Start-up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE): An Entrepreneurship Programme, IIM Calcutta
Last date of Admission : 31 October 2026
Start-up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE): An Entrepreneurship Programme, IIM Calcutta
Last date of Admission : 31 October 2026
Two Certifications Included – IIM Calcutta + IIMC Innovation Park
Weekend Expert Sessions
Opportunity to Pitch Ideas to Investors
Campus Immersion Experience
About IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program
The Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) was established in 1961. Since its inception, IIM Calcutta has offered higher education programs in postgraduate, doctoral, and executive management studies. The executive programs are delivered in a direct-to-device mode and cover areas such as management, leadership, strategy, finance, analytics, and entrepreneurship.
Start-Up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE) Entrepreneurship Program is one such program offered by IIM Calcutta to entrepreneurs and working professionals at the post-ideation stage. This 9-month course covers different stages of the startup journey, from validating an idea and developing an MVP to marketing, funding, team building, and business planning.
Participants will also have the opportunity to present business ideas to an expert panel and investors, along with two 3-day campus immersions at IIM Calcutta.
Accreditations and Approvals of IIM Calcutta
Triple Accreditation
IIM Calcutta is the first Indian business school to receive accreditation from three leading international accreditation bodies: AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System).
IIRF 2025
IIM Calcutta is ranked #3 in the IIRF 2025 rankings among management institutes in India. This reflects its strong academic support for students and the overall reputation it has built over the years.
CEMS
IIM Calcutta is also the only business school in India that is a member of CEMS. CEMS(Community of Schools in Management) is a global alliance involving leading business schools, multinational companies, and NGOs.
QS Global Rankings
In the QS Global Rankings, IIM Calcutta ranked #59, highlighting the program’s international standing.
FT Global MBA Rankings 2024
In the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2024, IIM Calcutta was ranked #67 globally.
Eligibility Criteria of IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program
The eligibility criteria may vary across IIT Roorkee executive and certificate programmes.
Intended for Entrepreneurs
The online entrepreneurship course is primarily intended for entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the ideation stage.
Work/Academic Experience
Candidates with a graduation in any discipline can apply. They must have at least 1 year of full-time professional work experience after graduation.
Key Highlights of IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program
Students should know that there are several factors behind the non-approval of BTech in Distance Education. The reasons below explain why BTech Distance Education is not recognised in India.
Weekend Live Sessions
IIM Calcutta faculty conduct the sessions through direct-to-device mode on weekends. Sessions include lectures, practitioner interactions, case discussions, and mentorship.
Joint Certification Awarded
On successful completion, participants receive a joint certificate from IIM Calcutta and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
Opportunity to Meet Investors
Selected participants can present their business plans before an expert panel. Top-performing participants may also get an opportunity from IIM Calcutta to pitch their ideas to investors for potential funding.
Better Understanding of Financial Acumen
The program covers topics like costs, revenue, profitability, break-even analysis, funding requirements, and unit economics to help participants understand the financial side of running a startup.
90+ Hours of Structured Learning
Participants of this course receive more than 90 hours of structured learning covering different stages of the startup journey, from idea validation to business planning.
Visit to IIM Calcutta Campus
Students will also get an opportunity to attend two 3-day campus immersions at IIM Calcutta. The first immersion takes place at the beginning and the second towards the end of the program.
Receive 1:1 Mentoring
The IIM Calcutta SURGE program also includes one-to-one mentorship sessions with IIMCIP mentors during the program. These sessions will focus on refining the business plan and applying classroom learning to the venture.
Start-up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE): An Entrepreneurship Programme, IIM Calcutta Course
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete their program will receive the respective program certificate from IIM Calcutta, along with the applicable alumni status. The certificate reflects their learning and course completion.
IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program Curriculum
| Module | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Introduction & Startup Journey | During this module, students will learn about the startup lifecycle and the challenges businesses face during their early stages. The module also focuses on the Valley of Death, why startups fail, and innovation management. |
| Ideation & Validation | Working professionals will gain insights into how to develop customer-centric solutions and identify their target users. The module also covers problem definition and the Customer Value Proposition (CVP) Canvas to validate a business idea. |
| Product Development & MVP | Participants will understand how to develop and test an early version of a product. The module covers value chain analysis, MVP design, and MVP validation to assess whether the product meets customer needs. |
| Marketing & Strategy | IIM Calcutta faculty will guide students in assessing market potential and positioning their startup. The module covers TAM, SAM, SOM, differentiation, USP, and pricing to help build a clearer marketing and business strategy. |
| Go-to-Market Strategy | In this module, the focus will be on how to take a product to its target market. This module also covers creating awareness, reaching and acquiring customers, customer retention, channel utilization, and branding. |
| Financial Planning & Funding | Participants will develop a better understanding of startup finances. They will learn about costs, revenue, profitability, break-even points, funding requirements, and unit economics. |
| Building the Organization | Participants will learn how to build an organization around their business goals. The module covers organizational structure, attracting talent, and team design for developing and managing an early-stage venture. |
| The Business Plan | Participants will work on the key components of a business plan and bring together their learning from the program. They will also prepare a pitch deck to present their business idea clearly to experts and potential investors. The program also includes a capstone project focused on developing a business plan throughout the course. |
Specializations to Choose in PG Certificate Programme in Global CXO Leadership
This program is open to any working professional or diploma holder seeking a formal BTech (experience requirements vary per institute).
Here are some more common eligibility criteria to apply:
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chief Business Officer (CBO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program Fees
IIM Calcutta Start-up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE): The entrepreneurship program fee is ₹2,98,000 in 2026.
