The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings 2024 has revealed a notable trend: several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have risen to the top ranks in the Management category, alongside the traditionally dominant Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This shift highlights a broader evolution in management education, where technical expertise, innovation, and technology are becoming integral to business leadership.
IITs’ Strengths in Research and Technology-Driven Management
One of the key reasons behind the IITs’ stellar performance in management education is their strong emphasis on research. As Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, former director of IIT Delhi and vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani, explains, “The IIT management programmes are known for their research output, with a significant number of papers published compared to the more industry-centric focus of the IIMs.” This research-driven approach allows IITs to contribute new knowledge and innovative frameworks that are highly valued in the management domain.
Moreover, the IITs’ management programmes often admit engineers, leveraging their strengths in technology and engineering to offer a more technical and interdisciplinary approach to management education. Prof. Biswajita Parida, coordinator of NIRF Ranking and faculty at the Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi, notes, “The institutes leverage their strengths in technology, innovation, and research to offer management education that is rigorous and aligned with industry needs.”
The Growing Appeal of IIT Management Programmes
While IIMs continue to attract top rankers due to their established reputation and broad-based programmes, the IITs are gaining acceptance in the management education space, particularly among students interested in technology-driven management roles. The relatively lower fee structure at some IITs also adds to their appeal, making them a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive IIMs.
The interdisciplinary approach of IITs, blending technology, data science, and management principles, benefits students who are more inclined toward areas like operations, finance, technology management, and data-driven decision-making. Prof. M Thenmozhi, Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras, emphasizes that the IITs’ reputation for cutting-edge research and their industry connections enable them to offer management programmes that are both academically rigorous and closely aligned with industry trends.
Comparison with IIMs: Diverse Strengths
Despite the IITs’ rising prominence, the IIMs remain the gold standard in management education, particularly for their broad-based and people-oriented approach to solving business problems. As Prof. Vinita S Sahay, director of IIM Bodh Gaya, points out, “The IIMs have been around for the last 70 years, and their strong legacy cannot be dislodged overnight. Our faculty, who all have PhDs, contribute significantly to the learning outcomes, and our focus on Professors of Practice (PoPs) enhances students’ industry orientation.”
The IIMs also offer a wide variety of niche programmes, such as Public Policy, healthcare, and sustainability, ensuring that their students are well-rounded and exposed to new-age technologies, even if the focus is less on the technical aspects compared to the IITs.
The Future of Management Education in India
As industries increasingly seek professionals who can navigate both management and technology challenges, the scope for IITs in management education is expected to grow. Prof. Rajat Agarwal, Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Roorkee, highlights that the smaller batch sizes in IITs allow faculty to focus more on publishing in top-ranking journals, while the MBA structure at IITs offers opportunities to work on live projects and study electives from engineering and technology fields.
On the whole, industry relies on institutions like the IITs to produce graduates who can generate solutions requiring both management and technical skills. As technology continues to shape the business landscape, the role of IITs in management education will likely expand, further solidifying their place alongside the IIMs in India’s higher education ecosystem.
In conclusion, the rise of IITs in the NIRF rankings reflects a paradigm shift in management education in India. With their focus on research, technology, and interdisciplinary learning, IITs are carving out a significant niche in the management domain, offering a blend of technical expertise and business acumen that is increasingly valued in today’s dynamic business environment.
