The landscape of business education in India is evolving rapidly, with several Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) introducing innovative programs and courses aimed at preparing students for the challenges of a digital-first economy. Recent developments from IIM Bangalore, IIM Raipur, IIM Indore, and IIM Kozhikode highlight this shift towards integrating technology and new management paradigms into their curricula.
One of the most notable initiatives comes from IIM Bangalore, which has launched a groundbreaking course titled 'Token Economy.' According to Mukta Kulkarni, the dean of academic programmes at IIM Bangalore, this new course is designed to equip students with essential skills to navigate digital platforms, create and launch tokens, and delve into emerging models like non-fungible tokens and the Metaverse. "Token Economy is a newly designed cutting-edge course through which students will learn to navigate digital platforms, create and launch tokens, and explore emerging models like non-fungible tokens and the Metaverse," Kulkarni explained.
Meanwhile, IIM Ahmedabad is making strides by establishing a new campus in Dubai, where it plans to launch a one-year full-time MBA program starting September 2025. This expansion reflects the growing corporate demand for graduates who are agile, tech-savvy, and strategic thinkers, as highlighted by Ram Kumar Kakani, director of IIM Raipur. He stated, "The landscape of management is changing rapidly with the integration of technology, sustainability, and globalisation." In line with this, IIM Raipur has introduced courses in crisis management, GenAI, business analytics, capstone business simulations, and even marketing through music and storytelling.
IIM Indore is also stepping up its game with the introduction of courses focused on artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital transformation. Himanshu Rai, the director of IIM Indore, emphasized the importance of experiential learning, noting that the institute is placing greater emphasis on live projects, simulations, and industry collaborations. "We are putting greater emphasis on experiential learning, including live projects, simulations, and industry collaborations," Rai said. Additionally, the institute plans to incorporate AI tools like TensorFlow and scikit-learn into its curriculum, alongside discussions on ethics and governance in AI.
IIM Sambalpur is another institution focusing on the integration of AI into its teaching methodologies. Mahadeo Jaiswal, the director of IIM Sambalpur, mentioned that the institute is working on unique programmes that are tailored to develop graduates equipped with the skills necessary for building a modern India. "Technologies like AI, automation, machine learning and data analytics are no longer optional; they are essential tools for modern leaders," Jaiswal asserted. The institute has also introduced AI-powered case discussions to facilitate learning.
In a related development, the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, has taken a significant step by launching a Bachelor of Management Studies (Honours with Research) program, marking the first-ever undergraduate full-time program offered by the institute. This innovative four-year program will be hosted at IIM Kozhikode's Kochi Campus and aims to cultivate responsible, globally-minded leaders. The curriculum is set to commence in the academic year 2025–2026, blending multidisciplinary study with rigorous management education.
Applications for this program opened on April 22, 2025, and will close on May 22, 2025. The entrance test is scheduled for June 22, 2025, with admit cards released on June 9, 2025. The program will have a total fee of INR 7,00,00 per year, which includes an admission fee of INR 10,000, an alumni fee of INR 10,000, and a refundable caution deposit of INR 25,000.
To be eligible for admission, candidates must have completed their class 12th from a recognized board and present an original marksheet and certificate by August 1, 2025. Additionally, candidates must clear the IIMK BMS Aptitude Test 2025 or possess a valid score from the JEE Mains, ACT, or SAT.
The Bachelor of Management Studies program offers a major in management along with various minors, including big data and finance, economics and public policy, psychology and behavioral sciences, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This program is designed to provide students with a plethora of career opportunities and the chance to collaborate with leading academic experts on cutting-edge research projects.
As these IIMs adapt to the changing educational landscape, they are not only responding to corporate demands but also setting the stage for a new generation of leaders who are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's business world. The integration of technology, sustainability, and innovative thinking into their curricula is a testament to their commitment to excellence in management education.
With these developments, the future of business education in India looks promising, as institutions like IIM Bangalore, IIM Raipur, IIM Indore, and IIM Kozhikode continue to push the boundaries of traditional learning to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
