Institute for Future Education, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (iFEEL)
Did you know that in India, a new B-school seems to sprout up almost every week? It’s true! The management education sector in India is a vibrant yet intensely competitive landscape, marked by a phenomenal surge in institutions over the last few decades. While this quantitative expansion has increased access to degrees, it has simultaneously triggered a crisis of relevance for many B-schools, which struggle to align their curriculum with the rapid, technology-driven shifts and global demands of the modern corporate world. The challenge is not just to teach theory but to cultivate industry-ready, innovative, and responsible leaders capable of going through an environment of intense competition, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological advancements like AI and analytics. This pressure to maintain quality, achieve strong placement outcomes, and integrate practical learning has led to a major differentiation battle among institutes.
One institution that has risen to meet this challenge is the Institute for Future Education, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (iFEEL), an AICTE-approved premier PGDM institute. Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, a distinguished educationist and first-generation entrepreneur, founded iFEEL in 2010 with the goal of redefining management learning. Dr. Salunkhe, who also helms Jaro Education, an influential EdTech venture, possesses over three decades of experience in EdTech, HR, and banking. His entrepreneurial journey, which included having the dot-com crash and building profitable ventures like Net HR and Jaro Education from a humble background, instilled in him a core message of sustainable, steady growth and ethical leadership. His vision for iFEEL is to build entrepreneurial leaders and responsible global citizens through globally relevant education.
iFEEL executes its mission through a cutting-edge, industry-integrated PGDM curriculum that emphasizes practical application and innovative pedagogy. The academic rigor is significantly enhanced by the IIM Knowledge Immersion Program, which provides students with advanced learning from IIM faculty. Furthermore, the mandatory Global Change Leader Program provides students with an immersive, two-semester live project with an industry partner, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. This focus on experiential learning, coupled with global exposure and technology integration, ensures strong placement outcomes, including a median salary of INR 6.18 LPA and the highest package of INR 16 LPA in the 2023-2025 batch.
This dedication to superior quality and practical, future-focused education is what sets iFEEL apart. In the spotlight is Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe, Group Director, in an exclusive interview for our prestigious “India’s Most Competitive B-Schools with Strong Placement Outcomes 2025” edition. Learn from his insights and valuable lessons as an entrepreneur to excel and make it the best company. Stay tuned and learn his tale of success.
Prime Insights: Can you provide an overview of your institution and its core mission in management education?
iFEEL (Institute for Future Education, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership) is an AICTE-approved premier PGDM institute dedicated to redefining management education through a cutting-edge curriculum focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Our core mission is to impart globally relevant management education that nurtures responsible global citizens, entrepreneurial leaders, and industry-ready professionals capable of driving sustainable business and societal growth.
Prime Insights: What differentiates your B-school from others in terms of academic rigor and industry relevance?
iFEEL sets itself apart by a designed, industry-integrated curriculum that is co-created with leading corporate partners and focuses on practical application through design thinking, simulations, case studies, and problem-solving exercises. A unique and integral part of our PGDM program is the IIM Knowledge Immersion Program, which provides students with advanced insights and learning exposure from IIM faculties, improving academic rigor significantly. Additionally, the Global Change Leader Program is highly industry-specific, offering students the opportunity to undertake a live project with an industry partner that spans across two semesters (Semester 1 and Semester 2). This immersive experience greatly improves students’ industry readiness by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Global exposure programs, innovative pedagogy, and technology integration further complement the academic rigor, fostering well-rounded and future-ready graduates.
Prime Insights: How does your institution consistently achieve strong placement outcomes year after year?
Our consistent placement success is driven by strong industry alliances with over 100 corporate recruiters, a robust internship program, and comprehensive placement training. We make sure constant curriculum updates are aligned with market needs and provide students with the tools and mentorship to excel in the competitive job market. In 2023-2025, 101 students were placed with a median salary package of INR 6.18 LPA and the highest up to INR 16 LPA.
Prime Insights: What are the key strategies or programs implemented to enhance students’ employability?
