Calcutta Business School (CBS), modelled on top B-schools in the world, is located on a sprawling 15-acre campus on the outskirts of Calcutta. Promoted by city-based industry groups, it has steadily developed into a leading management institute in eastern India within four years of its establishment. Part of the prestigious Shikshayatan Foundation — that runs J.D. Birla College, Birla High School and both Shri Shikshayatan College and School with the same name — it’s an autonomous institution affiliated to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

“Since we are one of the rare institutions enjoying autonomy under AICTE, we have a lot of flexibility in designing courses and changing our assessment methods,” says Goutam Sengupta, the director. “Unlike most B-schools in the region we have a strong academy-industry interface and many of our faculty members are chief executive officers or directors of top notch companies. And, all of them have experience of teaching in top management institutes in India and abroad,” he adds.

CBS has a a fully residential campus in order to nurture a close relationship between students and faculty members. Besides, there is a gymnasium and a canteen. Since management students need to study for at least 16 to18 hours a day, staying on a campus helps.

Echoes Payal Maskara, postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) student of 2012-14 batch, “I have never been so busy in my life. I didn’t know management students have to work so hard.”

Adds Wasim Akram of the same batch, “The best thing about having a residential campus is that most faculty members are accessible any time of the day.”

The core programme (PGDM) comprises six terms with a lot of emphasis on 10-week long summer internship. Since CBS has strong linkages with industry (its board of governors comprise renowned industrialists), there is a constant interaction to identify areas and emerging trends vis-a-vis placement.

Autonomy helps CBS design a curriculum that reflects the latest thinking in management sphere. The institute follows a continuous evaluation process. CBS also encourages students to take up research work and write papers for publication in journals and presentation in seminars.

Case-based teaching exposes students to real-life issues. “We are poised to introduce a set of courses with focus on rural markets. Students are also being trained to tap the market belonging to the poorest socioeconomic groups,” says Sengupta

“We are also in the process of developing an ethical mindset which leads to practice of management based on human values and morality,” adds Tamal Datta Chaudhuri, the principal.

The institute puts a lot of emphasis on communication skills and interactive values. The institute recently introduced a customised language laboratory to train students in superior communications and soft skills.

The institute also offers short-term management development programmes (MDP) for working professionals. MDPs are aimed at enabling working managers handle changes in the business world. The programme also helps PGDM students learn about problems faced by the industry.

The institute’s strong industry linkages help students land good jobs. “CBS acted as a catalyst by giving me a strong educational foundation. It also provided the necessary exposure, making me ready for industry,” says Yuvraj Mathur, an alumnus and export marketing consultant, Global Sources, a trading company.

With so much on offer, CBS courses naturally come at a hefty price, which is perhaps beyond the reach of an average middle-class Indian family.

A two-year PGDM costs Rs 7.5 lakh. According to Sengupta, this is not a steep fee if one considers the facilities. “Unlike most other B-schools there are no hidden cost,” he claims. The director, however, admits that campus life lacks zing as the institute is far from the heart of the city.

“We are building a new complex with a swimming pool, indoor sports zone and other entertainment facilities,” he says.

Vital Statistics

WHAT IS IT?

A management institute run by big industry groups

WHO’S THE BOSS?

Goutam Sengupta is the director

Where is it?

Diamond Harbour Road, Bishnupur-743 503, 24 Parganas (South)

Website: www.calcuttabusinessschool.org

Phone: (033) 2420 5200/5216

Pros

Autonomous institute approved by AICTE, strong industry linkage, international faculty members

CONS

Dull campus life, steep fees, Alumni network yet to flourish since it is a relatively new institute

PRASUN CHAUDHURI