About Program
The emerging orange economy represents the global creative economy that has brought arts, culture, media, and design together under a progressive umbrella, generating annually a whopping $2.25 trillion. The sector growth also showcases nearly 30 million jobs worldwide. The working dynamics on Indian grounds are also changing, creating an impressive pace for performing artists.
Given the scenario, many artists, including those who are just starting, do not leverage the benefits as they should. Lack of exposure to opportunities and the necessary business skills puts them at a disadvantage. Consequently, they could not sustain their careers effectively or scale their practices to a higher level.
For artists to thrive in the competitive scenario, learning business is no longer an option; it is critical for their survival and career sustainability.
IIM Mumbai's Postgraduate Executive Programme on Creative Leadership (Artpreneur) (PGPCL-A) is designed to facilitate aspiring artists with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today's ever-evolving business environment. This course bestows much-needed musical sensibilities on performing artists that align with their creative identity; it also aids them in understanding business areas, including finance, marketing, operations, human resource management, and analytics.
IIM Mumbai, erstwhile known as NITIE, was established by the Government of India in 1963 with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). IIM Mumbai has been consistently ranked among the top B-schools in India. IIM Mumbai is ranked 6th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for 2025 among Management Institutes across India. IIM Mumbai is committed to creating skilled professionals in diverse functional areas like Operations Management, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, Project Management, HR, Information Technology, and Sustainability Management.
Aligning with the growing needs in the orange economy, IIM Mumbai has partnered with KKALA, an exciting learning academy that offers music, acting, dance, and yoga for professionals and hobbyists. Under the visionary leadership of Padma Shri Kailash Kher, KKALA is more than just an institution; it's a vibrant ecosystem where art thrives. Inspired by a deep-rooted passion for Indian classical music and a desire to nurture young talent, Kailash Kher founded KKALA with the mission to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of India.
IIM Mumbai and KKALA's partnership aims to develop, deliver, and co-certify educational programs that integrate management education with the performing arts and cultural literacy.
Program Objectives
The objectives of the program include:
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To provide balanced alignment of performing arts and business so that performing artists:
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build their entrepreneurial, self-branding, marketing, and leadership skills.
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empower themselves with expressive tools from music, dance, and theatre for developing emotional depth, communicative clarity, and a commanding, authentic stage presence.
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To encourage interdisciplinary expression and ensemble-based creation as key tools for leadership and innovation in the performing arts.
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To bridge art with entrepreneurship, enabling learners to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and creative leadership capabilities.
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To help artists consciously shape their public persona and career direction with strategic communication and branding tools.
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To facilitate learners in creating original performances or projects that synthesise artistic practice, personal narrative, and entrepreneurial intent to inspire collective imagination and social impact.
Eligibility
The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree, with at least 50% marks, or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of Parliament or the State Legislature in India, or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Participants can participate in the IMAT (IIM Mumbai Admission Test), organized jointly by IIM Mumbai and KKALA.
Important Dates
Particulars
Marketing and Sales Launch Date
Application Window Opens (Online)
Application Window Closes (Online)
IMAT Entrance Exam
Result Declaration
Date of PI and Performance test
Admission Booking Slots
Module 1 begins: Class Commencement with Orientation Programme
Date
25 September 2025
20 December 2025
20 February 2026
To be declared
To be declared
2nd-3rd week of March 2026
01 April 2026 - 30 April 2026
2nd week of June 2026
Admission Process
Selection Process
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Online Application with Registration Fee & Eligibility.
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Shortlisting eligible candidates for the personal interview (PI) and performance.
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Personal Interview and Performance Merit List Notification to Candidates.
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Offer acceptance & confirmation of seat by Payment
Apply Online
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Log on to the application portal. The portal details will be available soon on the web portals of both IIM Mumbai and KKALA. Portals will be available during the window of time provided in the advertisement for admissions
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Eligible and interested applicants need to register by filling out the given online form.
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Make an online payment of Rupees 2500/- towards the one-time registration/application fee.
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Participants shall participate in the IMAT (IIM Mumbai Admission Test), organized jointly by IIM Mumbai and KKALA. This test will include a dedicated section on Artistic Intelligence, designed to assess aptitude across music, dance, theatre, and other performing arts disciplines, along with aptitude for management education (language skills, logical reasoning and basic quantitative aptitude).
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Personal Interview with IIM Mumbai and KKALA faculty. Live Performances may be expected during Personal Interviews and may remain one of the possible selection criteria.
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The selection list will be announced accordingly
Important:
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For the Post Graduate Programme in Creative Leadership in Performing Arts, the IMAT
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The application fee remitted is not refunded nor adjustable under any circumstances.
Program Highlights
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Balanced course that blends music sensibilities and creative identities with necessary business skills.
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Build resources to support the growth of the orange economy.
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600 hours of interactive, experiential and dynamic learning.
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Experimentations for augmenting musical skills
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Case studies provide practical insights and industry-oriented learning.
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Provides a co-creative learning space
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Access to IIM Mumbai's extensive library.
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Real-time interactions with esteemed faculty members.
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A capstone project for self-learning and application of concepts.
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Flexible payment terms (coming soon)
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Alumni status from IIM Mumbai and KKALA Mumbai upon successful completion of the program.
Program Flexibility
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Programme Flexibility is in line with NEP-2020:
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Certificate after completing one semester.
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Postgraduate Diploma upon successful completion of the full one-year programme.
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Options for industry internships, field projects, research immersion, or entrepreneurial projects within the one-year framework.
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Flexible payment terms – candidates can choose a yearly or a module-based fee payment.
Program Structure
The in-campus component at IIM Mumbai or KKALA campus shall comprise four modules. The first three modules will comprise 18 credits each, covering a total of 180 hours of teaching in each module. The fourth module will cover a total of 60 hours of a performance-based project. Thus, the overall campus components will be 60 credits, covering a total of 600 contact hours.
***More details will be shared soon.
Class Schedule
The first module will be held at the KKALA campus, while the second module will be held at IIM Mumbai. The Third Module will be held at both locations, depending on the respective Institute's course offerings. For the courses offered in a combined manner, the number of sessions will be equally divided between both institutes. The fourth module will consist of performance-based projects, guided by faculty members from both the Institutes.
***More details will be shared soon.