Working with AI: IIM Ranchi Integrates Real-World Problem Solving into Curriculum

Management Education Reimagined: IIM Ranchi Launches AI-Based Assessment Model

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in education, particularly in the transformation of assessment practices. By enabling greater efficiency, personalised feedback, and deeper insights into student performance, AI is compelling institutions to reconsider traditional models of evaluation. In response to this evolving landscape, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi has announced a major pedagogical shift. The institute will replace conventional hall-based mid-term examinations with AI-driven business problem-solving projects across all its courses. This new approach, formally introduced as the Working with AI (WAI) initiative, is intended to connect classroom learning with real-world, technology-based business challenges.

Through WAI, IIM Ranchi seeks to foster critical thinking, adaptability, and industry-relevant competencies among students, thereby positioning itself at the forefront of teaching innovation. This move is consistent with broader global trends; according to the Global Faculty Survey (2025), 54% of faculty members believe that existing assessment models require substantial redesign to remain relevant in an AI-driven academic environment. IIM Ranchi’s initiative reflects this imperative, offering a forward-looking model for AI-integrated, experiential learning.

Commenting on the rationale behind the initiative, IIM Ranchi Director Professor Deepak Srivastava stated that traditional classroom learning no longer meets the demands of modern businesses. He emphasised that students must learn to collaborate with technologies such as AI to solve complex problems. The WAI programme, he noted, aims to embed AI within business education as a core component, rather than treating it as a separate subject.

Professor Srivastava further highlighted that WAI addresses a critical gap in management education, where many graduates lack practical experience with AI, a skill now considered essential in today’s workplace. Under the new model, students will engage with real business problems using AI tools as collaborative partners, thereby acquiring AI skills organically through hands-on learning. While mid-term assessments will adopt the AI-based approach, IIM Ranchi will retain traditional hall-based examinations for final evaluations. Gaurav Manohar Marathe, Chairperson of the Student Engagement and Development Committee, clarified that the objective is not to eliminate conventional methods, but to establish a balanced system. He explained that the blended model is designed to value both academic knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to strengthen their reasoning abilities while simultaneously building technical competence. IIM Ranchi’s WAI initiative marks a strategic convergence of academic rigour and technological relevance, setting a precedent for future-facing management education.

Editor’s Note:

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi has replaced traditional mid-term exams with AI-based business problem-solving projects. This change responds to the growing need for practical skills in management education. By including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in regular assessments, the institute is following global trends and helping students prepare for real-world challenges. The new initiative, called Working with AI (WAI), focuses on hands-on learning and real business problems. It helps students build problem-solving skills and learn to use AI tools effectively. At the same time, IIM Ranchi will continue with traditional final exams to keep academic standards. 

Skoobuzz believes that this blended model supports both theory and practical learning. If done well, it could become a model for other institutes looking to update their assessment methods.