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PGP-LSM at IIM Kozhikode: Redefining Management with Liberal Studies

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PGP-LSM at IIM Kozhikode: Redefining Management with Liberal Studies

Introduction to PGP-LSM at IIM Kozhikode

The Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies & Management (PGP-LSM) at IIM Kozhikode is a forward-thinking master’s degree that breaks the traditional mold of MBA education. Designed for aspirants who envision leadership roles in people-facing sectors—media, HR, healthcare, hospitality, social enterprise—it’s a two-year full-time residential program rooted in diversity of thought and interdisciplinary insight.



Why Liberal Studies in Management?

In a world where business challenges are complex and nuanced, PGP-LSM addresses a fundamental gap in management education: the ability to operate in ambiguity. Unlike conventional MBAs that emphasize analytical rigour in siloed domains, PGP-LSM integrates emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and creative reasoning—traits increasingly demanded in leadership roles across sectors.



Program Structure and Curriculum

PGP-LSM spans two years across six terms. The curriculum blends liberal arts with managerial science, starting with foundational induction modules such as:

  • Spreadsheet Analysis

  • Executive Grooming

  • Social Innovation

  • Pedagogy (Cases, Simulations, Written Analysis)


First-Year Core Courses:

  • Marketing Management

  • Microeconomics & Macroeconomics

  • Organisational Behaviour

  • History of Management Thought

  • Social Psychology & Sociology

  • Design Thinking & Innovation

  • Strategic Management

  • Gandhian Leadership Workshop


Second-Year Focus:

  • Qualitative Inquiry

  • Political Science & Management

  • Dissertation & Viva

  • Integrative Simulation

  • Discovering Self



Elective Clusters and Specialization Tracks

In the second year, students select electives from interdisciplinary clusters:

1. Health, Hospitality & Tourism2. Social Enterprises & NGOs3. Communication, Films & Entertainment

Electives include:

  • Public Health Management

  • Film & Media Studies

  • Globalisation & Culture

  • Responsible Leadership

  • Humanitarian Supply Chain Management

  • Digital Innovation & Business Transformation

This flexibility supports diverse career goals while maintaining intellectual breadth.



International and Rural Immersion Modules

A hallmark of the PGP-LSM is its Immersion Learning approach:

  • Rural Immersion: First-hand exposure to developmental challenges in Indian villages.

  • International Immersion: Understanding business dynamics in global contexts through a short-term study tour or project with international universities and organizations.



Admissions: Three-Stage Selection Process

Stage 1: Eligibility Check and Online Registration

Candidates with valid CAT 2024, GMAT, or GRE scores can register online. Basic academic qualifications and score thresholds apply, depending on the category.


Stage 2: Shortlisting via Aggregate Index Score (AIS)

AIS is computed using:

  • Entrance test scores (40%)

  • Class X and XII marks (20% each)

  • Academic Diversity (10%)

  • Gender Diversity (5%)

  • Work Experience (5%)


Stage 3: WAT + Personal Interview

Shortlisted candidates undergo a Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) assessing their liberal studies aptitude, communication, awareness, and leadership potential.

Final selection is based on:

  • AIS (40%)

  • WAT (20%)

  • PI (40%)



Eligibility Criteria and Entrance Tests

Applicants must meet the following academic and test score criteria:

  • Graduates/Postgraduates: Minimum 60%

  • CA/CMA/CS Qualified: Minimum 50%

  • Valid Score in:

    • CAT 2024

    • GMAT Focus Edition

    • GRE (no home-based scores accepted)

Those in the final year of their degree can apply provisionally with appropriate documentation.



Unique Features of the Program

  • Interdisciplinary Lens: Courses from humanities, public policy, management, and technology.

  • Dissertation-Based: A Master's Thesis ensures rigorous research exposure.

  • Gender and Academic Diversity: Actively promoted through admission scoring.

  • Access to Electives from Other PG Programs: Enhancing peer learning and career customization.



Career Opportunities for PGP-LSM Graduates

Graduates from the PGP-LSM program can explore careers in:

  • Strategic HR, Brand Strategy, Corporate Communication

  • Social Impact Consulting and Public Sector Management

  • Healthcare, Media, and Policy Innovation Roles

  • Startups and NGOs seeking leadership with systems thinking

With a strong foundation in management principles and a liberal studies perspective, PGP-LSM alumni are poised for leadership roles that value context, empathy, and innovation.


Conclusion: Is PGP-LSM the Right Fit for You?

If you are a business aspirant who resonates with storytelling as much as with strategy, who seeks to drive social innovation along with operational efficiency, or who wants to lead with empathy, then PGP-LSM at IIM Kozhikode is more than a degree—it’s a transformative journey.



Applying to a unique program like PGP-LSM requires clarity, strategic storytelling, and thoughtful articulation of your interdisciplinary fit.

Get your profile evaluated or essays reviewed by expert MBA admission consultants at GOALisB.

Visit GOALisB.com for a free consultation or personalized admissions guidance.

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