The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the National Defence College (NDC), a premier inter-services training institution in New Delhi, to offer a one-year Executive MBA programmeme in ‘Strategic Leadership and Public Policy.’ This 48-week course will blend lecture-based learning with practical modules, including a thesis, to provide a comprehensive experience.
The programme is specifically designed to foster the intellectual growth and strategic thinking of senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces, civil services (IAS, IPS, IRS, DRDO, etc.), and allied countries, preparing them for higher leadership roles.
An MoU formalizing this partnership was signed on 27th August 2024, by Prof. M. Thenmozhi, Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras, and Brigadier Rajesh Raman, Secretary of the National Defence College, in New Delhi. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Smt. Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, alongside other senior officials.
During the event, Air Marshal Hardeep Bains AVSM VSM, Commandant of the National Defence College, Prof. HSN Murthy, Head of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras, and Lt. Gen. P R Shankar (Rtd.), Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, were also present. Emphasizing the significance of this collaboration, Prof. Kamakoti said, “The future demands managers who deeply understand contemporary technologies. This MBA programme aims to meet that need.”
The curriculum will be taught by faculty from IIT Madras, including members from the Department of Management Studies, Aerospace Engineering, and other departments, as well as experts from the National Defence College and various subject matter specialists. The course will admit 120 participants, including senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces, Civil Services, Police Services, and friendly foreign nations. Selection will be based on a rigorous screening process.
Eligible participants from the armed forces will typically be at the Brigadier level or its equivalent, while civil and diplomatic service officers will be at the Director or Joint Secretary level in the Government of India.
The programme aims to integrate leadership skills and policy-making with technological expertise, including AI, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies, to shape future leaders capable of making strategic decisions in an increasingly complex world.
