In the rapidly expanding universe of Indian liberal education, Pune-based FLAME University has carved a niche by prioritising internal institutional capability over immediate external validation. Prof Dishan Kamdar, vice-chancellor of FLAME University, shared with FE the institution’s strategic shift from consolidation to global expansion under the banner of FLAME 2.0, while detailing how interdisciplinary learning is reshaping employability.
Ranking framework
When asked why FLAME maintains a different profile compared to peers like Ashoka or OP Jindal, Prof Kamdar emphasised a strategy of building strength from within. “Rather than chasing rankings early on, the university is focused on robust academic processes, achieving the NAAC A++ accreditation,” he said. “This milestone is reflective of our vision – of building an institution that stands for excellence.”
He added that having validated internal quality standards, FLAME is now set to participate in national ranking frameworks such as the NIRF and international rankings such as QS and THE as part of its future roadmap.
Interdisciplinarity
FLAME’s distinctiveness lies in its founding philosophy. Kamdar said that the founders of the university were guided by the Jain concept of jnana-dana (the gift of knowledge) and anekantavada (the plurality of viewpoints). This led to an early adoption of true interdisciplinarity – blending social sciences and humanities with business and performance arts – long before the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 championed such flexibility.
“FLAME combines a relentless pursuit of global standards with deep Indian roots,” he said. “This is operationalised through massive academic flexibility, offering undergraduate students over 240 major-minor combinations. A student majoring in computer science can minor in public policy, or an economics major can explore psychology, creating personalised academic transcripts that reflect individual passions.”
Focus on research
As far as experiential learning and research is concerned, the university’s pedagogy extends beyond the 70-acre campus through flagship initiatives like the Discover India Program (DIP). “Students have completed over 300 field-based projects across various states, exploring India’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, the Developmental Activities Program (DAP) places students with NGOs to tackle real-world challenges in health and sustainability,” he said.
Research, Prof Kamdar said, is a cornerstone of the FLAME experience, with 12 interdisciplinary research centres covering AI, well-being, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted significant student achievements, including research presentations at the ITQM 2025 at the Rutgers Business School and the INFORMS Annual Meeting 2025 in Atlanta. “FLAME students have also co-authored book chapters on digital health equity and secured top positions in global competitions like the Global Online Marketing Academics Challenge (GOMAC),” he said.
FLAME 2.0
He shared the university’s future roadmap termed as FLAME 2.0 – a vision designed to make the university future-ready through four pillars:
Academic innovation: Integrating AI, design, and sustainability into the curriculum;
Global collaboration: Deepening ties with partners like Wellesley, Amherst, and Johns Hopkins for true intellectual exchange;
Research leadership: Utilising centres of excellence to shape policy conversations; and
Student well-being: Focusing on emotional resilience alongside academic brilliance.
Employability
Coming to employability avenues for liberal arts university students, Prof Kamdar said that employers have started valuing the ‘breadth of liberal arts’ over ‘specialisation’. “The market wants both. Employers are seeking graduates who bring in a breadth of perspective, interdisciplinary thinking, and strong human skills,” he said. “Technical skills may be taught internally by companies, but curiosity, cultural intelligence, and connecting the dots are covered at a university. FLAME’s model creates adaptable talent; graduates are not siloed experts but versatile professionals who can navigate ambiguity – a critical trait in an AI-driven world.”
Placements
As far as postgraduate placements are concerned, more than 95% of FLAME’s students seeking placements have secured jobs. The average remuneration stands at Rs 10 lakh per annum, with the top quartile earning an average of Rs 14.5 lakh and highest packages touching Rs 25 lakh.
When it comes to undergraduate students, he said that while many pursue Master’s degrees at top global institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and Yale, those entering the workforce have seen an average remuneration of Rs 8 lakh per annum this year.
“Success for a university is measured in the lives it shapes,” Prof Kamdar said, pointing to alumni who have transitioned into diverse roles – from faculty positions at Stanford School of Medicine to strategic roles at the World Bank and the US Department of Defense. “By blending rigorous inquiry with real-world empathy, FLAME aims to nurture not just professionals, but grounded leaders,” he said.