A recent conference was organized by Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) on the implication and application of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in management education. 

Among the dominant themes was preparing students with sets of competencies that would place them to thrive in a digitalization era. Conference presenters highlighted accepting technological developments through curriculum creation, experimentation, and career counseling of learners. Technology integration and collaborations with business partners were discovered to be crucial to today and relevant management education.Academic leaders, industry professionals, and policy administrators attended the conference and shared their views on how NEP 2020 can transform management studies in India.

It talked about how NEP 2020 encourages the students' choice with the opening up of management education to inter-disciplinary programmes such as hospitality management, business economics, and data science. It encouraged specialists in favour of a student-centric model, which entails the development of employment skills through internships and practice training and making the graduates employable for 21st-century workplace needs.

Panellists discussed issues for schools, such as infrastructure and building modernisation, investment in teacher training, and greater flexibility among students. The ultimate objective is to make the innovation, inclusiveness, and domestic as well as global reputation of management education in India more robust.

The conference concluded on a positive note with recommendations for continuous improvement, industry-academia interface, and commitment towards making the students career-proof and lifelong learners

Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Faculty of International Trade & Commerce, Jaipur, has become one of the most popular commercial education centres that combines both academia and industry demands across the globe. Led by its vision to be the next-generation in commerce and trade leader, the faculty has been known to have a wholesome curriculum, innovative instruction and good interface with the industry. It is ranked number 7 amongst the top commerce colleges in Rajasthan by India Today 2025, and it is a light that cannot be ignored when it comes to offering quality commerce education in India.

Dean’s Vision and Leadership

According to the Dean of the Global Centre for Entrepreneurship and Commerce (GCEC), the faculty uses a holistic approach in which they train the students not just in theory but in both practical skills and international exposure as well. VGU, having 12 years of history, the Faculty of International Trade & Commerce has more than 17,861 alumni in the whole world and 18,684 students today, which is an indicator of its vast presence and increasing popularity as a business educational institution.

Scholastic Achievement and Coursework

The faculty has different programs that match international standards and the demands of the Indian industry, such as:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) (Hons.), with ACCA and CMA benefits.
  • Master of Commerce (M.Com)- majors tailored to modern commerce areas.
  • Curricula are built into industries based on feedback from the trade and business leaders.
  • Extra-curricular clubs and forums enable interaction with the real world and engagement.

Practical Learning and Industry Connect.

The focus of the faculty on education meets execution, turning students into industry-prepared graduates. Students can acquire practical exposure through internships, live projects, and entrepreneurial incubation, which are directly related to employment and business ecosystem trends. The faculty has strong placement support due to close contacts with more than 1000 companies involved; thus, the faculty is a favourite with students and recruiters as well. 

Infrastructure and Student Life

The student at the faculty enjoys an enviable campus of more than 35 acres that has high-quality classrooms, well-stocked libraries, computer labs, and colourful co-curricular activities. The faculty also hosts frequent cultural events, entrepreneurship seminars, and workshops with industry experts, hence, holistic development outside academics.

The Importance of this Faculty to Academic Leaders

To professors, deans and education policymakers, the Faculty of International Trade and Commerce at VCU provides an example of combining academic excellence and practical applicability. It is exemplary in its adaptability to the industry needs and emphasis on entrepreneurship, which was achieved through the continuous introduction of changes to the curriculum. The faculty successfully develops moral, creative leaders, which underscores a forward-thinking roadmap in the study of commerce that may stimulate institutions nationwide.

The National Institutional Ranking Framework India Rankings 2025 list of the Ministry of Education gives the name of the top higher education institutions in the nation in different categories. As part of the formal launch of the NIRF system, Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the genuineness of the NIRF system and how the latter has been wedded with the strength of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Minister of State for Education and North Eastern Region Development, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, also elaborated on the point that more than 14,000 institutions in India participated this time.

In management, Gujarat beat some of India's best business schools to learn school of communications mastery at the world-renowned Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. 

The institutes were benchmarked against Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR), Research and Professional Practice (RPC), Graduation Outcomes (GO), Outreach and Inclusivity (OI), and Perception. IIM Ahmedabad placed 1st position for consecutive second year in NIRF 2025 management ranking with overall score of 83.29. Performance of institute is marked at all time high marks under Graduation Outcomes (98.72), Teaching, Learning and Resources (91.84), and Perception (93.26).

