Latest news with #AlokKumarRai


Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
240 professionals apply for 30 seats in LU executive MBA course
Lucknow: From civil servants to govt officials, Lucknow University 's executive MBA course is attracting many applicants. Till date, LU has received 240 applications for admission to 30 seats of the course. According to LU officials, the Executive MBA programme, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers and enhance their leadership skills, offers the ease of studying while working without the need to visit the campus. The two-year, full-time course focuses on practical application and strategic thinking, aiming to develop analytical and innovative thinkers capable of tackling complex management challenges. This has aligned well with the work profiles of several individuals. "Not just our Executive MBA course, but all our management courses have received a good response in terms of applications. The biggest reason behind this positive response is the complete rejuvenation of our management education, under which our management department was made a management faculty," said LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai. He said that earlier several types of management courses were being run. For example, different types of BBA courses were running, all of which were synchronised, and only those in demand by the industry or employment-oriented courses are being offered in accordance with the National Education Policy. As a result, the response for all our management courses improved, and there is a rise in demand from 6% to 13%. "Our Executive MBA further strengthens our management faculty as it brought in a new set of students who were working professionals from different sectors, including even those who are in top positions in their organisations. It's just one year since the introduction of this course, and this year its demand has increased manifold," said the VC. He said that the programme's flexible structure allows participants to balance their professional commitments whilst pursuing higher education. Many applicants are drawn to the networking opportunities the course provides, as it brings together professionals from various sectors. The overwhelming response, with 240 applications for just 30 seats, demonstrates the programme's reputation and relevance.


India Today
7 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Lucknow University VC Alok Kumar Rai appointed director of IIM Calcutta
Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alok Kumar Rai has been appointed as the new director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C), one of India's premier management appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Education following the approval of President Droupadi Murmu, who acts as the Visitor of move was followed immediately after the alleged rape case that happened at IIM-Calcutta, where a 24-year-old woman who is a psychological counsellor by profession, claimed that she was raped by an MBA student at the boy's hostel after being called on the pretext of The appointment has been made under Section 16 (2) of the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017, which was amended in 2023 to allow more flexible appointments for the leadership of India's IIMs.A copy of the appointment letter is expected to be issued by the IIM-C Board, and Rai's acceptance letter is to be submitted to the ministry.A RARE CHOICE FOR IIM LEADERSHIPProfessor Rai's selection is being seen as a rare and significant appointment, as he is not from within the IIM system, and it is the first time a Lucknow University VC has been chosen to lead a central institute like appointment ends a long period of interim leadership at IIM Calcutta, which has not had a regular full-term director for nearly two serving at Lucknow University, Professor Rai was a professor of management at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and contributed to several high-level committees and academic LEADERSHIP AT LUCKNOW UNIVERSITYDuring his tenure, Rai is credited with leading a remarkable transformation at Lucknow University (LU).Under his leadership, LU became the first university in Uttar Pradesh to receive an A++ grade from NAAC, was granted Category-I status by the UGC, and secured a place in the top 100 institutions in NIRF rankings, with 32nd rank among State Public also implemented the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, celebrated its centenary year, and launched new faculties in Pharmacy, Management, and Agriculture. Planning for a third campus was also initiated during his was also behind the creation of LUCODE (Lucknow University Centre for Online and Distance Education) and the development of the university's digital learning platform SLATE. Additionally, LU emerged as a top choice for international students, hosting one of the largest cohorts in India until Rai's appointment signals a progressive shift in IIM leadership, opening doors to academic leaders from outside the IIM ecosystem.- Ends


Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
After nearly 2 years, IIM Calcutta gets a full-time director
The Union Ministry of Education on Wednesday appointed Alok Kumar Rai, the vice-chancellor of Lucknow University, as the full-time director of the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta. The IIM-Calcutta did not have a regular full-term director for nearly two years. The appointment of a full-time director comes in the wake of the arrest of a second-year student in a rape case. 'The President, in her capacity as Visitor of IIM Calcutta, has approved the appointment of Alok Kumar Rai, Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University as the Director of IIM Calcutta,' the ministry said in a letter to the IIM Calcutta Board of Governors. Prior to becoming the V-C of Lucknow University, Rai served as a professor of management at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He also held several posts in various high-level committees and panels. Under Rai's leadership, LU became the first university in Uttar Pradesh to be accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC. It was conferred Category-I status by the UGC, and ranked among the top 100 institutions in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), securing the 32nd position among State Public Universities.


Time of India
13-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ex-DGP donates 227 books to LU's Tagore library
Lucknow: Former DGP on Sunday gifted 227 books, including many he studied during his student life, to 's Tagore Library. "We are privileged to receive such a wonderful gift. It's not just a personal book collection but one that can serve as a significant source of motivation for our students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations, as it includes study material once used by the highest-ranking police officer in our state," said vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said the collection includes books on Indian history and literature, the culture of Indian tribes, heroic tales of the Indian Army, and the contributions and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore. "This step by Prashant Kumar Sir will inspire other administrative and senior officers. We hope more such officers will come forward and contribute books to the library," he added.


Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LU partners with Elsevier to boost research ecosystem
Lucknow: Lucknow University is set to enhance its research ecosystem through a partnership with Elsevier — the world's largest scientific literature publisher. Starting July 30, LU researchers will gain access to Science Direct AI, providing them with a vast array of scientific literature and resources. The collaboration is part of central govt's 'One Nation One Subscription' (ONOS) scheme, which aims to democratise access to high-quality academic resources across the country. LU joined the ONOS initiative in Jan 2024. According to data shared by Elsevier, the university recorded just 2,909 downloads in the first five months of access. By May 2025, cumulative downloads had surged to 25,637, an increase of 781.3%, the highest among all state universities in Uttar Pradesh. LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai said, "This collaboration reflects our commitment to nurturing a vibrant research environment. The rise in downloads demonstrates our scholars' hunger for quality knowledge and their readiness to engage with cutting-edge global research." Senior account manager, South Asia, Elsevier, Faraha Siddiqui, said, "It is not just about access, it is about empowering students and researchers to think beyond boundaries, collaborate globally, and innovate locally." "The ONOS initiative, and our collaboration with Elsevier will enable students and faculty to pursue advanced, high-quality research," said honorary librarian, Tagore Library,Keya Pandey.