The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi has revolutionized its evaluation method by doing away with traditional mid-term exams. Instead, students will now engage in AI-enabled business problem-solving projects as part of the new “Working with AI” (WAI) initiative.
Starting this academic year, the move affects all programs, aiming to merge academic learning with real-world application. The idea is to ensure students are prepared for a tech-driven business world by immersing them in AI-based practical assessments.
Through WAI, learners will collaborate with artificial intelligence tools to address real or simulated business issues. These tasks focus on applying logic, ethics, and strategic reasoning — offering an alternative to the conventional pen-and-paper exam setup.
Director Dr. Deepak Srivastava emphasized that today’s business environment demands more than textbook knowledge. Chairperson Gaurav Manohar Marathe added that the model blends academic concepts with technical proficiency, helping develop analytical and applied skills.
This shift aligns with global education trends where assessments are evolving to incorporate digital tools and focus on competencies over rote memorization. IIM Ranchi now stands out as a pioneer among Indian B-schools in formally embracing AI as a core part of evaluation.
Students benefit from hands-on AI experience — selecting tools, analyzing data, interpreting results, and integrating tech with human insight. Though end-term exams remain traditional, the blend of AI and academic rigour creates a more balanced and future-ready learning model.