“Education is not the filling of a vessel but the kindling of a flame,” said Socrates. Yes, that’s a tough call but management education institutes in India seem to have done a decent job so far. An entry into an IIM is a passport to success for many. This is based on past history of IIM pass-outs getting plum jobs in the information technology sector, in banking and in other fields. Indeed, Indian professionals are in great demand across the world. It is not simply because they hail from reputed educational institutions but also because they put in a lot of hard work to prove themselves.
But things have not been too rosy for management institutions in recent months. There are reports screaming down from newspapers about how even top rung B-schools are finding it difficult to place their students this year, there are reports how many banks are relooking at their education loan portfolio, and even how many schools are mulling folding up. Experts put the blame squarely at the doors of the protracted slowdown across the globe.
Yes, it has been a tough year but look at the bright side. Several international schools are looking to set up campuses in the country and are trying to woo Indian students with gusto. So, there is a reason to feel optimistic and hope things will improve sooner than later. Against such cross-winds we have put together this year’s ranking of B-schools for the benefit of our reader. We will also give you a complete lowdown on the various issues before the industry and what students can hope for in the medium to long term.
I am also glad to inform you that we have decided to launch a new section from the June issue, which will be a compilation of the best letters that I get. So, please keep the feedback flowing in. You know the address: aloka.chakraborty@bsmail.in