IIM Calcutta – Advanced Programme in Smart Manufacturing Leadership

Think about it: Smart Manufacturing is changing the game when it comes to designing, producing, and delivering products. By enhancing your skills in Smart Manufacturing, you’ll be equipped to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. As a leader in Smart Manufacturing, you’ll be equipped to make strategic decisions, manage complex production systems, and inspire teams to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. This matters because it enables you to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry, drive business growth, and lead organizations towards a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally enabled future.

This programme is ideal for anyone seeking to make a significant impact in the manufacturing industry. Whether you’re a CXO, VP, or Head of Manufacturing, or if you’re leading operations, supply chain, quality, or process excellence, this programme will help you level up. It’s also great for consultants, solution providers, and entrepreneurs in the manufacturing space who want to stay ahead of the curve.

To be eligible for this programme, you’re likely a seasoned professional with around 8 years of work experience, preferably in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or a related field. We’re looking for working managers with at least 7 years of experience who are graduates or postgraduates with a minimum of 50% marks. Selection will be based on an assessment of your background and motivation, as outlined in your application.

The curriculum is designed to help participants to stay ahead of the curve, covering the latest trends and technologies in Smart Manufacturing. You’ll dive into the foundations of Industry 4.0, explore enabling technologies, and learn how to harness the power of data-driven manufacturing. It’ll also cover system modelling, infrastructure, supply chain management, sustainability, and leadership strategies for a connected industry. Plus, you’ll gain insights into AI, data analytics, product innovation, finance, and legal frameworks – everything you need to stay industry-relevant and drive growth in your organization.

The programme includes a 4-day on-campus immersion towards the end and attendance is mandatory for all participants. During this time, you’ll be presenting projects that apply the concepts you’ve learned throughout the programme. It’s also a great chance to experience the IIM Calcutta’s Zoka campus, interact with faculty members and network with your batch mates. You’ll spend these 4 days engaging with peers and faculty and making the most of the programme’s practical applications.

The programme combines the best of theory and practice, using a range of engaging teaching methods to help you learn and apply new skills. You’ll participate in lively case discussions, tackling real-world challenges from India and around the world. Simulations and gamified learning will help you experience the thrill of decision-making, while group projects and a capstone project will test your skills in digital transformation. You’ll also benefit from guest lectures by industry leaders, who will share their insights and expertise, and gain hands-on experience with the latest Industry 4.0 tools through demonstrations and practical exercises.

In the capstone project, you’ll work in groups or individually to develop a comprehensive Digital Transformation Roadmap for a real or simulated manufacturing organization. You’ll start by assessing the organization’s “smartness” using a proven framework and then create a tailored plan with short-term and long-term strategies for digital transformation. Drawing on the concepts and tools covered in the programme, you’ll craft a practical roadmap that addresses key areas of smart manufacturing. Throughout the project, you’ll receive guidance and mentorship from experienced faculty at IIM Calcutta, ensuring you produce a high-quality outcome that showcases your skills and expertise.

To receive a Certificate of Successful Completion from IIM Calcutta, you’ll need to meet the programme’s requirements. This means you can have poor grades in no more than two courses. If you meet this standard, you’ll be awarded the certificate. If you participate actively but don’t meet the academic requirements, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation instead. Additionally, providing feedback throughout the programme is mandatory, and attending the campus module is also a requirement for completion.

Participants will attend live online sessions on the VCNow  platform through direct-to-desktop (D2D) mode. Additionally, they will have the unique opportunity to visit IIM Calcutta’s campus for an intensive 4-day on-campus immersion. The live online sessions are scheduled on Saturday (6:30 PM to 9:30 PM) to accommodate working professional’s busy schedules. Participants will have access to a dedicated learning platform, and you’ll be supported by a team of experts who will guide you throughout the programme.

Application fee: INR 2500 (Non-refundable)
The total programme fee is INR 3,50,000 + GST, payable in 3 instalments:
Instalment 1: INR 1,00,000 + GST (To be paid within 7-10 days of the issuance of the offer letter)
Instalment 2: INR 1,26,000 + GST (On or before Feb 7, 2026)
Instalment 3: INR 1,24,000 + GST (On or before April 7, 2026)

First Phase of Applications closing on: August 31, 2025
Online sessions start on: Dec 20, 2025 (Tentative)
Note: All dates are subject to change as per sole discretion of the institute.

Get the guidance you need to make sure that you are making the right decision here. Consult VCNow’s Senior Academic Advisors at (+91) 8505814354.