IBA Bangalore and BFSI Sector Skill Council, Mumbai launch Industry-Integrated 2-Year PGDM & AEPGP (BFSI & FinTech)

IBA Bangalore–BFSI-SSC Partnership
The strategic partnership between IBA Bangalore and the BFSI Sector Skill Council, the apex skills body for India's banking, financial services and insurance industry, anchors the new programme in industry-validated standards. The collaboration reflects a shared objective of developing "future-ready professionals" equipped with the practical knowledge, skills and hands-on exposure the BFSI & FinTech ecosystem demands.

FinTrain Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore is the Authorized Training Partner for the programme, responsible for delivering the industry-expert led skilling and apprenticeship-linked components alongside IBA's academic faculty. This unique program will consist of few important certifications from NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) and NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets).

The programme was formally launched in the presence of senior leaders from both institutions:

• Dr. Nabaroon Chakraborty, National Head – Institution Engagement, BFSI Sector Skill Council, Mumbai
• Dr. Manish Jain, Founder & Chairman, Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bengaluru
• Dr. Nandeesh V. Hiremath, Dean – Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations, IBA
• Dr. Nagendra Hegde, Associate Director, IBA
• Mr. Santanu Saha, Head – Admissions, IBA Bengaluru
• Mr. Kishore B. S., CEO, FinTrain Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Authorized Training Partner)

The institute authorities have mentioned that admissions are open for this program in Academic Year 2026-28 and interested students can connect with IBA team.

A First-of-its-Kind PGDM + AEPGP Model
The programme is built on the AEPGP (Apprenticeship Embedded Post-Graduate Programme) framework. This means the standard two-year PGDM is restructured so that formal apprenticeship is woven into the degree itself, rather than offered as an optional add-on. As the first B-school in India to introduce a BFSI-focused PGDM + AEPGP, IBA Bangalore is positioning the programme as a specialised alternative to the generalist MBA in Banking and Financial Services route many institutions follow.

How the Industry-Integrated Structure Works

The apprenticeship embedded PGDM follows a distinctive two-phase design:

• Year 1 On-campus Learning: Students undergo intensive academic coursework and skill development at IBA's Bangalore campus, building foundational and specialised competencies in banking, finance, insurance and FinTech.
• Year 2 Industry Apprenticeship: The entire second year is dedicated to apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training (OJT) with leading nationalised and private-sector banks, FinTech companies, NBFCs and insurance firms.

This sequencing ensures that students apply classroom concepts in live work environments for a sustained period, rather than in a short internship window.

Stipend and Apprenticeship: ‘Earn While You Learn’
A defining feature of this PGDM in Banking and Finance is its earn-while-you-learn MBA model. Students enrolled in the programme will receive a stipend during the apprenticeship year, with opportunities varying by organisation and individual performance. This allows aspirants to gain meaningful industry exposure and earn an income while completing their management education, a combination that can improve the return on investment of the degree.

Special Certifications from NSDC and NSIM
This unique program will consist of few important certifications from NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) and NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets).

Placements and Career Pathways in BFSI & FinTech
On successful completion of the 2-year PGDM and AEPGP, students will be eligible for pre-placement offers and final placement opportunities, with compensation packages based on performance and industry requirements.

The new programme builds on IBA Bangalore's established hiring strength in financial services. As reported by MBAUniverse.com, Banking & Finance has been IBA's top recruiting sector, accounting for 29% of placements, ahead of Retail and FMCG. IBA has also maintained a consistent 96% placement record since inception, with 95+ companies recruiting on campus, an average salary of ₹8.09 LPA and a highest salary of ₹18.36 LPA in its 2025 placements. IBA's alumni footprint in finance further reinforces the sector fit, with graduates in senior roles at organisations including Standard Chartered, Morgan Stanley, IIFL Capital Services and PwC.

Why BFSI & FinTech: The Sector Context
India's BFSI and FinTech sectors are among the fastest-evolving parts of the economy, driven by digital payments, expanding credit, insurance penetration and platform-based financial services. Roles in these areas increasingly require candidates who combine management fundamentals with sector-specific skills and live industry experience. A programme that embeds a full year of supervised apprenticeship in banks, NBFCs, insurers and FinTechs is designed precisely to produce that profile.

IBA Bangalore at a Glance: A Silver Jubilee Milestone
The launch marks 25 years since IBA Bangalore was established in 2001. The institute operates from an 8.5-acre residential campus on Kanakapura Main Road and runs a focused PGDM portfolio that carries international and national accreditation such as IACBE (USA, recognised by CHEA), SAQS by AMDISA, and NBA. IBA also has MBA equivalence granted by AIU. IBA was ranked #45 in the MBAUniverse.com B-School Ranking 2025 and offers specialisations spanning Finance, Banking & Financial Services, AI & Business Analytics, Marketing, HR, International Business, Operations and more. IBA Bangalore Alumni and graduates are placed at senior and director-level positions across marketing, finance, HR and international business at globally respected organizations. 

Summary
IBA Bangalore's launch of India's 1st industry-integrated PGDM + AEPGP in BFSI & FinTech, in partnership with the BFSI Sector Skill Council, is a noteworthy development for aspirants seeking a focused, employability-driven route into financial services. The earn-while-you-learn model, full-year apprenticeship and IBA's strong banking-and-finance placement record make it a programme worth tracking.

IBA Bangalore admission 2026 for the 2026-28 batch is open. For complete details on eligibility, fees and placements, in-depth IBA Bangalore Admission 2026 guide or visit website www.iba.ac.in.