In 1961, IIM Ahmedabad was founded. It is India's top-ranked school of management with intellectual weight and global exposure. Its global alumni network, case-teaching format, and research in thought leadership make IIM Ahmedabad India's finest business school.

Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA), well-deserved School of Ideas, NIRF rank 33 in 2025 with a score of 59.22. It was very high in Graduation Outcomes (84.20) and Teaching, Learning and Resources (73.21).

MICA is strongly established by virtue of the successful confluence of management studies and innovativeness. It is even the first choice among students willing to settle for brand management, digital marketing, media, and adverting careers.

53rd NIRF 2025 management ranking with overall score of 53.48. Pillars underpinning were Teaching, Learning and Resources (74.34) and Graduation Outcomes (79.76).

Nirma University Institute of Management has successfully built up consistently the quality brand in management education since 2003. 

Set up by the "Father of the White Revolution," Dr. Verghese Kurien, in 1979, IRMA has been the pioneer in rural management education. Rank: 54 with overall score of 53.34. It led in Graduation Outcomes (88.49) and Outreach and Inclusivity (69.83).

Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) or earlier Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU) had 89 NIRF 2025 rankings in management with all-India rank of 46.81. Its highest scores were for Teaching, Learning and Resources (63.29) and Graduation Outcomes (70.00).

Its emphasis on partnership with industry and innovation is stronger, and as such it's a commitment to applicants seeking region-based business intelligence

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently.  The agreement is a major accomplishment to enhance excellence in management studies, research, training, and professional development, according to a statement given to the media. "The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; CMA Navneet Kumar Jain, Council Member, ICMAI; and CMA Dr. Debaprosanna Nandy, Secretary (Officiating), ICMAI, Rajesh Talwar, Director Finance, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir."

"Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (R), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) IIM Jammu, and CMA Dr. Debaprosanna Nandy, Officiating Secretary, ICMAI, signed the MoU in a formal ceremony today in the presence of high-level IIM Jammu and ICMAI officials," it added. Members of senior faculty of IIM Jammu were also present. "The MoU creates a framework of collaboration between the two flagships to enable them to work together to develop and deliver Management Development Programmes (MDPs), Specialized Training Programmes, Executive Education, and Faculty Development Programmes."

"It also provides opportunities for sharing knowledge in the form of collaborative research, co-sponsored seminars, conferences, workshops, curriculum development, and sharing of facilities for academic purposes," the release added further. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, reiterated that the MoU with Institute of Cost Accountants of India marks IIM Jammu's bigger vision of building an ecosystem of academic excellence, research-based innovation, and effective executive education.

He said that the collaboration would not only strengthen the research and study relationship between the two institutions but also give the space to train professionals and leaders with the right knowledge, values, and abilities to meet the new requirements of an evolving economy. "He also stated that operations under this MoU will bear long-term fruits for students, industry professionals, and society in general.". CMA Navneet Kumar Jain, ICMAI Council Member, said that the MoU is a strategic step towards professional education and future-proof talent development in cost and management accounting," the release added.

He also mentioned that through sharing of educational material, research outcomes, and specialized training processes, the tie-up would facilitate bridging crucial skill gaps in the profession. He also emphasized that the alliance would make professionals competitive in the face of a dynamic business environment, improve productivity and innovation in industrial practice, and confirm a culture of learning and growth across industries. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, noted that the alliance would improve the research culture of the Institute, improve curriculum designing, and explore new areas of innovation.

He emphasized that they play a significant role in ensuring academic learning is congruent with practice in industry and thereby graduating students well prepared to function effectively in society and organizations. The MoU shall facilitate collaborative efforts in areas of mutual interest, including research initiatives, faculty exchange, and sharing of common academic infrastructure. "This partnership is an expression of the vision of IIM Jammu as an international-level management school and ICMAI as the statutory organization tasked with developing and governing the cost accountancy profession in India," the release added.

While record water scarcity and education infrastructure remained at the back of Tamil Nadu's mind, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss demanded change on Friday in his 'Urimai Meetka, Thalaimurai Kaaka' campaign.

Farmers in Thanjavur's central agricultural region must skip cultivation seasons as water levels dip and reservoirs stay at historically low levels. Experts have cautioned that if there is no urgent and comprehensive overhaul of water management, the state can have a critical "Day Zero" in 2030 by which the water supplies would be scareingly close to depletion.

Education: Safety and Quality in Focus

Ramadoss also made a reference to a tragic recent case in which one of the Tirupattur school student was discovered dead in the hostel, prompting public outrage against government aided school safety and security. This, Ramadoss said, highlights the need to regain confidence in public education through better infrastructure, well-trained teachers, and strict safety screening.

