Announcements

We are delighted to announce that SPJIMR received the Best Education Brands Award 2025 at the 8^th edition of the ET Now Best Education Brands Summit organised by the Times Group. This exclusive, closed-door summit convened an elite gathering of educators, policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, and visionaries to explore the transformative future of education in a rapidly evolving world.

Prof. Anshul Verma, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management at SPJIMR received the award and joined the panel on ‘Bridging the gap between education and employability’. The discussion focused on the persistent disconnect between academic education and the skills required in the job market. While universities produce millions of graduates annually, many struggle to find meaningful employment due to gaps in practical skills, industry exposure, and alignment with evolving job market needs.

Prof. Verma emphasised that in today’s rapidly evolving world, academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient. He called for closer collaboration between universities and industry—starting early in the education journey—to provide students with real-world experience through internships, mentoring, and live projects. Referencing successful international models, he urged India to scale initiatives like the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, involve start-ups and MSMEs, and make practical learning a core part of every degree. With AI and automation reshaping the job market, he highlighted the need for flexible, lifelong learning across all fields—not just engineering.

Prof. Verma also advocated for outcome-based public funding in higher education and incentives for companies that invest in workforce development. He remarked, “The value of an MBA isn’t in the degree itself, but in the knowledge and skills one brings to the table. While curricula may evolve with industry input, the real challenge lies in integrating critical thinking, curiosity, and adaptability. These aren’t simply taught—they must be nurtured through culture. As AI becomes ubiquitous, the question is no longer whether we use it but how—will it serve as a tool to enhance our abilities or become a master that diminishes human intellect? The path we choose will shape the future of education and work.”

Prof. Verma’s thought leadership echoed SPJIMR’s core values and reinforced our commitment to advancing wise innovation and nurturing responsible business leaders who create meaningful societal impact.