In an insightful interview, Sudhir Sharma, President of the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) and Founder of the Master School of Management, delves into the evolution of management education in India. From the rise of private institutions and specialized courses to the integration of AI and sustainability in curricula, Sharma highlights the transformative trends shaping the industry. He also shares his thoughts on the future of management education, emphasizing the need for adaptability and industry collaboration.
Over the years, how have management education trends evolved in India, and what are the key shifts you foresee in the next decade?
The Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM) was set up in 1953 as India’s first official management institute in Calcutta. Since then, management education in India has undergone following remarkable transformation over the years-
(1) Initially dominated by government-run institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), management education has seen a significant shift towards private institutions, especially after economic liberalization in the 1990s. The rise of private business schools has introduced flexibility and innovation, allowing institutions to swiftly adapt their curricula to industry needs.
(2) Another major shift has been the transition from traditional, general management programs to specialized courses tailored to specific industries like hospitality healthcare, agribusiness, fintech, digital marketing, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The increasing demand for domain-specific expertise has led institutions to integrate industry collaborations, live case studies, and hands-on projects into their curricula.
(3) Additionally, interdisciplinary learning—incorporating insights from psychology, public policy, strategic studies, sociology, and environmental science—has enhanced students’ ability to navigate complex business challenges.
(4) The pedagogical landscape has also evolved, with experiential learning taking center stage. Traditional rote learning is being replaced by immersive experiences such as internships, global exposure programs, and live industry projects. Blended learning models, which combine digital resources with in-person interactions, have further expanded accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
(5) Alongside curriculum changes, there is a growing emphasis on knowledge creation – applied research focused on providing solution to persisting and emerging issues and its dissemination. The research initiatives are now focused on contemporary issues like sustainability, digital disruption, and strategic innovation.
(6) Furthermore, the rise of EdTech platforms has revolutionized knowledge dissemination, making management education more accessible through online courses, webinars, and virtual workshops. Institutions are also fostering peer-to-peer learning by encouraging collaborative projects and facilitating networking opportunities with industry leaders and alumni.
These developments reflect a broader transformation in management education, making it more industry-aligned, innovative, and globally competitive and inclusive. The emphasis on experiential and interdisciplinary learning ensures graduates are better prepared for today’s dynamic business environment.
Possible Key Shifts in Management Education in India
Over the next decade, management education in India is likely to undergo significant transformations, shaped by technological advancements, evolving industry demands, and new learning paradigms, to prepare students for economies across the globe shaped by automation, remote work, and flexible employment structures. Most prominent shifts could be-
(1) The deepening integration of digital transformation in education.
(2) Artificial intelligence might enable more personalized learning experiences, adaptive course materials, and virtual classrooms.
(3) The demand for lifelong learning and flexible education models is also expected to rise. As industries evolve, professionals may seek continuous upskilling through executive education, modular programs, and micro-credentials. Shorter, skill-based certifications could complement or, in some cases, serve as alternatives to traditional two-year MBA programs, particularly in fast-changing fields like digital strategy and emerging business technologies.
(4) A stronger emphasis on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles might reshape business curricula. As organizations place greater importance on responsible and ethical business practices, management education could increasingly incorporate subjects like green technologies, circular economies, and environmental resource management, equipping future leaders with the skills to address global sustainability challenges.
(5) The boundaries between management and disciplines may continue to blur, leading to a more interdisciplinary approach. MBA programs might incorporate elements of data science, fintech, and technology management, while traditional silos between finance, marketing, and operations could become more fluid. This shift may encourage sector-specific expertise while maintaining a broad business perspective, making graduates more adaptable to industry needs.
(6) Experiential and applied learning is also likely to gain further prominence. While internships and industry projects are already integral to management education, the coming years may see an even stronger focus on real-world simulations, apprenticeships, and live problem-solving initiatives in collaboration with industry partners. This hands-on approach could enhance students’ readiness for the workforce.
(7) Finally, entrepreneurship and innovation might become even more central to management education. With India’s startup ecosystem expanding, business schools may deepen their focus on venture incubation, accelerator programs, and startup mentorship.
What are some of the major gaps in India’s management education system today, and how can institutions bridge them?
(1) The primary challenge is the slow adaptability to change. Many institutions continue to rely on outdated syllabi that fail to integrate emerging disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and sustainability.
(2) The pedagogy of management education is top-down approach i.e. students are taught theories, and the budding managers in the light of theories expected to innovate solutions. In other words, there is a glaring gap of experiential learning. This disconnect between academia and industry leaves graduates underprepared for the complexities of modern business environments hence employers accuse that passouts from business schools are not employable.
(3) Most of the faculty members are pure academics – without industry experience. Therefore, the much-needed focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship is lacking. This is largely because the vertical integration between institutions of excellence and others is very feeble. Therefore, faculty members in most of the business schools often lag, with educators struggling to incorporate new-age pedagogies and technological tools into their teaching methods.
(4) Another pressing gap is the lack of contextualization in management education. Indian business schools frequently model their curricula on Western frameworks, overlooking the socio-economic and cultural nuances of the Indian econmoy and society. In the Indian market the informal sector, small and medium enterprises have significant presence, but their issues and concerns are rarely deliberated in the Business Schools As a result, management graduates may find themselves ill-equipped to navigate the unique challenges of India’s diverse business ecosystem.
(5) The absence of India-centric case studies, regional language learning options, and cultural sensitivity training creates a gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application within the country’s varied economic landscape. For developing managers in rural and similar industries, management education for specific areas could also be imparted in local language, further enhancing accessibility and relevance.