We implement domain-specific certifications, industry-specific training workshops, rigorous interview preparation sessions, and leadership simulations. Our mandatory summer internships give practical experience, often converting into pre-placement offers. Additionally, career grooming workshops and personalized mentorship create a tailored employability roadmap for each student.
Prime Insights: Can you show some of your top corporate recruiters and the sectors that dominate placements?
Our top recruiters include Tata Consumer Products Limited, Himalaya Wellness, HDFC Bank, Godrej, Interactive Brokers, Oracle, Accenture, and EXL. These companies represent key sectors such as FMCG, banking and finance, IT and technology, consulting, and analytics, offering diverse opportunities aligned with various specializations in management. This strong industry connection makes sure that students get ample exposure and placements with reputable organizations.
Prime Insights: How do you add industry exposure and practical learning into the curriculum?
Industry experts are integral to our board of studies, helping design and periodically update our curriculum to ensure alignment with market trends. We provide exposure through guest lectures, corporate workshops, industrial visits, live projects, and global industrial visits spanning countries like Germany, Japan, and Singapore. The Global Change Leader Program and live projects across semesters increase students’ industry readiness.
Prime Insights: What initiatives have been introduced recently to align with evolving market and business trends?
Recent initiatives include launching a PGDM curriculum powered by AI to prepare students for the future of work, introducing sustainability and innovation modules, strengthening entrepreneurship programs, and making continuous pedagogical advancements based on feedback from students and industries.
Prime Insights: Could you share details about your placement support infrastructure (career cell, mentorship, etc.)?
Our dedicated placement cell provides end-to-end support, such as career counseling, resume building, personal branding, mock interviews, and aptitude coaching. Mentorship programs connect students with industry veterans and alumni for guidance, networking, and motivation throughout the placement cycle.
Prime Insights: What are some of the most notable achievements or placement milestones your institution has accomplished?
iFEEL has achieved prestigious rankings and awards for excellence in management education and placement outcomes. The institute is ranked among India’s Top 50 Private B-Schools in Times B-School Rankings and has received accolades such as the Skill Development Leadership Award by the World HRD Congress and recognition by Higher Education Review. Students have secured the highest placement package of 16 LPA and regularly win national-level competitions and awards, further establishing iFEEL’s reputation for producing industry-ready leaders.
Prime Insights: How does your faculty contribute to building future-ready business leaders?
Our faculty has experienced academicians and industry professionals who bring practical insights to classrooms, fostering critical thinking, leadership traits, and entrepreneurial mindsets. Regular industry interactions and research activities prepare students for dynamic business environments.
Prime Insights: What partnerships or collaborations have strengthened your placement network?
Strategic collaborations with industry leaders, corporates, and training institutes underpin our placement network. These partnerships facilitate internships, live projects, guest lectures, and recruitment drives, supporting students’ smooth transition into professional roles.
Prime Insights: How do alumni play a role in guiding current students toward career success?
Our alumni actively mentor current students and are valuable members of our board of studies, contributing directly to the design of our curriculum. They engage in networking events, facilitate internships and job placements, and share their career experiences, enhancing the employability and industry fit of our graduates.
Prime Insights: How do you maintain a balance between academic excellence and career development?
We emphasize holistic development by combining academic knowledge with real-world skills through experiential learning, leadership development programs, and career coaching. Additionally, our curriculum has regular yoga sessions and wellness camps, which promote mindfulness, stress management, and overall well-being. This well-rounded approach equips students intellectually, professionally, and personally for successful careers.
Prime Insights: What are your future plans for expanding your placement reach or introducing new industry-focused programs?
iFEEL plans to expand corporate engagement by targeting emerging sectors such as AI, fintech, and digital marketing, alongside introducing specialized programs focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability to meet changing industry demands.
Prime Insights: Lastly, what message would you like to share with aspiring management students looking to join your institution?
Choosing iFEEL means embarking on a transformative journey that equips you to be a confident, innovative, and responsible leader. With strong industry connections, advanced learning methodologies, and dedicated placement support, iFEEL prepares you for a rewarding career and lifelong success.
