In 2006, in the fast evolving corporate hub of Gurgaon, was born a management institute that aimed to create leaders of the future. Backed by the powerful JK group, the institute offers students a solid overall learning experience, in addition to the advantage of its strategic location. On the back of its efforts, JKBS has gone from strength to strength in a short span of time and become a B School of repute in the country. But, Dr. Sanjiv Marwah, the Director of the institute, is not resting on the present recognition and, in this interview, he discusses the roadmap to realize the institute’s vision.

While JKBS is making a name for itself in the world of management education, there must be some challenges as well. What are the biggest challenges your institute is faced with at the moment?

Firstly, we are trying to enhance heterogeneity in terms of regional representation, work experience and graduate education streams. We also strive to direct students to adapt to the rigorous corporate culture, while they are still doing their program. Another important challenge lies in encouraging students to think out of the box. We aim to groom future managers who can innovate and have the ability to take risks. It has to be done by developing an enquiring mind that raises questions and seeks answers.

What according to you has been the most significant progress area for your institute in the past year?

Well, for starters, JKBS has initiated a 10 lakh annual fund to be spent on an International trimester abroad. Learning in a foreign environment and understanding International business practices will be immensely helpful for students and prepare them to be global leaders. Our students have already been getting foreign placements; for example, in 2013 two of them got picked by Midlands Group, Dubai for a package of Rs. 13 lakhs. This year, two students got placed with HSBC Bank, Singapore and earned an average package of Rs. 13.50 lakhs. Chances of present and future students bagging foreign placements will be brightened by an initiative like this one.

For future students who might be interested in studying at JKBS, we have started a new Open Day initiative. The full day, overnight stay on our campus will offer candidates an opportunity to interact with faculty members in the classroom, as well as students and alumni, in order to help them make an informed choice.

What are the qualities you look for in an applicant when you shortlist them for your final selections?

A good Written Admission Test score is an important criterion; no two ways about it. But, we also look at an applicants’ work experience and communication skills. One progression I look at is the shift from private education to industry anchored higher education.

What is the one progressive change that you’d like to see in the management education scenario in the country today?

Management education is constantly evolving in the country and that’s the good news. But I still think we need to get over the mindset of only thinking about ROI, or placements for that matter. The focus should be on learning and preparing management professionals for the demands of the industry. At JKBS we pay due attention to the curriculum, which is molded based on industry needs. For example, we have a unique specialization in Logistics, which you will rarely see in B Schools in the country. But the fact is that professionals in this field are in demand in the industry. Hence, I feel it’s important for management institutes to improvise and keep up with the changing times.