Last Updated on September 27, 2025
MBAUniverse.com News Desk
Indian B-schools must prepare for twin transformative forces — Artificial Intelligence and the competition from international universities — to stay competitive in India’s evolving higher education landscape. And, having contributed significantly over the past fifteen years, the Indian Management Conclave stands as an important forum and should continue its tradition of engaging the best minds on critical issues of our times. That’s the message coming from Higher Education Secretary Shri Vineet Joshi who delivered the Valedictory Address at the 15th Indian Management Conclave, held on September 25-26, at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) New Delhi.
“The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning and teaching can be felt, and will continue to growing. The Ministry of Education is establishing a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, as proposed in this year’s Union Budget,” said Shri Vineet Joshi. He further said that Indian business schools should be prepared for stronger competition from foreign universities setting up campuses in the country. “Internationalisation of higher education is a major agenda of Indian Government. While IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT are setting up global campuses, foreign universities are coming to India. This will create a more competitive environment for Indian B-schools for which they should be ready.”
The Higher Education Secretary started his address by complimenting Indian Management Conclave and its founder Mr Amit Agnihotri for its contributions. “Indian Management Conclave is an important national forum which has contributed in the last fifteen years to management education in India. IMC has invited the best minds to discuss key issues of our times.” Calling Indian Management Conclave to continue its journey, he said, “We expect, and look forward to the continued contributions from IMC in the age of AI.”
Shri Vineet Joshi took over as the Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India in December 2024. He was also given additional charge as the chairman of the University Grants Commission in April 2025. Previously, he served as the Director General of National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Shri Vineet Joshi completed his MBA from IIFT, and belongs to 1992 batch IAS (Manipur cadre). Thanking his alma mater, he said, “IIFT has contributed immensely in my journey and I am very grateful for it.”
Earlier, Education Secretary released the ‘State of AI in Indian B-schools Survey 2025’ conducting by Indian Management Conclave. The survey highlighted that a majority of faculty reported a favourable impact (51.1%) of AI on MBA students. The nationwide survey, conducted among 235 faculty members from India’s top B-schools offers a detailed look at how Generative AI is shaping management education. The findings reveal that faculty are using AI most in research and teaching, while applications in curriculum development are growing steadily. The survey also sheds light on faculty perceptions of AI’s impact on student learning, skill development, and classroom engagement, as well as the tools, training, and policy guidance they consider most important for responsible adoption. Detailed findings will be released on MBAUniverse.com soon.
During his address, the Higher Education Secretary also urged management institutes to move beyond traditional focus on jobs and placements, and promote entrepreneurship. “Institutions like IIMs and IIFT must create job creators, not only job seekers.”
IMC Alumni Award 2025: Presented to Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce
The valedictory session of IMC 2025 saw presentation of IMC Distinguished Alumni Award 2025 to IIFT Delhi Alumnus Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce. He is a distinguished public policy-maker and administrator with three decades of leadership across diverse sectors, including Commerce, Skill Development, Human Resource Development, Power, Fertilizer, Agriculture, and MSMEs.
In his current role as Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Shri Rajesh Agrawal leads India’s international trade negotiations and serves as the Chief Negotiator for the India-US BTA, Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, India-Australia CECA, and the ASEAN FTA review.
Earlier on day 1 of the conclave, AICTE Chairman Dr TG Sitaram delivered the inaugural address of the 15th Indian Management Conclave (IMC) 2025. “Artificial intelligence is a powerful transformative technology that is reshaping the world of business and impacting society. Higher education institutions, particularly the B-schools, must embrace AI to improve their outcomes,” Dr Sitharam said.
15th Indian Management Conclave (IMC) 2025, held on September 25-26 at IIFT New Delhi, was attended by Policy Makers, CXOs and 250 academic leaders from IIMs, IIFT, ISB, IITs, XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI and other leading institutions.
Speaking on the conclave theme, Mr Amit Agnihotri, Founder & Chair, Indian Management Conclave, said, “We are living in an era where AI is widely recognized as having the potential to fundamentally transform business processes, redefine jobs and competencies, and reshape the landscape of higher education. Management education stands at the frontier of this transition.” Dr Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT New Delhi, said, “I am happy to welcome you to the 15th Indian Management Conclave. It is a matter of great pride for IIFT to host this prestigious conclave.”
During the Conclave, following prestigious awards were also presented by the Chief Guest:
