IMED, Bharati Vidyapeeth Celebrates AACSB Membership Milestone
PUNE: The Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), marked a significant milestone in its journey toward international excellence by celebrating its entry into the AACSB accreditation process and obtaining Institutional Membership of AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), one of the world’s most respected organizations dedicated to quality assurance in management education.A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the AACSB Institutional Membership recognition, signifying IMED’s commitment to achieving globally accepted standards of excellence in management education. The occasion also featured a special session on “Global Benchmarks in Management Education: Understanding the AACSB Ecosystem.”The program was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Prathap Das, Regional Head (South Asia), AACSB International; Mrs. Asmita Tai Jagtap, Executive Director, Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences; Dr. Vivek Saoji, Vice Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University); G. Jayakumar; Dr. Netra Neelam, AACSB accreditation advisor, well known academicians Dr. Ashok Joshi and Dr. Anil Keskar.Dr. Shravan Kadvekar, Director IMED particularized that the celebration marked an important step in IMED’s pursuit of global standards in management education while honouring 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 emphasized 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 acknowledge AACSB accreditation as an important quality benchmark during recruitment. He further noted that faculty members benefit through increased enrolment, 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 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.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.
