What makes MDI Gurgaon a unique B-school? Dr C P Shrimali, Director, MDI shares his perspective

Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon with a legacy of 42 years is one of the oldest and most sought after B-schools in India at par with top rated IIMs. MDI also has the distinction of being the first internationally accredited Indian B-School. PGDM from MDI Gurgaon has been the dream for the CAT toppers and with introduction of international exchange programmes providing better industry connect opportunities. CAT 2015 toppers will again be eyeing for this prestigious institute.

In this interview, Dr Shrimali shares his vision and key initiatives lined up for MDI Gurgaon.

MBAUniverse.com: As the Director of MDI Gurgaon, please share your vision and future priorities?
Dr C P Shrimali: MDI is a school for Thought Leaders and Change Masters. Aligned with this vision of MDI, we develop our students with mindset to embrace change and be part of the change. At MDI students are encouraged to perform from day one and make a difference in the corporate landscape.

MBAUniverse.com: What have been some important initiatives taken in last 12 months for furthering the Vision?
Dr C P Shrimali: Restructuring and streamlining the curriculum and course delivery in all programs to make the programs Industry relevant, recruiting the best faculty from across the globe who can contribute to teaching and research.

MBAUniverse.com: What will you say are the key strengths of MDI? What are its competitive advantages, compared to IIMs, and other top PGDM schools?
Dr C P Shrimali: The best international exchange program, a component that is part of most of long duration program. Two out of every five students complete a term abroad. Strong industry connect through executive education programs and Alumni, Autonomy in operations is one of the best industry linkages in all programs. We achieve this through invited session in courses, business thought leadership series, live projects, research projects and consultancy projects.

MBAUniverse.com: How do you look at the rapid increase in number of IIMs in the country? There are now 19 IIMs.
Dr C P Shrimali: Yes, they are our competitors. They help us compete better in the environment. For us they fall in three slabs. Old IIMs (A, B C ,L), Moderately Old IIMs and New IIMs. Clearly in most ranking we are among old IIMs. In reality we are ahead of the second and third category of IIMs in all departments be it quality of intake, quality of faculty, placement, research programs, publications, executive education.

MBAUniverse.com: What kind of students does MDI look for its flagship PGDM program? Is it just high CAT scores/academic performance or leadership qualities and acumen?
Dr C P Shrimali: Yes, we do look for high CAT percentile scores. However other criteria are academic diversity, consistency in performance and leadership, decision making and execution qualities in prospective students.