IIM-B to increase intake by 150

Amid the doom and gloom comes some good news, more so for those preparing for the Common Admission Test. The Indian Institute of

Management, Bangalore, one of the most-sought-after B-schools in the country, will increase its intake by 150 from the next batch.

On the sidelines of the 35th Foundation Day, Pankaj Chandra, director, IIM-B, told reporters of this 150, 75 are for post-graduate programmes (PGP) and the rest for the one-year executive programme.

"We're embarking on an ambitious programme of expanding capacity to meet the needs of the nation. We're adding another section of PGP. Next year, the number of students in our various long-duration programmes will exceed 1,100,'' said Chandra. Starting December, IIM-B will start construction of a hostel with 300 rooms, nine classrooms as part of the state-of-the-art green classroom complex, 24 faculty houses and a sports complex.

The IIM-B Society approved a one-year executive PGP programme in management for mid-level executives under the leadership of Malay Bhattacharya.

Not missing the anxiously awaited placement season, Chandra said it is a "tough situation'' and the institute is exploring options like entertainment, manufacturing and consulting. He also hinted at the possibility of increasing the intake to 750 in five years. The institute has drawn up a long-term vision under the leadership of board member K L Chugh to become a research-driven international institute focusing on emerging markets and high-tech entrepreneurship.

He said the admission process for the next batch has been initiated with CAT on November 16. "With the increasing number of aspirants for CAT, IIMs are working to offer this exam online from the next year,'' he added.