How To Teach Economics & Game Theory (Indian Institute Of Mgmt Ahmedabad Prof POV) - w/ Viswanath
Is an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad really worth the hype? What actually happens inside the classrooms of India's most elite business school?
Today’s guest is Prof. Viswanath Pingali, a leading voice in Economics and Game Theory at IIM Ahmedabad. He pulls back the curtain on the "Ivory Tower" to reveal how future CEOs are trained to think, strategize, and solve complex problems.
We go beyond the textbooks to discuss the real value of an MBA in 2025. Prof. Viswanath breaks down why the CAT exam might be flawed, how he keeps students engaged in the age of Instagram/Reels, and the critical difference between "Business Administration" and true "Entrepreneurship."
We also dive deep into his groundbreaking research on Healthcare in India (specifically the Tuberculosis crisis) and ask the burning question: When will India produce its own Elon Musk?
If you are an MBA aspirant, a policy geek, or just curious about how the world works through the lens of Game Theory, this conversation is a masterclass you can't afford to miss.
🚀 In this video, we cover:• The "Shock" students feel when joining IIM Ahmedabad• How to become an IIM Professor (The PhD Journey)• The flaws in the CAT Exam & Indian Education System• Can you teach "Game Theory" to the Instagram generation?• Diversity in MBAs: Why engineers shouldn't be the only ones getting in• India vs. USA: Should students move back home?
🔗 Connect with Prof. Viswanath:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishypingali/• His Game Theory Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/strategy-and-game-theory-for-management
#IIMAhmedabad #GameTheory #Economics #MBA #CATExam #IndianEducation #Professor #ViswanathPingali #BusinessSchool #HealthcareIndia #Entrepreneurship #StudyAbroad
Resources:
Game Theory course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/strategy-and-game-theory-for-managementProf Viswanath - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishypingali/
About the Podcast:We explore the real stories behind high-agency individuals—from artists to economists—who are a few steps ahead in the journey. We don't sell you "lottery ticket" success stories; we show you the practical first steps so you can find your own way forward.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro + Background
(01:12) What draws Prof Viswanath to teaching?
(03:22) Experience at Northwestern University
(05:36) Process of becoming a Professor at IIMs
(08:06) Things that catch new IIM-A students by surprise
(11:02) What would Prof Viswanath change about the CAT exam
(15:49) Teaching Microeconomics and Game Theory @ IIM Ahmedabad
(20:57) What makes IIMs elite?
(22:52) Engaging students in the era of social media
(25:34) Healthcare & Tuberculosis research
(28:24) Things IIMs could be better at regarding business education
(30:06) Future of business education in India
(31:47) Check out the Prof’s Game Theory course on Coursera!
(33:15) Do you need an MBA for starting a business?
(35:09) Does Diversity actually matter - and why?
(39:47) Should Indian students in the US move back to India?
(43:15) When will we have an Indian Elon Musk?
(45:12) Outro + Gratitude
