Set up in 2006, Gurgaon based JK Business School (JKBS) is a unique Corporate-Sponsored B-school that is carrying forward the 100 year legacy of JK organization, one of the leading diversified corporate groups in India. Led by well-known education leader - Prof. Sanjiv Marwah, Director, JKBS, this B-school is ably marrying this rich legacy with agility as it proactively updates its curriculum and pedagogy to meet changing industry needs.
Winner of many prestigious academic leadership awards, Prof. Sanjiv Marwah joined JKBS as its Director in 2015. Prior to JKBS, Prof. Marwah has led many institutions including as Director at MM University, Mullana and Era Business School. He served as a Professor and Head of Marketing at Apeejay School of Management. Prof. Marwah also has a rich industry experience starting as Management Trainee and rising till Regional Head at companies like DCM to Onida.
At JKBS, Prof. Marwah and his leadership team, that includes Prof Supriya Sehgal, Dean - Outreach at JK Business School, have taken many initiatives to further enhance all aspects of JKBS. In this article, we ask Prof. Marwah to share complete details about JKBS and his views on changes in management education. For student benefit we also highlight the admission process at JKBS at the end of this article.
Let’s start with the interview with Director Prof Sanjiv Marwah on JKBS Legacy, Curriculum, Placements, Admissions, Industry Initiatives and much more…
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
Q: JKBS is part of the JK Organization with 100+ years Legacy. How does this guide and nurture the development of JKBS? Also, what are the benefits of being a corporate-sponsored B-school?
A: Yes, JK Business School is a member of the JK Organization, one of India's leading private sector groups, with a storied record of contributing to Indian business through various educational institutes and initiatives. JK Organization is a highly diversified group having presence in different sectors which includes Cement, Tyre and Tubes, Fibers and Yarns, Papers, Automobile Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Sugar, Dairy Products, Agro Chemicals, Software and Education.
JK Business School was setup to groom and develop efficient managers and business leaders in an integrated learning environment of research, consultancy, training and development. JKBS was set up amid the emergence and proliferation of IT and modern business models.
The encapsulated corporate -academia blend is what sets us apart from other B-Schools in the country. Being the education arm of the JK Organisation, we have privilege to bring latest innovations and learnings to students through regular involvement of the leaders of the JK organizations’ different business arms as well as our faculties extended industry connects.
The benefits of being a corporate-sponsored B-school are that it can produce ground-breaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce. In a dynamic and competitive global business environment, it is quintessential to ensure development and abreast the students with current industrial trends. Thus, in corporate anchored colleges like us, students regularly got opportunities to work on relevant technologies, challenging problems and have first-hand experience which prepares them for a rewarding career ahead.
Q: JKBS was established in 2006. Now you are offering the PGDM programme for its 17th Batch in 2022. What are the key milestones and achievements, especially in the last 5-6 years?
A: Since our inception, our aim at JKBS is to keep our students abreast with the current industrial trends. Thus, time-to-time we update our curriculum to make our students industry ready. Online learning is not a mere replacement but here to stay. Thus, we bet big on digital modes of learning. We have introduced LinkedIn Learning and many of the sessions were taken by the students online on this platform for enhanced training for their academics and placements. This new mode for learning has been a success with student participation and over 1000 plus courses taken on LinkedIn Learning which included writing professional emails, Excel for Managers, courses in Marketing, Branding and many more.
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
Q: Can you share some specific achievements and milestones?
A: Sure. Am happy to share some of our noteworthy initiatives, milestones and achievement in the last few years.
- JKBS has been recognized as North India's first business school to sign an agreement with IIM Bangalore for its IIMBx program.
- The JKBS corporate patronage is a pool of 80+ companies which regularly visit our campus for live projects, summer internship programs and final placements. The highest package for our flagship PGDM program increased to 24 lacs.
- Diversity drives the thriving culture at JKBS. We have student representatives across 20 states with a gender diversity of 1:1.
- JK Business School is ranked # 7 among India’s Top 10 private higher education institutions for Best Academia-Industry Alliance in the Education World India Higher Education Grand Jury Awards 2020-21.
- JKBS Ranked 23rd in Top Private B-Schools in India by Education world Ranking.
- JKBS is the first B-School in the country to introduce business simulation game as part of its PGDM Admission Processes.
Q: Thanks for sharing these achievements. Please tell us about the process of your Curriculum Design. Do you invite Industry Experts, professionals and Subject matter Experts for the same?
A: JKBS Curriculum is designed on the basis of the guidelines provided by AICTE. Inputs are received from academic experts and industry professionals for modification and upgradation of the same on a regular basis, keeping into consideration the industry requirements. JKBS curriculum went through various stages before anything new gets implemented. We take feedback from students and alumni, discussion on existing and proposed areas of study in an academic body composed of academicians and industry representatives, curriculum development and final approval by the Board of studies.
The courses span across all the knowledge domains of business studies such as marketing, human resources, finance, supply chain and logistics, analytics not only this, we have introducing more courses in Fintech, Financial engineering, Sustainable Management to prepare students for global careers. The course contents, delivery and evaluation processes are curated in a manner to ensure the attainment of the learning outcomes of the students.
