XLRI Jamshedpur launches PGDM (BM) with nine International Specialization tracks via tie‑ups with US

XLRI Jamshedpur has launched a game-changing PGDM (BM) program featuring nine International Specialization Tracks for the 2026-28 batch. This dual-degree opportunity, in partnership with top US and French universities, allows students to earn both XLRI's PGDM and a corresponding MS/MBA degree abroad via a credit-transfer system. The new tracks, including Business Analytics and Healthcare Analytics, are designed to equip aspirants with deep, globally relevant domain knowledge in new-age sectors, offering unparalleled career prospects at a significantly reduced cost.

XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, India’s oldest and one of its most prestigious business schools, has raised the bar for management education by announcing the launch of its PGDM (Business Management) Program with International Specialization Tracks. This monumental initiative, developed in collaboration with highly reputed universities from the United States and France, is set to reshape the career trajectories of aspiring global managers by offering a sought-after dual-degree option.

​This strategic move is XLRI’s direct response to the increasing industry demand for managerial talent that possesses both a strong foundation in core business management and deep, globally-relevant expertise in specialized, new-age sectors. For the upcoming 2026-2028 batch, the institute is offering nine distinct International Specialization Tracks, cementing its commitment to creating 'responsible leaders' with a global mindset. The announcement, confirmed on November 25, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for management aspirants planning their careers in a globally interconnected economy.

​ The Nine Global Specialization Tracks and Partner Universities

​The new PGDM (BM) program structure integrates XLRI’s rigorous core curriculum with advanced, specialized coursework delivered by the global partner universities. This partnership ensures that the academic content is cutting-edge and directly addresses complex, data-driven business models and high-technology adoption prevalent in modern industries.

​The nine specialization tracks are offered in collaboration with four globally acclaimed institutions, providing an extensive array of deep-domain expertise:

• ​George Washington Business School (George Washington University, USA): 
  • ​International Business
  • ​Sports Management
  • ​Business Analytics (STEM-designated)
  • ​Project Management (STEM-designated)
• ​Martin J. Whitman School of Management (Syracuse University, USA): 
  • ​Marketing (STEM-designated)
• ​Rutgers Business School (Rutgers University, USA): 
  • ​Healthcare Analytics & Intelligence
• ​IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School (Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne University, France): 
  • ​Healthcare Management
  • ​Two additional specializations will be announced soon.

​Each of these tracks involves over 400 hours of domain-specific content, which provides a significantly greater depth of learning than typical second-year MBA specializations. The STEM-designated tracks in Business Analytics, Project Management, and Marketing are particularly attractive, as they offer additional post-study work opportunities in the US, providing a significant career advantage to Indian students.

​Dual-Degree Structure and Financial Advantage

​The program is meticulously structured using a credit-transfer system to maximize academic rigor and minimize the overall duration and cost, making a global dual-degree highly accessible.

• ​Integrated Learning Model: 
  • ​Year 1 at XLRI, Jamshedpur: Students complete the core curriculum of the PGDM (BM) program, establishing a strong foundation in general management principles (Finance, Operations, Strategy, HR, etc.).
  • ​Year 2 Transition: Students will complete foundational second-year courses at XLRI before moving to the partner university for their specialization coursework, beginning in the Fall semester.
  • ​Specialization Abroad: The final phase is dedicated to advanced, specialized study at the respective US or French partner university.
• ​The Dual Degree Benefit: 
  • ​Upon successful completion, students will be awarded XLRI’s PGDM (BM) degree and a corresponding MS or MBA degree from the international partner university.
  • ​This is achieved through the structured credit-transfer mechanism, which recognizes academic credits earned at the home institution, thereby avoiding duplication and saving substantial time and cost.
• ​Cost-Effective Global Exposure:
  • ​The credit-transfer structure, coupled with scholarship provisions offered by the international partner universities, ensures that students can obtain two globally recognized degrees at a significantly reduced overall cost compared to pursuing both degrees independently.
  • ​Students gain full access to the academic resources, career services, industry interactions, and global career fairs at both XLRI and the partner institutions, exponentially expanding their networking and placement opportunities.

​ Admission Requirements and Application Process

​Admission to the PGDM (BM) Program with International Specialization Tracks follows the same rigorous selection procedure as XLRI’s flagship PGDM (BM) program, with a specific step for indicating track preference.

• ​Mandatory Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026 exam.
• ​Academic Qualification: Applicants must have completed four years of full-time education after higher secondary (10+2+4 or equivalent), a requirement that caters to the academic structure of the partner universities.
• ​Track Preference: Applicants can indicate their preference for these International Specialization Tracks directly through the XAT application form, aligning their aspirations with the global program opportunity.
• ​Selection for Final Round: Shortlisting for the subsequent Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD-PI) round will be based on the candidate's XAT score, academic profile, and the demonstrated interest in the international tracks.

​This new dual-degree offering represents a paradigm shift for XLRI, positioning it as a major hub for truly global management education.

​Conclusion

​The launch of the PGDM (BM) Program with nine International Specialization Tracks is a landmark announcement from XLRI Jamshedpur, offering aspirants a competitive edge in the global marketplace. The dual-degree structure with premier US and French universities not only provides deep, contemporary specialization knowledge but also delivers two globally recognized qualifications while significantly minimizing cost. For candidates targeting the 2026-2028 batch, this program provides an unparalleled pathway to a successful, internationally-oriented career in specialized management fields like Business Analytics, Sports Management, and Healthcare Analytics. This opportunity solidifies XLRI's place as a pioneer in Indian management education, truly nurturing 'responsible global leaders'.

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