He was a diploma student at Kew Gardens during 1984-85.
In addition to these, 10-15 diploma students are admitted each year during the second year of the Bachelors' degree.
In order to receive a diploma student must have achieved a minimum of 'C' in at least four subjects including.
Until 1989, the institute remained small with around 20 diploma students each year.
An additional 3-8 students per class are admitted through the lateral entry scheme for diploma students in the 2nd year of a batch.
Around five diploma students are added in the remaining branches.
The institute has about 390 employees, as well as many diploma students and scientific guests.
By 2004 the institute had produced 37 graduates and 38 diploma students, most of whom were employed in the institute.
There are currently three faculty members teaching around 30 diploma students, and 15 advanced diploma students.
Degree students are, however, eligible for a proportion of the government's student loan, unlike diploma students.