IGTC and DHBW Launch German Dual MBA, Advancing Industry-Integrated Management Education in India

The Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC), the management training division of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, signed a partnership with Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg’s Center for Advanced Studies (DHBW CAS), Germany to launch a cooperation for a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA), establishing a new benchmark for industry-integrated postgraduate management education in India.

This collaboration establishes a structured pathway from IGTC to an accredited German MBA, rooted firmly in the German dual education philosophy that has defined IGTC for over three decades — where companies are not observers, but active training partners. 

The German dual MBA is designed as a 21-month, 90 ECTS credit, industry-integrated programme, where:

• academic learning and quality form the foundation,
• company-based training and engagement becomes the backbone, and
• applied learning of real business challenges shape the Master’s thesis.

Students are either adopted by partner companies as dual learners or nominated from within organisations, creating a model that supports both future talent acquisition and leadership development.  With the programme embedded in the company environment, the dual learners are not prepared for work — they grow through work.

Strengthening International Academic Pathways

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Mr. Jan Noether, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This cooperation represents an important step in strengthening our continued commitment to building bridges between education and industry, and to enabling talent development models that are globally aligned yet locally relevant.  By combining structured academic learning with sustained industry engagement, this programme supports both individual aspirations and organisational needs within the Indo-German business ecosystem.”

Academic Excellence Anchored in the Dual Model

Emphasising the academic philosophy underpinning the programme, Professor Dr. Joachim Frech, DHBW Center for Advanced Studies, highlighted the depth of the dual approach:

“The dual education model is built on the principle that students learn directly from their professional practice, reflect individually and collaboratively, deepen their understanding through academic frameworks, and apply their insights back into real organisational contexts. With a significant portion of the programme spent within partner companies, the dual MBA enables students to work on real business challenges, including a master’s thesis that delivers direct value to their organisations.

From a Long-Held Dream to Responsible Delivery

Reflecting on the journey behind the collaboration, Radhieka Mehta, Regional Director IGCC, shared:  

“Every meaningful initiative moves through three phases – the dream, the design, and the delivery. With the signing of this agreement, we enter the delivery phase of our collaboration with a German university. The DHBW adds a globally recognized MBA degree to our already strong industry-academia model. 

The programme also marks a meaningful moment for IGTC as it enters its 35th year, having shaped thousands of professionals over decades. Alumni, many of whom now hold leadership positions, are expected to play an active role as mentors, company sponsors, and ecosystem contributors – completing a full circle of learning, leadership, and giving back.”

A Programme Designed for Depth and Commitment

Spanning 21 months, the dual MBA balances organisational processes, ownership-based learning, and real decision-making environments, developing both competence and personality.  As IGTC and DHBW CAS move ahead, they invite forward-looking companies to participate as training partners and aspiring graduates to apply for a programme that is demanding, immersive, and designed to prepare professionals for global responsibility.

The first highly selective pilot cohort will commence in July 2026, working closely with organisations committed to long-term talent development. 

Apply here