Management

On Friday, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar signed a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Army to launch a Master of Technology (MTech) programme in defence technology.

The programme, mainly for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S), is a collaboration between the institute and the Army to promote education and research in defence technology, IIT Ropar said in a statement.

According to the statement, the MTech (Defence Technology) programme has been developed in partnership by ACC&S and IIT Ropar to make academic training in line with military needs.

The focus of the curriculum will be on applied learning, hands- on research and innovation, driven problem solving so that the officers are well prepared for technology, and lead roles in the armed forces.

IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership and stated that the collaboration represents a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence technology education.

"Combining the intellectual rigour of IIT Ropar and the Indian Army's operational excellence, we are forming a unique model that will generate defence technology leaders who can lead India to self- reliance in critical defence sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047, " Ahuja said.

The officers will be given a degree from the institute once they have successfully completed the programme.

This credential will empower them to lead technology modernisation efforts in the armoured formations area and thus make a major contribution to indigenisation of defence manufacturing, a resultant effect of their competent technological leadership.

The memorandum of agreement introduces a wide framework for cooperative research and development undertaking, which aims at solving the major technological problems in the defence sector of India, IIT Ropar said in its press release.

Moreover, the partnership relates to several key areas of focus like joint research and development initiatives, next generation armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) technologies, advanced armament and new materials, besides the armoured platforms technologies.

The Union Budget 2026, 27 has brought in a significant and progressive announcement in the field of education.

While presenting the budget in the Parliament on Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the plan of setting up five University Townships in different parts of the country.

These University Townships will be set up adjacent to major industrial and logistics corridors, thus higher education being directly connected with industry and job opportunities. The goal of this programme is to build a scenario in which education, research, innovation and skill development would be the functions of a single, well thought out area.

According to the Finance Minister, the Central Government will collaborate with State Governments in the development of these University Townships. The Centre will be ready to help the states in establishing universities, setting up infrastructure and creating modern facilities suitable to the regional needs.

Each University Township will feature facilities for modern residential housing so that students coming from outside the region will have no problems with accommodation. Besides academic institutions, the townships will have skill centres, where on top of theoretical education, students will be given the opportunity for practical and hands, on training.

The campuses will be equipped with the latest technology laboratories, cutting, edge colleges, research centres and innovation hubs that will provide both students and researchers with access to the most advanced technology.

The government's attention is mainly on not handing out degrees but on preparing students for the industry by encouraging start, ups, applied

The government’s focus is not just on awarding degrees, but on making students industry-ready, encouraging start-ups, applied research and innovation-driven learning. According to the government, these five University Townships will not only improve the quality of education, but also generate local employment opportunities. 

Increased economic activities in the surrounding areas are envisaged that will allow the youth to grow up and have their share of opportunities without the need to go far away from their homes. The project is viewed as a major step that will lead to the empowerment of India's youth and India becoming a Developed Nation by 2047.

Moreover, the finance minister mentioned that a National Institute of Design (NID) will be set up in the Eastern part of India. The main purpose is to raise the level of design education, art thinking, and innovation locally. Currently, most of the top design colleges are located in a few areas of the country, and as a result, students of Eastern India have to leave their homes to get a good education.

The newly established NID will offer a variety of design fields such as product design, fashion design, graphic design, industrial design and digital design so that students from the region can benefit from world class education without having to leave their region. Besides preparing for the job market, students of the institution will also be expected to be able to start their own businesses and create new products.

The government clarified that it is design which has become a key element of the various initiatives like Make in India, Startup India, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat because strong design skills presence makes Indian products more competitive at the world market level.

The government put a spotlight on the fact that design is a major component of the Make in India, Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, as through excellent design skills manufactured Indian products can much better compete in the global markets. Specialists are of the opinion that the newly established NID will not only be able to add industrial and economic growth of Eastern India through its design inputs, be the anchor by its design expertise to local industries thereby creating jobs and also help reduce the regional imbalance in the country. Researchers in the field see the movement as an essential measure to nurture the creative economy, enable the youth and make national development more balanced.

The Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras has released a statement informing that it has extended the application deadline for its two year full time MBA programme from January 31 to February 8.

The extension of the deadline is to allow more aspiring students, including fresh graduates and experienced professionals, to apply.An official statement on Thursday revealed that Indian nationals will be admitted to the programme based on CAT 2025 scores while foreign nationals will be admitted based on GMAT scores.

The institute revealed in a press release that the programme has attained 100 per cent placements, and the highest salary package is Rs 35.5 lakh per annum.

Prof Saji K Mathew, the Head of the Department, said that the programme is very diverse in terms of educational backgrounds, work experience, geographic locations, and gender. He also pointed out that the department, which was started in 2001, has been constantly churning out management professionals.

Prathamesh Vivek Kittur, Admissions Coordinator, said that the curriculum is divided into seven quarters and is a combination of management theory and practical, real, world experience. The course is not only classroom based but also involves case study discussions, an 8 to 10 week summer internship, and a final, quarter capstone project.

The applicants must have a recognised undergraduate degree from any discipline with a minimum of 60 per cent marks, whereas SC, ST, and PwD candidates are allowed a relaxed standard of 55 per cent. Final year students can also apply for provisional admission. Those who are sponsored and have a minimum of two years' work experience in the same organisation can also apply.

Personal interviews are planned to be held in different cities during March.The sessions are planned to be held in Mumbai on March 6 and 8, Delhi on March 13 and 15, Chennai on March 20 and 22 and Hyderabad and Kolkata on March 28 and 29.

May 2026 will see the announcement of the final admission results. The session is expected to commence in July 2026 with orientation, registration, and pre, term classes.

Last week Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur, organized a six day business accelerator programme for SC/ST entrepreneurs with the support of the national SC/ST hub, ministry of MSME. The programme was one of the initiatives through which a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem was being built. It was aimed primarily at capacity development and creating opportunities for SC/ST entrepreneurs to acquire business, financial, and digital skills in order to thrive and thus contribute to the achievement of the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 along with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The inaugural batch of the business accelerator programme comprised 25 participants from the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.

As many as 25 participants from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, were involved in the maiden batch of the business accelerator programme.

IIM Sambalpur director Mahadeo Jaiswal said the institute’s vision was to nurture responsible leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset. He added that entrepreneurship is not just about creating wealth for oneself but about creating value for society, the nation and the planet. The second cohort of the programme will commence in Feb, offering a 72-hour hybrid learning experience through virtual weekend sessions and a six-day on-campus module at IIM-Sambalpur.

St Xavier’s now in Cuttack

St Xavier’s High School was inaugurated on the premises of the historic Christ Collegiate School at Mission Road in Cuttack on Jan 23. The school will follow CBSE curriculum and in its first phase, will offer classes from Bal Vatika (pre-primary) to Class VIII, with gradual expansion planned in the coming years. It is being developed under a long-term 50-year agreement with the Cuttack Christian Education Board.

During the inauguration, a 7, ft, tall statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was unveiled, and educationist Anand Kumar of Super 30 fame made a speech to the students, highlighting the importance of value based education. Situated in a historic and central location, the school intends to establish a lively and caring atmosphere for learning.

Seminar on tribal incomes

The PG department of anthropology at Fakir Mohan University recently organised a two, day national seminar on Tradition, Transformation and Development.

The seminar was about the new problems in the livelihoods of tribal and indigenous communities due to the fast technological, socio, economic and cultural changes in the 21st century. It was an interdisciplinary forum for scholars from anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, psychology, environmental sciences, health and nutrition to discuss the sustainable and inclusive development of the future.

The world of management education is changing and India is right in the middle of change.One term you may be hearing more often now is Hybrid MBA.It sounds fancy,slightly confusing and very future ready which is accurate , but it is much simpler than it sounds.

A Hybrid MBA combines online learning with on campus class experience in a simple meaning. Instead of choosing between a fully online MBA or a traditional full-time program students get the best of both worlds. This flexible model is one of the biggest reasons why India is adopting the hybrid MBA so quickly.

What is Hybrid MBA- A hybrid MBA is a management degree where learning happens in two formats:

• Online learning for theory lecturers, case studies and assignments.
• Offline or on-campus sessions for workshops, group discussions, presentations, networking and practical exposure.

Students attend live or recorded online classes from anywhere while also visiting the campus at fixed intervals for immersive learning. The structure makes a Hybrid MBA both flexible and practical. Unlike a fully online MBA,a hybrid MBA fits perfectly into the shift.

Flexibility for working professionals- One of the biggest reasons for the rise of HYBRID MBA in India is flexibility. Many learners want to upgrade their skills without quitting their jobs.A hybrid MBA allows professional study while working.Apply learning directly at the workplace,manage personal and professional responsibilities.This model respects the reality of modern Indian professionals.

Fees are affordable as compared to traditional MBAs- A full time MBA from a top institute often comes with high tuition fees, relocation costs and loss of income.Hybrid MBA gives them a cost effective program from their comfort zone.It is cost effective quality management education accessible to a wider group of students. For many Indian families this balance between quality and affordability matters a lot.

Another reason to get a first choice for professional to join HYBRID MBA is accessibility to global learning.Many hybrid MBA programs in India are designed with international exposure in mind.Students may attend online lecturers by global faculty.Virtual collaborations with International peers.Short term campus immersion or exchange programs are the attractions to join Hybrid MBA.This global outlook prepares  Indian students for international roles without the heavy cost of studying abroad.

Technology has made it possible to learn it from any corner of the globe.The growth of digital platforms,learning management systems and virtual classrooms has changed how education is delivered . India’s rapid digital adoption has made HYBRID MBA programs smooth, interactive and effective.Students are now comfortable learning online as long as it is meaningful and well structured.

Industry Relevant Curriculum- A strong reason why India is adopting hybrid MBA because it is industry focused curriculum.They talk about the real case studies ,live projects of the companies ,mentorship from industry experts and skill based learning.

A Hybrid MBA is not a shortcut or a compromise. It is a smart evolution of management education.India is adopting it fast because it understands one basic truth,learning should fit into life not the other way around. For students and professionals who want growth without disruption, a hybrid MBA offers a balanced practical and powerful path forward.Ina country like Indiathe hybrid MBA is not just a trend.It is becoming the new standard.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to unveil the Union Budget 2026, 27 on February 1. The Budget Session of Parliament commences on January 28 and the second half is scheduled from March 9 to April 2. The President will deliver the address to Parliament on January 28 and the Economic Survey will be laid on January 29.

The education sector has been setting up a high expectation from the Budget, hoping for initiatives that can raise the quality, increase the access, and bring education to the level of being globally competitive. Teachers point out the role of private universities as partners in national development and propose that the government should grant incentives for the collaboration of industry, academia, entrepreneurship, and faculty development.

Professor Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice, Chancellor of Birla Global University, said, "The Union Budget 2026, 27 must accord the status of strategic partners in the development of the nation to private universities. The government ought to empower such collaborations by providing a suitable policy and fiscal framework that would stimulate synergy, entrepreneurship, and faculty development. Private universities, by virtue of their large student base, are well, placed to impact the higher education system of India positively. We anticipate that the Budget will contain progressive and enabling measures."

"As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by PM Modi, the Union Budget 2026, 27

needs to consider education as a strategic investment for sustained and inclusive growth. It would be critical to have balanced budget allocations for higher education, including faculty development, digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and research, to produce skilful leaders capable of realising this vision, " said Jaiswal.