IIM Calcutta – Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication
(APSLC) - Batch 07
The Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC) by IIM Calcutta is a pioneering initiative designed to redefine how communication operates at the strategic core of leadership. Moving far beyond traditional ideas of corporate communication or presentation skills, APSLC integrates frameworks from behavioural economics, digital transformation, AI, analytics, and performative communication to create a dynamic and future-ready leadership toolkit.
Through an interdisciplinary blend of conceptual learning, real-world case studies, and immersive workshops, the programme empowers professionals to craft narratives that inspire, influence, and drive strategic outcomes. Participants will explore how communication shapes leadership identity, builds credibility, resolves conflicts, leverages data stories, and transforms digital presence into leadership impact.
APSLC isn’t about mastering soft skills — it’s about mastering strategic expression: the ability to communicate vision, align teams, and engage diverse audiences with purpose and precision. Designed and delivered by IIM Calcutta’s distinguished faculty, this programme helps leaders discover the art and science of communication that moves organizations forward in an era of constant change.
Programme Highlights
Duration
6 months
Eligibility
Eligibility: 5+ years of work experience
Mode of Delivery
Blended with Live Online (D2D) and Campus Immersion
Live Sessions
Live online sessions every Saturday (10 AM to 1 PM)
Campus Immersion
2 campus modules (total 7 days) at IIM Calcutta
Last Date to Apply
13th February 2026
Alumni Status
IIM Calcutta Completion Certificate & Executive Education Alumni Status
Fees
INR 2,80,000/- + GST
The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) was established as the first national institute for Post-Graduate studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961 in collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, The Ford Foundation and Indian industry. Over the past four decades, IIM Calcutta has blossomed into one of Asia Pacific region's premier business schools and amongst the top 3 business schools in India.
Programme Overview & Objectives
Programme Overview
The Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC) aims to equip participants with the strategic, analytical, and creative communication capabilities essential for effective leadership in today’s complex business landscape. The programme seeks to transform experienced professionals into visionary communicators who can influence stakeholders, drive organizational goals, and lead with clarity and impact.
It focuses on developing an advanced understanding of how communication functions as a leadership strategy — integrating insights from behavioural economics, data storytelling, intercultural communication, digital platforms, AI, and gamification. Participants will learn to design persuasive narratives, manage conflicts, communicate across diverse audiences, and build credible leadership identities in both traditional and digital ecosystems.
Ultimately, the objective of APSLC is to empower leaders to think strategically, communicate purposefully, and inspire transformational change within their organizations and industries.
Programme Objective
- Leading with Communication Strategy: Conceptualizing of a start-up toolkit for positioning communication not just as medium of interaction but as leadership strategy.
- Sales Pitch through Impactful Argumentation: Using the NUDGE factor from the domain of behavioral economics as communication converters.
- Public Speaking – Crafting a Contemporary Public Narrative: Repositioning oration as a leadership skill for contemporary inclusive oriented industry and policy.
- Leveraging Digital Communication for Leaders: Preparing platform-oriented strategies for digital presence and impact
- Inter-Cultural Business Communication: Understanding of various cultural dimensions which are active in transnational work spaces for designing effective communications.
- Data Presentations: Reorienting data through stories for persuasive presentations.
- Leaders as Conflict Processors – Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Transposing communication from the area of literature to the disciplines of behavioral sciences.
- Story-telling in the Digital Era – Employing trans-medial, branding and digital story-telling as leading market influencers
- Communication Analytics – Visual Communication Trends: Adopting a neo-classical approach in analyzing visual data in the larger pool of data analytics for business investigations
- Communicating With(out) AI: Understanding how AI (primarily large language models (LLMs) and the age of generative text affects leadership communication.
- Gamification: Leveraging game-like elements in non-game scenarios.
