IGNOU and RAI Launch MBA in Retail Management
A new step toward developing future retail leaders through academic excellence and industry-driven learning.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) have strengthened their collaboration with the launch of an MBA in Retail Management, designed to build leadership talent and professional expertise for India’s growing retail sector.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has entered a new phase of collaboration with the Retailers Association of India (RAI) by launching an MBA in Retail Management under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This initiative reinforces their shared commitment to developing skilled professionals who can drive innovation and excellence in India’s fast-evolving retail industry.
The partnership between IGNOU and RAI began with the successful BBA in Retailing program, which has already empowered thousands of learners across India to gain essential insights and skills relevant to organized retail. Building on this foundation, the new MBA programme is set to advance this mission further — offering a pathway for both students and working professionals to enhance their managerial expertise and step into leadership positions.
Blending IGNOU’s academic strength with RAI’s deep industry experience, the MBA in Retail Management has been designed to offer a balanced learning experience that combines conceptual knowledge with practical exposure. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from retail operations and strategy to sustainability and modern business practices, preparing graduates to succeed in a dynamic and competitive marketplace.
Professor Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, commented:
“IGNOU has always been dedicated to making quality education accessible and aligned with the demands of the workplace. Our enduring partnership with the Retailers Association of India embodies that mission.”
Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer of Retailers Association of India, added:
“Our collaboration with IGNOU has steadily evolved with a shared vision — to strengthen the talent ecosystem in Indian retail. Together, we have enabled students across the country to understand how the retail industry functions and to pursue rewarding careers in it. The new MBA in Retail Management takes this vision forward by combining academic depth with hands-on industry learning. As retail continues to expand across new formats and geographies, such programs will play a crucial role in ensuring that the industry’s growth is supported by professional capability and leadership.”
The new MBA programme will be open to graduates from all disciplines and delivered through IGNOU’s extensive network of study centres nationwide, ensuring access to high-quality retail education for learners from diverse regions and backgrounds.
About Retailers Association of India (RAI):
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) serves as the unified voice of Indian retailers, advocating for the sustainable growth of modern retail across the country. RAI collaborates with government bodies and industry stakeholders to promote employment, enhance career opportunities, and support retail investments across communities. It aims to boost consumer choice, professionalism, and competitiveness in the Indian retail landscape.
Visit: www.rai.net.in