Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Programme from IIM Kozhikode

The Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Programme is a senior leadership programme from IIM Kozhikode designed for experienced professionals who are responsible for driving enterprise-wide growth and revenue outcomes. The programme enables leaders to design and own integrated revenue strategies that span sales, marketing, finance, customer success, and operations. It emphasises building predictable and scalable growth engines using data-driven decision-making, modern RevOps frameworks, and AI-led growth systems. Participants gain a CXO- and board-level perspective on revenue leadership while working on real organisational challenges. The programme is delivered in collaboration with upGrad, which supports admissions, digital delivery, and the overall learner experience.

This programme is ideal for senior professionals who are directly accountable for growth, revenue, or P&L performance and are expected to influence strategic business decisions. It is particularly suited for CROs, CGOs, Business Heads, Department Heads, Entrepreneurs, Founders, CXOs, and senior sales or marketing leaders aspiring to enterprise-level roles. Participants typically manage multiple teams, functions, or markets and want to move beyond functional excellence toward holistic revenue ownership. The programme is especially valuable for leaders operating in complex, competitive, or fast-scaling business environments.

The programme follows a blended learning format that combines live online classes, recorded self-paced modules, interactive discussions, applied assignments, and 2 on-campus immersion workshops at IIM Kozhikode. Live sessions allow real-time engagement with faculty and peers, while recorded content offers flexibility for busy executives. The campus immersions focus on leadership discussions, peer networking, and hands-on strategy exercises. upGrad enables this experience through a structured digital platform, academic support, and cohort-based engagement.

The programme spans approximately 8 months and includes 120 hours of structured learning. This learning journey covers live faculty-led sessions, recorded modules, applied learning activities, capstone work, and campus immersion experiences. The pacing is carefully designed to allow participants to balance learning with full-time professional responsibilities. The duration ensures participants develop both strategic depth and practical execution capability, with immediate application to their roles.

Participants are evaluated through a continuous assessment framework designed to reinforce conceptual understanding and real-world application. 80% of the evaluation is based on graded course-level assessments such as quizzes, assignments, and applied exercises, while 20% comes from the capstone project. To receive the Certificate of Successful Completion from IIM Kozhikode, participants must achieve a minimum overall score of 50%. In addition, participants must maintain at least 75% attendance in live sessions, with tracking managed through the upGrad learning platform.

The capstone project helps participants create a board-ready Enterprise Growth Blueprint for their own organization or a selected business scenario. It brings together key areas such as growth and revenue strategy, market and customer opportunity planning, pricing and monetization, go-to-market execution, RevOps design, and digital transformation roadmaps. By combining these elements, the project ensures that learning is practical and actionable. Participants leave with a clear strategy that can drive real business impact and support confident, informed decision-making at the leadership level.

Yes, the programme is specifically designed for senior working professionals with demanding schedules. The blended format, recorded sessions, and structured timelines allow participants to balance learning alongside their professional responsibilities. Live sessions are scheduled to minimise disruption to work commitments while still enabling meaningful interaction. upGrad provides programme support, reminders, and access to recordings to help participants stay on track throughout the learning journey.

After completing the programme, participants are equipped to lead enterprise-wide growth and revenue initiatives with greater confidence and clarity. The programme strengthens strategic thinking, financial acumen, leadership presence, and cross-functional influence. Graduates are better prepared to engage with CXOs and boards on growth, revenue, and investment decisions. This positions participants strongly for progression into CRO, CGO, Business Head, or P&L leadership roles.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 8 years of professional work experience along with a bachelor’s, master’s, or diploma qualification. The admissions process evaluates leadership exposure, role relevance, and overall professional maturity. Selection is based on the candidate’s ability to benefit from and contribute to the programme. Admissions are managed by upGrad in collaboration with IIM Kozhikode to ensure strong cohort fit.

Participants can expect a carefully curated and limited-size cohort comprising senior professionals from diverse industries and functional backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and peer learning. The cohort-based model encourages collaboration, experience sharing, and strategic debate. It also helps build long-term professional relationships that extend beyond the duration of the programme.

The programme begins on 30 April 2026, with live sessions commencing from 15 May 2026. Classes are scheduled at times that suit working professionals and are shared well in advance. A detailed academic calendar is provided after enrolment to help participants plan effectively. upGrad communicates schedules, updates, and session access details throughout the programme.

Yes, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the available cohort seats are filled. Since cohort sizes are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience, early application is strongly recommended. Applying early improves the likelihood of selection and timely confirmation. upGrad manages the application process and communicates timelines clearly to applicants.

Live sessions are delivered through a secure and interactive online learning platform supported by upGrad. These sessions include faculty-led lectures, case discussions, polls, breakout activities, and live Q&A. The format is designed to encourage participation and engagement despite being conducted online. Technical and platform support is available throughout the programme.

Yes, all live sessions are recorded and made available on the learning portal. Participants can revisit the recordings to reinforce concepts, revise key topics, or catch up on sessions they may have missed. Recorded sessions are particularly useful for revision before assessments and the capstone project. This flexibility supports different learning paces and professional commitments.

Participants must attend at least 75% of live sessions to be eligible for certification from IIM Kozhikode. Attendance is automatically tracked through the digital learning platform. Regular participation is strongly encouraged to maximise interaction with faculty and peers. Meeting the attendance requirement is mandatory for successful programme completion.

Participants receive comprehensive academic and operational support throughout the programme. This includes guidance from faculty and teaching teams, assistance from dedicated upGrad programme managers, and technical support for the learning platform. Peer discussion forums and cohort interactions further enhance the learning experience. This structured support ensures a smooth and engaging executive education journey.

Yes, participants who successfully complete the programme are awarded IIM Kozhikode Executive Alumni Status. This includes official alumni recognition and issuance of an alumni identity card. Alumni receive select communications, newsletters, and updates from IIM Kozhikode. Alumni benefits are governed by the institute’s executive education policies.

The programme fee is INR 4,72,000, inclusive of all applicable taxes. To make the programme financially accessible for working professionals, upGrad offers flexible payment options, including instalment plans and EMI facilities. These options allow participants to spread the cost over time without impacting cash flow. Payment plans are designed to suit different financial needs and timelines. Detailed fee structures, EMI tenure options, and payment schedules can be discussed with the upGrad admissions team during the application and offer stage.

Yes, the programme fee includes accommodation and meals during the on-campus immersion sessions at IIM Kozhikode. These immersions provide an opportunity to experience the campus environment and engage in intensive leadership learning. Travel expenses to and from the campus are not included in the fee. The immersions are designed to strengthen peer connections and deepen learning.

If a participant misses a live session, they can access the recorded version on the learning portal. This ensures continuity in learning even in case of unavoidable schedule conflicts. However, regular participation in live sessions is strongly encouraged to maximise interaction and engagement. Attendance eligibility is based on participation in live sessions rather than recorded views.

Refund policies vary by cohort and are clearly outlined in the enrolment agreement shared at the time of offer acceptance. Applicants are advised to review these terms carefully before confirming their enrolment. The policy specifies conditions under which refunds may or may not be applicable. For any clarification, participants can reach out to upGrad support.

Applicants can contact the upGrad admissions team via phone, email, or live chat available on the programme landing page. The team assists with eligibility checks, documentation requirements, and application submission. Guidance is provided at every step to ensure a smooth and transparent admissions experience. This support helps applicants make informed decisions throughout the process.