The Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED), part of Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of international excellence. The institute celebrated its entry into the AACSB accreditation process and obtained Institutional Membership of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), one of the world's most respected organizations for quality assurance in management education.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the AACSB Institutional Membership recognition, underscoring IMED's commitment to meeting globally accepted standards of excellence in management education. The occasion also featured a special session titled "Global Benchmarks in Management Education: Understanding the AACSB Ecosystem."
Distinguished dignitaries graced the program, including Prathap Das, Regional Head (South Asia) of AACSB International; Mrs. Asmita Tai Jagtap, Executive Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences; Dr. Vivek Saoji, Vice Chancellor of Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University); G. Jayakumar; Dr. Netra Neelam, AACSB accreditation advisor; and well-known academicians Dr. Ashok Joshi and Dr. Anil Keskar.
Dr. Shravan Kadvekar, Director of IMED, emphasized that the celebration marked a crucial step in IMED's journey toward global standards in management education while honoring the visionary legacy of Late Dr. Patangrao Kadam, whose commitment to educational excellence continues to inspire generations.
In his keynote address, Dr. Prathap Das elaborated on emerging global education benchmarks and stressed the importance of AACSB accreditation in enhancing institutional quality, international visibility, and stakeholder confidence. Expressing confidence in IMED's capabilities, he stated that the institution is well-positioned to join the league of globally recognized business schools.
Highlighting the benefits of AACSB accreditation, Dr. Das explained that students from accredited institutions gain greater industry recognition and enhanced employability. He cited renowned multinational organizations that regard AACSB accreditation as an important quality benchmark during recruitment. He further noted that faculty members benefit through increased enrollment, expanded opportunities for international research collaborations, entrepreneurship initiatives, and access to funding opportunities. According to him, AACSB accreditation creates value for four key stakeholders—Students, Faculty, Industry, and Government—while strengthening alignment with global educational standards.
Addressing the institution's accreditation journey, Dr. Das observed that IMED has successfully achieved the first milestone by entering the AACSB accreditation pathway and is expected to complete the rigorous accreditation process in the near future.
Speaking on the occasion, Asmita Jagtap congratulated the IMED team for achieving this important milestone within a remarkably short period and reiterated the institution's commitment to attaining global standards in management education.
Dr. Vivek Saoji, Vice Chancellor, appreciated the initiative, emphasizing that the AACSB journey would open new avenues for academic excellence, global recognition, international collaborations, and institutional growth.
The event witnessed the participation of distinguished academicians, administrators, faculty members, students, and representatives from various educational institutions. It provided a valuable platform for discussions on quality enhancement, international accreditation frameworks, and the future of management education in India.
