Chirag Choudhry

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta

“Calm and strategic, with analytical depth, innate curiosity, and an unwavering drive for meaningful success.”

Hometown: Kolkata, West Bengal

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a sports enthusiast and have played Basketball at the National Level. I enjoy swimming, which keeps me energized and focused. Growing up immersed in sports has given me a natural flair for leadership, strategy, and teamwork — qualities I carry into every aspect of my life.

Undergraduate School and Major: St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata – B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Financial Planning & Analysis (Senior Analyst) at D.E. Shaw

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Calcutta’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? What attracted me most to IIM Calcutta was its legacy as the first Indian Institute of Management in the country — a distinction that brings with it unmatched credibility and global standing. A major factor in my decision was the institute’s forward-thinking curriculum, which seamlessly combines core management principles with contemporary business challenges. Its global recognition in Finance and Economics particularly resonated with me, aligning well with my academic foundation in economics and professional experience in finance.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Calcutta? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it? My favorite extracurricular activity at IIM Calcutta has been the Startup Garage—an immersive, high-energy event that truly captured the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Over an intense 36-hour period, I journeyed through every stage of building a startup: from brainstorming fresh ideas, to forming a strong team, to crafting a compelling business model, and finally pitching to a panel of seasoned investors. The most important lesson I took away from Startup Garage was the power of collaboration and resilience. Working under pressure with a diverse team taught me how to leverage each member’s strengths and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. The experience left me with a newfound confidence in my ability to lead, innovate, and turn ideas into action.

What has been the best part of studying business in Kolkata? The best part of studying business in Kolkata has been the experience of living and learning at the IIM Calcutta campus in Joka — a serene yet vibrant ecosystem that feels worlds away from the bustle of city life. With its seven natural lakes, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife, the campus is a nature lover’s paradise. Waking up to the sounds of exotic birds and studying amidst such picturesque landscape is a privilege few get to experience. As someone who grew up in Kolkata, being close to home while immersing myself in such a unique and enriching environment made the experience even more special.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment has been leading the development of my previous organizations firm-wide budget during the significant uncertainty of the pandemic and its aftermath. I worked closely with cross-functional stakeholders, leveraging business intelligence and data analytics to deliver insights that empowered leadership to make informed, data-driven decisions. Throughout this process, I played a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting my team as we navigated a 100% expansion, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. My contributions were recognized and I was awarded fast-track promotion to Senior Analyst.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: One of my most significant accomplishments as an MBA student has been my selection as a Core Committee member of the Entrepreneurship Cell at IIM Calcutta — a role that directly reflects my passion for innovation. I secured this position through a rigorous selection process that evaluated my professional experiences, core competencies, and interpersonal skills. Since joining the committee, I’ve proactively introduced and championed new initiatives to enhance E-Cell’s visibility and foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial culture on campus with the goal to inspire and enable students to shift from being job seekers to job creators.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? After classes wrap up at around 5:45 pm, many of us head to a small tea stall just outside the campus that serves chai in traditional Kolkata-style “bhars” (earthen cups). This unassuming spot has become our favorite hangout — not just for the tea, but for the memories we make there. It’s where we wind down, reflect on the day’s learnings, exchange ideas, and enjoy light-hearted conversations with friends. It offers a perfect blend of learning, laughter, and connection — a small ritual we’ve all come to treasure.

What do you hope to do after graduation? After graduation, I aim to join a Strategy and Corporate Finance role at a leading consulting firm. I’m eager to deepen my understanding of corporate performance, value creation, macroeconomic forces, and global business dynamics by working on complex, cross-industry projects. This is particularly true in emerging areas like ESG, which offer both intellectual challenge and the potential for meaningful, real-world impact. In parallel, I plan to contribute to the growth of my family business, Ringtong Tea Company, which is engaged in the manufacture and sale of Darjeeling Tea. My goal is to blend our traditional expertise with modern business practices to drive strategic expansion and long-term, sustainable growth.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT CALCUTTA MBAEX CLASS OF 2026

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