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IIM Ahmedabad – Senior Management Programme

(SMP) - Batch 17

IIMA's Senior Management Programme – Blended Mode (SMP‑BL17) equips bright individuals with general management perspectives and thinking skills. It delivers high value through a blend of intensive on‑campus learning and immersive high‑definition visual communication with virtual classroom interactions delivered in a convenient Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) format. The programme covers functional areas of management and its source disciplines, and builds on the experience of the participants, helping them understand the underlying concepts, paradigms, and theories of management.
The programme builds on the experience of participants who could not find time, due to their personal and career commitments early on, to undergo a top‑notch programme in management, but who have been learning and adding to their skills and competencies while working. It helps participants understand how various management functions delivered through the blended D2D and on‑campus format contribute to effective leadership, decision making, strategy, and organization of the business. Taking high‑quality experience as given, the programme creates an environment in which participants learn from the faculty and from each other in both virtual and on‑campus settings.

Programme Highlights

Programme Duration

Spread over 12 months

Campus Immersion

12 days On-Campus Module (3 visits of 4 days each)

Alumni Status

Alumni Status

Certificate of Completion and Alumni Status by IIM Ahmedabad

Live Sessions

Live online sessions (Direct-to-Device) every Saturday (10:00 AM to 01:00 PM)

Programme Pedagogy

Learning from the best faculty. IIMA pedagogy of bringing problem situations to the classroom through case studies.

Online MBA Course Duration

360 degree learning

Academically rigorous, inculcates reflection and self- study of concepts through intense collective 360- degree learning.

Networking

Opportunity to network and learn from fellow participants who are achievers with rich experience and diversified backgrounds.

Ranked #1 (NIRF India Rankings, 2025)
Ranked #1 (IIRF India Rankings, 2025)

Programme Overview & Objectives

Programme Overview

As you progress in your career, your responsibilities expand. If you feel you’ve mastered your functional area, it’s worth asking: Is that enough for me to lead? Am I prepared to take on and execute more significant leadership roles and responsibilities? To advance and explore new avenues, you must not only rely on your current skills but also broaden your knowledge into areas you have not previously explored.

IIM Ahmedabad’s Senior Management Programme (SMP) is a structured intervention that inspires and motivates you to build adjacent skills. It enables participants to develop T-shaped leadership skills, which involve a deep understanding of different management functions and building capacity for effective leadership, strategic planning and decision-making.

Programme Objectives

  • To equip experienced managers with proven leader- ship, with the concepts, paradigms, and underlying management theories that are critical for senior-level positions.
  • To develop perspective required to lead high perform- ing organizations and to take strategic decisions such as formulating new strategies, organizational design and change management, driving results, mergers and acquisitions, operational excellence, sustainability, managing interfaces with the public, media, and government.
  • To prepare visionary leaders who are able to anticipate the future and guide their organizations to high-growth paths.

Learning Outcomes

Develop

the vision, leadership skills and mindset to guide organisations toward a high-growth path.

Connect

the dots between management functions & their impact on strategic decision-making, leadership & organisational performance.

Master

the art of organisational design, change management and strategic implementation to achieve extraordinary results

Learn

to design and implement multi-functional operational strategies that enhance efficiency, productivity and overall business performance.

Gain

the expertise to make sound business and financial decisions, coupled with the critical thinking skills to drive tangible value creation.

Eligibility Criteria

Working professionals/self-employed (Graduates) with minimum work experience of 10 years, and who have done well and now aspire to take a leap and lead the next level of senior management functions

Important Dates

01-Jun-26 Application Deadline
Jun-2026 Batch Start

Pedagogy

The pedagogy will be highly interactive. It will leverage use of technology. It will consist of a judicious blend of lectures, real life case studies, quizzes, and assignments.

  • Academically rigorous. It inculcates reflection and self-study of concepts through intense collective 360- degree learning.
  • Opportunity to network and learn from fellow participants who are achievers with rich experience and diversified backgrounds.
  • Learning from the best faculty. IIMA pedagogy of bringing problem situations to the classroom through cases.

How to Apply

Step 1Register for the programme

Step 2Pay the application fee

Step 3Upload documents

Step 4Await Offer Letter

Step 5Accept the Offer and Pay 1st Installment

Interested candidates may apply using the following application link:
https://iimahmedabad.vcrvcnow.in/SMP-BL16/student-registration/lms.php
For any assistance, call on Mobile: +91 7003171703 or drop an email to somak.ray@vcnow.in

Payment of Fees

Fees

Application Fee INR 2000/- + 18 GST* (Non-refundable)
Program Fee INR 9,00,000/- + 18 GST*

Programme Fee and Campus Module Charges

First Instalment
As mentioned in the Offer Letter
INR 2,25,000/- + GST*
Second Instalment
September 10, 2026
INR 2,25,000/- + GST*
Third Instalment
December 10, 2026
INR 2,25,000/- + GST*
Final Instalment
March 10, 2027
INR 2,25,000/- + GST*

*GST will be charged extra on these components; at present it is @18%

Methodology, Evaluation and Certification

IIM Ahmedabad shall carry out the evaluation required for certification.
Participants are evaluated based on assignments, quizzes, and examinations for all the courses. Participants will be given any one of the following grades: “Satisfactory Plus” (S+); “Satisfactory” (S); “Unsatisfactory” (U). A participant will be asked to leave the programme and the fees will then be forfeited in any of the following cases:

1. If a participant gets 2nd U for academic indiscipline wherein Academic Indiscipline includes cheating/ copying/plagiarism in assignments and examinations and facilitating cheating in anyway or is found having integrity issue during the programme.
2. If a participant gets 4th U for under-performance.
3. If a participant gets 1 U for academic indiscipline and 3Us for under-performance.
4. The norms of the programme require a participant to attend at least 80% of attendance to become eligible to receive the
certificate, failing which a participant won’t be awarded the certificate.

