STRENGTHENING LEGACY

IIMC stays its ground despite job market pressures, launches cutting-edge courses in AI, corporate sustainability, and private equity

- BY GEORGE SKARIA

THE MORE THINGS change, the more they remain the same. This adage by the 19th-century French critic, author, and journalist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr seems apt in the case of Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta (IIMC) when comparing its progress this year in the BT-MDRA Best B-Schools Survey to the previous year. With U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on several countries, including India, and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) leading to job cuts, business schools were expected to feel the impact on placements, admissions, and recruitment trends. IIMC has been able to hold its ground.

“As the global business environment grows increasingly dynamic, IIM Calcutta leads with purpose—fostering innovation, nurturing responsible leadership, and preparing professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” says Professor Alok Kumar Rai, Director, IIMC.

The consulting sector led the hiring process in academic year (AY) 2024-25. Further, there was an increase in the number of Indian startups participating in the hiring process. The median salary increased from ₹30 lakh per annum in the previous academic year to ₹34 lakh.