A Call to Government and Citizens

With his tour, Ramadoss is challenging the people and the government to implement these interconnected issues. He is calling for stricter water saving laws, recharging natural water bodies, rainwater harvesting resources, and more emphasis on quality education. 

He said, "Our future rests on how effectively we manage water today and how safely we nurture our children. It's time to act with urgency and compassion."

Since Tamil Nadu is at a crossroads, such cautionary notes as Ramadoss' remind us that self-determined water management and easing of learning are policy issues but paramount to the daily lives of millions.

This evaluation integrates the severity of the water crisis with the human side of school difficulties, which reflected Anbumani Ramadoss and his constituents' own concerns. It is founded upon the general situation of Tamil Nadu's water difficulties and the effects upon farmers, city-dwellers, and students

Whether it's a class project at school or a multimillion-dollar corporation, strong leadership can make or destroy a team. Leadership can be learned, and numerous individuals who seriously look at careers in management start by learning organizational leadership at the graduate school level.

Master's degrees in organizational leadership and management tend to be practical, fast-paced, and career-focused, designed to set students who want to work in management upon graduation up for the rigors of the job.  Most management careers demand profound specialized expertise in a specific area, for example, financial portfolios, information technology or health care services, and some online organizational leadership degrees do respond to this necessity by having electives or specialized tracks to prepare managers for specific fields.

In contrast to master's of business administration degrees, master's in organizational leadership degrees are concentrated on particular areas and managerial skills and do not delve as deeply into other general business administration subjects. A few MBAs demand considerable work experience. However, a master's in organizational leadership could be more appropriate for recent graduates who want to make themselves more noticeable in the job market. A few students with MBAs might opt to pursue organizational leadership studies in order to gain more specialized training.

Did you know a common question to many management aspirants today is: is MBA better than PGDM? What should I pursue? Both programs share the same demand, however, they vary in terms of teaching style, accreditation, and the way the industry perceives them.

 

What is an MBA? 

MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a degree of university characterized by UGC (University Grants Commission). Its syllabus is predominantly theoretical and less frequently changed. Government work, academic work and the usual business-related career are well known MBA courses.

 

What is a PGDM? 

Autonomous institutes that are AICTE approved provide a PGDM (Post-Graduate Diploma in management). Despite being a diploma, its curriculum is loose and is usually influenced by industry experts. The central focus of this program is practical learning- case studies and internships.

 

MBA Vs PGDM: What’s the Difference 

 

Feature

MBA

PGDM

Type

Degree from university 

(UGC approved)

Diploma from autonomous institute 

(AICTE)

Curriculum

Theoretical

Less frequent updates

Updated to industry needs

Practical focus

Cost

Usually more affordable

Can be higher, especially in top schools

Value for Jobs

Preferred for government, academics

Preferred by private industry, startups, etc

Teaching Style

Lecture, exam-oriente

Projects, case studies, internships

Specialization Scope

Broad, general management, electives

Niche, trending fields like fintech, AI

Flexibility

Less flexible, fixed curriculum

More dynamic, frequent updates

Placement/Salary

INR 6–12 LPA (average)

INR 8–20 LPA (premium colleges)



How to Choose Between MBA and PGDM?

  • Choose an MBA if you aim for government service, research, academics, or if you need long‑term credential recognition both in India and abroad.
  • Opt for a PGDM when you target private‑sector roles, startups, tech firms, or emerging areas such as analytics, fintech, marketing, and operations.
  • Recruiters typically favor PGDM graduates for placements and salary growth because they value hands-on training and up‑to‑date curricula.

 

Cost and Exposure

MBA programs are generally more affordable at public universities, while PGDM programs can have higher tuition but offer greater exposure and specialization opportunities at top institutes.

 

Should You Choose MBA or PGDM?

  1. MBA fits individuals who desire the stability of career, academic jobs or governmental employment.
  2. PGDM is ideal for active learners, people aimed at corporate working experience, or those who are concentrated on rapidly changing industries.

 

Lastly, the institution reputation, alumni network, and placement record, or international or council accreditations are factors that make a better decision than the course title alone. In short, both MBA and PGDM are good career options. PGDM excels in private‑sector relevance, industry ties, and salary prospects; MBA shines for government roles and traditional career recognition. So, select which course to pursue  according to your career objective and learning style preference.

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