JKBS curriculum is laid on outcome-based approach and problem based learning in order to harness the ‘higher-order thinking skills’ (HOTS). This will foster analytical and critical thinking abilities of students and help them make data-based decisions and inculcate cross-cultural perspectives so they can function seamlessly in a global business environment.
Our pedagogy is majorly on working on real-time projects with industry professionals to give students' first-hand experience of the real-world scenarios. Our curriculum is based on innovative techniques like teaching -learning models, blended learning, flip classrooms, multi -media technology, experiential learning. Student centered learning pedagogy- shifting focus from instruction to learning, learner autonomy and participation, outcome based, lifelong learning, focus on skill based learning, students centered assessment.
Thus, for the holistic development of our students, we time-to-time organise many activities such as Webinars and e-Talks with Founders, Industry Leaders, Philanthropists, Motivational Speakers, Technology Front-runners etc were conducted time-to-time to keep students abreast with the changing times and to lay a platform to enable students to become thoughtful leaders and managers in the long run.
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
Q: What are key models in which you do effective Industry Integration?
A: The ROI in any MBA program is the job offer it accrues. The corporate connections our faculty have built and how they engage with recruiters pay dividends in the dream offers the students receive. Our industry partners are more than happy to recruit our graduates who display the potential the recruiters seek.
Our faculty members are continuously working on bringing top recruiters while also training and preparing students to come through the selection process. I would like to stress the quality of placement, not securing any job. The school boasts of a campus in the heart of the country. Gurugram is a place filled with industries looking to recruit young minds. All students must engage in a minimum of one project, and some students take up two to three projects.
Being a corporate anchored B-school, we have direct involvement of industry stalwarts in the planning and strategizing for the curriculum which provide first-hand experience and make education output more effective. Also, we believe in experiential learning and shifting our focus from learner autonomy and participation. Thus, for the same we organise regular e-talks, lecturers, workshops, conclaves, seminars where students can participate and interact directly from industry professionals and learn from their personal experiences.
Q: What Value Added and Job Oriented Courses in emerging Skills do you offer to students?
A: JKBS curriculum balances equitably the hard and soft skills necessary to transform a student into a smart, efficient, and responsible manager. Our courses encompasses soft and hard modules like Placement Preparatory Program Communicative English, Outbound Team Building Program, Industry Interaction, Personality, and Soft Skills Development, Corporate Etiquettes, Entrepreneurship, Financial Planning for Young Investors, ERP / SAP Module, Six Sigma Certification, Project Management Skills, Digital Marketing to make students industry ready.
Q: You offer Real-time Live projects with Industry partners. Can you give specific examples?
A: We partnered with AIMA Bizlab to offer training opportunities in state-of-the-art areas of technology and artificial intelligence. To keep the students relevant even in years to come there is compulsory Python training for all, Google Marketing Certifications included in the coursework and continuous Real-time Live Projects & CAPSTONE PROJECTS with Industry Partners. JKBS also has a tie-up with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) along with local industries, for a CSR project that the students accomplished.
Q: You say you offer good Placements with leading companies. Can you please share data…
A: Sure. Here are key updates from the ongoing Placements 2022:
- Average Salary: 5.05 Lakhs
- Highest Salary: Rs.24 lakh per annum
- Percentage of students placed: 90%
- Top Recruiters: EY, Berger Paints, Flipkart, Transport Corporation of India, Decathlon, Ameriprise Financial, Future Supply Chain, Unison International, BYJUs, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Pristyncare, and Vedantu are some of the top recruiters that participated in the placement drive this year.
Not only this, 19 students have been placed in the big 4 companies this time with 16 students hired by EY.
Banking, Logistics, FMCG, Recruitment Firm, Retail, IT, Healthcare are some other sectors where students are placed. With the world moving closer towards the new normal, the recruitment saw a new trend of active participation from eCommerce, Edtech, and major software firms.
Q: You offer “Govind Hari Singhania Global Immersion Programme” for eligible Students to study abroad. Can you please explain plans for 2022?
A: Govind Hari Singhania Immersion program spends in Rs 20.0 lakhs a year since 2015. The Immersion program funds several students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff the means to travel and explore the world.
Every year, selected students are sent to study abroad during the summer period.
Q: Coming to Admissions, you have introduced Business Simulation Gaming as an important tool in the upcoming PGDM admission. Tell us about this…
A: Yes, JKBS is India’s first B-School to have introduced business simulation gaming as an important criterion with a weightage of 20% in the upcoming PGDM admission. It gives an opportunity to students to get into the shoes of business professionals and analyse their analytical skills, thinking and problem solving approach across various functional areas of business processes. While up until now the selection criterion of PGDM course was based on general aptitude tests, with the advancement in technology it is also about assessing the business acumen of candidates.
Candidates will be provided credentials for the Management Game available on the JKBS website. He/she will be required to play the game for one day. The focus will be to test critical thinking, analytical ability, ability to understand and apply basic business concepts.
