IIM Ahmedabad’s Student Use of ChatGPT for Project Sparks Debate on AI in Education

Staff Writer: Sweata Maiti

Last Updated: May 5, 2025, 12:59:00 PM IST

In a recent development that has stirred conversations in academic circles, Yugantar Gupta, an MBA student at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), disclosed that he employed ChatGPT to draft a marketing project, which subsequently received an A+ grade. Gupta shared his experience on LinkedIn, stating, “I wrote my entire project using ChatGPT. It got an A+.”

For the assignment, Gupta conducted field research by visiting eight retail stores, posing as a customer, and recording shopper interactions and sales pitches. He transcribed these observations and input them into ChatGPT, which generated a comprehensive marketing report. The report impressed the faculty, leading to the top grade.

Gupta’s approach has sparked a broader debate on the integration of AI tools in education. While some commend the innovative use of technology, others express concerns about the implications for genuine learning and effort. At IIM Ahmedabad, the use of AI tools like ChatGPT is not prohibited; instead, the emphasis is on leveraging such tools effectively while ensuring original thought and analysis.

This incident underscores the evolving landscape of education, where digital tools are increasingly becoming integral to learning processes. It prompts educators and institutions to reconsider assessment methods and the definition of academic integrity in an era where AI can assist in content creation.

As technology continues to advance, the academic community faces the challenge of balancing innovation with the preservation of core educational values. Gupta’s experience serves as a case study in navigating this complex intersection of AI and academia.