Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM)
The Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM) is a premier ADR institution headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, offering mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation services through a panel of trained, accredited professionals. It administers disputes under its own procedural rules and provides training and accreditation for mediators and arbitrators.
Written by Mediate Editorial TeamLast reviewed
Jurisdiction
India
Founded
2000
The Indian Institute of Arbitration & Mediation (IIAM) was established in 2000 and has grown
into one of India's most active and well-regarded alternative dispute resolution institutions.
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 was among the first Indian institutions to systematically promote mediation as a
mainstream dispute resolution option, predating the Mediation Act, 2023 by over two decades.
Its work in training mediators and developing standard rules has influenced how ADR practice
has developed in India.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach their own settlement. Learn how it works, when it applies, and what makes it binding.
Arbitration is a binding process where an arbitrator decides the dispute after hearing both sides, similar to a private court. Learn how it works, when it fits, and how awards are enforced in India.
Conciliation is a process where a neutral conciliator can actively propose settlement terms, unlike mediation. Learn how it works, when it applies, and how conciliated settlements are enforced under Indian law.