Look under any stone in Bangalore, and you’ll find two things — a software engineer and a business school. The Indian management education system is the second largest in the world today and Bangalore boasts of a large number of such institutes.

But Bangalore’s Swiss Graduate School of Management (SGSM), which was started last year, claims to be different from the rest. “SGSM offers an international MBA in cooperation with the SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich,” says Prof. V. Sherin Bovas, director, SGSM.

Across borders

SGSM’s MBA programme has been developed with globalisation in mind, claims Bovas. “It also focusses on leadership development and character strengthening,” he says.

The institute has been accredited by the International Association of Collegiate Business Education and EDUQUA, which is the education quality certification body of the Swiss federal government. “SGSM is also a member of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and the European Council of International Schools,” he adds.

Says Neha Verma, a first-year MBA student at SGSM, “Very few B-schools in India offer an international MBA programme. I am getting to do a business management programme accredited by a Swiss college at the Indian cost. It’s a double bonus.” She adds that an international visiting faculty adds value to the programme.

SGSM is yet to make it to the list of top B-schools in India though. Bert Wolfs, academic dean, SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich, takes a philosophical stand. “We have not fallen into the trap of the rat race of ranking. We focus on developing a strong character in our students and a lifelong love for learning. We stand for quality,” claims Wolfs.

SGSM offers a full-time MBA programme as well as an executive MBA and corporate training for managers.

“The MBA degree is offered by the SBS Swiss Business School, with specialisations in international management, global finance and banking, marketing and human resource management,” says Wolfs.

The institute organises corporate training programmes in areas like communication and interpersonal skills and leadership programmes for senior and middle managers. “Our faculty consists of industry experts and academicians. The courses aim to help participants improve their business sense,” claims Bovas.

Mind and body

SGSM claims to offer world-class infrastructure. The campus, near Bangalore’s Outer Ring Road, has air-conditioned classrooms with Internet and LCD projectors, a digital library, study rooms, discussion areas, board rooms and an audio-visual room.

However, it’s not just all work and no play. The institute offers an international-style cafeteria, called Café Inch, and a discotheque. The SGSM campus also has an area marked for every sport, ranging from squash to basketball.

Admission to SGSM is through the Common Admission Test (CAT) and XAT, GMAT and the SBS admission test. “In the interview rounds, an extempore topic is given to candidates, who are then given three minutes to present their case,” says Wolfs. That is followed by a final interview with the dean or director. The annual fee is Rs 2.5 lakh.

SGSM claims to have absolute success in placement. “The institute has a placement cell. Batches have seen hundred per cent placements,” says Wolfs.

Varuna Verma

Vital Statistics

WHAT IS IT? A business school.

WHO’S THE BOSS? V. Sherin Bovas is the director.

WHAT about jobs? The institute has a placement cell and claims to have had 100 per cent placement so far.

WHere to stay? There is a hostel for girls on campus and one for boys nearby.

WHere is it located? Gear Campus, Gear Road, Off Sarjapur Road and Outer Ring Road, Behind Intel Campus, Doddakannelli, Bangalore-560035.
Telephone: 080-28440099
E-mail: info@sgsm.ac.in
Website: www.sgsm.ac.in