At the end of the Programme, eligible participants will receive a Certificate of Completion (CoC) of the Programme from IIM Ahmedabad subject to the assessment and attendance criteria being fulfilled.

About Institute

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).
IIMA was setup by the Government of India in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat and Indian Industry as an autonomous institution in 1961. The Institute provides education, training, consulting and research facilities in management.

Programme Director

Prof. Anurag K. Agarwal (Faculty Co-Chair)
Prof. Anurag K. Agarwal is a distinguished faculty member at IIMA. A Harvard Law School graduate and recipient of the Marti Mannariah Gurunath Outstanding Teacher Award, he specializes in business leadership, negotiation, strategy, law, and related fields. He has authored four books and writes a weekly column, "Lawfully Yours," for DNA Ahmedabad. With a background in mechanical engineering and law, Prof. Agarwal has practiced as an advocate and worked with various organizations. He is also a visiting faculty at several institutions, including the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, and ESSEC Paris.
Prof. Tarun Jain (Faculty Co-Chair)
Dr. Tarun Jain is an award-winning Professor of Economics at IIM Ahmedabad, where he currently holds the Reserve Bank of India Chair in Finance & Economics. He is also an Associate Editor at Economic Modelling. He has served as Chair of the Economics Area and of the Centre for Management of Health Services at the Institute. Prof. Jain has earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Virginia and his BA in Mathematics and Economics from Franklin and Marshall College. Before his PhD, he was a management consultant with Charles River Associates in Washington, D.C. and Oliver Wyman in Boston.

FAQs

What makes the Senior Management Programme unique?

Growth is not a linear path and has no boundaries, requiring professionals to adopt a non-linear approach that encompasses various management perspectives and thinking skills. SMP equips participants with both general management perspectives and a deep understanding of various management functions. This dual focus enables participants to enhance their leadership skills, effectively manage business organizations, and develop new strategies.With 3 hours of live online sessions (Direct-to-Device) every Saturday, participants can learn on the job, acquiring valuable insights and practical skills that can be applied immediately to their roles.

Why should I choose SMP to advance my career?

IIM Ahmedabad’s Senior Management Programme (SMP) stands out for its exceptional reputation and proven history of success. The programme features an industry-centric curriculum and instruction from top experts, equipping participants with essential leadership and strategic decision-making skills. Graduates consistently excel in their careers, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness. Additionally, as an SMP alumnus, you’ll join a vibrant network of peers and alumni, connecting with corporate leaders from diverse industries that will enhance your knowledge and expand your professional opportunities.

What are the important dates to remember

Last date to Apply: June 01, 2026

Technical orientation by UCS: June 15, 2026 (6:00 pm onwards)

Online Session Schedule: June 27, 2026 (10:00am to 01:00pm)

First Campus Module: June 18 – 21, 2026

Final Campus Module: Dates to be announced

Note: All dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of the institute.

What are the delivery format and schedule of the Programme?

The Programme is designed to be flexible and accessible. Participants attend live interactive lectures and have the opportunity for 12 days of campus immersion at IIM Ahmedabad (3 visits of 4 days each). Live interactive classes are held every Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM, allowing professionals to participate conveniently without disrupting their work schedules.

Who should attend the Senior Management Programme?

Working professionals/self-employed with a minimum work experience of 10 years can apply for this programme. This programme is ideal for seasoned executives looking to advance from functional roles to leadership positions. Middle and Senior-level leaders at large corporates seeking to enhance their leadership and strategic thinking abilities and those at growth companies aiming to drive expansion and navigate complex business environments will find this programme particularly beneficial. It’s perfect for professionals ready to take the next step in their careers and make a significant organisational impact.

What is the pedagogy of this senior management course?

IIM Ahmedabad has a well-defined pedagogy for its Executive Programmes, based on the principles of active learning. This approach helps participants emerge as leaders with confidence and competence. Through hands-on learning, you’ll engage in interactive live lectures, workshops and simulations, using real-world scenarios to build leadership acumen. The case-based pedagogical approach allows you to analyse complex business problems and implement your own strategies, ensuring practical and relevant solutions for your organisation. Additionally, expert faculty with deep expertise in various management functions provide practical guidance and insights, helping you apply these techniques effectively in your professional environment.

What is the delivery format and schedule of the programme?

From Batch 17 onwards, the Senior Management Programme (SMP) will be delivered as a live online Direct-to-Device (D2D) programme, allowing participants to attend classes on their own devices from any location. This format makes the programme more accessible and flexible, enabling professionals to participate without the need to travel to a physical learning centre. It also allows professionals from different cities across India and from international locations to apply and participate in the programme. Participants attend weekly live online lectures via the Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode, along with 12 days of campus immersion at IIMA (three 3 of 4 days each). Live online classes are held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, enabling working professionals to engage with the programme while continuing their professional responsibilities.

 

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