IRMA Becomes Tribhuvan Sahkari University: New MBA Courses

The Indian government established the Tribhuvan Sahkari University (TSU) in April, with the renowned Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in Gujarat forming its core. IRMA now functions as a school within this new central university, which launched three new MBA programs for the academic year 2025-26 .

TSU also gained recognition as an Institution of National Importance (INI) , securing Rs 500 crore in government funding. This funding targets significant infrastructure development for the university’s expansion.

IRMA’s Transition and Purpose

IRMA was chosen for this transformation due to its 46-year history of developing managerial resources for the cooperative and dairy sectors. Director of IRMA and Dean of the School of Cooperative Management, Saswata Biswas , stated the university’s broader mandate focuses on serving and professionalizing the cooperative sector.

The idea for IRMA to become a university originated in 1992 . The establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation helped realize this vision, leading to the university’s formation. This transition allows for expanded student and faculty numbers, along with increased resources and infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Autonomy

The Rs 500 crore funding is primarily for infrastructure development. The government provided a new 125-acre land parcel located 5 km from IRMA’s existing campus. These funds will build physical and IT infrastructure.

The INI status grants TSU significant autonomy. Biswas explained that previously, IRMA operated under regulatory frameworks that restricted curriculum design. These frameworks limited practical elements like multiple internships or prescribed classroom hours. The INI status removes these constraints, allowing TSU to tailor programs for the cooperative and social sectors.

India’s First Cooperative University

TSU is positioned as the world’s first national cooperative university . Its primary goal is to professionalize India’s extensive cooperative sector. This sector significantly contributes to India’s GDP, with major cooperatives in dairy, fertilizer, sugar, pharma, and banking conducting business worth trillions of rupees.

The university aims to implement professional management practices across these sectors. It plans a decade-long strategy to cover all segments, from primary to higher levels. Efforts will include training, outreach, education programs, research, and consultation.

New Programs and Expansion

For the 2025-26 academic year , TSU introduced three new MBA programs:

• MBA in Agribusiness Management
• MBA in Cooperative Banking and Finance
• MBA in Cooperative Management

TSU also plans to launch a program on social innovation in the cooperative sector. The university intends to build excellence by affiliating with other organizations working in the cooperative domain. Discussions are underway with state departments to establish TSU campuses outside Gujarat and improve research quality in the cooperative sector.

Curriculum and Faculty

IRMA’s vision is integrated into TSU. IRMA retains its director and board. Current IRMA faculty members are working within the new schools. TSU plans to recruit new faculty members from the next academic year.

Academic norms and standards remain consistent. However, the university has restructured courses. For example, the cooperative management program will feature a new syllabus. Each school within TSU will have its own board, regulated by the Board of Studies, with overall governance by TSU’s executive council and Board of Governors.

Placement Record

IRMA maintains a 100% placement record since its inception. Placements are a student-driven activity, supported by the institute. The university plans to apply the same principle to TSU placements.

IRMA Placements 2024-25