Understand the strategic core of communication and its multidimensional potential
Explore Leadership Communication through diverse disciplines such as Gamification, Data Storytelling, New Media Technologies, Agility and Contemporaneity
Build trust and influence through communication in leadership roles
Study essential communication frameworks to navigate complex business environments through critical thinking and adaptability
Adopt a neo-classical approach to Communication Analytics
Understand the Argumentation / Persuasion theory of behavioral economics as communication converters
Programme Curriculum
-
Module 1 (2 sessions):
- Communication Strategies for Leaders: An Initiation into leadership Communication
- Tools for Credibility Building
- Packaging Audience Benefits
-
Module 2 (3 sessions):
- Sales Pitch through Impactful Argumentation: ‘Behaviorconomics’ in Designing a Winning Argument
- Narratives: The Nudge Factor
- Sales Pitch: Major trends in Narrative-Pitch
-
Module 3 (4 sessions):
- Public Speaking: Crafting a Contemporary Public Narrative
- Persuasion and Influence
- Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity through Communication: Gender, Sexuality, Neurodiversity, Inter-generationality
- Public Narrative and Leadership Storytelling
-
Module 4 (4 sessions):
- Leveraging Digital Communication for Leaders: Preparing platform-oriented strategies for digital presence and impact
- Understanding convergence cultures
- Leveraging digital platforms
- Role of social media in brand building and recognition
-
Module 5 (3 sessions)
- Inter-Cultural Communication: Communications Conforming to Cultural Dimensions
- Conceptual Background
- Understanding Cultural Dimensions
- Persuasion Tactics
-
Module 6 (2 sessions):
- Data Presentations: Reorienting data through stories
- Data Persuasion: Theories and Practice
- Data Stories
-
Module 7 (4 sessions):
- Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Interpersonal Communications for Productive Workplace Transactions
- Understanding Conflict
- Analyzing Various Negotiation Tactics as Bargain Moves
-
Module 8 (2 sessions):
- Storytelling in the Digital Era: Introducing concepts and frameworks of storytelling
- Storytelling
- Trans-medial Storytelling
-
Module 9 (2 sessions):
- Communication Analytics – Visual Communication Trends: Re-designing Decision Making for Competitive Market
- Visual Communication as indicative of Market Trends
- Understanding Visual-Market Systems
-
Module 10 (3rd session continued) - (1 session):
- Communication With(out) AI: Understanding AI in the age of generative text and its effects on communication
- Theories and Concepts of AI (LLM and Generative textuality)
- Workshop on applications of AI in communications
-
Module 11 (2 sessions):
- Gamification: Applying game-like elements in non-game/business situations
- Concepts and Octalysis Framework
- Workshop to understand applications
-
Public Speaking and Presentation Examinations
- Individual Examination on public speaking
- Team presentation
-
Module Based Evaluations
- After every Module, participants will be given group assignments
Curriculum Structure
Leading with Communication Strategy
Sales Pitch through Impactful Argumentation
Public Speaking—Crafting a Contemporary Public Narrative
Leveraging Digital Communication for Leaders
Inter-Cultural Business Communication
Data Presentations
Leaders as Conflict Processors—Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
Storytelling in the Digital Era
Communication Analytics - Visual Communication Trends
Communicating With(out) AI
Gamification
Important Dates
Who Should Apply
APSLC is designed for corporate professionals who need to use communication to pave the way for the actualization of their vision and achievement of goals through collective action. The programme will greatly benefit corporate leaders as well as those desirous of assuming higher leadership positions in the near future.
Those in the following roles will particularly find this programme immensely beneficial:
- CEOs
- Directors
- CXOs
- Function/Department Heads
- Senior Sales Professionals
- Defence
- Leadership
- Corporate Communications Professionals
- Marketing Communications Professionals
- Management Consultants
- Team Leaders
Pedagogy
The Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC) follows an interactive, multi-modal pedagogy that combines conceptual learning with applied practice. The instructional design integrates lectures, case discussions, workshops, video-graphed presentations, and personalized feedback to foster analytical, strategic, and performative communication skills.
