Smita Mishra 
FEATURE: When the placement season at a top B-school stumbles, it usually sparks concern. But when Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, the Director of IIM Sambalpur, was asked about a dip in placements, he didn’t flinch. He didn’t spin it. Instead, he delivered a masterclass in leadership — honest, strategic, and deeply committed to long-term transformation rather than short-term optics. That’s the kind of leader he is: one who doesn’t just respond to crises but uses them as springboards for innovation and reform.
Prof. Jaiswal isn’t your typical academic bureaucrat. He’s a disruptor. He has taken what was once a newly-established management institute and pushed it into the national spotlight with bold ideas and an unwavering belief in inclusion, innovation, and industry integration. And he’s done it in record time.
His academic credentials are nothing short of elite. A PhD in Computer Science from Delhi University laid the foundation, followed by a PGPX from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. As a Senior Fulbright Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, he explored the intersections of technology, policy, and business—insights that have since shaped his bold vision for IIM Sambalpur. Add to that visiting roles at the University of California, the Rotterdam School of Management, and IIM Ahmedabad, and you get a leader with a global mindset and local commitment.
But it’s not his résumé that sets him apart — it’s what he’s done with it. Prof. Jaiswal has turned IIM Sambalpur into one of the most forward-thinking B-schools in the country. Long before buzzwords like “experiential learning” and “AI integration” became common, he was already reshaping classrooms. His championing of the flipped classroom model — where students engage with material outside class and spend time inside class applying it — has broken the rigidity of traditional learning systems. Students aren’t just passive listeners anymore; they’re problem-solvers, analysts, and collaborators.
His leadership was particularly tested during the recent slowdown in campus placements, triggered by global economic uncertainties and an evolving tech landscape. Instead of offering excuses, he leaned into the reality. Prof. Jaiswal pointed out the deeper shift in industry needs, especially the rise of AI and automation. Rather than panic, he recalibrated the curriculum, introducing advanced AI tools, business analytics, and fintech modules to ensure students stay ahead of the curve.
He also recognized that education must be both high-quality and accessible. Under his leadership, IIM Sambalpur has become a model of inclusivity. The institute now boasts one of the highest female student ratios among IIMs — a stunning 70%. This isn’t just a happy accident; it’s the result of deliberate policy interventions, scholarship support, and a firm belief that gender diversity strengthens leadership pipelines and classroom dynamics.
And while many institutions talk about being socially responsible, Prof. Jaiswal has ensured that IIM Sambalpur acts on it. The institute works closely with tribal communities and local artisans, helping them access markets, digitize their crafts, and understand entrepreneurship. These community-based initiatives reflect a new model of education — one that extends beyond campus walls and boardrooms to make a real impact on livelihoods.
Strategically, he’s also worked to globalize the institute’s vision. Under his tenure, IIM Sambalpur has entered partnerships for dual-degree programs with international universities, expanding the global exposure of its students. The new permanent campus at Basantpur is another part of his legacy — a modern, eco-friendly hub of learning that reflects both his aesthetic and academic ideals.
Yet, through all of this, Prof. Jaiswal remains grounded. His interviews reflect a rare clarity — no jargon, no pretension. When he speaks about placements or pedagogy, he does so with the conviction of someone who believes that education must evolve to serve both the student and society.
Leadership like this is rare — not because it’s loud or flashy, but because it’s fearless, thoughtful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal is more than just the Director of IIM Sambalpur; he’s its architect, its compass, and its catalyst for change.
At a time when higher education in India is navigating disruption, Prof. Jaiswal offers a blueprint worth studying. His journey proves that with the right mix of vision, integrity, and action, one individual can change the destiny of an institution — and through it, touch the lives of thousands.
