IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta, IIT Madras open admissions for one-year PGPEX-VLM 2025; apply by November 18

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have invited applications for the Post Graduate Programme for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM) 2025. The one-year, full-time, residential programme is designed for engineers and professionals from the manufacturing and related sectors.

The course integrates three areas of learning — Product and Technology Excellence at IIT Kanpur, Business Excellence at IIM Calcutta, and Process Excellence at IIT Madras. It includes over 1,170 contact hours covering classroom sessions, case studies, simulations and practical projects.

The programme curriculum covers subjects such as strategic management, leadership, operations and supply chain, product design and automation, advanced manufacturing systems, quality management, and data analytics. Participants will also undertake an industry internship to gain practical experience in addressing manufacturing challenges.

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Eligibility, application deadline

The course is open to professionals with a minimum of 4.5 years of work experience. The upper limit of experience is 10 years, except for candidates sponsored by organisations. Graduates of the programme will receive alumni status from all three participating institutions — IIT Kanpur, IIM Calcutta and IIT Madras.

Eligible candidates can apply for the programme through the official website at iitk.ac.in/doms/vlm. The last date for submission of applications is November 18, 2025.

As per the institute, the PGPEX-VLM programme has been developed in consultation with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

“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 press release said.