IIMB in Spotlight
Prof. Pulak Ghosh Joins Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council
Prof. Pulak Ghosh, faculty in Decision Sciences at IIM Bangalore, has been appointed to the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, strengthening the country’s policy ecosystem with data-driven insights. A respected statistician and economist, Prof. Ghosh focuses on translating complex data into actionable strategies for welfare, productivity, and inclusive growth. His interdisciplinary research spans artificial intelligence, big data, fintech, sustainability, and development economics, offering clear perspectives on consumer behaviour and financial systems. Widely published and frequently cited by the World Bank, RBI, and government bodies, his work demonstrates a commitment to using research for real-world impact. Prof. Ghosh’s advisory roles with NITI Aayog and other policy institutions further underline his dedication to shaping evidence-based policies that address India’s development needs while embracing innovation.
IIMB Researchers Win Best Paper for Study on Public Sector Bank Efficiency
A team from IIMB’s Finance & Accounting area has won the Best Paper Award at the Research Symposium on Finance and Economics (RSFE) 2025. Co-authored by Prof. Sankarshan Basu, Prof. Nitin Vishen, Prof. Abhinav Anand, and PhD scholar M. Joel Christopher, the paper challenges common beliefs around public sector bank inefficiency, focusing on lending during the pandemic. Using difference-in-differences analysis, the study finds that government-owned banks expanded lending in the most distressed regions while outperforming private banks in profitability and maintaining credit quality. The research highlights how public banks can play a critical role in crisis management, combining financial stability with social responsibility. The paper received first prize in the Finance Track, recognizing its contribution to understanding banking behaviour in emerging markets during challenging times.
Leadership Case from IIMB Wins Best Teaching Award
A case study co-authored by Prof. Narendra M Agrawal, GEMPIT participant Rahul Kesarwani, and Vibha Keshri has won the Best Teaching Case Award at the AIMA ICRC Case Competition 2025. The case, ‘Rajesh and Shekhar at GlobalPay Inc.’, explores emotional intelligence, leadership dilemmas, and conflict resolution in a corporate setting, providing a practical platform for classroom discussions on managing employee motivation, navigating workplace tensions, and fostering transparent communication. Recognized for its nuanced narrative and relevance to real-world managerial challenges, the case enables learners to engage through group analysis, role plays, and reflective exercises, encouraging them to examine their leadership styles and emotional responses. The recognition underscores IIMB’s commitment to producing impactful teaching material for management education.
IIMB Researchers Receive Top Honours for Study on Financing Contagion in Business Groups
Prof. Varun Jindal and PhD scholar Sanchit Jain from IIMB’s Finance & Accounting area have won the Best Paper Award in Corporate Finance at RSFE 2025 for their research on intra-group financing contagion. Co-authored with Prof. Douglas Cumming of Florida Atlantic University, the study examines how financing announcements by firms within business groups impact the valuation of other group-affiliated firms in India. The research finds a clear contagion effect, where markets adjust the valuation of related firms in line with the announcing firm’s financing decisions, especially when group leaders are financially constrained or announce larger equity issues. This insight contributes to understanding capital markets in emerging economies and how interconnected business structures influence market perceptions and firm valuation.
IIMB Ranked as a ‘Pioneering School’ in Positive Impact Rating 2025
IIM Bangalore has maintained its leadership in the 2025 Positive Impact Rating (PIR), securing a Level 5 ‘Pioneering School’ position with a score of 9.3 out of 10, well above the global average of 7.8. The PIR assesses how business schools embed societal impact into education, with IIMB standing out for strengths in Governance, Culture, and Public Engagement. This year’s rating included a faculty survey alongside the student survey, reflecting a shared commitment across the Institute to responsible, sustainable management practices. Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan noted that IIMB’s consistent leadership across PIR dimensions demonstrates its mission to create value for business, government, and society while championing sustainable progress within management education globally.
