IIM Ahmedabad Launches Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence to Strengthen Case Method Learning

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality and impact of management education in India, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has inaugurated the Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning (MMCoECML). The Centre was formally launched on August 30, 2025, at IIMA’s campus, marking a new chapter in the Institute’s continued commitment to innovative pedagogy.

The Centre has been established with the generous support of Madan Mohanka, an IIMA alumnus from the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 1967 and the Chairman of Tega Industries Limited.

Inaugural Event Brings Together Academia and Policy Leaders

The inaugural ceremony, held at the JSW Auditorium on IIMA’s campus, was attended by faculty members, students, alumni, and staff. The event highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, with both academic and government stakeholders present.

The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. A significant highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Professor Srikant Datar, Dean of the Faculty at Harvard Business School, who participated via video conferencing.

This participation from global academic leadership reflected the broader ambition of the Centre—to position IIMA as a global hub for excellence in case method teaching and learning.

Mission and Vision of MMCoECML

The newly launched Centre aims to promote teaching, research, and training using the case method, a hallmark of IIMA’s academic philosophy. The case method of learning, known for its ability to cultivate critical thinking and real-world decision-making, is a central pillar in IIMA’s pedagogy.

Key initiatives of the Centre will include:

• Faculty Training: Helping faculty members master the case method to become more effective instructors.
• Case Development Support: Providing funding, research assistance, review, and editing for new case studies to enrich the curriculum.
• Research on Case Pedagogy: Undertaking academic research to further improve and evaluate case-based teaching methods.
• Academic Outreach: Organising conferences, workshops, and Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) to expand the reach and impact of the case method across management institutions.

According to Professor Saral Mukherjee, Chairperson of the new Centre, “With the inauguration of the centre devoted to strengthening the case pedagogy, IIMA wishes to support young academics and doctoral students in exploring how they can craft transformative learning experiences for the next generation of management students.”

This highlights the Centre’s goal not only to elevate the capabilities of existing faculty but also to nurture the next generation of educators and researchers.

Leadership Reflections and Institutional Commitment

Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, emphasised the Institute’s long-standing leadership in the case method in India. “The case method of learning was pioneered in India by IIMA, shaping leaders who can think critically and view challenges from multiple perspectives,” he said.

He further added, “The establishment of this Centre will strengthen our ability to innovate in case pedagogy and serve as a hub for research, collaboration, and faculty development in this field. We are grateful to Mr. Madan Mohanka for his generous support, which will help us to advance further in this field and extend its impact in management education.”

His remarks underscored IIMA’s continued dedication to pedagogical excellence, with this Centre acting as a formal institution to drive that vision forward.

Academic Discussions: ‘Case Method in 2025’ Conference

In conjunction with the Centre's launch, the MMCoECML hosted a conference titled ‘Case Method in 2025: Taking Stock and Moving Forward’. This event brought together faculty members and representatives from leading management institutes across the country.

Participants presented case pedagogy initiatives undertaken at their institutions and engaged in a roundtable discussion on how various stakeholders—institutions, faculty, and industry—can collaborate to further strengthen the case method ecosystem in India.

This conference served as both a reflection on current practices and a strategic dialogue for future directions, creating momentum for collaborative efforts in enhancing management education through case-based teaching.

Strengthening India’s Role in Global Case Pedagogy

The establishment of the Madan Mohanka Centre aligns with IIMA’s broader objective of global academic leadership. By formalising its commitment to the case method and investing in research and faculty development, IIMA is set to further consolidate its position not just as a premier Indian B-school, but as a global thought leader in management education.

With this Centre, IIMA is poised to:

• Produce high-quality, India-centric cases with global relevance.
• Foster innovation in teaching methodologies aligned with industry and societal needs.
• Mentor young faculty and researchers in crafting meaningful learning experiences through real-world business dilemmas.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning at IIM Ahmedabad marks a landmark development in the evolution of management pedagogy in India. Rooted in the institution’s proud history of pioneering the case method, the Centre is designed to act as a catalyst for educational innovation, research, and global collaboration.