As automation reshapes industries and technological advancements redefine traditional job roles, India’s business schools face a crucial inflection point. To stay relevant, they must evolve their curricula, equipping students with the skills and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. Among these institutions, one stands out as a leader in industry-driven education—International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship (IAME). Situated in Bengaluru, IAME has carved a niche for itself as a premier business school committed to fostering excellence in management and entrepreneurship education. With a strong emphasis on innovation and global perspectives, it has emerged as a benchmark for contemporary business learning. Recognizing its relentless dedication to delivering cutting-edge, industry-relevant education, we at the Education Excellence Awards are proud to honor IAME with the title of Business School of the Year 2024.
International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship in a Nutshell
IAME functions under the Nalanda Educational Trust (NET), a charitable organization dedicated to enriching society through quality education and the development of future leaders across diverse fields. Guided by the visionary leadership of Sri H. B. Shivakumar, a committed philanthropist and Chairman of the trust, IAME continues to broaden its scope, enhancing its influence in management education. With the unwavering support of Sri Mahantesh B. Nelavigi, Managing Director, and Mr. Ramakrishna B. K., Vice Chairman, the academy is scaling new heights, reaffirming its dedication to excellence.
International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship places a strong emphasis on building a robust placement ecosystem while simultaneously fostering entrepreneurial skills among its students. The institution envisions itself as a role model in business education, cultivating innovation and creativity among emerging managers. Entrepreneurship is embedded in its very identity, reflecting its mission to provide students with opportunities for self-exploration and holistic development.
The academy’s mission is deeply reflected in its logo and crest, symbolizing a commitment to management excellence and industry-aligned curricula. While following the Bangalore University syllabus, IAME goes beyond conventional education by ensuring practical exposure through strategic industry collaborations. Its approach extends beyond corporate environments to include rural marketing, enabling students to gain a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics.
Programs and Skill Enhancement at IAME
International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship currently offers a PGPM certification, which is complemented by multiple skill-enhancing programs to ensure holistic student development. These include:
- Soft Skills Training: Introduced in the first semester, particularly benefiting students from rural backgrounds who excel academically but may need additional communication training.
- Industry Certifications: Covering areas such as SAP, Digital Marketing, AI, and Advanced Excel to enhance employability.
- Micro and Macro Projects: Providing hands-on experience through real industry projects, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.
Fostering Holistic Growth
In an exclusive discussion, Dr. K. Aparna Rao, Director – Academics at IAME, shares insights into the institution’s faculty hiring process and its commitment to students’ overall growth.
“At IAME, we adhere strictly to UGC and AICTE norms when hiring faculty. We prioritize PhD holders or candidates pursuing their PhD, with NET qualification being mandatory for those without a doctorate. However, our faculty’s role extends far beyond traditional teaching,” she explains.
A unique aspect of IAME’s approach is its ‘Campus to Corporate’ model, designed like a finishing school. Faculty members do not confine themselves to syllabus-based teaching but actively guide students through three core pillars: research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Research: Students are trained in research methodologies and market surveys.
- Innovation: Emphasis is placed on developing innovative thinking and its practical applications.
- Entrepreneurship: Research and innovation act as stepping stones toward entrepreneurial ventures.
Students spend their initial semesters mastering research and innovation, followed by dedicated incubation support in their final year. IAME also collaborates with government-led entrepreneurship programs, providing students with hands-on exposure to real-world business challenges.
“Our faculty regularly invite industry professionals to share practical insights, including lessons from failures, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the corporate world. Additionally, we encourage extracurricular activities—drama, dance, sports, and national competitions—to foster well-rounded personal development,” Dr. Rao adds.
Empowering Futures
IAME has consistently demonstrated excellence in student placements, achieving an impressive 90% placement rate. Among these, 15% of students have ventured into entrepreneurship, while the remaining 85% have secured job opportunities with salary packages ranging from ₹8 LPA to ₹16 LPA.
Recognizing the importance of industry collaborations, IAME actively pursues MOUs and strategic partnerships to enhance learning opportunities. Each year, the institute expands its network of industry tie-ups to provide students with increased access to internships, hands-on training, and better placement prospects.
