These MBA specialisations are seeing a surge in demand, jobs

NEW DELHI: Avijit Singh completed an MBA in logistics and supply chain management from Amity University, Noida, in June.

This programme is offered by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in collaboration with Amity University. “It wasn’t a direct path, but every step led me here,” said Singh. “During COVID, I became fascinated by how companies streamline production and delivery, especially the logistics networks that determine how fast and efficiently products reach people. I wanted to be part of that network.”

Specialised programmes in logistics, environment, healthcare and leadership are niche but seeing increasing demand.

Niche programmes

Surajit Chakraborty, assistant professor and coordinator at Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM) explained that the shift is a natural response to changes in the job market.

“With more companies prioritising sector-specific expertise, a generalised MBA might not be sufficient. Specialised programmes equip students with targeted knowledge and skills that companies seek today,” he said. He added that while traditional MBA remains valuable, there is a growing demand for professionals who can quickly add value to specialised roles in sustainability, healthcare, or logistics.

IISWBM also offers an MBA in public systems with specialisations in environment, healthcare and hospital, and transportation and logistics. In the first semester, students study general management topics like strategy, organisational behaviour, human resources, marketing, operations, and finance. The next three semesters are dedicated to specialised subjects.

Amity University offers two niche MBA programmes, one in logistics and supply chain management and another in supply chain analytics and management. The practical insights gained in these niche courses are often immediately applicable. “These programmes enable students to dive deeply into a specific area…and understand the particular challenges and needs of that sector,” Chakraborty added.

Supply chain, digital business

Supply chain management is increasingly in demand as companies work to streamline operations, optimise logistics, and reduce costs. “In my course, I gained hands-on experience and a clear understanding of how supply chains function, from logistics to inventory control,” Singh added.

Anita Kumari, director of the CII School of Logistics at Amity University, highlighted the significant growth of the sector in India, which is now valued at around $360 billion. “It’s the only sector showing double-digit growth,” Kumari said, adding, “In the past three years, the prime minister has frequently spoken about multimodal logistics, reducing logistics costs, and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

This boom has also impacted related areas like warehousing and digitalisation. “Warehousing is growing alongside logistics, and digitalisation is accelerating due to factors like e-commerce, quick commerce, and technological advances,” she explained.

To meet the growing demand for professionals who understand both business and digital technology, IIM Bodh Gaya has introduced a two-year, full-time programme in digital business management.

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Good placement records

Sabyasachi Mahapatra, chairperson of placements at IIM Bodh Gaya, said, “Our programme has four main areas: IT analytics, digital marketing, consulting and general management, and fintech. Each area is designed to equip students with specific skills that make them stand out.”

Currently, around 90 students are enrolled in this programme, with 35% already placed in roles such as fintech and digital marketing.

Mahapatra further said that students in this programme often come from technical backgrounds, and their salary packages are about 10% higher than those of students in the general MBA. “The current average salary for digital business management graduates is about Rs 15.5 lakh per annum. This programme helps students build the mix of business and digital skills that companies now seek,” he added.

Kumari said that Amity’s courses have gained popularity for their strong placement records. “For the past five years, we’ve had 100% placements, with students joining companies like DHL, Coca-Cola, Unilever, and even securing international positions in Dubai and Singapore with firms like Rennes Logistics and PSA Global.”