AI Disrupts Routine Jobs but Opens New Doors: IIM Raipur Director on the Future of Management Education

AI Will Disrupt Routine Jobs, But Also Create Opportunities: Insights from IIM Raipur Director

Professor Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, shares the institute’s vision for the future of management education amid evolving global challenges. He highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact jobs and how the institute is preparing students to meet these changes.

Vision for IIM Raipur Over the Next Five Years

IIM Raipur plans to become a global hub for management education and research by investing ₹250 crore to upgrade academic, residential, and IT infrastructure. The goal is to accommodate 1,200 students and launch dual-degree Master in Management (MIM) programs with top institutions in the USA, UK, Germany, and France.

The institute aims to build the largest multilingual case repository in India by 2030 and establish five Centres of Excellence focused on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Plans also include launching a practice-oriented management journal inspired by the California Management Review, doubling research output, and acquiring prestigious accreditations like AACSB and EQUIS.

A commitment to sustainability is clear, with the ambition to make the campus carbon-neutral by 2030.

Curriculum Adaptation for AI, Sustainability, and Geopolitical Shifts

IIM Raipur keeps its curriculum current by introducing courses in blockchain, generative AI, design thinking, and data science. These changes align with technological advances shaping the global economy. The approach prioritizes experiential learning through real-world projects and case studies.

The institute follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by offering flexible PhD structures, interdisciplinary programmes, and Indian ethos through translated case studies. Initiatives like the “Lounge Intellect” forum promote teaching innovation, while leadership, ethics, and problem-solving remain central to the pedagogy.

Programs such as the “Emerging Managers Bootcamp” and “Citizenship Index” encourage ethical behavior and social responsibility, preparing graduates to lead responsibly.

Industry Collaborations and Practical Exposure

IIM Raipur actively builds partnerships to enhance student employability. Recent MoUs include collaborations with the University of Wolverhampton and Birmingham City University in the UK to strengthen academic and research excellence.

The institute engages with industries through live consulting projects, corporate talks, summits, and guest lectures. It also partners with government bodies like SIDBI and the Ministry of MSME to support entrepreneurship training and venture incubation.

Expansion Into Emerging Domains

Following the success of its fully-funded MBA in Public Policy and Governance, IIM Raipur is expanding into sectors such as healthcare, environment, sustainability, and data science. Collaborations with HPCL have led to an Executive MBA in Energy Management, and the institute works with the Digital Health Academy to offer digital health courses.

The new programmes blend public policy with liberal arts and communication to provide multidisciplinary education.

Public Policy MBA: Leadership Within Government Systems

The Public Policy MBA aims to build executive leadership within government, supporting governance reforms and national development goals like Viksit Bharat and Viksit Chhattisgarh. Students engage closely with government departments through hands-on fieldwork, policy labs, and real-time governance projects, gaining immersive exposure to administrative challenges.

Is the MBA Losing Its Value?

The demand for MBAs remains strong, especially from premier institutions. Professor Kakani points out that regions like Europe and Japan face managerial talent shortages because of demographic changes, which will sustain MBA demand for the next 20–30 years.

An MBA equips students with critical skills beyond textbook knowledge—structured problem-solving, clear thinking, and collaborative leadership. The diverse peer group experience broadens perspectives in ways online courses cannot replicate. Leadership, decision-making, and team dynamics will continue to be vital skills in a globalized economy.

AI’s Impact on Jobs and How Management Graduates Should Prepare

AI is expected to disrupt routine jobs in sectors such as customer service, logistics, and manufacturing. However, it also creates new opportunities for those who adapt.

IIM Raipur has offered AI courses for years and is expanding its offerings with workshops on AI’s ethical and effective use. To maintain academic integrity, all assignments must pass through Turnitin to detect AI-generated content.

The institute is developing an AI policy to promote responsible use, independent thinking, and ethical application of generative AI tools. The focus is on building adaptability, critical thinking, and skills that integrate domain knowledge with AI to help graduates succeed in an AI-driven economy.

For educators and management professionals aiming to stay ahead, exploring practical AI courses can provide valuable knowledge. Resources like Complete AI Training offer up-to-date programs in AI and related skills.