Overview: Great Lakes Institute of Management
Great Lakes Institute of Management, established in 2004, is a leading private business school situated in Chennai, India, with an additional campus in Gurgaon (Delhi NCR). Founded by Dr. Bala V. Balachandran, the institute has rapidly risen to prominence within India’s management education landscape. It is recognized for its research-driven and teaching-focused approach, catering to more than 1,000 students annually with around 50 faculty members. The multi-campus presence and a strong network of industry ties enable the institution to deliver high-impact education at scale, making it a notable choice for international collaborations and talent recruitment.
Great Lakes is particularly renowned for its flagship programs such as the one-year Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM) and the two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). The curriculum embraces a unique “Business-Ready Manager” philosophy, integrating analytics, entrepreneurship, and sustainability throughout its programs. The institute is lauded for pioneering the adoption of analytics and artificial intelligence in Indian B-schools and maintains academic collaborations with institutions like Yale, Nanyang Technological University, and Babson College. Great Lakes has also been consistently ranked among the top 10 business schools in India by reputed agencies such as NIRF and Outlook. Its research output and thought leadership are evidenced by frequent industry conferences, publications, and a robust network of corporate partnerships.
Student life at Great Lakes is vibrant and fully immersive. Over 30 clubs and committees cater to diverse interests spanning consulting, entrepreneurship, culture, and athletics. Annual flagship events like L’Attitude and Crest foster both competition and collaboration, while initiatives such as Karma Yoga enable students to engage deeply with community service. The campus environment emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, drawing students from across India and abroad. Modern on-campus housing, sports facilities, arts, and wellness programs ensure a holistic development experience. Dedicated support services, including career counseling and peer mentoring, further enrich the student journey.
Great Lakes Institute of Management is dedicated to shaping responsible business leaders through innovation, integrity, and global perspective. The institute remains committed to sustainability, experiential learning, and cultivating a diverse community where future leaders develop as agents of positive change in society.