Participants will be exposed to a blend of theoretical frameworks and real-world applications through modules that include public speaking, data storytelling, digital communication, behavioural economics, intercultural engagement, and AI-driven communication. Emphasis is placed on critical reflection, experiential exercises, and collaborative learning through individual and team-based assignments.
Evaluation is continuous and multifaceted, encompassing module-wise assessments, mid-term examinations, project presentations, and public speaking evaluations. This approach ensures that participants not only comprehend leadership communication theories but also demonstrate their application in diverse and complex organizational contexts.
How to Apply
Step 1Register for the programme
Step 2Pay the application fee
Step 3Upload verified documents & complete SOP
Step 4Institute sends offer letter-accept the same
Step 5Complete the 1st installment fee and commence the course
In case you need any assistance during the application process or have a query about the programme,
please speak to our Senior Academic Advisors on +91-8929903380 (9 am to 9 pm)
Payment of Fees
Fees
| Application Fee | INR 2,500 + GST |
| Programme Fee | INR 2,80,000/- + GST |
Programme Fee and Campus Module Charges
|
Installment 1
To be paid within 7-10 days of the issuance of the offer letter
INR 94,000 + GST
|
Installment 2
May 10, 2026
INR 94,000 + GST
|
Installment 3
July 10, 2026
INR 92,000 + GST
|
Please note:
- Additional GST (currently at 18%) will be applicable on all above amounts. Any additional payment due to change in any of the applicable govt. taxes during the tenure of the programme will have to be borne by the participants.
- All fees (including application fee) are non-refundable.
- Payment of all fees should be made in favour of Unified Collaboration Services LLP. VCNow is a brand owned by Unified Collaboration Services LLP
Loan Assistance
Loans from financial institutions are available for pursuing this programme. If you need assistance with availing a loan, connect with Programme Advisors on +91-8929903380 (9 am to 9 pm).
Methodology, Evaluation and Certification
The sessions are designed to be highly interactive and participative even when they are virtual. The programme will combine theory with practical inputs, real-life case studies, presentations, personalized feedback and campus visit. Participants will often be expected to engage in discussions to bring out the nuances of real-life practices and challenges.
For participants to successfully complete the programme, they must:
- have at least 75% attendance before mid-term as well as before end-term, and
- attend the campus immersion module, and
- attend and clear the exams (described below)
Mid-Term Examination: Participants will form teams and complete their respective team projects
End-Term Examination: Each participant will prepare and present a strategic leadership pitch of persuasion in the faculty’s presence.
This is a great opportunity for every participant to get personalized feedback from the faculty. Video recordings of these presentations will also be shared with participants.
On successful completion of the programme (as defined under EVALUATION), participants will receive their certificate of completion from IIM Calcutta. They will also be accorded the prestigious IIM Calcutta Executive Education Alumni status.
About Institute
The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) was established as the first national institute for Post-Graduate studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961 in collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, The Ford Foundation and Indian industry. Over the past four decades, IIM Calcutta has blossomed into one of Asia Pacific region’s premier business schools and amongst the top 3 business schools in India. IIM Calcutta is the first triple accredited management school from India and one amongst 86 such business schools
globally to have accreditation from Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association of MBAs (AMBA). It has been playing a pioneering role in professionalizing Indian management through its Post Graduate and Doctoral level programme, Executive Training Programmes, Research and Consulting Activities. Today, IIM Calcutta attracts the best talent in India – a melting pot of academia, industry and research. The best and brightest young men and women pursue its academic programmes. The main thrust of training is to imbibe a sense of strategic
outlook to management problems in the students. The emphasis, therefore, is on management as an integrated process and requires the students to develop a global view of economic, technological, cultural and political environment of the business. IIMC has a very strong alumni base, which makes it unique among the top management institutes of the world. IIMC alumni are occupying leadership positions as corporate managers, academicians and successful entrepreneurs, worldwide. The alumni maintain a close relation with the institute, helping each other in their growth.
Programme Director
About the Program
This six-month programme will be primarily delivered through live online video lectures that participants will be able to access over the Internet on their desktop/laptop irrespective of their location.
