22, Sep 2025
K J Somaiya Institute of Management & Jio Creative Labs Launch Work-Integrated MBA in Marketing Communications

K J Somaiya Institute of Management partners with Jio Creative Labs for work-integrated MBA in Marketing Communications A First-of-its-Kind Industry-Academia Collaboration

National, 22nd September 2025: K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM), one of India’s leading management institutes, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jio Creative Labs (JCL), the advertising and communications arm of Reliance Jio. As part of this strategic collaboration, they have welcomed the inaugural batch of the two-year MBA in Marketing Communications (2025–27). Every student is guaranteed a summer internship at Jio Creative Labs, where they will participate in live projects and work on real campaign briefs from the outset.

K J Somaiya Institute of Management signs an MoU with Jio Creative Labs

The curriculum combines foundational management courses with cutting-edge specialisations tailored to today’s digital-first marketing landscape. Core subjects such as Integrated Marketing Communication and Consumer Behaviour are complemented by advanced modules including Brand Storytelling, Generative AI, Influencer Marketing, Customer Experience Design, Immersive Technologies, Celebrity and Reputation Management, and Luxury Brand Marketing. In their final year, students will undertake a capstone project that demonstrates their ability to merge strategic thinking with creative execution.

The programme follows a blended learning model: three days of academic instruction at KJSIM’s Vidyavihar campus, paired with two days of immersive studio learning at Jio Creative Labs’ headquarters in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. This structure enables students to apply classroom concepts directly to real-world campaigns, ensuring continuous industry engagement throughout the two years.

Congratulating the new batch, Dr Raman Ramachandran, Director and Dean of K J Somaiya Institute of Management, said, “This is a truly unique programme in India. It is based on work-integrated learning. By the end of these two years, students will not only understand concepts but also know how the industry truly works. Our vision has always been to bring academia and industry closer so that students graduate work-ready. This programme is a collaboration between two institutions with strong legacies of innovation and education.”

Aditya Bhat, Head of Jio Creative Labs, added, “The inaugural cohort has the unique opportunity to engage deeply with both classroom learning and real-world projects. By building a strong foundation over these two years, students can prepare themselves for long-term success. Continuous learning and adaptability are key. What is learned here and at JCL is just the beginning. In a rapidly evolving world, especially with AI, degrees alone are not enough; knowledge, adaptability, and a commitment to learning will define the future.”

Through this collaboration, K J Somaiya Institute of Management reinforces its commitment to reimagining management education. By fostering industry-led alliances and embedding experiential learning into its programmes, KJSIM continues to innovate new models of education that equip students with the skills and adaptability required to excel in India’s dynamic marketing and communications sectors.