The Indian Institutes of Management: Need for Fresh Perspectives

Abstract

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), conceived as centres of excellence, were expected to provide a leadership role in the field of management education in the country. Since IIMs have been in existence for about three decades, there is a need to reflect upon their impact on the Indian industry and economy. In this article, Asit Banerji examines the role and performance of IIMs and argues for a re-examination of various issues involved in management education in India. Readers may recall that in the October-December 1992 issue of Vikalpa, we had carried four contributions on the theme ‘Management Education’ wherein various issues such as developments in the field of management education, role of management schools, evolution of IIMs, etc. were discussed. This article by Asit Banerji is a continuation of the debate on the role of business schools, especially IIMs, in the Indian context.