Leadership Change at IIM Calcutta: Dr Alok Kumar Rai Assumes Directorship

IIM Calcutta Welcomes New Director as Institute Seeks Stability and Reform

In a pivotal development for one of India’s foremost management institutions, Dr Alok Kumar Rai officially assumed office as Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta on 30 July 2025. The announcement was made by Mr Shrikrishna Kulkarni, Chairperson of the institute’s Board of Governors, thereby concluding a nearly two-year period during which the institute operated without a regular full-term director. Dr Rai succeeds Professor Saibal Chattopadhyay, who had been serving as acting director since January 2024.

Before this appointment, Dr Rai served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, where his tenure was marked by several notable achievements. Under his leadership, the university became the first in Uttar Pradesh to receive an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), attained Category-I status from the University Grants Commission (UGC), and secured the 32nd position among State Public Universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). Before his vice-chancellorship, Dr Rai was a professor of management at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and contributed to numerous national academic committees.

His appointment comes at a time when IIM Calcutta is navigating a sensitive phase, following the arrest of a second-year student in connection with an alleged rape incident within the Lake View Hostel. The matter, currently under investigation by a Special Investigation Team of the Kolkata Police, has raised serious concerns regarding campus safety and institutional governance. The student, now out on bail, has been permitted to attend classes but remains barred from hostel accommodation pending the outcome of the inquiry. In parallel, IIM Calcutta has announced a strategic academic initiative in collaboration with Imarticus Learning, a seven-month online executive programme in Private Equity and Venture Capital. Designed for finance professionals and entrepreneurs, the course integrates theoretical instruction from IIM Calcutta’s faculty with practical insights from industry experts.

The curriculum encompasses foundational and advanced topics such as deal sourcing, valuation, financial modelling, fundraising, portfolio management, and exit strategies, while also addressing digital innovations and regulatory frameworks shaping the investment landscape. Dr Rai’s appointment is widely viewed as a step towards restoring stability and reinforcing academic excellence at IIM Calcutta, as the institute prepares to navigate its next phase of growth in an increasingly global and AI-driven educational environment. This transition marks a renewed chapter of leadership and institutional resilience at IIM Calcutta.

Editor’s Note:

The appointment of Dr Alok Kumar Rai as Director of IIM Calcutta marks a crucial moment for the institution. It follows a prolonged phase of administrative uncertainty and reputational strain. Dr Rai brings a strong academic background and a proven track record of leadership at the University of Lucknow, which positions him well to guide IIM Calcutta through this transitional period. His leadership is expected to strengthen governance, reinforce institutional stability, and support the institute’s long-term strategic goals. This development highlights the critical role of accountable leadership in higher education, particularly during times of internal challenge and external scrutiny. As the institute moves forward with new academic initiatives and addresses ongoing concerns regarding student safety and campus management, the focus must remain on maintaining transparency, safeguarding academic standards, and promoting institutional integrity.

Skoobuzz believes that Dr Rai’s stewardship will be essential in steering IIM Calcutta toward renewed growth and global relevance in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven educational environment.