The Advanced Leadership Programme in Gold Entrepreneurship, developed by the Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) jointly with SPJIMR (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research), has received a strong response from gold businesses across the value chain. The first batch of the six-month programme begins on 17 November 2026.

Since the programme was announced in August 2026, enquiries have come in from gold business entities in metros as well as Tier II and Tier III cities. These businesses share a common need: next-generation leaders who learn sound finance, inventory and compliance practices, brand-building and succession planning to augment the trade knowledge they already have.

The inaugural cohort brings together gold business entities from across the country, and includes:

•  Mr. Suyash Bansal, B.K. Saraf Private Limited, Lucknow

•  Mr. Rishi Jain, Shankheshwar Jewellers, Mumbai

•  Mr. Keval Radhanpura, N J Arts, Rajkot

•  Mr. Darshan Patel, Samarth Jewellers, Ahmedabad

•  Mr. Aryan Anand, Harsahaimal Shiamlal Jewellers, Bareilly

•  Ms. Aishwarya Verma, Kuldip Sons Jewellers Pvt. Limited, Jamshedpur

•  Mr. Ishaan Jain, Jodhamal Kailashchand, Meerut

•  Mr. Azaz Mirza, Kalamandir, Surat

•  Mr. Vivan Ranka, Ranka Jewellers, Pune

•  Mr. Samyak Shah, Chandukaka Saraf Private Limited, Baramati

•  Ms. Pradnyapti Jain, Chandukaka Saraf Private Limited, Baramati

•  Mr. Sarthak Singhal, Singhal Jewels and Gems Private Limited, Ghaziabad

•  Mr. Tanishq Soni, Govind Ram Jewellers, Lucknow

•  Mr. Aman Talla, Talla Jewellers, Jammu

•  Mr. Ipsit Karmakar, Bidhan Jewellers, Siliguri

The curriculum is built around the daily realities of every gold business entity: working capital and gold hedging, taxation, BIS hallmarking and compliance, ethical sourcing, the IAGES Code of Conduct, pricing and margins, building a brand, and professionalising the family business, along with AI for business and marketing. It includes 75+ campus sessions, three weeks at SPJIMR’s Mumbai campus and IAGES-led industry sessions. Those who complete the programme receive SPJIMR Executive Alumni status.

Kaushlendra Sinha, Chief Executive Officer, IAGES said:

“The response shows that our industry is ready to invest in its own future. These young leaders come from both IAGES accredited and non-accredited businesses that have earned customer trust over decades, and they are now preparing to run those businesses with stronger systems, governance and transparency. We look forward to welcoming them to the first batch.”

A few seats remain in the first batch, and applications are open until 31 October 2026. Gold businesses that want to prepare their next generation of leaders can find programme details at www.iages.com.