Is IISWBM a Good Option for an MBA Program?

Is IISWBM a Good Option for an MBA Program?

Yes, IISWBM is worth your consideration for the MBA. It has strong academics, good value for your investment, and reasonable industry exposure. It is one of the oldest business schools in India, which offers a strong reputation, a significant alumni network, decent placement opportunities with a scalable return on investment (ROI), and international scholarship options. IISWBM’s Specializations are Financial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics and System Management, Production and Operation Management.

Is IISWBM a Government College or a Private College?

IISWBM refers to the Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management in Kolkata. It is a government-affiliated B-school, not a private university.  It was established in 1953 through a joint initiative by the University of Calcutta, the Government of West Bengal, and the Government of India. Its MBA programs are approved by the AICTE/UGC.

Is it a Tier 1 or Tier 2 institution?

IISWBM is a Tier 2 B-school nationally; it does not rank in the top schools like IIMs, FMS, XLRI, etc. However, in Kolkata / West Bengal / East Zone, it is ranked fine. The institute is assessed relatively well on a state ranking and has a reasonable reputation at the regional level.

Accreditation and Recognition  

AICTE Approved: The institute is recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). 

University Affiliated: Most of its IISWBM PG programs, including its MBA programs, are affiliated with Calcutta University. 

Academic Firsts: IISWBM was the first institute to offer an MBA degree in India and Southeast Asia. It is ranked 22nd by the Outlook I-CARE Ranking 2025, but has continually retained more sustainable rankings with its existence.

According to Economic Times Human Resource Management, IISWBM earned those HRM rankings 33 Overall 37. Also, IISWBM received the contract to Mentor Institute with IIMC and IIT Dhanbad. 

India Today: 25th in India

Fortune India’s Best B-Schools 2022: Top B-school for “Brand Appeal” Recognition in India

Fortune India’s Best B-Schools 2022: 2nd among B-schools in Kolkata, 8th in Eastern Zone

Business Today – India’s Best B-Schools 2022: Top 10 B-schools in Eastern Zone

Eastern India and the 4th B-school among government B-schools.

Advantages of IISWBM’s MBA - Key Highlights

Established legacy:  IISWBM is among the first business schools in India and enjoys public recognition in Eastern India.

Recognised MBA programme: The institute does offer a full-time MBA (Day) and other variants, so this means that it operates like a business school.

Affordable in comparison:  For most students, the cost of an MBA at IISWBM can be comparatively lower than other prestigious national B-schools in India.

Fair regional placement ecosystem: For students targeting opportunities in Kolkata / East India, they have a network and placement cell that actually has interaction with BFSI, FMCG, consulting, and not-for-profit sectors. For example, the highest package for the MBA (Day) in 2025 was ?16 LPA, and for the MBA (PS) variant was ?11.5 LPA.

IISWBM Placement Snapshot – 2023-25 Trend

Conclusion to Is IISWBM a Good Option for an MBA Program

IISWBM is a good option for aspirants looking for a reputable, affordable, and good-quality MBA in Eastern India. They offer a strong educational background, reasonable placement support, and a decent ROI for students planning to work in Kolkata or neighboring cities. If you are aiming for higher national or international compensation packages and thinking of colleges in a higher tier, you might want to consider other options.  

For practical learners who are looking for quality management education at an affordable price, particularly those who are targeting a future in East India, IISWBM may be a reasonable option.