The 15th Indian Management Conclave (IMC 2025), hosted by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) on September 25–26, 2025, was a grand success. The Conclave brought together Policymakers, CXOs, Academic Leaders, Journal Editors, Researchers, and over 250 delegates from across the country. Read key highlights from the IMC 2025.

B-schools Must Leverage AI and Compete Globally: Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi
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.

“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.

The Higher Education Secretary complimented 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.”

Read highlights from Valedictory Address by Higher Education Secretary Shri Vineet Joshi.

B-schools must embrace AI, exhorts AICTE Chairman Dr TG Sitaram
Indian Business Schools must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve their outcomes as it is a powerful global force that is transforming the business and society. That’s the message from AICTE Chairman Dr TG Sitaram, delivered at the inaugural session of the 15th Indian Management Conclave (IMC) 2025. Dr Sitharam said, “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 complimented Indian Management Conclave for its theme and depth of discussions. “I compliment Mr Amit Agnihotri, Founder & Chair of IMC for selecting a very timely theme of AI and its impact on management education. I am attending the IMC Conclave for the third consecutive year and I value the contributions that IMC is making to management education in India.”

Read highlights from Inaugural Address by AICTE Chairman Dr. T. G. Sitaram.

BITS Pilani, IIM Sambalpur Win IMC Awards 2025 for Leveraging AI in MBA Education
A key highlight of the program was the IMC Awards for Excellence in Management Education (IMC Awards) 2025, which saw participation from 25 leading B-schools across India. BITS Pilani won the IMC Gold Award for developing AI-driven tools that strengthen pedagogy, assessment, and faculty productivity. IIM Sambalpur received the IMC Silver Award 2025 for implementing an AI-based cognitive assessment model that transforms case-based learning into a more inclusive and student-led process.

The award winners were selected by an eminent jury comprising Dr. Arvind Sahay, Director, MDI Gurgaon, and Dr. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR Mumbai. The Awards were presented by Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Mr. Amit Agnihotri, Founder, Indian Management Conclave; and other dignitaries during the Valedictory Session of IMC 2025.

Read more about the IMC Award Winning Initiatives and the Finalists.

Studies on Digital vs Traditional Learning, Impact of Digital Platforms Win IMC-IRC Best Paper Awards 2025
A key highlight was the IMC International Research Conference (IMC-IRC) 2025, which featured over 150 researchers presenting papers on emerging themes in business and management education. The IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Awards 2025 were determined through a rigorous three-stage evaluation process: shortlisting by the reviewer, scores by Track Chairs during paper presentation, and final selection by Jury during the open presentation. The two winning papers explored the ‘Impact of Digital vs. Traditional Learning’ and the ‘Role of Digital Platforms in Internationalization of Management Education’.

The Awards were presented by Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Mr. Amit Agnihotri, Founder, Indian Management Conclave; along with other dignitaries during the Valedictory Session of IMC 2025.

Read more about the IMC IRC Award Winners and the Finalists.

‘State of AI in Indian B-schools Survey 2025’ Released by Education Secretary
Higher Education Secretary also 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.

The Survey, which received wide coverage in leading newspapers including The Times of India, The Economic Times, Mint, Hindustan Times, and Business Standard.

IIFT New Delhi was the Partner & Host for 15th INDIAN MANAGEMENT CONCLAVE 2025. Dr Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT addressed the Inaugural session and IMC Roundtable.

Conclave Partners and Sponsors

IMC 2025

Speakers