Hyderabad: The Retailers Association of India (RAI) and VJIM, Hyderabad, have joined hands to offer a new learning program. This program is called the 'Bridge Course in Functional Retail Management'. It aims to prepare students for jobs in India's growing retail sector.
The agreement between RAI and VJIM Hyderabad started on November 27, 2025 , and will last for one year. The first batch of 48 students will begin their studies at the VJIM campus in Hyderabad. VJIM will handle student applications and provide the necessary facilities for the course.
About the Retail Management Course
This special course is designed to give students both classroom knowledge and real-world experience. The goal is to fill the gap between what students learn in regular management courses and what the retail industry actually needs.
Students will get 30 hours of classroom training from RAI. They will also work on live projects, visit retail stores, and receive advice from experienced retail professionals. The course covers important topics:
- Customer Experience (how to make shoppers happy)
- Store Operations (how to manage a store daily)
- Merchandising (how to display products)
- Shopper Behavior (why people buy certain things)
- Retail IT and CRM (using technology in retail and managing customer relations)
- Retail Marketing (how to promote retail businesses)
Benefits for Students
Taking this course offers several advantages for students looking for a career in retail:
- They will get chances for internships and short projects in retail companies.
- VJIM and RAI will help students find jobs after completing the course.
- Students can attend RAI events for free.
- They will get access to retail magazines and industry news.
- Five students will have the chance to volunteer at big retail events, gaining practical experience.
Kumar Rajagopalan , CEO of RAI, said that India's retail sector is changing fast. He noted that there is a high demand for professionals who understand both management and real retail work. He added that this partnership will help prepare students for good careers in modern retail.
Professor Bharat Bhushan Singh , Director of VJIM, also spoke about the partnership. He said that retail is now a big area for careers. This course will help students learn about real challenges in retail and become ready for jobs.
What are RAI and VJIM?
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) works to help the retail sector in India grow. It talks to the government, supports job creation, and helps retailers be more competitive.
VJIM, Hyderabad , has been teaching management courses for over 30 years . It has strong connections with many companies and offers modern study programs.
