1. Introduction

If you have spent years building a career in enterprise management, rural development, or incubation ecosystems and now want your work to create visible, on-ground impact, this opportunity deserves your attention.

IIM Kashipur, through its Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), is hiring senior and mid-level professionals for a rural incubation program linked with DAY-NRLM and State Rural Livelihoods Missions. This is not a conventional “campus job” or clerical government role. It is a mission-driven, responsibility-heavy assignment where your decisions directly affect rural enterprises, SHGs, and producer collectives.

This opening is especially relevant for professionals who want to transition from corporate or NGO roles into institution-backed development leadership, without sacrificing professional credibility or compensation.

2. Key Details at a Glance (Verified)

ItemDetails
Recruiting BodyIIM Kashipur - Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED)
PostsProject Lead, Business Manager
Mode of SelectionWalk-in Interview
Interview Date30 January 2026
LocationIIM Kashipur, Uttarakhand
SalaryProject Lead: up to ₹10 LPA; Business Manager: up to ₹12 LPA
Nature of RoleContractual / Project-based
Official Websiteiimkashipur.ac.in

Note: Total number of vacancies is not officially disclosed. Selection will depend on program needs and candidate quality.

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - What It Really Means

Project Lead - Who Fits This Role

On paper, the eligibility mentions postgraduate degrees and 12-15 years of experience. In reality, this role is meant for senior professionals who have already led businesses or large programs, not just managed teams.

You are suitable if:

  • You have owned P&L responsibility, not just supported it.
  • You have worked in manufacturing, agri-business, food processing, handicrafts, or rural enterprises.
  • You understand SHG ecosystems, value chains, and scaling constraints, not just in theory but from field exposure.
  • You can engage with government stakeholders, SRLM officials, and private buyers confidently.

You are not suitable if:

  • Your experience is purely academic or advisory without execution.
  • You have worked only in urban corporate roles with no rural or MSME exposure.
  • You are uncomfortable with field-based decision-making and ambiguity.

This is closer to a CEO-like role for a rural incubation vertical, not a desk job.

Business Manager - Who Should Apply

This role is more execution-oriented and is ideal for professionals with 3-8 years of solid, hands-on experience.

You fit well if:

  • You have worked with SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives, MSMEs, or rural enterprises.
  • You understand sales, marketing, pricing, branding, exports, or supply chains for community-produced goods.
  • You have helped enterprises move from “local selling” to structured markets or exports.

Institutional pedigree (IIMs, IRMA, IITs, etc.) is preferred but experience can override degrees, which is a positive sign for serious practitioners.

Fresh postgraduates with no field exposure should not treat this as an entry-level role.

4. How to Apply - Step-by-Step with Pitfalls

Step 1: Online Application

Fill the application form at
https://fied.accubate.app/ext/survey/13342/apply

Common mistakes:

  • Uploading a generic CV instead of a role-aligned one.
  • Not quantifying outcomes (revenue growth, scale, numbers impacted).

Step 2: Prepare for Walk-in Interview

  • Carry printed CV copies.
  • Be ready with specific examples of enterprises handled, programs scaled, or revenue improved.

Step 3: Reporting on Interview Day

  • Report in person at IIM Kashipur on 30 January 2026.
  • Late arrival or missing documents often leads to silent rejection.

This recruitment is fast-paced. There are no second chances or extended deadlines.

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook (Reality Check)

The salary cap is attractive on paper, but there is an important clause:

The offered salary will not exceed 15% of your current monthly remuneration.

What this means practically:

  • If you are currently earning ₹8 LPA, do not expect ₹12 LPA here.
  • This role rewards career continuity and seniority, not sudden jumps.

Career-wise:

  • This role builds strong credibility in development finance, incubation, and public policy-linked programs.
  • Alumni often move into World Bank projects, SRLM leadership roles, CSR heads, or policy advisory positions.

6. Preparation Plan & Interview Strategy

2-Week Focus Plan

  • Revise DAY-NRLM framework, SHG structures, FPO models.
  • Study successful rural enterprise case studies (Lijjat, Amul, tribal handicrafts).
  • Prepare a one-page impact story from your career.

Resources

  • DAY-NRLM official guidelines
  • NABARD reports on rural enterprises
  • IIM incubation case studies

Interview panels here value clarity, practicality, and humility over jargon.

7. Pros & Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Strong institutional brand (IIM Kashipur)
  • Real-world impact with policy linkage
  • Senior-level responsibility and visibility
  • Decent compensation for development roles

Cons

  • Contractual nature, not permanent government service
  • Field-heavy, high-pressure role
  • Salary ceiling tied to previous pay
  • Not suitable for freshers or exam-oriented aspirants

8. Applicant Checklist

Before applying, confirm:

  • You meet experience expectations, not just degree criteria
  • CV highlights outcomes, not duties
  • You can travel and work on-site
  • You understand this is a program role, not a teaching or admin job

Documents to carry:

  • Printed CV
  • ID proof
  • Experience certificates (if available)

9. Final Advice

This recruitment is not for everyone, and that is its strength. If you are looking for stability, routine, or a stepping stone job, skip it. But if you want meaningful leadership, policy exposure, and visible impact, this could be a defining role in your career.

Approach it with seriousness, preparation, and realistic expectations.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is this a permanent government job?
No. It is a project-based engagement under IIM Kashipur’s foundation.

Q2. Can fresh postgraduates apply?
Technically yes, practically no. Lack of experience will be a major disadvantage.

Q3. Is online interview possible?
No such provision is mentioned. Walk-in attendance is mandatory.

Q4. Will rural fieldwork be involved?
Yes. These roles are deeply connected to ground-level enterprise operations.

Q5. What if some details are unclear?
Refer to the official notification PDF or contact IIM Kashipur directly. Do not rely on assumptions.