In Conversation with Dr. Asit K Barma, Director and Professor at BIM Trichy

Bharathidasan Institute of Management (BIM) in Trichy was established in 1984 by Bharathidasan University in collaboration with BHEL. The institute is an autonomous, and AICTE-approved business school. BIM Trichy courses are offered at the postgraduate and doctoral-level programmes, including a two-year residential MBA. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and valid scores in any one of the entrance exams, like CAT/ GMAT / XAT to apply for BIM Trichy admissions.

Careers360 brings you an exclusive interview with Dr. Asit K Barma, Director and Professor at BIM Trichy. In this interview, Professor Barma speaks briefly about the journey, admission process, selections, and campus infrastructure at Bharathidasan Institute of Management Trichy.

Careers360: BIM Trichy was established in 1984. Could you share some milestones and challenges that you feel have shaped the institution’s journey so far?

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, AICTE-approved, and 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 linchpin of BIM. The support and engagement from our extensive alumni network of 5000+, combined with our strategic partnerships with leading organisations, ensure that BIM remains at the forefront of management education.

Careers360: How would you describe the vision and mission of BIM Trichy in today’s higher education landscape?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy envisions being globally recognised 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 differentiates BIM Trichy from other leading B-schools in India?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM offers a two-year residential MBA program approved by AICTE, specialising 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 program, 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 restarting its Ph.D. program in management sciences.

What sets BIM Trichy apart is our π-shaped program architecture, which aims to bulletproof you in the VUCA world. Our industry-designed and industry-delivered courses, such as Operations 4.0, HR Analytics, Digital HR in Human Resources, and AI/ML and other tools in Digital Business & Analytics, equip our students to become specialists in applying new technologies within 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, such as participation in club activities, personality development through sports, the outbound leadership program, the personal growth lab, and 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 support Gen Z learners’ mental health and emotional well-being.

Careers360: How does the MBA programme at BIM Trichy create a distinctive learning experience for its students?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy creates a distinctive learning experience by emphasising personality development through initiatives like the Personal Growth Lab, Outbound Leadership Lab, Social Immersion Program, and various student clubs and committees. These programs aim to improve leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Careers360: Please elaborate on the admission criteria and selection process for the PGDM programme at BIM Trichy.

Dr. Asit K Barma: Applicants should hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (under 10+2+3 or equivalent) recognised 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 at least 50% marks in their graduate or 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 the required qualification should be provided before July 31, 2025. 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: What weightage is given to academic performance, entrance test scores, work experience, and personal interviews in the selection process?

Dr. Asit K Barma: The final admission decision is made using a balanced formula that accounts for multiple dimensions of the candidate. This formula varies from year to year to ensure the best match between student profiles and the evolving preferences of recruiters. CAT/XAT/GMAT scores - 40%, Past Academic Performance-10%, Work Experience-5%, Group Discussion-10%, Written Analysis-5%, Personal Interview-30%. This holistic approach ensures that no single factor dominates, and students admitted reflect a balance of analytical ability, communication skills, leadership potential, and professional maturity.

Careers360: How does BIM Trichy ensure its curriculum remains relevant to the rapidly evolving business environment?

Dr. Asit K Barma: Industry integration peaks at BIM. Industry practitioners participate on our sector-specific advisory boards, boards of studies, and academic councils. We offer several innovative courses designed and delivered by industry experts, including Fintech, Gen AI, Blockchain, RPA, Digital Supply Chain, and more. Our strong corporate partnerships facilitate joint certification programs, action projects, research initiatives, and internships. Guest lectures and masterclasses by industry professionals and international faculty provide real-time insights in the classroom.

Our Board of Studies regularly updates the curriculum to remain current and responsive to market shifts. Our focus on simulation, business games, research incubation, case methods, and emphasis on technology and sustainability—through various Centres of Excellence such as the Realtime Contextual Marketing Lab, the Finance Lab with Bloomberg terminals, the RPA Lab, the Operations Excellence Centre, and the Centre for Sustainable Development—ensures our programs are future-ready. BIM aligns its curriculum and teaching methods with the WEF's Future of Jobs report, preparing students to be resilient, critical thinkers, adaptable, and lifelong learners.

Careers360: How does the institute balance academic rigour with experiential learning opportunities?

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM balances academic rigor with experiential learning with our π-shaped program architecture, where the experiential learning and rigor complement each other. Core courses lay a strong conceptual foundation, ensuring students understand frameworks, models, and analytical methods through a rigorous process. These theories are immediately applied through case studies, simulations, and labs, reinforcing learning rather than diluting rigor. Experiential components such as live projects, internships, and field studies are structured so as not to clash with classroom learning, and academic loads are managed through the appropriate allocation of credit points earned. Faculty mentors oversee experiential learning, ensuring students apply concepts meaningfully. Students are encouraged to see experiential learning as an extension of academics, not a substitute. Clubs, competitions, hackathons, research labs, and incubators foster a culture of learning-by-doing without compromising scholarly standards.

Careers360: Please share the placement performance of the recent batch and the dominant sectors involved.

Dr. Asit K Barma: BIM Trichy’s placement highlights include top recruiters across sectors such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources, with CRISIL-audited placement data. Amidst challenging market conditions, the highest package offered during 2025 (Batch 40) final placements has been around INR 35.26 LPA, with the top 25% securing average and median packages of INR 14.76 LPA and 14.64 LPA, respectively. Roles range from analysts, managers, and consultants to specialists in emerging fields like digital marketing and data analytics, from Top Recruiters such as Asian Paints, Infosys, Accenture, Ford, Reliance, Vedanta, EY, Deloitte, Tiger Analytics, and Dell, to name a few.

Careers360: What advice would you give to prospective applicants preparing for the admission process at BIM Trichy?

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.