LIVE ONLINE SESSIONS
IIM Calcutta professors will deliver these lectures live from the institute and participants will be able to interact with them virtually.
Session Schedule: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. IST
CAMPUS IMMERSION
Participants will visit the IIM Calcutta campus for seven days of on-campus learning (3 days towards the beginning and 4 days towards the end of programme). Campus immersion is a great opportunity for participants to interact face-to-face with the professors as well as cohorts in enriching discussions and classroom learning. Participation in these campus modules is mandatory for certification.
The campus visit is subject to government and institute guidelines prevailing at the time. If the campus visit has to be cancelled by the institute due to unavoidable circumstances, the topics planned for the campus module will be covered through the online mode. However, if the campus visit is conducted, participation will be mandatory for certification.
Past Student Testimonials
About VC Now & Assistance
IIM Calcutta has partnered with VCNow—a premier Executive Education enabler—for the delivery of this programme. The academic aspects of the programme including certification will be administered by IIM Calcutta. VCNow will enable the technology platform for programme delivery, and act as a facilitator between the participants and the institute so that the learning experience is seamless, enriching and enjoyable.
VCNow is trusted by India’s premier B-Schools as well as thousands of working professionals who have benefitted from various career-enhancing executive education programmes . VCNow is also the largest infrastructure based HD-videoconference service provider of India. Its countrywide network of 60+ virtual classroom studios spread across 30 cities, extends the interactive live learning experience from the four walls of institute classrooms to neighbourhoods across the country. Its online learning platform, in the Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode, extends the reach further, making interactive live learning possible on any
connected device anywhere.
VCNow is a brand owned by Unified Collaboration Services LLP. Terms and conditions.
FAQs
What is the Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC)?
The APSLC is a six-month executive education programme by IIM Calcutta that helps professionals develop strategic leadership communication skills through an interdisciplinary blend of behavioural economics, digital technologies, data storytelling, AI, and performative communication.
Who is this programme designed for?
The programme is ideal for senior managers, mid-level executives, and team leaders with at least five years of professional experience who aspire to move into leadership roles or strengthen their strategic communication abilities.
How is APSLC different from traditional communication or soft skills courses?
Unlike conventional programmes focusing on language proficiency or etiquette, APSLC emphasizes strategic communication as a leadership tool — integrating analytical reasoning, digital storytelling, intercultural communication, and AI-driven engagement frameworks.
What are the key learning outcomes of the programme?
Participants will learn to:
- Communicate with clarity, confidence, and strategic intent
- Design persuasive narratives and data-driven presentations
- Manage conflicts and negotiations effectively
- Leverage digital and AI tools for leadership communication
- Build authentic and credible leadership identities
What teaching methods are used in the programme?
The pedagogy includes interactive lectures, case studies, workshops, video-graphed presentations, and personalized feedback sessions. Participants will also engage in team projects, AI and gamification exercises, and data storytelling sessions for experiential learning.
What is the duration and schedule of the programme?
The programme spans six months with weekly classes held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It includes a total of 96 hours of learning, along with two campus modules at IIM Calcutta.
Are there any campus visits involved?
Yes. The programme includes two campus immersion modules at IIM Calcutta — a 3-day session at the beginning and a 4-day session at the end, which includes the certification ceremony.
How will participants be evaluated?
Evaluation will be continuous and include module-wise assignments, mid-term and final project presentations, online exams, and public speaking assessments. Attendance of at least 75% and completion of all examinations are mandatory for certification.
What certification will participants receive upon completion?
Participants who successfully meet all academic and attendance requirements will be awarded the “Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication” certificate from IIM Calcutta, and will gain IIMC Executive Education Alumni status.
What is the total programme fee and how is it structured?
The total programme fee is INR 2,80,000 + GST, payable in three instalments. This includes campus visit fees and study material costs. Fees are to be paid directly to UCS LLP (VCNow), the official delivery partner for the programme.
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