Archive · 9 Oct 2026
IIM Lucknow Director Says MBA Must Evolve With Technology
IIM Lucknow’s director, M.P. Gupta, says learning how businesses work is still valuable.
But companies are changing quickly because of technology, including artificial intelligence.
He believes business schools should teach students about technology as well as management.
IIM Lucknow has started a degree in artificial intelligence and business analytics and offers a Tech MBA.
It also plans a programme for people working in family businesses.
Gupta says jobs for graduates may become harder to find if companies change how they hire.
The school is responding by updating its courses and looking at shorter and more flexible ways to teach.
IIM Lucknow ranked third in Business Today’s Best Business Schools rankings for 2026-27.
Director M.P. Gupta says the MBA remains important, but traditional formats are changing and shorter, specialised programmes are gaining popularity.
The institute has introduced a four-year BS in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, paired with its Tech MBA.
IIM Lucknow plans to launch an MBA programme for family businesses in academic year 2027-28.
Gupta says placements are currently satisfactory but may face pressure as AI changes hiring; the institute is considering redesigned programmes and blended or hybrid delivery.
- Who
- M.P. Gupta, Director of IIM Lucknow, discussed the future of management education.
- What
- Gupta said the MBA remains important but its formats and curricula must adapt to technology and changing industry needs.
- When
- Gupta became director in April 2025; the interview also discusses the 2026-27 rankings and plans for 2027-28.
- Where
- IIM Lucknow, India.
- Why
- Business models, technology, AI and hiring expectations are changing, requiring management programmes to evolve.
Reasons to retain traditional MBA approaches
Reasons to reshape management education
MBA relevance and format
Reasons to retain traditional MBA approaches
Gupta says the MBA remains a very important degree because management knowledge is useful across careers.
Reasons to reshape management education
He says traditional MBA formats are evolving, shorter programmes are gaining popularity, and a general MBA without technology understanding may have limited future scope.
Placement strategy
Reasons to retain traditional MBA approaches
Gupta said IIM Lucknow’s current placement record is satisfactory and that India’s large market will continue to create demand for talent.
Reasons to reshape management education
He warned that AI-driven changes to hiring could pressure future placements and said programmes should be redesigned around industry needs.
Institutional model
Reasons to retain traditional MBA approaches
Standalone business schools have helped meet demand from a growing economy and expanding businesses.
Reasons to reshape management education
Gupta believes standalone B-schools have limited futures unless they can build broader, technology-rich and multidisciplinary ecosystems.
- Business Today ranking
- IIM Lucknow ranked third among India’s Best Business Schools for 2026-27.
- Director
- M.P. Gupta assumed charge in April 2025.
- New undergraduate programme
- IIM Lucknow introduced a four-year BS programme in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics.
- Tech MBA
- The Tech MBA is intended to prepare business-technology leaders for technology-driven companies.
- Family-business programme
- The IIM Lucknow Board approved an MBA programme for family businesses, planned for academic year 2027-28.
- Placement outlook
- Gupta described the current placement record as satisfactory but expressed concern about future pressure.
- Possible programme changes
- Gupta said the institute is considering specialised compact programmes and blended or hybrid delivery models.