In recent years, India has witnessed an exponential rise in the number of students aspiring to pursue business and management education, driven by the dynamic demands of a globalized economy. While this surge has led to the proliferation of B-schools across the country, many traditional institutions continue to struggle with outdated pedagogies, insufficient industry linkages, and inconsistent placement outcomes. Amidst this evolving landscape, institutions like NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies have emerged as progressive outliers, redefining what impactful management education looks like.
Despite being relatively young, SIMS has carved out a niche for itself through academic excellence, with students consistently earning top University ranks. Its success stems from a future-ready curriculum, highly experienced faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a learning environment that nurtures innovation and leadership. These factors collectively enable SIMS not only to meet but exceed the expectations of modern management education, thereby, proving that newer institutions, when built on a strong academic and ethical foundation, can rival even the most established names.
A Rising Force
Established in 2004, NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) has emerged as one of the premier B-schools in the Mumbai, Navi Mumbai region and beyond. Nestled between the majestic Parsik Hills and the tranquil township of Nerul, and strategically located adjacent to Seawoods Railway Station, the campus offers an ideal setting for academic excellence and personal growth.
What truly distinguishes SIMS is its well-curated curriculum, a vibrant ecosystem of co-curricular and industry-linked activities, and a strong corporate interface that collectively prepare students to thrive in competitive environments. The institute holds an ‘A+’ Grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Government of Maharashtra, and is affiliated with the University of Mumbai.
The institute presently offers two flagship postgraduate programs affiliated with the University of Mumbai: the Master of Management Studies (MMS) and the Master of Computer Applications (MCA). Additionally, it has received approval from AICTE to launch a new undergraduate course – Business Management Studies (BMS)— starting from the academic year 2024-2025. These programs are focused on delivering advanced education in management and computer applications, aligned with current industry standards and emerging trends.
Where Learning Meets Life Skills
At Sterling Institute of Management Studies, the focus goes beyond academic excellence, with a strong emphasis on holistic student development. The institute encourages learners to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially, fostering well-rounded individuals. Demonstrating this commitment, our MCA students won first prize at the Smart India Hackathon, a prestigious national-level competition organized by AICTE and the Ministry of Education. The event was held on December 12, 2024, in Bangalore, and the team was awarded with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 for their exceptional performance.
To maintain a healthy balance between rigorous academics and personal enrichment, the institute integrates activities like mentoring, individual guidance sessions, and structured coaching to support both personal and professional growth. Students are actively involved in planning and executing events such as workshops, expert talks, panel interactions, and industry-driven seminars, fostering leadership and collaborative thinking.
A variety of certification programs are also offered to sharpen career readiness and practical skills. These include the Campus Recruitment Preparatory Program (73 hours), Business English Certificate (40 hours), Rubicon Soft Skills Development (35 hours), and the Red Hat Certified System Administrator course (40 hours), among others, each tailored to enhance employability and workplace confidence.
Beyond academics and training, the institute cultivates creative and social engagement through student-led clubs and initiatives. These encompass sports and wellness, performing arts, visual media, and community outreach programs.
Smart Classrooms, Smarter Futures
Known for its fully networked computer labs, SIMS is equipped with the latest software and high-speed internet through a dedicated 300 Mbps leased line. The central library houses over 15,000 volumes, along with subscriptions to premier e-resources like ProQuest, IEEE, and I-Gate, ensuring seamless access to global academic content. A spacious reading area, national dailies, and a wide array of journals and periodicals further enrich the academic atmosphere.
A 500-seat air-conditioned auditorium serves as the venue for major academic and cultural events, while expansive outdoor grounds support sports such as cricket, football, and volleyball. Additional amenities include dedicated parking, wellness facilities like a sick room with medical support, and inclusive infrastructure for differently-abled students, including accessible washrooms, elevators, and wheelchair provisions.
A Vision Rooted in Impact
Dr. Murlidhar S. Dhanawade, Director of NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies and Chairman of the MCA Board of Studies at the University of Mumbai, shares a forward-thinking perspective on placements, research, and institutional direction. He emphasizes that the institute’s placement efforts extend well beyond job facilitation. Instead, they focus on comprehensive career support, offering tailored guidance, role-specific preparation, and skills-based training aligned with current industry expectations.
Workshops on communication, teamwork, and adaptability complement technical instruction, preparing students for the evolving demands of the professional world. Real-world exposure through internships adds further depth, often serving as a gateway to long-term employment. Placement drives at the institute attract companies from sectors such as logistics, fintech, manufacturing, product-based firms, and BFSI.
Looking ahead, Dr. Dhanawade outlines a clear roadmap. The institute is gearing up for NIRF participation, aligning with NEP 2020 guidelines, and deepening its commitment to institutional social responsibility. Other strategic goals include integrating life skills training, promoting the Indian Knowledge System, and advancing sustainability through green campus initiatives.
With a sharp focus on relevance, research, and resilience, Sterling Institute of Management Studies is positioning itself as a future-ready B-school committed to holistic impact.
