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Young innovators who want to build real enterprises, join startup teams, or take on strategic founder-level roles are increasingly choosing the IEV program.
The MBA IEV prepares students for real-world entrepreneurship. (Representative/Getty Images)
By Rachana Tiwari
The MBA in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture Creation (IEV) is not another flavor of traditional MBA, it is suitable for those who want to create something real, solve problems and thrive in unpredictable, high-energy environments. As India’s startup landscape becomes more sophisticated in 2025, this program has emerged as one of the most relevant options for students who do not want to wait for seniority or climb the corporate ladder. Instead, IEV appeals to people who dream of founding companies, joining early-stage teams, or working closely with startup founders in roles that demand agility and sharp thinking.
Rise of new age startup roles
Aspiring entrepreneurs who have ideas but need structure, beginning founders who are already building but want to hone their skills, and students who want to work in roles such as Chief of Staff or Founder’s Office, all find this program suitable. India’s ecosystem is mature enough to provide these opportunities widely. A decade ago, roles like Chief of Staff barely existed; Today, companies like Zepto, Fampay, and Jupiter hire young professionals for high-responsibility positions that offer problem-solving, experimentation, and comfort with ambiguity, exactly the skills that an IEV program develops.
Career paths for IEV graduates in 2025
The career opportunities for IEV graduates in 2025 reflect the energy of the ecosystem. Many take on early leadership roles in product, development, strategy, and operations at startups, where speed and adaptability matter more than traditional experience. Founder office roles, which require structured thinking and the ability to manage cross-functional projects, are now among the most coveted positions for new graduates. Venture capital firms and angel networks are also open to hiring people who understand how startups operate and can evaluate ideas from a founder’s perspective. Others move to ecosystem organizations like incubators, accelerators and state startup missions, which directly support entrepreneurs on the ground. A significant proportion also start their own ventures, with many institutions reporting that 20-40% of their IEV cohorts either launch startups during the program or join young companies shortly thereafter.
How is IEV different from a traditional MBA?
The IEV program works differently from a normal MBA as it does not revolve around case studies of global giants like Unilever or Amazon. Instead, it introduces students to the realities of brands like Minimalist, Licious, Mamaearth and other new-age companies that have grown in India’s digital-first economy.
Practical, performance-focused learning
The curriculum prioritizes practical, execution-focused learning: courses on go-to-market, fundraising, zero-to-one hiring, and performance marketing are central, not optional. Students often work on live projects with startups, receiving real-time feedback, and many undertake long internships of up to six months, during which they contribute meaningfully to the growth of early-stage ventures. The faculty themselves are primarily businessmen, founders, operators, investors and product leaders, bringing hard-earned insights rather than a purely academic framework.
Regular guest lectures from entrepreneurs who have raised money, grown their companies, or even spun off ventures add realism. Perhaps the most valuable aspect is that students can build their own enterprise while studying, supported by guidance, resources and exposure, ensuring they do not waste time waiting for the “right time”.
Selecting the Right IEV Program
However, there are now over 30 similar programs being offered across India, so choosing the right program requires careful consideration. Prospective students should look at alumni results, especially how many graduates have founded companies or joined startups. The quality of the faculty also matters; Programs with strong practitioner involvement provide a much more on-the-ground experience. Networking opportunities, depth of mentorship, access to investors and relevance to live projects are other important factors. For the student serious about entrepreneurship or startup leadership, these questions help distinguish between institutions that provide real value and those that use the IEV label without the ecosystem to support it.
Also read: IIM Lucknow invites applications for PhD program for 2026 session
Why 2025 is the most important moment for Indian entrepreneurs?
There has never been a better moment to pursue the IEV program as India is now one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world, with growing consumer demand, strong digital penetration and unprecedented access to talent and investors. Whether one wants to build an AI solution in Bengaluru, launch a D2C brand in Jaipur, or build an edtech platform in Ranchi, today’s ecosystem provides support, guidance, and opportunities like never before.
IEV as a bridge between ambition and execution
The IEV program acts as a bridge between ambition and execution, helping young innovators understand the market, test ideas, find early customers, and connect with the right mentors and investors. For those who do not want a routine corporate visit, but want a realistic, structured and intensive practical start to their entrepreneurial life, IEV is one of the most relevant programs in 2025.
(The author is COO – Entrepreneurship at XLRI Delhi-NCR. The views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of AyraNews24x7.)
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