The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has started admissions for the 10th batch of its Executive Leadership Programme for Women, a 12-month executive education course designed to help experienced women professionals and entrepreneurs strengthen their business knowledge and leadership skills.
- The programme focuses on strategy, digital fluency, organisational leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.
- It combines managerial skills development with personal leadership growth, including self-awareness and communication.
- Participants engage in eight modules, campus immersions, and a capstone project.
- Applicants need at least five years of professional experience and a bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks.
- Successful participants receive a certificate from IIM Calcutta and join its Executive Education Alumni network.
What is the Executive Leadership Programme for Women at IIM Calcutta?
This programme is a year-long executive education course aimed at experienced women professionals and entrepreneurs. It helps participants prepare for larger leadership roles by enhancing their understanding of business strategy, digital technologies, analytics, and organisational leadership. The course also focuses on developing personal leadership qualities such as emotional resilience, executive presence, and communication skills.
Why is this programme important for women professionals?
Despite women making up nearly half of university enrolments in India, they hold fewer entry-level and managerial roles. Research shows that many women aspire to leadership positions but face challenges in advancing, especially at mid-career stages. This programme addresses these gaps by providing strategic thinking skills, exposure to emerging technologies, and leadership development tailored to women’s career progression.
How is the programme structured?
The programme consists of eight modules covering strategy, technology and AI, marketing, finance, sustainability, and cross-functional management. It also includes two three-day campus immersions at IIM Calcutta for direct interaction with faculty and peers. A third component features sessions with accomplished women leaders and a capstone project where participants apply their learning to real business challenges.
Who can apply for the programme?
Women professionals with at least five years of managerial or professional experience are eligible. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree under the 10+2+3 pattern or an equivalent qualification with at least 50% aggregate marks. Those with less than 50% at graduation may qualify if they have a postgraduate degree with 50% or above.
What benefits do participants receive?
Participants gain rigorous management education from IIM Calcutta faculty through live lectures, case discussions, and assessments. They develop strategic and leadership skills relevant to complex organisational roles. Upon completion, they receive a Certificate of Successful Completion and become part of the IIM Calcutta Executive Education Alumni community.
How does the collaboration with TimesPro enhance the programme?
TimesPro provides an interactive online learning platform that delivers sessions directly to participants’ devices, allowing them to balance the programme with professional responsibilities. This partnership ensures practical learning connected to workplace decisions and access to a strong peer network.
What sectors have previous participants come from?
Past cohorts have included senior managers, directors, vice-presidents, and senior consultants from IT, banking and financial services, healthcare, education, human resources, finance, and software industries. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and peer learning.
About IIM Calcutta and TimesPro
IIM Calcutta, established in 1961, is India’s first national institute for postgraduate management studies. It holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, making it one of Asia’s top business schools. TimesPro, launched in 2013, is a Higher EdTech platform offering career-focused programmes in collaboration with premier institutions like IIM Calcutta, aiming to empower learners with industry-relevant skills.
