The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode recently welcomed its first class of Defence Service Officers. The first batch includes 44 armed forces officers who will be trained by the institute's faculty to help them transition from the defence services to corporate life. IIM Kozhikode has worked with the General Resettlement Directorate.

The certificate programme is called 'Business Management Programme for Defence Personnels' and lasts six months. The first cohort includes 12 officers from the Indian Army, 22 from the Indian Navy, and 10 from the Indian Air Force.

Addressing the incoming batch, Professor Chatterjee said this programme will provide a unique platform for defence professionals to develop their management skills and broaden their understanding of the changing global business landscape. The programme will enrich their knowledge, foster cross-country collaboration, improve their employability and strengthen their leadership and decision making skills.

The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) is an Inter Service organisation that reports to the Ministry of Defence's Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. Every year, a large number of Armed Forces servicemen and women are retired/released at a young age. DGR assists these ex-servicemembers in training and acquiring additional skills, with a strong emphasis on evolving corporate and industry requirements, in order to facilitate their resettlement.

Brigadier Rohit Mehta, ADG, Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) (Ministry of Defence), and Professor Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode, were among those inducted.