DD Correspondent
Jammu: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu and the Indian Army have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in executive education, leadership development, management research, faculty engagement and professional capacity building.
The MoU was signed at Satwari Military Station by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Maj Gen Ajit M. Yeole, VSM, GOC Tiger Division, in the presence of Lt Gen Akaash Johar, AVSM, GOC 9 Corps, senior Army officers and faculty members of IIM Jammu.
Under the agreement, serving Army personnel, veterans and wards of Veer Naris sponsored by the Indian Army will have access to postgraduate management programmes, executive education, specialised certificate courses and short-term management development programmes.
The partnership will also promote joint research, customised management training, faculty and officer exchanges, defence-focused case studies, seminars, conferences and knowledge-sharing initiatives in areas including strategic leadership, defence management, supply chain management, financial management, organisational behaviour, business analytics and strategic decision-making.
The MoU also provides for scholarships and fee concessions for eligible Army personnel, access to research and library facilities on mutually agreed terms, and the formation of a Joint Steering Committee to oversee its implementation. Up to 40 seats in six-month executive programmes will also be offered, subject to applicable academic regulations.
Lt Gen Akaash Johar said the collaboration reflected the Army’s commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning. He said contemporary management education would strengthen the leadership, strategic thinking and organisational capabilities of Army personnel while promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
Prof. B. S. Sahay said the partnership would integrate contemporary management education with the leadership and organisational strengths of the Indian Army. He said the initiative would facilitate executive education, research and customised learning programmes while contributing to the professional development of Armed Forces personnel and supporting the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, said the partnership would combine the Army’s operational expertise with IIM Jammu’s academic and research capabilities to develop indigenous case studies, evidence-based research and innovative solutions to contemporary leadership and organisational challenges.
Maj Gen Ajit M. Yeole said the MoU would provide a comprehensive framework for executive education, collaborative research, customised training and defence-focused knowledge exchange. He expressed confidence that the partnership would help nurture future-ready leaders and promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation and excellence.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening defence-academia engagement and developing future-ready leadership and management capabilities across the public and defence sectors.