Bengaluru, November 13, 2025: India’s manufacturing sector is at a turning point. With global competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation shaping the industry, there is a growing demand for leaders who can blend strategic insight with technological and operational excellence.
To nurture such leaders, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC), and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) have jointly launched the Post Graduate Program for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM), a one-year, full-time, residential program tailored for experienced engineers and professionals in manufacturing and allied sectors.
The course has been designed by these institutes in consultation with industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The PGPEX-VLM program brings together the core strengths of three premier institutions to create a learning experience that is comprehensive and future-oriented. Product and Technology Excellence – IIT Kanpur, Business Excellence – IIM Calcutta, and Process Excellence – IIT Madras. This collaboration integrates managerial acumen, technical depth, and process innovation to equip participants with the skills to lead manufacturing transformation in India and beyond.
The program features over 1,170 contact hours of classroom learning, industry cases, simulations, and practical projects. The curriculum spans key domains such as strategic management and leadership, operations and supply chain excellence, product design and automation, advanced manufacturing systems and quality management, and data analytics and technology-driven decision-making.
Participants will undergo an industry internship to apply their learning to real-world manufacturing challenges. A highlight of the program is the international immersion in Japan, offering direct exposure to world-class manufacturing practices, lean production systems, and technological innovation — hallmarks of Japanese industry excellence.
The PGPEX-VLM is perfect for mid- to senior-level professionals and experienced engineers (with at least 4.5 years of experience) seeking to expand their leadership capabilities, understand global best practices, and drive large-scale manufacturing innovation. The upper limit of experience is 10 years, unless the candidate is sponsored by an organization. Graduates of the PGPEX-VLM program will gain alumni status of all three institutions — IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Madras — giving them lifelong access to a vast and distinguished professional network.
Interested candidates can apply online at the official program portal. The application deadline is November 18, 2025. For detailed eligibility, selection criteria, and application procedure, please visit: 🌐 https://iitk.ac.in/doms/vlm/.
The Post Graduate Program for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM) is a flagship initiative jointly offered by IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Madras. The program aims to develop leaders capable of envisioning, strategizing, and transforming India’s manufacturing ecosystem to align with global standards. The deadline for the application is November 18, 2025.
