At Chitkara Business School, the Centre for Rural Management (CRM) is shaping a new generation of professionals equipped to lead sustainable transformation in rural economies. With an academic foundation rooted in developmental insight and a strong orientation towards real-world problem-solving, CRM blends management excellence with purpose-driven action. Through an immersive learning journey — combining strategic coursework, live projects, industry collaboration, and exposure to rural contexts — the Centre empowers students to become catalysts for rural innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
CRM goes beyond traditional management education by integrating experiential learning, immersive fieldwork, and future-focused minors to create career-ready professionals for the rural sector, equipped with practical insights, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of inclusive community development.
The Centre's flagship 2-Year MBA in Rural Management, offered with the esteemed Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), blends rigorous academics with real-world immersion. Focused on rural markets, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, the program builds expertise in agri-business, micro-finance, rural supply chains, and innovation through fieldwork, internships, and the unique Exposure to Rural Markets (ERM) experience.
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All MBA students at CRM also pursue a 10-credit Minor in Artificial Intelligence in Business, uniquely blending rural management with next-gen technology. From generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to ethical AI frameworks, this component enables students to harness emerging technologies for rural transformation, data-driven policymaking, & smart enterprise development.
Learn MoreOur MBA in Rural Management stands out for its blend of social impact, strategic insight, and industry relevance.
An industry-aligned curriculum focusing on Agri-business, Micro-finance, Rural Livelihoods, Sustainability, and AI in Business.
Students solve real-world challenges through live projects, internships, and field immersions, linking classroom learning with rural realities.
Academic partnership with one of India's most reputed institutions in rural development for curriculum enrichment and research opportunities.
A dynamic mix of fresh graduates and working professionals with diverse regional, international, and academic backgrounds.
Students refine competencies through branding workshops, TED-style presentations, and certifications in analytics, performance systems, talent management, and communication.
Understand the socio-economic dynamics and behavioural trends of rural markets through contextual research and community engagement.
Design and implement innovative, scalable rural development strategies for lasting impact and inclusive growth.
Integrate AI tools, data analytics, and predictive models for impactful, data-driven decision-making and planning.
Manage rural enterprises, supply chains, and development projects efficiently using technology-enabled solutions.
Influence public policy, social innovation, and entrepreneurship in underserved communities through strategic insights and grassroots mobilisation.
Students refine competencies through branding workshops, TED-style presentations, and certifications in analytics, performance systems, talent management, and communication.
Understand the socio-economic dynamics and behavioural trends of rural markets through contextual research and community engagement.
Design and implement innovative, scalable rural development strategies for lasting impact and inclusive growth.
Integrate AI tools, data analytics, and predictive models for impactful, data-driven decision-making and planning.
Manage rural enterprises, supply chains, and development projects efficiently and technology-enabled solutions.
Influence public policy, social innovation, and entrepreneurship in underserved communities through strategic insights and grassroots mobilisation.
The program features immersive rural internships, experiential learning modules, enterprise-led fieldwork, and interdisciplinary minors in areas like sustainability and social innovation. These components are designed to nurture adaptive thinking, ground-level insight, and leadership that’s responsive to rural development challenges and inclusive growth opportunities.
Students participate in guided, theme-based projects developed by industry experts and partner organisations, focusing on real-time rural issues such as microfinance implementation, rural supply chain optimisation, and livelihood development.
Multidisciplinary innovation labs where students ideate and prototype sustainable solutions from solar micro-grids to digital literacy initiatives, under the expert mentorship of faculty & sector professionals.
An annual initiative where students pitch scalable business models designed for rural settings, fostering innovation and enterprise thinking with mentorship from social impact investors and founders.
Dedicated sessions on career mapping, sector-specific job readiness, resume enhancement, and interview preparation, geared towards roles in development organisations, rural enterprises, and CSR functions.
CRM is deeply embedded in India’s growing rural innovation and development ecosystem. Through continuous interaction with thought leaders, development professionals, and corporate CSR teams, students gain real-world perspective and professional exposure.
Students participate in research and consulting assignments with NGOs, policy think tanks, and rural development agencies.
Collaborative work with start-ups and scale-ups working in agri-fintech, rural logistics, and grassroots innovation.
Exposure to organisations leading rural CSR initiatives and inclusive business models through real-world case studies, expert talks, and strategic partnerships.
Field visits, market mapping, and primary research across states offer students a unique vantage point on rural enterprise and consumer dynamics.
The MBA in Rural Management opens doors to impactful careers across the rural development and business ecosystem.
Academic collaboration with IRMA strengthens academic depth and sectoral insight through joint initiatives, research, curriculum innovation, strategic engagement, and advisory support.
Centre for Rural Management equips students to create scalable, socially relevant solutions through fieldwork, sector-specific training, and value-based leadership, leading to strong placements in rural finance, development consulting, agri-tech, and industries driving last-mile transformation.
Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway
Punjab 140 401
Unit No. A 201-202
Elante Mall Office Complex
Industrial Area Phase 1
Chandigarh 160 002
Unit No. A 201-202
Elante Mall Office Complex
Industrial Area Phase 1
Chandigarh 160 002
Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway
Punjab 140 401
