Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM)

The Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM) was established in 2000 and provides alternative dispute resolution services and training. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, IIAM operates across India and maintains panels of trained mediators and arbitrators available for domestic and international disputes.

Services offered

Mediation. IIAM administers mediations under its own mediation rules. Parties can approach IIAM directly or through a court referral. IIAM-trained mediators are available for commercial disputes, family matters, and civil disputes across categories.

Arbitration. IIAM administers domestic arbitrations under its Arbitration Rules, consistent with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. It maintains a panel of arbitrators with expertise across sectors including construction, technology, banking, and real estate.

Conciliation. IIAM offers conciliation services under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, with conciliators trained to take a more facilitative or directive role depending on what the parties need.

Online dispute resolution. IIAM conducts ODR through its platform, enabling parties across India (and internationally) to mediate or arbitrate without in-person attendance.

Training and accreditation

IIAM runs accredited training programmes for mediators and arbitrators, including foundation courses in mediation, advanced practitioner programmes, and cross-border ADR training. IIAM accreditation is recognised as a qualification indicator by courts and institutions.

Significance

IIAM has promoted mediation as a mainstream dispute resolution option since 2000, more than two decades before the Mediation Act, 2023. It trains mediators and publishes its own procedural rules.

Before a session, see how to prepare for mediation; for business disputes, see commercial and contract disputes.