AI Won’t Kill Creativity, It Will Push Leaders To Be More Imaginative: IIM Kozhikode Director | Interview – News18

Last Updated:April 08, 2025, 19:03 IST

IIM Kozhikode Director Prof Debashis Chatterjee spoke to News18 about how the institute is redefining the MBA through digitisation, global tie-ups, and inclusive learning formats — while also embracing AI to shape agile, future-ready business leaders.

As management education evolves to meet the demands of a changing world, IIM Kozhikode is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. From introducing flexible learning formats to executive-friendly pathways, the institute is expanding access without diluting academic rigour.

In this exclusive interview with News18.com, Prof Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, shares his vision for a more inclusive, future-forward MBA and explains how the institute is blending tradition with innovation to shape leaders for the India of tomorrow.

Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:

Q. How are you reimagining the MBA for a changing India?

Prof Chatterjee: Our vision is rooted in the three Ds: digitisation, diversification, and disruption. We are reimagining the MBA to make it more relevant, inclusive, and accessible—not just for India but for a global audience.

Digitisation means embedding technology into every aspect of the MBA experience—from pedagogy to delivery—making learning more flexible and future-ready.

Diversification involves expanding our teaching methods, programme formats, and candidate profiles. We want classrooms that reflect the richness of India’s social and professional diversity.

Disruption is about questioning long-standing norms—like the over-reliance on standardised test scores—and designing systems that value intent, resilience, and real-world experience.

India has nearly 700 million young people aspiring for higher education—a number larger than the population of many countries. Many of them go abroad not always by choice, but often because our system doesn’t offer enough quality alternatives. We’re working to change that—by building models that bring this talent back and by offering world-class education without the need to leave the country.

Q. While CAT remains central to MBA admissions, do you believe a candidate’s potential can be assessed beyond test scores?

Prof Chatterjee: Yes, and that’s precisely why we adopt a multi-dimensional approach to admissions. The CAT exam continues to play a key role—at least 50% of our traditional MBA admission decisions are based on CAT scores. However, we’re also exploring beyond that, especially for our new diploma programmes where CAT is not mandatory. We evaluate candidates on their work experience, intent, and capacity to grow.

A single exam cannot capture an individual’s full potential. Think of CAT as Test cricket—time-tested and deeply respected. But just as the IPL now supports and complements Test cricket, our executive and hybrid programmes support the traditional MBA format. It’s about evolving access, not abandoning tradition.

Q3. What alternative pathways are you offering for MBA aspirants?

Prof Chatterjee: We’re creating multiple pathways to make management education more inclusive and accessible. For those who may be hesitant to commit to a full-time, two-year MBA, we offer short-term certificate programmes as well as our flexible Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP). This format enables working professionals to continue their careers while pursuing a rigorous academic curriculum. It combines convenience with quality, ensuring that academic standards are never compromised.

At our recent convocation, 641 students from the Executive Education portfolio were awarded their degrees. This included graduates from the EPGP (Interactive Learning Mode), the EPGP Kochi Campus, and the PhD in Management – Practice Track, which is tailored for working professionals.

Digitisation has been a game changer in this journey. Our pioneering “on-site learning” model, first introduced in 2001, has evolved into a robust digital ecosystem that now forms the backbone of the EPGP. Today, the programme connects learners across 69 centres in 22 states and has seen a 15-fold growth over the years. It stands as a leading model for digitally delivered management education—not just in India, but across Asia.

We’ve also announced the commencement of admissions for the 18th batch of our EPGP programme thoughtfully designed for ambitious working executives. It’s a testament to our commitment to continuous innovation in executive education.

Q. You mentioned alternative options like short-term and diploma programmes—how do these compare in value to a traditional MBA?

Prof Chatterjee: The real value lies in the individual, not the format. Our EPGP graduates—many from companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing—have received promotions not solely because of the programme, but because they were already high performers. Our programmes help amplify their visibility and accelerate their career growth.

Q. How is AI transforming management education and the role of future business leaders?

Prof Chatterjee: AI is fundamentally transforming the strategic capabilities of organisations. As leaders, we now have access to vast amounts of data, allowing us to make sharper, more informed decisions. But more importantly, AI helps us shift our cognitive energy—from routine computations to higher-order thinking like creativity and problem-solving. Contrary to the fear that AI might stifle human innovation, I believe it will actually compel us to become more imaginative and adaptable. And in today’s fast-moving, unpredictable business environment, that kind of agility is not just valuable—it’s essential.

Q. How do you integrate research and practical work in your programmes?

Prof Chatterjee: If you’re interested in pursuing a PhD, why not do it alongside your job? We encourage students to address real challenges at work and turn those into research questions—this is the foundation of our ‘PhD in Practice’ model. This year, we’re proud to graduate nine students from this initiative.

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Q. In an expensive degree like an MBA, students often prioritise ROI. What does ROI mean to you, and how should it be evaluated today?

Prof Chatterjee: For me, ROI goes beyond ‘Return on Investment’—it’s about ‘Return on India’. It reflects the kind of India we aspire to build, not just the one we’ve inherited. While financial returns are important, students should also look at the broader impact of their education—the intellectual growth it fosters, the societal value it creates, and the role it plays in shaping responsible, future-ready leaders. True ROI is measured not just in salary packages, but in how your learning contributes to building a better, more inclusive India.

Q. Any major global tie-ups on the horizon for IIMK?

Prof Chatterjee: Yes, some major ones. The Dean of Oxford’s Science Division recently suggested a collaborative IIMK-Oxford programme. We’re also in discussions with institutions like Harvard, Yale, MIT, and others. These talks reflect our broader vision to reimagine the MBA—one that isn’t confined by traditional boundaries.