logo
Former Lucknow University VC Alok Kumar Rai becomes IIM Calcutta director

Former Lucknow University VC Alok Kumar Rai becomes IIM Calcutta director

India Today6 days ago
Dr. Alok Kumar Rai officially assumes charge as the new director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta today at 12:30 pm. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Rai was serving as Vice Chancellor of the University of Lucknow. He succeeds Professor Saibal Chattopadhyay, who had earlier helmed the institute.IIM Calcutta has been functioning without a regular full-term director for nearly two years. Dr. Rai's appointment comes at a time when the institute is navigating a sensitive phase, following the recent arrest of a second-year student in a rape case.advertisementAn academic with a strong background in management studies, Dr. Rai began his career as a professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Over the years, he has contributed to several key committees and advisory panels. His tenure at Lucknow University was marked by significant achievements, including the institution becoming the first in Uttar Pradesh to secure an A++ grade accreditation from NAAC.
Under his leadership, the university also earned the prestigious Category-I status from the UGC and was ranked 32nd among State Public Universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).Meanwhile, IIM Calcutta has also partnered with Imarticus Learning to introduce a new executive programme in Private Equity and Venture Capital. Targeted at finance professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs, the seven-month live online course will integrate academic learning with practical insights from the institute's faculty as well as industry experts.The curriculum will explore both foundational and advanced aspects of private equity and venture capital, including deal sourcing, valuation, fundraising, portfolio management, financial modelling, and exit strategies. With an emphasis on current trends, the programme will also address digital innovations and regulatory frameworks shaping the investment ecosystem, according to a press release.- Ends
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management by IIM Raipur empowers you to lead with confidence.
The Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management by IIM Raipur empowers you to lead with confidence.

Time of India

time19 hours ago

  • Time of India

The Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management by IIM Raipur empowers you to lead with confidence.

In today's world, aligning career ambitions with the dynamic work environment is crucial for professional success. The increasing technological integration in everyday lives and different sectors has led to potential-filled developments. For instance, as per this research1 from Deloitte in collaboration with NASSCOMM, Indian AI talent demand is projected to grow from 600,000–650,000 to more than 1,250,000 during 2022–27. Data from LinkedIn2 also states that 3x more C-suite professionals on the platform are adding AI skills such as prompt engineering and GenAI to their profile. There is a need for continuous skilling and professionals need to narrow down the gaps that can hinder their progress towards attaining leadership roles. Acing technologies and learning how to gather insights from a deluge of data are key skillsets akin in importance to communication, people management and so on. To empower professionals to build new business capabilities in this technology-led reality while moving to leadership roles is the Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management by IIM Raipur . To pursue a programme from such an institute is a dream of many professionals, especially because of a progressive learning ecosystem backed by solid learning facilities. IIM Raipur has also been ranked #14 in the NIRF 2024 Management Category and #9 in the Times B-School rankings. A high-impact learning environment The Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management by IIM Raipur is a 12-month programme designed to meet the needs of working professionals. It is taught through a blend of virtual learning and 10 interactive live sessions with the renowned faculty from IIM Raipur. Pursuing this programme is a valuable opportunity to learn from the experiences of stalwarts. Participants also work on real-world case studies, mini projects to illustrate their practical learning, and participate in group work and peer discussions. They are also given the opportunity to participate in an optional one-day campus networking event for a meaningful exchange of perspectives. With such a mix of learning styles, the idea is that participants can learn comfortably at their pace without compromising on a fulfilling academic experience. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be given a prestigious certificate of completion to cement their leadership credibility. They also get access to career support facilities along with exclusive IIMJobs Pro membership. What makes this even better is the IIM Raipur's 3-year executive alumni status, which enables participants to maximise the most value out of networking opportunities, onsite use of IIM Raipur's library along with programme newsletters and career updates. An industry-relevant curriculum The focus points of this programme showcase the needs of a fast-paced corporate world. Participants are trained to be able to helm projects and lead with confidence. It includes modules on AI and Generative AI, Managerial Economics, Strategic Management, Marketing Management etc. Participants will also get to study under the tutelage of industry experts through six live industry-led sessions on how AI is transforming decision-making across domains like Leadership & Decision Making with AI, AI-Driven Business Strategy, Leveraging AI & Data Analytics, AI in Operations & Supply Chain Management, AI in HR Management, AI in Finance: Applications & Impact. Who is the ideal candidate for this programme? This programme is ideally suited for early-to-mid-level professionals like managers, senior managers, senior associates, functional heads who are seeking to build cross-functional along with AI and essential tech-driven business skills. This is apt for individuals who want to move to senior roles and network with peers for bettering career mobility. Entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and business consultants who are also looking to expand their operations, bring forth more innovation and use data-backed insights can also explore the prospects of this programme. Learnings from here equip them with AI-enhanced frameworks to transform business models. Key details: Commencement date: September 30, 2025 Duration: 12 Months Mode: Online + Live Sessions Programme fee: ₹1,45,000 (GST will be charged at checkout) Eligibility: Minimum Graduate or Diploma Holder (10+2+3) in any discipline The Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management at IIM Raipur offers practical skills and knowledge that are applicable in today's business environment. With a curriculum designed by experienced faculty and real-world insights, the programme is suited for professionals looking to strengthen their leadership and management capabilities. Enrolling in this course is a strategic step for anyone aiming to advance their career and stay competitive in the evolving business landscape while also getting the IIM Raipur executive alumni status. To know more about the programme, visit here . Sources:

Is merit losing ground in TG higher education landscape?
Is merit losing ground in TG higher education landscape?

