In a landmark collaboration aimed at reshaping management education for a world defined by uncertainty, the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune, one of India’s premier B-schools, and the Institute of Risk Management’s (IRM) India Affiliate, the Indian arm of the UK-headquartered global leader in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) education, have launched the Global Programme in Enterprise Risk Management (GPERM) — a one-year, full-time, on-campus joint certification course designed to nurture future leaders with a strong risk mindset.
The formal launch ceremony took place in the presence of key academic and industry leaders, including Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University); Dr. Shrirang Altekar, Director, SIBM Pune; Dr. Madhura Bedarkar, Associate Professor & Deputy Director – Administration, SIBM Pune; Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate; Rajeev Tanna (CFIRM), Head – Risk. Management and Internal Compliance at Tata Consulting Engineers; Vishal Jain, Partner and Leader – Enterprise Risk, Deloitte India; Dr. Leena Vijayvargiy, Chief Risk Officer – HDFC Asset Management Company Limited and Strategic Advisory Board Member to IRM India Affiliate and Venkatesh S, Head – Risk and Internal Control, Siemens Limited and Strategic Advisory Board Member to IRM India Affiliate
Joining virtually as the Guest of Honour at the ceremony, Dr. Shashank Shah, Director, Viksit Bharat Perspective Planning & Visioning, NITI Aayog, delivered a special virtual address, underlining the role of risk intelligence as a critical life skill in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The programme offers an internationally benchmarked curriculum that empowers students to think, act, and lead with global foresight while remaining deeply aligned with the nuances of Indian business and governance. This pioneering initiative stands apart from IRM’s existing professional qualifications and is created specifically for graduates who aspire to pursue immersive, on-campus learning enriched with interdisciplinary collaboration, networking opportunities, and a holistic foundation in both management and risk disciplines.
Delivered at SIBM Pune, located in the Symbiosis state-of-the-art Lavale campus, GPERM blends academic rigour with practical insights, integrating strategic thinking, leadership development, and business communication with real-world exposure across diverse risk domains and sectors.
This joint initiative combines the pedagogical strengths of SIBM Pune with IRM’s global ERM expertise across 140+ countries to address the urgent demand for professionals who can navigate volatility with clarity, judgement, and cross-functional agility — emerging as resilience architects, reputation stewards, sustainability advocates, and risk-intelligent changemakers in an increasingly complex world.
The launch comes at a time when organisations are grappling with a wave of disruptive risks — from cyber threats and climate extremes to AI upheavals, misinformation, and fractured supply chains — highlighting the need for leaders equipped to convert uncertainty into opportunity. GPERM is open to graduates from any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks and 0–2 years of work experience. Admission is based on the online Risk Management Aptitude Test (RMAT®) followed by a personal interview.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), said: “At Symbiosis and in particular, SIBM Pune, we have always believed in staying ahead of the curve by aligning our academic programmes with real-world challenges. With risk management becoming central to global business strategy, this exclusive collaboration with IRM — the world’s leading ERM professional body — brings to life the only full-time, on-campus programme in India carrying the prestigious IRM badge. Staying true to SIBM’s commitment to the 'Study in India' vision, this initiative brings world-class global education to Indian soil, offering young minds a rare blend of managerial and risk capabilities. The Global Programme in Enterprise Risk Management is a timely step towards building a resilient generation of future leaders.”
Echoing this vision, Hersh Shah, CEO of IRM India Affiliate and India’s Youngest Enterprise Risk Expert, said: “Risk is no longer a function; it is a way of thinking. This collaboration with SIBM Pune signifies our commitment to embedding both risk and opportunity at the core of business education. Through GPERM, we are preparing students not just for their first job — but for a future where resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight will define success — thereby meeting the huge demand for qualified candidates across industries.
The programme offers a well-balanced blend of management subjects, including: international business, human resource management, and strategy combined with specialised risk modules that cover a comprehensive range of risk types. It includes focused learning on risk culture, ESG, crisis management, internal controls, global risk regulations and standards and risk reporting.
Designed with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, the programme includes case studies, gamified simulations, workshops, industry sessions, internships, and industrial visits. The programme also focuses on career enablement, preparing students for roles in ERM, ESG, risk consulting, compliance, governance, financial / operational risk, forensics, cyber risk, brand risk, supply chain risk, risk-based internal audit, and due diligence — across sectors such as banking, technology, healthcare, aviation, retail, manufacturing, and government.
Students will develop analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills -preparing them to contribute meaningfully across corporates, family-owned businesses, and high-growth startups in any sector. All students upon successfully completing the programme will receive dedicated placement assistance through SIBM Pune’s robust career services and industry network. The support includes access to curated opportunities, interview preparation, and networking with leading organisations. The certification does not grant any exemptions or lead to any IRM qualifications.
Admissions for the inaugural batch are now open, with the first cohort commencing in January 2026. With only 60 seats available, the programme is highly exclusive and designed for a select group of high-potential candidates.
Contact for more information: gperm@sibmpune.edu.in
