In an interview with BW Businessworld, Sandeep Das, author of 'The Practical MBA: A Quick Guide to What You Don't Learn at B Schools' discusses the gaps in India-based MBA education, tech disruptions and their impact on management roles, and more. Excerpts:
What are the gaps in the modern Indian MBA programme? What are your observations from the student and industry perspective?
Management education in India faces a major challenge, with 95 per cent of graduates being unemployable outside of tier-one business schools due to poor quality of instruction. After speaking with CXOs and students, I found a clear disconnect—industry leaders say new hires lack key skills, while students feel courses are too theoretical, taught by people without real-world experience. My book aims to bridge that gap, addressing the mismatch between what the industry needs and what students expect from their education.
Is an MBA relevant as it was in the past? What is the MBA advantage in 2024?
There is a lot of talk on social media suggesting that an MBA isn’t necessary, but even in 2024, it still holds value—especially from a top-tier college. The biggest advantage is the brand power, which opens doors throughout your career. What you achieve beyond that depends on your ability, but the initial access is invaluable. The network and exposure you gain are also key benefits. While you can theoretically learn some things outside of an MBA, the real value lies in the access and ecosystem it provides.
"In management education, three essential skills every graduate must master are storytelling, negotiation, and strategic thinking—fundamentally human skills that AI cannot replicate"
It seems like the general consensus is that for an MBA, you must aim for a tier-one school, similar to what’s being said about engineering now. The skills taught at tier-one institutions are seen as superior. But engineering graduates do seem to have long-term demand globally irrespective of where they’ve done their graduation, why is it different for management?
The main differences between tier-one and tier-two business schools are faculty quality, access to industry speakers, and alumni networks. These are significantly poorer at Tier-two. Tier-one schools attract better faculty and top industry speakers due to their strong brand, which tier-two schools often lack. Alumni from tier-one institutions are also more likely to be in influential positions and contribute back. The biggest issue with tier-two schools is that faculty often lack real-world expertise; for instance, someone teaching entrepreneurship should have actual startup experience, whether successful or not.
How do you rate tier-one B-schools in India versus those abroad? Couple of them were ranked in top 20 globally in a 2023 LinkedIn survey.
The key difference lies in the development of a well-rounded personality. In India, there’s a heavy focus on academics due to competition, whereas top international B-schools prioritise a broader experience. International MBAs often balance academics with activities like clubs or startups, gaining diverse experiences. Additionally, international MBAs adapt better to different cultures due to their exposure, making them comfortable in varied environments. While Indian MBAs excel in pure IQ and competence, they may initially struggle with cultural nuances abroad. Overall, international MBAs tend to have more holistic skills, blending right-brain, left-brain, and cultural adaptability.
"Another challenge is the lack of an executive education mindset. Many graduates believe their education ends upon graduation, but there should be an expectation to take shorter courses every five years to continually upskill"
With tech disruptions such as AI and crypto and emergence of new business models, how well are Indian B-schools adapting? Has the MBA curriculum evolved to meet industry needs, or is there still a gap?
In tier-one schools, the curriculum evolves with the times. At IIMs, for example, there are both fixed and elective courses. The electives reflect upon changing realities. One example is storytelling, a key skill today. Ten years ago, it wasn’t taught, but now it’s offered as an elective in many programmes.
For example, lot of tier-one business schools are offering more electives on AI and other emerging fields, helping bridge the gap between foundational learning and current industry needs. In contrast, tier-two schools struggle to adapt, likely due to limited faculty exposure and fewer industry practitioners willing to engage. Tier-one institutions benefit from strong connections on both fronts, which keeps their curriculum relevant.
How have Generative AI (GenAI) and AI impacted management jobs in the last two years?
At entry-level positions, especially for those with less than three years of experience, many manual tasks like data collection and Excel analysis have been automated. Expectations for new hires are now double of what they were five years ago. For example, the tasks a tier-one MBA would handle in the first three years have significantly changed. In industries like advertising media, AI tools have replaced agencies for internal tasks, leading to a loss of business and fewer hires. This shift is also affecting white-collar jobs, where 30-40 per cent of manual tasks are disappearing, raising expectations for employees. While this boosts company profits, especially in tech, it could lead to a job crisis that isn’t being widely discussed yet.
"At entry-level positions, especially for those with less than three years of experience, many manual tasks like data collection and Excel analysis have been automated. Expectations for new hires are now double of what they were five years ago"
So, the absolute number of people needed for one specific job is going down...
Yes, it’s declining, which raises concerns. Nowadays, many modern MBAs seem to operate under the mindset that they’ll work for five years before starting their own ventures. Also, many management professionals over 45 are losing their jobs because they struggle to adapt to tech and other disruptions.
What is your advice to this age group and freshers?
It’s a mindset that starts from day one: read and learn every day. I also recommend senior professionals teach at business schools; students will challenge you and keep you informed about current trends. Engaging with daily reading, relevant podcasts, and teaching can help you stay in sync with the evolving world.
In management education, three essential skills every graduate must master are storytelling, negotiation, and strategic thinking—fundamentally human skills that AI cannot replicate. Unfortunately, these areas often lack sufficient focus. Additionally, a larger percentage of courses should be taught by industry professionals; currently, I think about 20 per cent of faculty are outside experts, but this should increase to 50 per cent. Real-world experience adds invaluable perspective that traditional case studies can’t provide.
Another challenge is the lack of an executive education mindset. Many graduates believe their education ends upon graduation, but there should be an expectation to take shorter courses every five years to continually upskill. Adopting this mindset of lifelong learning is crucial for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
A certain granddaughter of a legendary actor was in the news for Blended Post Graduate Programme (BPGP) MBA programme recently. What are your thoughts on that course compared to the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)?
There’s no right or wrong here. It depends on your life stage. Some people prefer spending two years on campus, while others, especially if they’re working, may opt for more flexible programmes. Each has its advantages and drawbacks. The quality of the curriculum and faculty remains consistent across programs; it’s about how you engage with the material. If you can, the flagship course is worth pursuing for its immersive experience, including human interaction, student activities, and networking opportunities. The friendships formed in a traditional setting are unique and valuable compared to a virtual environment.
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