Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani today (September 1, 2025) inaugurated the second batch of the Management Development Program (MDP) on Information Technology (IT), Inventory Management & Accounting for selected Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) of the Indian Army. The program, scheduled from September 1 to September 13, 2025, brings together 50 officers from various Army Commands to undergo structured training in modern management and technical practices.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, who delivered the keynote address. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rao described the initiative as a landmark collaboration between the Indian Army and academia, noting, “BITS Pilani takes great pride in contributing to the professional development of Army officers by equipping them with contemporary management, accounting, and technical competencies. This endeavor will significantly enhance the organizational strength of the Indian Army.” Also addressing the gathering, Col. Soumyabrata Chakraborty (Retd.), Registrar, BITS Pilani, underlined the program’s relevance, stating that subjects such as inventory management and accounting will substantially strengthen the Army’s logistics and support operations.
The program has been jointly designed and delivered by the Department of Management and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani. The curriculum combines case studies, group discussions, IT applications, and financial management workshops, ensuring that participants acquire both conceptual knowledge and practical skills for application in real-world contexts. Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai (Director, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus) has been a driving force behind this mission’s success. Its academic framework has been curated under the guidance of Prof. Srikanta Routroy (Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering), Prof. Satyendra Kumar Sharma (Associate Professor, Department of Management) and Prof. Saurabh Chadha (Associate Professor, Department of Management).
This initiative is a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, and BITS Pilani. By empowering Army officers with advanced management expertise, technological proficiency, and leadership capabilities, the program represents a significant step in strengthening the synergy between national defence and higher education, while contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
Jai Hind.
