Ritwik Mukherjee

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

“An analytical thinker deeply passionate about transformative technology, and a fervent believer in the power of narratives.”

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am extremely passionate about Indian and world cinema and, at a younger age, harbored aspirations of venturing into film direction – a dream that still lingers in my mind.

Undergraduate School and Major: Chennai Mathematical Institute, Major in Mathematics and Computer Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ubisoft Entertainment, Engine Programmer

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Beyond my peers, what deeply resonated with me about IIM Ahmedabad’s MBA program was its profound commitment to fostering leadership through rigorous academic excellence and immersive learning experiences. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty and engage with a diverse community ignited a passion for personal and professional growth that I knew I couldn’t find elsewhere.

Moreover, the fact that I grew up hearing praises about IIM Ahmedabad significantly influenced my decision. The institute’s stellar reputation and the success stories of its alumni instilled a sense of admiration and aspiration in me from a young age. Knowing that I would be part of such a prestigious institution, one that I had always looked up to, made the choice extremely easy.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Ahmedabad? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favourite experience at IIM Ahmedabad was the formation of study groups, or “syndicates” as we call them. As a part of Syndicate A7, I made a group of brilliant friends who made every discussion an enriching experience. Our sessions were filled with lively exchanges of diverse perspectives on complex cases, challenging each other’s viewpoints with respect and intellectual rigor. This experience taught me the importance of humility, listening to others’ insights humbly, and valuing the diverse expertise each person brings.

It taught me that true growth comes not just from mastering theories and concepts, but from the shared wisdom and camaraderie of peers who push you to think deeper and broader. Each member brought unique strengths and backgrounds to the table, enriching our discussions and broadening my own understanding. This experience has shaped me into a more empathetic and open-minded individual, making me realize that in the journey of learning and growth, the people you learn with are as important as the knowledge gained.

What makes Ahmedabad such a great place to earn an MBA? Ahmedabad is an exceptional place to earn an MBA for several reasons. The campus itself, with its serene green surroundings and impressive red-brick architecture, embodies a legacy of excellence and achievement. This setting fosters an environment where students are challenged to bring their best effort and intelligence every day, cultivating resilience and confidence. The combination of rigorous academic demands and highly supportive surroundings creates a fertile ground for personal growth and professional development, making Ahmedabad a truly outstanding place to pursue an MBA.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of the most defining moments of my career was being part of the pioneering team at the Rockstar Games’ Indian studio that started working on GTA VI. As the first coder in the Indian studio to move to this project, this wasn’t just another assignment, it was a monumental undertaking that involved immense dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The GTA franchise has always set the bar for open-world gaming, and the expectations for GTA VI were astronomical. I poured my heart and soul into the development process, collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the industry and tackling complex challenges. Despite numerous obstacles, our collective passion and commitment kept us moving forward, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in gaming.

The culmination of our efforts came when the trailer for GTA VI was released. I had already left the company by that time, but I still got goosebumps as it crossed all viewing records within hours. Seeing the trailer go viral, witnessing the overwhelming response from fans, and realizing the impact of our work was an incredibly proud moment. It was a testament to our hard work, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my most fulfilling achievements as an MBA student has been leveraging my passion for teaching mathematics to support my fellow cohort members. After a long time, I found myself back in front of a board, living out my long-forgotten dream of being a mathematics instructor. Many later expressed how these sessions significantly aided their preparation.

This experience deepened my appreciation for the impact of education and collaboration within our academic community. It not only strengthened my own grasp of the subject matter, but also reinforced my dedication to empowering others to excel academically.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? When thinking about hangouts, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely Bhavesh Bhai. He’s one of the most well-known figures on campus. We gather at his place for his famous iced tea, lemon juice, and a variety of snacks. This is where our most important and heartfelt conversations unfold. Bhavesh Bhai’s spot is more than just a hangout; it’s a cherished part of our IIMA experience that everyone holds dear.

What do you hope to do after graduation? My journey thus far has equipped me with over five years of dynamic experience in the gaming industry as a seasoned game developer, adept at steering cross-functional Agile teams through the end-to-end development cycle of flagship products. At IIM Ahmedabad, I am honing my leadership abilities and deepening my understanding of strategic product management.

My passion lies in orchestrating optimized product development workflows, fostering seamless collaboration, and empowering teams to craft immersive experiences that captivate users. I excel in harmonizing diverse perspectives from stakeholders across engineering, design, and quality assurance domains, ensuring alignment on product vision and seamless execution. I aspire to leverage my extensive experience and newly-acquired skills to become a product manager at a leading tech company like Amazon, Microsoft, or Google.

Ultimately, my long-term goal is to channel my expertise and passion for innovation into forming a AAA gaming studio. By marrying technical prowess with a relentless pursuit of innovation, I aim to create groundbreaking products that redefine user experiences and set new industry standards.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Ahmedabad? Contrary to popular belief, academic excellence is not the most important factor for admission to IIM Ahmedabad. Intellectual curiosity and a dedication to personal development play an important role in the process. Embrace learning not just for high scores but for the love of knowledge. Explore various subjects, try out new ideas, and try to grasp the world from multiple perspectives. Sincerity is essential, give careful thought to your goals, passions, and areas of strength and weakness. Let your genuine story, molded by your own experiences, come to life in your application.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD MBA CLASS OF 2025