An Interview with Dr. Asit K Barma (Director, BIM Trichy)

BIM Trichy also known as Bharathidasan Institute of Management Trichy was established in 1984 as a private institution. BIM Trichy is NBA accredited (2024-2027), NIRF Top 100 and AICTE approved. BIM Trichy course includes an MBA and PhD Management which are offered in full-time mode. Candidates having a valid score in XAT/ MAT/ CAT/ GMAT will be considered for BIM Trichy admissions.

Careers360 presents you with an interview with Dr. Asit K Barma, Director, BIM Trichy where he highlights the admission eligibility criteria, the MBA programme and its specialisation, placements, facilities available at BIM Trichy and the selection process for the MBA programme. Go through the interview below to learn more about BIM Trichy.

Careers360: Established over four decades ago, BIM Trichy is acknowledged as a premier management institution and ranked among NIRF’s top 100 B Schools. Can you share how this legacy is maintained over the years?

Dr. Asit K Barma: Established over four decades ago in collaboration with BHEL, Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli is now an ISO 21001:2018 and 14001:2015 certified, NBA accredited (2024-2027), NIRF Top 100 and AICTE approved, an autonomous School of Excellence of Bharathidasan University, governed by an independent society, with the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu as its Patron in Chief. BIM Trichy has consistently upheld its status as a premier management institution through a commitment to academic excellence, innovative pedagogy, and strong industry connections. Our industry-designed and industry-delivered courses are continually updated to reflect the latest trends and challenges in the business world. New Technology applications and advancing Sustainability practices are the lynchpin of BIM. The support and engagement from our extensive 4500+ alumni network, combined with our strategic partnerships with leading organizations, ensure that BIM remains at the forefront of management education.

Careers360: BIM is known for its industry-aligned pedagogy, could you tell us what differentiates it from other institutions?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM offers a two-year residential MBA programme approved by AICTE, specializing in Marketing Management; Finance and Economics; Operations and Supply Chain Management; Human Resources Management; Digital Business, and Analytics. BIM also offers certifications like PG Certification in ERP (SAP), PG Certification in Public Policy & Management, and PG Certification in Digital HR & Analytics.

In addition to its graduate programme, BIM has a strong focus on research and industry consulting, having established multiple centres of excellence, including the Operations Excellence Centre, Financial Trading and Analytics Centre (FINTRAC)(with 12 Bloomberg Terminals), Real-Time Contextual Marketing Labs, qBotica Robotic Process Automation Lab, and Centre for Sustainable Development to advance contemporary management practices and for students to access industry demanded certifications from every domain.

BIM is in the process of re-starting its Ph.D. programme in management sciences. What sets BIM Trichy apart is our Pi-shaped programme architecture that envisions bullet-proofing you in the VUCA world. Our industry-designed and industry-delivered courses like Operations 4.0, HR Analytics, Digital HR in Human Resources, and AI/ML and other tools in Digital Business & Analytics, equip our students to be specialists in applying new technology applications in a specific specialization.

All BIM students learn Python, R, KNIME, SPSS, Orange, Smart PLS, Power BI, NVivo, Tableau, and other AI/ML tool-based applications. The second pillar on the right denotes courses that help our students imbibe human values, build character, personality, and confidence to take on the uncertain VUCA world, and be sensitive to SDG/ESG priorities.

Our practice courses, like participation in club activities, personality building through sports, outbound leadership programme, personal growth lab, and courses like universal human values, aim to achieve this. BIM is a 100% student-driven campus that encourages students towards real-world applications in day-to-day life. There are external expert interventions to take care of Gen Z learners’ mental health and emotional well-being.

Also See: BIM Trichy Placements

Careers360: Please tell us about some of the most popular MBA specialisations offered at BIM Trichy.

Dr. Asit K Barma: At BIM Trichy, some of the most sought-after MBA specialisations include Marketing Management, Finance and Economics, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Human Resources Management, and Digital Business and Analytics. Each of these specializations is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills relevant to the respective fields.

Careers360: What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the MBA programme? What exactly does BIM Trichy look for in future candidates?

Dr. Asit K Barma: Applicants should hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (under 10+2+3 or equivalent) recognized by UGC in any field, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, or Social Sciences. Candidates who possess ACA / ACWA / ACS qualifications are also eligible to apply. They should have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their Graduate/ Master's Degree examination. Candidates appearing for the final bachelor's or equivalent degree examination are also eligible to apply. However, their admission will be provisional until they produce proof of having passed the test with a minimum of 50% marks, and evidence of minimum required qualification should be produced before July 31, 2025, positively.

Careers360: Can you explain the Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs) and Programme Outcomes (POs) for your MBA programme?

