As India moves forward on its path to becoming a $5 trillion economy, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta has introduced the Advanced Programme in Smart Manufacturing Leadership (APSML) to build a new generation of leaders capable of driving the country’s Industry 4.0 transformation.
The eight-month executive education initiative, developed in collaboration with VCNow Executive Education, is designed for senior professionals, operations heads, plant managers, CXOs, and entrepreneurs seeking to lead the adoption of digital manufacturing and intelligent automation. The course supports national goals laid out under initiatives such as Make in India, the National Policy on Electronics, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, all of which aim to position India as a global manufacturing hub. A report by OmniScience Capital estimates that manufacturing will contribute nearly 20% to India’s GDP by 2035, unlocking a market potential of $3 trillion.
Prof Alok Kumar Rai, Director of IIM Calcutta, emphasized the institute’s role in preparing leaders for a rapidly evolving industrial landscape “This programme is a significant step towards equipping professionals to navigate and lead in the age of digital transformation and manufacturing intelligence.”
Prof R Rajesh Babu, Dean of Executive Education, added that the course provides in-depth exposure to emerging technologies that define Industry 4.0, such as IoT, robotics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital twin systems “Participants will learn how to lead strategic digital initiatives that boost operational performance, quality, and competitiveness.”
Prof Partha Priya Datta, Programme Director, highlighted the data-driven nature of the curriculum “From cybersecurity and data governance to predictive system modelling, the programme gives leaders the tools to enhance responsiveness, improve production efficiency, and drive better business decisions.”
The course also tackles vital leadership and business topics such as change management, sustainable strategy, supply chain optimization, and organizational transformation—areas increasingly critical in digital manufacturing ecosystems. Prof Vishal Bansal, also a Programme Director, underscored the emphasis on practical learning. “The programme incorporates simulations, group assignments, capstone projects, industry guest lectures, and case discussions covering Indian and global manufacturing leaders. It’s structured to ensure participants can directly apply what they learn.”
The flexible online format, powered by VCNow Executive Education, is designed to fit the schedules of busy professionals. Weekly sessions are held for three hours on Saturdays, with a four-day on-campus immersion included to provide experiential learning and networking.
Pulak Pattanayak, Co-Founder and Director of VCNow, shared “This collaboration combines IIM Calcutta’s academic excellence with our advanced learning delivery systems. Our goal is to make executive education more accessible and impactful across the manufacturing leadership space.”
The APSML programme is open to professionals with at least eight years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or related domains. It is aimed at those looking to lead digital transformation initiatives within their organizations and contribute to India’s rise as a global manufacturing force.
Founded in 1961, IIM Calcutta is India’s first national business school and a global leader in management education. It is the only Indian institution with triple international accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS), and it is recognized for academic rigor, leadership development, and global impact.
VCNow Executive Education, a brand of Unified Collaboration Services LLP, specializes in delivering technology-enabled learning across India. The platform partners with India’s leading academic institutions and has supported thousands of working professionals through flexible, high-quality executive education programmes.
