Business schools nationwide are increasingly leveraging case competitions and capstone projects as essential tools for student placements. This shift responds to an unprecedented slump in campus hirings, driven by global economic uncertainty and AI automation.
Recruiters now prioritize direct skill demonstrations over traditional institute affiliations. These activities are becoming critical entry points into the workforce.
New Pathways to Employment
Gauri Nair, an IIM Tiruchirappalli student, won the Dr Reddy’s Destination Dr Reddy’s 2.0 case competition. The win awarded her a pre-placement interview for an internship. Nair ultimately chose another internship, but two teammates received offers from the pharmaceutical company.
Pratyush Pathak, an SP Jain Global School graduate, completed a capstone project with the UAE’s Danube Group. His task involved analyzing consumer shopping behavior and brand positioning. Pathak’s team conducted statistical analysis and developed business strategies. The company was impressed and offered him an internship.
Mandatory Capstones and Increased Competitions
Abhishek Kumar Totawar, IIM Tiruchirappalli’s Placement Chairperson, reports a rise in case study competitions. He notes only a few existed a decade ago, citing the Mahindra War Room as an example.
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies (KJSIM) in Mumbai introduced capstones into its curriculum two years ago. The institute encourages first-year students to undertake these projects alongside regular courses. KJSIM maintains a dedicated team to secure corporate projects addressing real business problems.
Hitesh Punjabi, KJSIM Assistant Professor of Finance, states most of the 650-student MBA batch chooses capstone projects. These projects cover areas like credit risk modeling, digital strategy, predictive demand analysis, and skill-gap mapping. Some capstones convert into summer internships or full-time job offers.
Vidyashilp University, Bengaluru, added a compulsory 12-credit capstone project to its Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) Honours curriculum this year. Students work for 15-18 weeks in business organizations during their final semester. A panel of teachers and industry representatives evaluates their work.
SIMSREE in Mumbai also reports an increase in live industry projects. Director Shriniwas Dhure stated alumni and students now bring projects from various enterprises, including MSMEs and naval dockyards. Previously, students only worked on case studies. These projects typically last one to two months.
Benefits for Students and Recruiters
These initiatives benefit both students and recruiters. Students gain practical exposure to real-world problems and emerging trends. They also understand organizational structure and work culture. Recruiters reduce onboarding time and training costs; students arrive familiar with company processes.
Umesh Mahtani, Vidyashilp University Professor and BMS (Hons) Program Chair, states students gain insights into required professional skills. Students familiar with company policies and tools require less training.
Hitesh Punjabi credits KJSIM’s capstone focus for placing half the final-year batch by October. He emphasizes skill-based hiring. Capstones demonstrate a student’s readiness for specific job roles on day one.
Shriniwas Dhure notes live projects enhance analytical and decision-making skills. Approximately 10% of students receive job offers from companies where they completed live projects.
Traditional Hiring Remains Relevant
Experiential learning tools gain importance, but conventional on-campus and off-campus hiring processes remain significant. Abhishek Kumar Totawar views case studies primarily as learning opportunities. They offer a broader testing ground for in-depth candidate analysis.
Pratyush Pathak states industry-project placements are effective for roles requiring analytical thinking and applied strategy, like marketing or brand management. Traditional hiring remains crucial for highly technical jobs demanding specific certifications or domain expertise.