Significant AI competency gap among management graduates: Study of top B schools

A national study of India's top 75 B-schools has revealed a significant competency gap among management graduates when it comes to Artificial Intelligence skills. While industry expects MBA graduates to demonstrate good AI competencies, the study found that MBA graduates from these top institutions are rated at an average of 3.2 out of 5. The findings come from a joint effort by the Association of Indian Management Schools, Education Promotion Society for India, and the Indian Management Conclave.

The study, which was presented at the 16th Indian Management Conclave in Noida, assesses the schools based on their ability to develop competencies required by the industry. Scores were particularly low in Tier 3 business schools, with an average rating of 2.93 out of 5.

The framework developed by the AIMS-EPSI-IMC argues that this gap is becoming increasingly urgent as Generative AI takes over routine analytical work that traditionally was performed by entry-level MBA graduates. The framework emphasizes the importance of developing capabilities such as critical thinking, judgment, leadership, relationship management, and execution, alongside AI and data fluency.

Amit Agnihotri, Founder of the Indian Management Conclave, highlighted the need for business schools to intelligently adopt AI tools across their curriculum and pedagogy to prepare graduates for an AI-led workplace of the future. The study also noted that India still lacks a national policy framework for AI in management or higher education, leaving institutions to navigate the transition without a shared playbook.