The Indian Institute of Management Raipur (IIM Raipur) has launched a transformative Business Accelerator Programme in partnership with the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The strategic initiative aims to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential business skills, advanced management knowledge, and personalised mentoring for enterprise growth.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications via the official website iimraipur.ac.in until December 15, 2025. The programme blends on-campus immersion sessions at IIM Raipur with live online classes, offering an accessible and impactful learning experience.
The course has been designed to support early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs by helping them build stronger business foundations, expand into new markets, and overcome operational challenges through structured guidance.
Programme Eligibility and Key Features
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Qualification: Graduation degree from a recognised institution
- Mode: Blended (online + on-campus)
- Preference: Women candidates will be prioritised
- Not Eligible: Individuals with ‘trading’ as the primary activity in Udyam registration
The programme fee of ₹99,000 + GST is fully sponsored under the NSSH scheme, making it highly inclusive. Participants must pay only a ₹7,500 registration fee (inclusive of GST).
Programme Structure and Schedule
- Classes Begin: January 17, 2026
- Format: Online + On-campus
- Instruction Hours: 72 hours
- Dedicated Mentoring: 18 hours
- Mentors: IIM Raipur faculty, industry leaders, MSME experts, experienced practitioners
The curriculum is designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen financial decision-making, adopt digital tools for efficiency, and enhance their operational capabilities.
Training Methodology
According to IIM Raipur, participants will engage in:
- Concept sessions exploring MSME challenges
- Case-based learning rooted in real-world business issues
- Hands-on assignments
- One-on-one mentoring clinics
These interventions enable entrepreneurs to work directly on their business models and create 90–180 day action roadmaps tailored to their enterprise goals.
Leadership Perspective
Sanjeev Prashar, Director-in-Charge, IIM Raipur, shared: “Through this Business Accelerator Program, IIM Raipur aims to create a structured pathway for SC/ST entrepreneurs to strengthen their business foundations and scale with confidence. This initiative… brings together academic rigor, practical insights, and personalised mentoring to equip participants with the capabilities needed to compete in today’s evolving market landscape.”
The programme also offers participants opportunities to:
- Explore new markets
- Learn government procurement processes
- Build networks with peers, mentors, and ecosystem partners
Quick Reference Summary
| Programme Element | Details |
| Institute | IIM Raipur |
| Partner | National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), Ministry of MSME |
| Last Date to Apply | December 15, 2025 |
| Programme Fee | ₹99,000 + GST (fully sponsored) |
| Registration Fee | ₹7,500 (incl. GST) |
| Start Date | January 17, 2026 |
| Mode | Blended (online + campus) |
| Instruction Hours | 72 hours + 18 hours mentoring |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Who can apply for the IIM Raipur Business Accelerator Programme? |
| Individuals aged 18+ with a graduation degree and belonging to SC/ST communities. |
| Is the programme fully funded? |
| Yes, the ₹99,000 + GST fee is fully sponsored. Participants only pay a ₹7,500 registration fee. |
| What is the last date to apply? |
| December 15, 2025. |
| When do classes begin? |
| January 17, 2026. |
| Are women candidates given preference? |
| Yes, the programme prioritises women entrepreneurs. |
| What is excluded under eligibility? |
| Applicants with “trading” as their major Udyam activity are not eligible. |
| What does the programme include? |
| Live online classes, campus immersion, mentoring sessions, case discussions, and business action planning. |
| Which organisation is supporting the programme? |
| The National SC-ST Hub (NSSH), Ministry of MSME. |
The IIM Raipur Business Accelerator Programme is a high-impact opportunity for SC/ST entrepreneurs seeking structured academic and entrepreneurial support. With fully sponsored tuition, expert mentoring, and a blended learning format, the initiative provides a powerful foundation for business growth and market expansion. Applicants should apply through iimraipur.ac.in before December 15, 2025, and bookmark this page for future updates from IIM Raipur, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
