The ISME Newsletter - March 2026

Bangalore INDIA

Welcome to the ISME Newsletter – March 2026 edition.

ISME was founded in 2006 by a team of visionary leaders with academic roots in globally renowned institutes such as IIT, IIM, CMU, Purdue, and Wharton. ISME has consistently been ranked among the Top 30 B-Schools in India by the Times of India (2025) and among the Top 4 Eminent B-Schools of Super Excellence by Competition Success Review (2024).

Here’s what’s been keeping our campus buzzing! From flagship events like CIM 2026 and Buzibuzz to remarkable student achievements and vibrant celebrations, this edition captures the energy and spirit of ISME.
Read on to catch all the action!

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Spotlight

Honouring Excellence: Lifetime Achievement Award to

Dr. T. V. Rao

The International School of Management Excellence (ISME) was privileged to confer the Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. T. V. Rao, Founder of the National HRD Network, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of Human Resource Development and his enduring impact on nation-building.

A pioneer and thought leader in HRD, Dr. Rao’s visionary work has significantly shaped organizational practices and inspired generations of professionals and academicians alike. This recognition stands as a tribute to his unwavering dedication, transformative ideas, and invaluable contribution to strengthening human capital in India and beyond.

The 14th International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Management

(CIM 2026)

The 14th International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Management (CIM 2026), was a resounding success and held on 20th and 21st February 2026. The conference brought together academicians, researchers, industry experts, and students from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions on emerging trends and contemporary challenges in the field of management.

The event set the stage for insightful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative learning, reinforcing ISME’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement.

The conference featured an international keynote address by Dr. Raja Nerina, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia on 20 February, followed by a workshop on 21 February titled “Bibliometric Analysis: A Quantitative Technique to Write a Review Paper Using VOSviewer Software for High-Impact Journals using the PRISMA Framework,” conducted by Dr. Manish Srivastava.

Campus News

The International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, had the privilege of hosting the EFMD Peer Review Team from 20th to 22 January, 2026 as part of the EFMD accreditation process for its PGDM programme. The review team comprised Dr. Anna Blombäck (Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives, Jönköping International Business School, Sweden), Dr. Arun Elias (Head, School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington School of Business and Government, New Zealand), and Dr. Tran Van Nhu (Academic Director, CFVG – Centre Franco-Vietnamien de Formation à la Gestion, Vietnam).

During their visit, the team engaged in detailed interactions with the management, faculty, students, alumni, and industry representatives. They conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the programme structure, academic processes, institutional resources, and quality assurance mechanisms.

The EFMD accreditation initiative at ISME was led by Dr. Shampa Nandi, Assistant Dean – Academics, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment to global standards of excellence in management education. The institute now awaits the final accreditation outcome.

The International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, welcomed the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) expert team from 27 February to 1 March, 2026 for the third-cycle reaccreditation of its PGDM programme.

During the visit, the team engaged extensively with the management, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry representatives. They conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the programme structure, academic processes, institutional resources, documentation, and quality assurance mechanisms.

In the exit meeting, the evaluators appreciated the strengths of the PGDM programme and acknowledged ISME’s commitment to quality management education. They also offered constructive suggestions for further enhancement, particularly in the areas of research, documentation, and library resources.

The institution now awaits the final declaration of the accreditation outcome.

The ISME Alumni Meet ‘Sangam 2026’ was successfully held in Hyderabad on 8 February 2026 at Vault Brewery, Jubilee Hills, with 16 alumni in attendance. The event was graced by Prof. Krishnan R, Chief of Director’s Office & Head of Alumni Engagement, who warmly interacted with the alumni and shared updates on ISME’s growth, achievements, and future plans.

The session highlighted ISME’s journey over the past 19 years, upcoming initiatives for its 20th year celebrations, and the importance of active alumni involvement in internships, placements, and institutional development. The meet concluded on a positive note, strengthening connections and fostering a sense of community among ISME alumni.

We are proud to share that Gautham Krishna EU and Ishan KS, PGDM students of the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, secured 3rd place in the Marketing Competition at SUMMIT 2K26, organized by the Community Institute of Management Studies.

