Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEAThe Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), part of XLRI’s Centre for Automobile Design & Management (XADM), showcased its vision for a premier automotive design school at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. INDEA aimed to connect with industry professionals and future students, gathering insights to shape its curriculum and solidify its position as India's first dedicated school for automobile design and management. The expo served as a platform for INDEA to explore potential industry partnerships, understand industry needs, and attract aspiring designers interested in the automotive field.
INDEA’s presence at the expo, held in January 2025, was marked by the inauguration of its booth by industry veteran I.V. Rao and automotive journalism pioneer Adil Jal Darukhanawala. This booth became a central meeting point for discussions about India's design legacy, future industry trends, necessary design skills, especially concerning electric mobility and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The feedback received from these experts will be crucial in shaping INDEA’s educational approach.
Bharat Mobility, a medium to connect
The INDEA team used the expo to interact directly with potential students, answering questions about their upcoming M.Des program in automotive design. Aspiring designers had the opportunity to showcase their talent using a Wacom design tablet at the booth, providing a glimpse into their potential. Details about the M.Des program will be released in the coming months.
“The Bharat Mobility Expo provided an invaluable opportunity for the INDEA team to have useful conversations with industry experts and aspiring students, which will enhance help us fine-tune our curriculum and expand its impact. By interacting and working with industry leaders, we aim to prepare students for the future of mobility, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving that addresses global and local challenges alike,” stated Fr. Dr. K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR.
The expo also served as a valuable platform for INDEA to strengthen relationships with industry stakeholders, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry associations. These interactions provided insights into the specific skills and knowledge that automotive companies seek in new designers, helping INDEA tailor its curriculum to meet these demands. This collaborative approach underscores INDEA’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry practice.
“We thank SIAM for giving us an opportunity to participate in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The event became a useful platform for us to showcase our vision for automotive design education, and strengthen our engagement with industry stakeholders. The insights we received from OEM leaders, industry associations and aspiring students will help us further optimise our design program and curriculum,” mentioned Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEA.
INDEA's presence at the expo was a strategic move to establish its presence in the Indian automotive design landscape. By engaging with industry leaders, potential students, and other stakeholders, INDEA demonstrated its commitment to creating a world-class automotive design school. The insights gained from the expo will be crucial in shaping the curriculum and ensuring that INDEA graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the future of mobility in India and beyond.
