Indian Institute of Management Ranchi (IIM Ranchi) has introduced a groundbreaking shift in its assessment system by replacing traditional hall-based mid-term exams with AI-integrated business problem-solving projects under the “Working with AI” (WAI) initiative.
This transformation applies across all courses starting this academic term, aiming to better prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern business landscape by embedding artificial intelligence at the core of their evaluations.
Innovative AI-Integrated Assessment: Bridging Theory and Practice
The WAI initiative enables students to work collaboratively with AI systems on real-world or simulated business challenges. Instead of pen-and-paper exams, students must demonstrate their ability to use AI tools for applied problem-solving, evaluating logic, ethics, and practical thinking.
Institute officials, including Director Dr Deepak Srivastava, emphasized that traditional theoretical learning alone no longer suffices; students need hands-on experience partnering with AI to solve complex challenges.
Chairperson Gaurav Manohar Marathe explained that this hybrid model balances foundational academic knowledge with technological fluency, nurturing analytical reasoning alongside practical competencies.
Context and Background: Responding to Modern Educational Needs
This reform is part of a wider global and national trend toward educational modernization, where assessment systems are evolving to integrate technology and focus on skill-based learning. Recognizing that conventional exams often fail to test complex decision-making involving AI, IIM Ranchi has become a pioneer among management institutes in India by formally institutionalizing AI-powered assessments.
Alongside academic innovation, the institute has revised its attendance policy to promote flexible, positive engagement, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey through freedom paired with responsibility.
The integration of AI in assessments also encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability among students, preparing them not only for current challenges but also for future innovations in the business ecosystem.
Impact on Student Learning and Future Preparedness
The WAI model encourages students to organically develop competencies in human-AI collaboration, a crucial skill in today’s workplaces. Students acquire practical abilities such as selecting appropriate AI tools, interpreting AI-generated insights, communicating effectively with AI systems, and integrating technology with human judgment.
This hands-on experience addresses a long-standing gap where management graduates often lacked practical exposure to AI collaboration. Importantly, end-term exams continue in the traditional format, preserving analytical rigour while complementing it with technology-driven applied learning, thereby creating a balanced evaluation ecosystem.
IIM Ranchi’s AI-driven assessments promote practical skills, ethical AI use, and industry collaboration, enhancing employability while addressing challenges like equitable access and continuous curriculum improvement.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian views IIM Ranchi’s bold move as a necessary and progressive step toward education that aligns with the demands of a digital, interconnected world. By embedding AI collaboration into core assessments, the institute promotes empathy towards human-machine synergy and ethical judgement, values critical for harmony and coexistence in society.
As educational reforms advance, it is vital to ensure equitable access to AI tools and embed ethical principles in their use to foster inclusive social progress. This comprehensive shift at IIM Ranchi not only modernizes assessment but also cultivates responsible, capable professionals prepared for AI-augmented business environments.
