VISAKHAPATNAM: In a first for any Indian management institute in the country, IIM-Visakhapatnam has launched a unique dual-degree program for students of centrally funded technical institutes – Institutes of National Importance (INIs). This program allows students to do a one-year diploma in business management from IIMV along with their engineering degree. After completing the diploma, students can choose to extend their studies with IIMV in hybrid mode for one more year to pursue an MBA degree.
So far National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal, NIT Tadepalligudem, IIIT-Kurnool, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy-Visakhapatnam, NIT Manipur, NIT Mizoram and NIT Agartala have partnered with IIMV for this programme. IIMV has collaborated with NIT Meghalaya, NIT Nagaland, NIT Nagpur, NIT Jamshedpur, NIT Jalandhar, and NIT Kurukshetra in the coming weeks to further expand the reach of this programme.
As the business landscape evolves, the program’s focus on developing techno-managerial skills is expected to align well with growing industry demand for such skills in recruits. The program not only saves students a year of study but also eliminates the need for the challenging CAT (Common Entrance Test) exam to complete an MBA degree from IIMV.
Speaking to TOI, IIM Vizag director Prof M Chandrasekhar said that by enrolling in this programme, along with their engineering studies, students will cultivate a unique techno-managerial mindset, combining technical expertise with management skills. “This dual approach equips students not only to answer technical questions from recruiters but also confidently address business and strategic challenges during placements, giving them a distinct competitive advantage,” said Prof. Chandrasekhar.
“The major advantage of this program is its flexibility. Students can study remotely from home, their office, or any location that fits their schedule, as classes are scheduled for weekday evenings and Sundays. While fresh graduates typically start at the junior level, career progression Leads them into managerial roles, which demand a specific set of competencies such as strategic thinking, marketing management, leadership skills, operations management, and supply chain optimization. Through this program, students sharpen their professional development and leadership skills in real-world business contexts “They gain these critical managerial skills during their diploma, allowing them to apply the learning immediately,” Prof. Chandrasekhar added.
Prof. MS Javed, Program Chairman, IIM Visakhapatnam said the MBA component of the initiative has been structured as an integrated course, bypassing the CAT exam requirement. “Students can complete their BTech in four years, earning a Diploma in Business Management. After completing their bachelor’s degree, they will have the opportunity to extend their education by one more year in hybrid mode to earn an MBA through IIM Visakhapatnam. Whether they choose to enter the workforce, pursue advanced studies such as MTech or PhD, or venture into entrepreneurship, students can continue to hone their management expertise, further enhancing their career trajectory,” said Prof. Javed.
IIMV recently signed an MoU with NIT Mizoram for the programme. In a meeting with the IIMV delegation, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Duhoma expressed his support for the partnership. Governor of Mizoram Dr. Kambampati Hari Babu, who is originally from Visakhapatnam, also expressed his support for the initiative in a separate meeting with the leadership teams of both the organizations.