Retailers Association of India (RAI), the unified voice of Indian retailers, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad. Through this collaboration, both institutions will jointly design and deliver a Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management while extending Academic Membership benefits to students and faculty.
The partnership strengthens industry-academia collaboration and aims to create future-ready retail professionals equipped with both managerial capabilities and practical operational insight. Additionally, the program addresses the knowledge gap between management education and the rapidly evolving needs of the retail sector.
Under the MoU, RAI will lead the delivery of the Bridge Course through 30 hours of classroom training. The curriculum is supported by industry outreach initiatives such as live projects, guided store visits, and mentorship from senior retail experts. It covers essential functional areas including Customer Experience Management, Store Operations, Merchandising, Shopper Behavior, Retail IT and CRM, and Retail Marketing, ensuring a blend of theoretical and hands-on learning.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, RAI, said:
“With the Indian retail sector evolving rapidly, there is a growing demand for professionals who have both management acumen and a practical understanding of retail dynamics. This partnership with VJIM enables us to prepare students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers in modern retail.”
Through the Academic Membership, VJIM students will gain access to internships, short-term projects, and placement support through RAI’s member network. Faculty and students will also receive complimentary invites to RAI’s regional and national events, access to STOrai magazine, industry insights, and legislative updates. Furthermore, five students will have the opportunity to volunteer and support operations at RAI’s retail summits and conventions.
With more than three decades of academic excellence, strong industry linkages, global immersion programs, and 500-plus corporate tie-ups, VJIM contributes robust academic strength, experiential pedagogy, and contemporary curriculum to the collaboration.
Commenting on the partnership, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Bhushan Singh, Director, VJIM, said:
“Retail is no longer just a sector—it’s a career landscape with enormous potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This MoU enables our students to better understand the industry’s realities, build employability, and solve real-world retail challenges.”
The Bridge Course will begin with a cohort of 48 students at VJIM’s Bachupally campus. The institute will oversee programme logistics, student enrollment, and provide campus infrastructure and lodging for trainers.
The agreement will remain valid for one year from November 27, 2025, with an option to extend through mutual consent.
