IIM Sambalpur Hosts Immersion Program of India’s First Dual-Degree Programme

SAMBALPUR:
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the Immersion Programme for India’s first dual degree programmes — Executive PhD & DBA (Batch 2024–27) and MBA Fintech Management (Batch 2024–26).

The Executive PhD & DBA Dual Degree Programme is offered in collaboration with IAE Bordeaux University School of Management, France, while the MBA Fintech Management Programme is jointly conducted with Sorbonne Business School, France. This initiative reflects IIM Sambalpur’s vision of fostering global exposure, inclusive learning, and leadership excellence, underscoring its mission to position India as a hub of world-class management education. Designed specifically for working professionals, the Executive PhD & DBA Dual-Degree Programme provides a unique opportunity to
pursue doctoral studies without career interruption.

The first batch (2024–27) comprises 21 senior professionals from reputed organizations such as the Indian Police Services, NTT DATA, Google,HBC and the Adani Group, holding leadership positions like Managing Director, Vice President, and ExecutiveDirector. The second batch (2025–28) includes 24 participants from distinguished institutions such as the Cognizant,Amazon, Accenture, National Bank Of Oman and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, serving in roles like CEO, Director, and Vice President.

The MBA Fintech Management (2024–26) batch consists of 10 working professionals from top corporations including EY India LLP, Infosys, and Amazon, in roles such as CFO, Associate Director, and Global Senior Manager.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Chandan Chowdhury, Executive Director & Professor, Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad as the Chief Guest; Prof. Alberto Arbulu, Associate Dean, Université de Bordeaux, France; Prof. Jorge Cardoso, Programme Director, DBA, IAE Bordeaux University School of Management, France; and Prof. Mahadeo Prasad Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “India stands today as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, advancing at 6.5% growth. History reminds us that when India had world-class institutions like Takshashila and Nalanda, it also commanded 33% of global GDP which proves that there is a deep connection between education and economic power. The 21st century is India’s time and institutions like IIMs and IITs will soon lead the global academic landscape through innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness. IIM Sambalpur is the first Business school in India to introduce a gender-
inclusive MBA policy, introduce AI enable learning system in the classroom . which help them for enhancing creativity and integrity in learning, creating a new, disruptive model of education.”.He added that IIM Sambalpur will organise women empowerment conclave & Brand India Conclave in the upcoming month.

Attending the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. Chandan Chowdhury, Executive Director & Professor, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, mentioned, “As we move forward, we should focus on research-driven innovation. The rise of UPI has transformed India into a global fintech giant, enabling seamless digital transactions and setting parameters for the world.”

Prof. Jorge Cardoso, Programme Director, DBA, IAE Bordeaux University School of Management, France, stated, “Our collaboration with IIM Sambalpur marks a unique 50- 50 partnership built on meritocracy and equality, values deeply rooted in both France and India. This dual-degree initiative opens global opportunities for participants while strengthen academic, cultural, and human exchange. The students of this programme are not only learning for today but also paving the way for future generations.”

Prof. Alberto Arbulu, Associate Dean, Université de Bordeaux, France, said, “Higher education institutions must address social, economic, and political challenges by nurturing ethical, responsible, and visionary leaders. The true purpose of education lies not just in imparting knowledge but in transforming mindsets to create a better tomorrow.”

The welcome address was given by Prof. Padmavathy Dhillon, Chairperson, Executive PhD & DBA Dual Degree Programme, IIM Sambalpur and the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Prof. Diwahar Sunder Nadar, Chairperson, MBA Fintech Management, IIM Sambalpur.