch Skill Development Programs
Delhi, 13th March 2025: i-merit, the flagship program of Scholars Merit Online Pvt. Ltd., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SRM Institute of Science & Technology (SRMIST), Delhi-NCR Campus, to introduce a series of skill development programs under the i-merit banner. These programs, designed to enhance students’ employability index, will range from short-term courses of 120 hours to comprehensive programs spanning 12 to 25 weeks, providing a structured approach to industry-oriented learning.
This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping students with technical and soft skills essential for securing job opportunities in today’s competitive market. The i-merit Nova courses will be integrated into the i-merit Accelerate and Elevate programs, offering practical, hands-on training aligned with industry requirements.
Speaking on the partnership, Nancy D, CBO at Scholars Merit PVT Ltd., said, “At i-merit, we recognize that while academic degrees provide foundational knowledge, they often fall short in preparing students for real-world professional challenges. Our skill development programs at SRMIST are designed to address this gap by offering industry-aligned training that enhances employability. By extending our outreach through partnerships like this, we aim to empower over 50,000 students by December 2025.”
Prof. R. P. Mahapatra, Dean, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “SRMIST is dedicated to providing our students with an education that not only meets academic excellence but also prepares them for the job market. Our partnership with i-merit will ensure that our students acquire the necessary skills to excel in their careers. With programs tailored to meet industry needs, this initiative will significantly boost the employability index of our students.”
SRMIST, Delhi-NCR Campus, is a premier educational institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering and technology, management, computer applications, pharmacy, and hotel management. Recognized as a Category-1 university by MHRD and UGC, SRMIST holds an A++ accreditation by NAAC and is approved by AICTE and PCI. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and industry integration, SRMIST aims to be among the top private universities globally by 2025.
This MoU with SRMIST follows i-merit’s recent collaboration with Sri Sai Group of Institutes, where over 300 students are currently enrolled in i-merit Nova courses. With an ambitious goal of partnering with 100 colleges and impacting 50,000 students, i-merit continues to expand its footprint in skill development across India, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
SPJIMR’s FPM Granted PhD Equivalence Recognition
Mumbai, February 06, 2025: In a significant achievement, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research’s (SPJIMR) Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) has been officially recognised as equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from an Indian university by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
On the recognition, Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said, “The AIU recognition serves as an affirmation of the academic rigour, research excellence, and institutional credibility that SPJIMR has collectively nurtured over the years. It reinforces our commitment to advancing high-quality, impactful research that enhances the value of our scholars’ contribution to the management field, bridging academia and industry.”
Since 2016, SPJIMR’s FPM programme has consistently evolved, benchmarking itself against the best global research programmes. The curriculum integrates rigorous research training, industry engagement, and academic mentorship, equipping scholars to contribute meaningfully to management research and education. Currently, the programme has 29 active scholars, including 27 actively enrolled and two awaiting convocation. Additionally, five scholars have already been conferred their degrees in previous years, and this year, two scholars who have defended their thesis proposals are set to receive their degrees in May.
Prof. Snehal Shah, Associate Dean, Academics and Research, expressed her gratitude to all involved in making the recognition a reality and said, “With the AIU equivalence, SPJIMR’s FPM programme is now aligned with the highest academic standards, offering our scholars great opportunities for growth and success to pursue global academic and professional careers.”
SPJIMR FPM graduates will now be eligible to pursue academic careers at premier institutions in India and abroad, apply for research-driven roles in industry and policymaking, and seek positions that require a PhD qualification. This recognition also strengthens SPJIMR’s reputation as a leading research institution, positioning it as a preferred destination for scholars aspiring to engage in impactful research.
Prof. Bikramjit Ray Chaudhuri, Chairperson, Fellow Programme and Research, remarked, “As we celebrate this moment, I look forward to the continued support of our research guides, scholars, internal and international faculty, and staff in strengthening our research ecosystem and mentoring the next generation of scholars who will take SPJIMR’s legacy forward.”