IISWBM Kolkata, India’s Oldest B-School, Set to Become a University

The country's oldest b-school, Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), located in Kolkata which was set up by the Calcutta University in 1953 is now set to become a university. IISWBM will start its new journey from the academic session 2018-19.

With IISWBM transforming into a full-fledged university, it will enable several management institutes and universities across the state to come under the ambit/ control of the prestigious institute. Interestingly, IISWBM was the first business school not only in India but also South Asia.

The Education Department of West Bengal has already started the process of drafting a Bill, which is being supported by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Education Minister of the state, Mr. Partha Chatterjee who is also an alumnus of IISWBM.

Also Read: - Check the List of Popular B-Schools Accepting CAT 2017 Score

Expressing her happiness on the move, Director of IISWBM, Soma Bandhopadhyaya said that IISWBM has a rich alumni network including renowned industrialist Mr. Sudhir Jal-an and management guru Sumantra Ghosal. She further pointed that IISWBM would receive bigger funding opportunities if it is upgraded into a university that it usually does not as a management institute.

Also Read: - MBA Fees for Management Programmes Offered by B-Schools in India

As of now, the major source of revenue for IISWBM is students’ fee. Collaborating with foreign universities, initiating development projects and other developmental activities have been stalled as the institute is a private autonomous body and not a government-aided institution. Calcutta University awards degrees to the students of IISWBM. Changes will be witnessed in all these aspects once IISWBM receives a university status.

IISWBM will be at par with IIMs in status if it is upgraded into a university also enhancing and increasing placement opportunities for its students.