(6) The unequal geographical distribution of quality management institutions poses a significant barrier to inclusive education. Leading business schools are predominantly concentrated in metropolitan hubs and large cities, leaving vast regions underserved. Thus, smaller towns and rural areas, where management education could be instrumental in addressing region-specific economic challenges, are deprived. The lack of institutions specializing in regional industries—such as agribusiness in Punjab or tourism management in Kerala, Himanchal, Uttarakhand, further deepens this divide.
Addressing these gaps is crucial for India to develop a management education system that is responsive, inclusive, and globally competitive. In brief bridging the above referred gaps in India’s management education system requires a holistic transformation that prioritizes adaptability, contextual relevance, and inclusivity.
What role should industry leaders play in shaping management curricula to make students job-ready?
Industry leaders’ engagement is essential in bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and practical application, equipping students with the competencies required to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.
To fulfill this responsibility, industry leaders must contribute to the following key areas:
- Aligning Curricula with Industry Needs
Industry leaders must provide ongoing insights into emerging market trends, skill requirements, and technological advancements. Their collaboration with business schools in designing the curriculum and delivering it (pedagogy) will ensure that industry expectations, from pass out of the management institutions, are fulfilled.
- Integrating Practical Learning Opportunities
A strong theoretical foundation must be supplemented with real-world experience. Industry leaders need to facilitate:
- Internships and Apprenticeships: Offering students firsthand exposure to professional work environments.
- Live Projects and Case Studies: Presenting industry challenges for students to analyze and solve.
- Guest Lectures and Mentorship Programs: Providing direct guidance from experienced professionals.
- Industry-Sponsored research and start-ups, incubation centres in Business Schools will make business schools a repository of innovations and strategies to address the contemporary and emerging business challenges.
- Enhancing Faculty Expertise
Faculty members must stay aligned with industry practices to effectively prepare students. Industry leaders should:
- Conduct faculty development programs to keep educators updated on current business realities.
- Industry should provide opportunities to faculty to work and learn the real time challenges and issues of market.
- Facilitate research collaborations that bring real-world insights into the classroom.
- Provide industry case studies and problem statements to enrich academic discussions.
In brief, sustained industry academic collaboration is necessary not only to create a seamless system of transition from education to employment but also create knowledge through research to forsee the emerging challenges and issues and adoption of technological development and evolve strategies to grow in the disruptive technological and uncertain economic environment.
Given India’s Growing Global Influence, How Can Indian B-Schools Position Themselves on the World Stage?
India’s expanding economic footprint and increasing prominence in global business and technology present a unique opportunity for Indian business schools (B-schools) to establish themselves as leading institutions on the world stage Business schools of India have acquired international repute and got accredited by international agencies For example , IIM Bangalore (48th), IIM Ahmedabad (53rd), IIM Calcutta (59th), and ISB Hyderabad (78th) scored reasonably good ranks in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025. Additionally, 14 Indian institutions featured in the Financial Times Masters in Management Global Rankings 2024, with three in the top 50 International accreditations such as AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (Association of MBAs) have also accredited some Businees Schools As of 2023, 21 Indian business schools held AACSB accreditation, while six were accredited by EQUIS. But keeping the large numbers of B Schools of India in consideration, these figures are a drop in the ocean. To position themselves at Global level, Indian B Schools require –
(1) Strategic alliances with reputed international institutions, on key areas such as faculty and student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, prepares. These initiatives prepare students for international business challenges and elevate standing of Indian B Schools at global level.
(2) To align with global standards, Indian B-schools must continuously innovate their curricula by integrating emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Data Analytics into management education.
(3) Emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, strengthening experiential education through live projects and global case studies, and promoting thought leadership will further enhance their relevance.
(4) Encouraging faculty to publish in top-tier international journals and participate in global academic forums.
(5) Creating a diverse and global learning environment is crucial. Indian B-schools can achieve this by attracting more international students through scholarships and targeted outreach, hiring globally renowned faculty, establishing executive education programs for international professionals, and encouraging students to participate in global study programs and business competitions. Incorporating international perspectives into classroom discussions and fostering a multicultural atmosphere will enhance students’ preparedness for global careers.
How Can AI Help Personalize Learning Experiences for Management Students?
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its integration into management education is expected to transform learning experiences, making them more adaptive, responsive, and personalized. Moving beyond standardized approaches, AI will enable institutions to create dynamic learning environments tailored to individual needs, enhancing both engagement and effectiveness. The following issues need to be addressed to make AI integral to management education.
- AI-Driven Personalization in Management Education
AI-powered adaptive learning platforms are anticipated to play a crucial role in assessing student performance, learning patterns, and engagement levels, allowing curricula to adjust dynamically. This would help ensure that students neither struggle with overly complex material nor lose interest due to overly simplistic content. AI-driven tools could further refine content delivery by generating case studies, simulations, and interactive exercises aligned with industry trends and individual progress, making learning more contextual and application-driven.
Additionally, AI is expected to facilitate personalized learning pathways by analyzing students’ career aspirations, academic strengths, and industry requirements. By recommending targeted courses, skill-building modules, and experiential projects, AI could help students build expertise in specialized domains, fostering a structured and goal-oriented approach to education.
- AI-Enabled Personalized Support and Engagement
Beyond content customization, AI is likely to enhance faculty decision-making by providing data-driven insights that inform teaching strategies and curriculum improvements. By analyzing learning patterns, AI could enable educators to implement targeted interventions, ensuring a more efficient and responsive academic framework.
AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots may redefine academic support by offering round-the-clock assistance, addressing queries, sending personalized reminders, and suggesting supplementary resources based on real-time progress. Furthermore, AI-driven engagement tools—such as gamification, immersive simulations, and role-playing exercises—could allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, reinforcing decision-making skills and improving knowledge retention.