Q: Finally, what is your message to MBA/PGDM Aspirants…
A: The landscape of management education has undergone a huge transition over the years. With the changing business dynamics, there is a huge demand for motivated business professionals who are equipped with the skill sets of a specialist, and possess knowledge required to deal with multiple challenges. Thus, management studies are moved beyond the typical managerial roles and prepare students to deal with new complexities arising in the global business environment.
Business Schools are now focused on lessons based on the critical link between real-life issues and research-based education. The present and future of management education lies on Tech-Savvy curriculum, strong industry connections and learning beyond academics in order to nurture the managers of tomorrow.
With these insights from Director Dr Marwah, let’s now get into more details of JKBS Admissions Process.
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
JKBS Gurgaon Key USPs
From the above interview, and our research, we have spotted following USPs of JK Business School Gurgaon.
- Corporate Sponsored B-school: JK Business School is a member of the JK Organization, one of India's leading private sector groups. JK Organization is a highly diversified group having presence in different sectors including Cement, Tyre and Tubes, Fibers and Yarns, Papers, Automobile Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Sugar, Dairy Products, Agro Chemicals, Software and Education. The benefits of being a corporate - sponsored B-school are that it can produce ground-breaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce
- Focus on Skill Development: More and more focus is given on Fintech workshops, MDPs and certification workshops to foster analytical and critical thinking abilities of students and help them make data-based decisions in global business environment.
- Consistently Updated Curriculum: JKBS curriculum is laid on outcome-based approach and problem based learning in order to harness the ‘higher-order thinking skills’ (HOTS). Many activities such as Webinars and e-Talks with Founders, Industry Leaders, Philanthropists, Motivational Speakers, and Technology Front-runners are conducted time-to-time to keep students abreast with the changing times and to lay a platform to enable students to become thoughtful leaders and managers in the long run.
- Student Centered Learning Pedagogy: Pedagogy at JKBS involves hands-on experience by maneuvering case studies, applications based on real industry data, live projects and extensive corporate connect by way of veterans from the industry handling the academic delivery
- Moderate Fee: two Years PGDM programs Fee at JKBS is Rs.6.99 lakhs which is lower that the fee charged by most similar B-schools.
- Strong Placements: JKBS has a consistent record of strong placements. In the Placement 2022 JKBS has registered highest salary of Rs.24 LPA and Average salary of Rs.5.05 LPA. More details below.
Programs offered and Specialization
JKBS offers AICTE approved 2 years full time Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). JKBS has introduced digital learning in a big way and has introduced LinkedIn Learning. The new mode for learning has been a success with student participation and over 1000 plus courses taken on LinkedIn Learning which included writing professional emails, Excel for Managers, courses in Marketing, Branding and many more. JKBS offers wide range of specializations in the areas of Marketing, Finance, International Business, Retail, Business Analytics among others. Students are given freedom to choose their electives from as many domains they desire. Every year different value added courses are evaluated.
JKBS Placements 2022: Consistently offering high RoI
JK Business School has a consistent record of high placements. Key highlights of Placement 2022 are:
- 82 Companies participated in the final placement process 2022
- Highest package rises to Rs.24 LPA
- Average Salary increases to Rs.5.05 LPA
- Median salary increased to Rs.3.83 LPA
- Active participation from companies across domains
- Finance and consulting Firms took the biggest share in Placement 2022.
- Other prominent sectors are Banking, Logistics, FMCG, Recruitment Firms, Retail, IT, Healthcare, E-Commerce, Edtech and software firms in which high placement ratio persisted.
- Top Recruiters in placement 2022 include Nestle, EY, KPMG, Vodafone, Ameriprice Financial, Flipkart, Decathlon, Ceasefire Industries, Berger Paints
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
JKBS Admissions 2022
If you are considering admissions at JKBS, here are key details.
JKBS Admission Eligibility
JKBS has prescribed two important points for PGDM Admission eligibility 2022:
- Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University
- Candidates appearing in final examination 2022 can also apply
How to apply for Admission 2022
You can apply online for PGDM admission 2022 by entering your 3-4 personal details in brief
JKBS GurgaonSelection Process
- JKBS follows the AICTE guidelines to evaluate the applications.
- Selection process is based on WAT/MG/PI i.e. Written ability test, management Game, and personal Interview.
- Weightage is given to National Management Aptitude Test score (CAT, MAT, CMAT etc) and performance in WAT/MG/PI
- Weightage is given to Sports /Extra -curricular activities, Academic Diversity and Gender Diversity
- Due weightage is given to Past Academic Performance (10th, 12th and Graduation)
- as per the following weightage criteria-
JKBS Final Admission Process
Following steps are included in the JKBS Admission process:
Step 1: The candidate should have applied and appeared in one of the National Level MBA entrance exams
Step 2: Candidates should apply for admission to JKBS Gurgaon
Step 3: Candidates should participate in WAT/MG/PI Round conducted by JKBS
Step 4: Final admission offers will be made to successful candidates.
JKBS Gurgaon PGDM Admission 2022 Open - Apply Now
Also Read: Latest updates on MBA Admissions, MBA Entrance Exams and MBA Placements.