We are delighted to share that our PGDM students, Juvin Manoj and Rishikesh S R, have brought great pride to the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, by securing First Place in the Finance Event – Nexus, organized by the Community Institute of Management Studies.

The Fashion Team of the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, delivered a remarkable performance at the Inter-Collegiate Festival hosted by the Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship.

Competing against talented participants from various institutions, the team secured Second Place with an impressive runway presentation based on the theme “Mythologies.” Their performance beautifully blended culture, storytelling, and innovative fashion, bringing legendary narratives to life on stage.

We are proud to share that Rajveer Jaiswal, a 4th Semester B.Com student at the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, secured First Prize at Lakshaya 2026, hosted by AIMS IBS.

Competing in the Reel Making & Videography event, he stood out among 19 teams across five competitive rounds, demonstrating exceptional creativity, storytelling, and technical excellence at every stage.

ISME Academic Excellence

The First Viva Voce of the FPM Batch 1 at the International School of Management Excellence (ISME) marked a significant milestone in the doctoral journey of Mr. Biji Varughese. The occasion was graced by senior leadership, including the Director, Dean, academic heads, faculty members, and FPM scholars, making it a moment of pride for the institution.

The Post Budget Analysis 2026, conducted by the PGDM students of the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, brought together insightful perspectives and engaging discussions on the key announcements of the Union Budget and their potential impact on India’s economy.

The session focused on major policy highlights, government priorities, and sector-wise implications, with students presenting thoughtful analyses on how the budget may influence industries such as infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, and startups.

Ms. Shruthi Nanajappa from the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, was invited as the resource person for the Student National Seminar (SNS) titled “Beyond the Page: Exploring Language and Literature Studies in the Digital Era,” organized by the Department of English, St. Francis de Sales College (Autonomous), Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Research & Development Centre on 25 March 2026 in hybrid mode.

The seminar provided undergraduate and postgraduate students with a valuable platform for research exposure, publication insights, and scholarly engagement. Through her session, Ms. Shruthi Nanajappa shared insightful perspectives on contemporary trends in language and literature in the digital age.

The discussions covered themes such as digital narratives, AI and writing, digital humanities, language and communication, digital storytelling, and media literacy, encouraging participants to critically explore the evolving landscape of language and literature.

Research Spotlight

Human Capital Challenges in Changing IT Landscape


By Dr. Dhanabagiyam S

Click to read more

From Setback to Step Up: Career Challenges Unpacked


By Dr. Shampa Nandi

Click to read more

Bibliometric Assessment of Experiential Learning’s Impact on ESGOriented Professional Development


By Dr. Dhanabagiyam S., Dr. Vaishnavi Balaji &

Dr. Shampa Nandi

Click to read more

Placement Success

Campus Events

Buzibuzz 2026, a vibrant two-day national-level intercollegiate fest, was successfully hosted by the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, bringing together students from across the country for an energetic celebration of talent and creativity.

The fest featured an exciting blend of Management, Technical, Cultural, and Sports events, providing a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their skills, innovation, and team spirit. The campus came alive with enthusiasm as students engaged in healthy competition, collaboration, and learning.

Buzibuzz 2026 not only highlighted the diverse talents of participants but also reinforced ISME’s commitment to creating holistic learning experiences beyond the classroom. The event concluded on a high note, leaving participants with memorable experiences and a spirit of excellence.

Khelore’26, the annual Sports Day at the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore, concluded on a high note, leaving behind moments of determination, teamwork, and vibrant campus energy.

The FITZONE ground came alive with a series of exciting events, including competitive cricket and football matches, along with crowd-favourite highlights such as Faculty vs Students, Alumni vs Current Students, and the ever-energetic Tug of War. Each event reflected the enthusiasm and sporting spirit of the ISME community.

Beyond medals and victories, Khelore’26 stood as a true reflection of ISME’s core values collaboration, resilience, and a strong sense of community. The event brought together students, faculty, and alumni in a celebration of unity and sportsmanship.

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