Kolkata, May 20, 2026: The Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta and Bengal Business Council jointly announced an Academia – Industry Partnership aimed at fostering innovation, skill development, and future-ready opportunities for MBA students. The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 200 students every year from the institution’s flagship MBA – Dual Specialisation and MBA – HRD programmes.
The collaboration was announced in the presence of Prof. Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice Chancellor, University of Calcutta; Prof. Debasis Das, Registrar, University of Calcutta; Prof. Sharmistha Banerjee, Head, Dept of Business Management, University of Calcutta; Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, Bengal Business Council; Debarshi Duttagupta, Vice President, Bengal Business Council; Avishek Auddy, Chairman, Bengal Business Council and Subhashis Dutt, Founder & General Secretary, Bengal Business Council along with Prof. Konica Chatterjee, Dean; Prof. Rajib Dasgupta, Former Dean; Prof. Tanupa Chakraborty from the BBA Department, University of Calcutta and other dignitaries.
As part of the association framework, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the Bengal Business Council will engage with students as guest faculty, mentors and speakers, providing valuable industry insights and practical exposure. The students will also receive internship opportunities across various BBC member organisations, enabling them to gain hands-on industry experience and develop a deeper understanding of real-world business practices. In addition, the initiative will facilitate placement opportunities through the council’s extensive business network, helping students build stronger career pathways and enhance their professional readiness.
“University of Calcutta is pioneering industry-academia collaboration in West Bengal. We are committed to building meaningful partnerships that connect classroom learning with real-world practice, creating transformative opportunities for the future of our students. Such an interface will also foster entrepreneurial talent for the economic development of the state,” Prof. Ashutosh Ghosh, Vice Chancellor, University of Calcutta
“Such collaborations are very much aligned with the mandate of RUSA and the University feels privileged to play a pioneering role in strengthening the academia–industry interface. I compliment the Bengal Business Council for taking this meaningful initiative for the larger community benefit and for creating a platform that will encourage stronger engagement between academia and industry. I also appreciate the efforts of the faculty members whose guidance and encouragement will help students gain immensely from this partnership and its industry exposure opportunities,” said Prof. Debasis Das, Registrar, University of Calcutta.
“Management education must evolve with the changing needs of industry. At the University of Calcutta, we believe classroom learning combined with industry exposure helps students develop a more practical, informed perspective. This initiative will create opportunities for students to engage closely with the corporate sector and understand real business environments. As one of India’s leading state universities, we remain focused on preparing students for the professional world through meaningful academic and industry collaboration,” said Prof. Rajib Dasgupta, Dean (Acting), University of Calcutta.
“MBA program of the University of Calcutta is undergoing a dynamic rejuvenation by collaborating with BBC. It will set the pathway for NEP, integrating real world business exposure with management education and align students’ expectations with reality. This synergy will promote entrepreneurship and University of Calcutta will be the catalyst in regional development”, said Prof Sharmistha Banerjee, Head, Dept of Business Management, University of Calcutta.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between academic learning and industry expectations by creating platforms for interaction, mentorship, internships, industry exposure, and collaborative learning. The partnership will focus on equipping students with practical insights and professional competencies aligned with evolving business and market dynamics.
“The future of industry will be shaped by young professionals who are not only academically strong but also equipped with practical understanding, adaptability and leadership capabilities. Through this partnership, we aim to create a meaningful platform where students can directly interact with experienced business leaders, understand evolving industry expectations, and gain real-world exposure that strengthens their professional journey. This reflects our commitment towards nurturing talent and contributing to the development of a stronger and more industry-ready workforce for Bengal,” said Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, Bengal Business Council.
“As a member of BBC, we at East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd welcome this collaboration with the University of Calcutta. We will be happy to provide practical knowledge to the selected students during their internship,” said Debarshi Duttagupta, Vice President, Bengal Business Council.
“A strong industry – academia interface is essential for creating opportunities that are aligned with the needs of today’s business environment. This collaboration is not only about internships or placements; it is about building confidence, encouraging innovation, and preparing students to take on future challenges with the right blend of knowledge and practical insight. We believe this kind of initiative will play an important role in strengthening Bengal’s talent ecosystem and supporting the next generation of business leaders”, said Mr.
Avishek Auddy, Chairman, Bengal Business Council.
Both the University of Calcutta and Bengal Business Council stated that the partnership aims to create a stronger industry – academia ecosystem in Bengal by encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and career-oriented learning. The initiative is expected to open new avenues for students while contributing towards the development of future-ready management professionals equipped to meet evolving industry demands.