Interested candidates will have to pay an initial processing fee of ₹ 8000. You can also pay the rest in installments, as decided by the institute.
Who Can Pursue IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Programme?
Early Career Executives
Early-career professionals who want to understand entrepreneurship can use the programme to build knowledge across business planning, marketing, finance, and startup execution.
Entrepreneurs with a Business Idea
Entrepreneurs with a validated business idea can refine their concept, understand customers, develop an MVP, and prepare a structured business plan.
Any Working Professionals
Working professionals who want to pursue entrepreneurship alongside their careers can join the programme through its weekend learning format.
Women Business Leaders
Women professionals and business leaders looking to strengthen their entrepreneurial and business management understanding can use the programme to work on their venture ideas and business plans.
Entrepreneurs from Non-Metro Cities
Entrepreneurs from non-metro locations can participate through the online learning format while also getting an opportunity to attend campus immersions at IIM Calcutta.
Earn a DBA from Rushford Business School
Designed for Senior Professionals & Executives
Ideal for managers, founders, and consultants looking to formalise their expertise with a doctoral credential.
DBA from a Recognised B-school
Rushford is EduQua certified and holds memberships in renowned global bodies like BAC, AACSB, and IACBE.
Certification from NSDC
Upon completion of this Doctorate program, you shall be awarded an additional Certification from NSDC, recognised by the Indian Ministry of Skill Development.
Who Can Pursue IIT Roorkee Data Science, Machine Learning & Generative AI?
Data Analysts
Professionals already working with data can strengthen their knowledge of machine learning, deep learning and Generative AI to take on more advanced analytical responsibilities.
Software & IT Professionals
Software professionals can add data and AI capabilities to their existing technical background and understand how intelligent models can be developed and deployed.
Engineers
Engineers who want to grow in their current work profile can build practical expertise in data science and AI to work on data-driven products, automation, and intelligent applications.
Machine Learning Professionals
Professionals with existing ML knowledge can expand their skill set into areas such as Deep Learning, Generative AI, MLOps and large-scale data processing.
Technology Professionals
Those working in technology roles can use the programme to understand how modern AI solutions are developed, managed and integrated into business environments.
Professionals Looking for an AI Transition
Professionals with a suitable technical background who want to move towards data science, machine learning or AI-focused roles can use the programme to build structured knowledge across these domains.
Career Outcomes of IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Programme
Develop an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Participants can build an entrepreneurial approach to identifying problems, evaluating opportunities, managing uncertainty, and making business decisions.
Build Early Startups Easily
Participants can apply their learning across ideation, validation, product development, marketing, funding, and organisation building to develop and grow an early-stage venture.
Build Relevant Market Skills
The programme covers customer acquisition, market sizing, positioning, pricing, branding, and go-to-market strategies that are relevant to building a business.
Present Ideas with Utmost Clarity
The programme helps participants structure their business ideas into business plans and pitch decks that can be presented to experts and investors.
Develop Financial Awareness
Participants can understand important financial concepts such as costs, revenue, profitability, break-even points, funding requirements, and unit economics.
Available Specialisations in Doctorate of Business Administration, Rushford University
International Business
Finance
Healthcare Management
Human Resource Management
Data Science
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
Big Data
General Management
Sustainability & Environmental Management
( You can download the brochure to know more about the curriculum)
IIM Calcutta Online Application Process
Submit the Enquiry Form
Fill in your details and program preference.
Select your Preferred Course
Choose the course and complete the initial registration.
Submit Documents
Share the required details and documents to proceed. Candidates may have to attend an interview if required.
Complete Onboarding Process
Finish the onboarding formalities if required by the institute.
Get Expert Counseling
Speak with a programme advisor for guidance.
Pay the Initial Fee
Pay the required fee to start the admission process.
Receive your Offer Letter and Confirm Participation
Students will receive an offer letter. They have to confirm their participation in the program.
Begin your Program
Start learning as per the scheduled program date.
Submit the Enquiry Form
Fill in your details and program preference.
Get Expert Counseling
Speak with a programme advisor for guidance.
Select your Preferred Course
Choose the course and complete the initial registration.
Pay the Initial Fee
Pay the required fee to start the admission process.
Submit Documents
Share the required details and documents to proceed. Candidates may have to attend an interview if required.
Receive your Offer Letter and Confirm Participation
Students will receive an offer letter. They have to confirm their participation in the program.
Complete Onboarding Process
Finish the onboarding formalities if required by the institute.
Begin your Program
Start learning as per the scheduled program date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the IIM Calcutta Entrepreneurial Development Programme?
The IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Programme is a 9-month entrepreneurship programme for post-ideation entrepreneurs and working professionals. It covers startup ideation, validation, product development, marketing, funding, organisation building, and business planning.
Q2. What is the objective of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme?
The programme aims to provide budding entrepreneurs with a structured toolkit for building and growing a venture. Participants work on their own business ideas and develop a business plan with guidance from faculty, practitioners, and mentors.
Q3. What is the fee for IIM Calcutta Start-up Readiness, Growth and Execution (SURGE): An Entrepreneurship Program?
The current programme fee listed by TimesPro is ₹2,98,000 + applicable taxes. Candidates can also pay via monthly installments.
Q4. Is it difficult to get into the IIM Calcutta SURGE Entrepreneurship Program?
Admission is based on the candidate’s application, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and overall academic and professional credentials. Candidates must also meet the programme’s educational and work experience requirements.