Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has called for India to reconsider its approach to management education, arguing that the country should focus more on startup incubators instead of traditional business schools. He believes aspiring entrepreneurs should get more opportunities to build companies, experiment with ideas and learn through practical experience.

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Vembu shared his views while responding to a post by Professor Chris Marquis of the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, titled I Teach at a Business School, It's Time to Shut Them Down. Agreeing with the argument, Vembu said he had held a similar opinion for nearly two decades and that India would benefit from closing business schools and investing more in startup incubators.

His comments have sparked discussion about the role of MBA programmes in India's growing startup ecosystem. Supporters argue that the country needs more people willing to build businesses and test new ideas. Some have suggested transforming existing business schools into incubators where aspiring founders can develop ventures and learn from practical challenges.

Others believe business schools do not need to close. Instead, they could strengthen entrepreneurship programmes and offer students more opportunities to work on startup projects. Critics have also questioned whether conventional MBA courses provide enough practical experience in building businesses.

The debate comes as India's startup ecosystem continues to expand. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India has more than 2.5 lakh recognised startups across over 770 districts, generating more than 25.42 lakh jobs. Nearly 52% of these startups operate outside major metropolitan areas.

Vembu's remarks also connect with his broader views on artificial intelligence and changing workplace demands. His comments raise a larger question about whether management education should place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, experimentation and practical business creation.