Dr. Asit K Barma: Our PEOs focus on developing innovative, socially responsible leaders with a global perspective. The POs aim to equip students with the ability to apply management knowledge in real-world scenarios, demonstrate ethical leadership, and contribute meaningfully to societal development through sustainable business practices. With the most contemporary curriculum, area-specific centres of excellence, industry-designed and industry-delivered courses, simulation tools, facilitation of domain-specific certifications, and a thrust on capstone projects, BIM enables a smooth and quick transition from classroom to corporate. BIM graduates are known for their high retention in the industry due to their subject matter expertise and ability to hit the road running

Careers360: How are candidates evaluated during the interview round of the MBA selection process?

Dr. Asit K Barma: During the interview round, candidates are evaluated on their communication skills, analytical abilities, and understanding of current business trends. We assess their leadership potential, problem-solving skills, and alignment with BIM’s core values and vision.

Careers360: Personality Development is an integral part of the BIM-MBA curriculum, what are the initiatives taken towards this?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy places significant emphasis on personality development through initiatives like the Personal Growth Lab, Outbound Leadership Lab, Social Immersion Programme, and various student clubs and committees. These programmes are designed to enhance leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Careers360: BIM Trichy has been selected as the academic partner for the flagship 2-year Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Fellowship Programme. Please give details.

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy is the academic partner for the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme, a prestigious two-year initiative. This programme involves close collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government, where fellows work on transformative public policy and management projects, gaining valuable experience in sectors like health, water resources, and urban development. BIM has also launched a strategic endeavour of Government & Public Service Consulting (GNPS), where top performers of BIM will work in collaboration with the fellows of the Tamil Nadu CM Fellowship programme. This will open career opportunities for students in the consulting domain.

Careers360: How does BIM Trichy assure a 100% placement for its qualified graduates?

Dr. Asit K Barma: At BIM Trichy, our unwavering commitment to academic excellence is reflected not only in our rigorous curriculum but also in the outstanding success of our students in securing 100% placements year after year. In an era where market conditions are dynamic and challenging, the consistent improvement in our placement records is a testament to our students exceptional skill set, the robust 4500+ alumni network of BIM, and its 40+ years of legacy. One distinctive aspect that sets BIM Trichy apart is its status as one of the select institutions to undergo CRISIL Audited placement reporting. This audit not only adds a layer of credibility but also underscores our dedication to transparency and accountability. The CRISIL Audited placement report ensures that the data presented is authentic, providing reliable insight into the success stories of our graduates.

Careers360: Please share some placement insights concerning top recruiters, roles, and packages offered.

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy’s placement highlights include top recruiters from various sectors such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, with CRISIL audited placement data. Amidst the tough market conditions, the highest package offered during 2024(Batch 39) final placements has been around INR 16 LPA, with the top 25% securing an average and median package of INR 13 LPA, and the batch average being INR 10.50 LPA and INR 10 LPA respectively. The ongoing placements for 2025 (Batch 40) are witnessing a whopping improvement in placement numbers, with the top 25% securing an average and median package of INR 16.10 LPA and INR 14.95 LPA respectively. Roles range from analysts, managers, and consultants, to specialists in emerging fields like digital marketing and data analytics from Top Recruiters like Asian Paints, Infosys, Accenture, Ford, Reliance, Vedanta, EY, Deloitte, Tiger Analytics, and Dell to name a few.

Also See: BIM Trichy Facilities

Careers360: How do the international exchange programmes work at BIM Trichy? What benefits do these programmes provide?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy’s international programmes include collaborations with institutions like Rennes School of Business, France, and the University of Texas, Arlington. These programmes offer students exposure to global business practices and cultural diversity and opportunities to participate in joint research projects and executive education programmes.

Careers360: Please give details on alumni engagement activities at BIM Trichy and the alumni support received by both current and prospective students.

Dr. Asit K Barma: Our alumni relations committee actively engages with over 4,500 alumni globally. Activities include networking events, mentorship programmes, and workshops that connect current students with alumni. This support system helps students gain insights into industry trends and career advice from experienced professionals. BIM has successfully conducted several batch reunions like SMRITI- Silver Jubilee reunion event, AMIGO- 10-year reunion event, WEEKEENDEAVOR Talk Series by BIM17 Batch, and many more.

Careers360: Could you please share BIM Trichy's vision for the future?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy envisions being globally recognized as a boutique business school focused on high-tech applications and sustainability. We aim to continually evolve our curriculum, enhance our research capabilities, and expand our global partnerships to provide students with a comprehensive and future-ready education.

Careers360: What advice would you like to give prospective students aspiring to become successful professionals?

Dr. Asit K Barma: To aspiring professionals, I advise embracing a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Focus on building a strong foundation in management principles while cultivating soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. Stay curious, seek out opportunities for practical experience, and be ready to contribute positively to society and the business world.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by BIM Trichy and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.