Hans India

timea day ago

  • Hans India

Is merit losing ground in TG higher education landscape?

Hyderabad: Despite improvements in access to higher education across Telangana, there are concerns over whether merit-driven students are receiving adequate financial support under current education policies. A closer look at the eligibility data for the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, which provides collateral-free and guarantor-free educational loans, reveals that only a handful of state-run Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) meet the criteria set by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) that is used as a yardstick for the scheme. According to NIRF 2024–25 rankings, only 12 HEIs from Telangana are listed nationally, of which just four state-run institutions are included in the list of Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) - the key prerequisite for PM Vidyalaxmi loan eligibility. This raises equity concerns, as students from technology, law, medical, and conventional streams in Telangana continue to bear the burden of self-funded education or seek loans that require collateral and guarantors. The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, launched by the central government, targets students admitted on merit-based criteria to institutions ranked within the top 100 (overall and category-specific), top 200 state-governed HEIs, and central government institutions. With a corpus designed to benefit over 22 lakh students annually, the scheme aligns with broader efforts to democratize access to professional education, especially in technical fields. However, the limited representation of state-run institutions in Telangana's NIRF rankings hints at structural gaps in competitiveness and academic quality. While institutions like AIIMS Bibinagar, NALSAR University of Law, and NIPER Hyderabad provide accessible avenues for top-performing students, the state's own educational bodies fall short of qualifying benchmarks. The situation also raises broader policy questions: Has the state prioritised quantity over quality in its higher education expansion? Are talented students missing out due to institutions' inability to rise in national merit-based rankings? While Telangana reports a higher Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) than the national average, the state-run HEIs are struggling to figure out the national merit-based rankings, resulting in their students being on the receiving end. Speaking to The Hans India, a former Vice Chancellor of a Telangana State University, pointed out, 'A strategic overhaul - focusing on infrastructure, faculty development, and innovation - is essential if Telangana intends to elevate the performance and perception of its public institutions.' With schemes like PM Vidyalaxmi offering financial flexibility, state intervention is vital to ensure deserving students in Telangana aren't left behind, merely due to where they study, he pointed out. However, when contacted, Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) Chairman Prof V Balakista Reddy said: 'the council has taken up the issue of improving the NIRF rankings of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) on a priority basis. The council held two to three meetings with the Vice-Chancellors of the universities. The TGCHE had also organised a meeting with the degree and postgraduate colleges to create awareness about improving the quality of education for NIRF rankings.' Besides, the State government has been keen to ensure that state-run HEIs in particular and all educational institutions in the state in general step up quality assurance practices to get the NIRF rankings. 'The State government asked to focus on the improvement of NIRF rankings, as most of the schemes and funding are increasingly getting linked to the NIRF rankings. It has also assured to release funding for the same to ensure more state-run HEIs qualify for the NIRF rankings,' he added.

New IIM director takes charge, focuses on 5 ‘i's
New IIM director takes charge, focuses on 5 ‘i's

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

New IIM director takes charge, focuses on 5 ‘i's

1 2 Kolkata: Alok Kumar Rai, who assumed the role of a full-time director at Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, on Wednesday, emphasised on the five 'I's—integration, inclusion, innovation, internationalisation and Indianness—for the premier B-school's journey ahead. IIM Calcutta had been without a full-time director for two years. Rai, who was the vice-chancellor of the University of Lucknow before this, was welcomed by students, faculty members and non-teaching staff at an event, held at the auditorium of the Joka institute. "We should focus on the holistic development of IIM Calcutta, keeping students at its epicentre. It is a well-accomplished institute, but we have to evolve to suit the current requirements. We should emphasise on the five 'I's—integration, inclusion, innovation, internationalisation, and Indianness—for the road ahead for IIM Calcutta," said Rai. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The new director stressed inclusion in decision-making. "I ensure that in almost all committees, all stakeholders, especially students, should be part of decision-making, as ultimately, everything we are doing is for them," Rai said. "Innovation is the key, or else we will perish." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo According to Rai, internationalisation and globalisation of the institute were of utmost importance. "Indianness also plays a crucial role in management education. We should take pride in Indianness and our knowledge as Indian wisdom is deep-rooted." The announcement of Rai's appointment as the director was made in July. "The board warmly extends its full support to Dr Rai as he undertakes the responsibility of furthering the institute's mission, deepening our engagement with industry, aligning ourselves with national development goals and widening our footprint in society," said Shrikrishna Kulkarni, chairperson, IIM Calcutta board of governors.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store