This is the core programme of CDM. It is a residential course of 44 weeks duration attended by  selected officers of the rank of Colonels and their equivalent in the Navy, Air Force, Para Military Forces and civilian officers from the MOD. Six vacancies are allotted to officers from friendly foreign countries. The course is pitched at the directional and conceptual level with focus on application of management tools & techniques in operational management. Participants undertake a Forward Area Tour, a Management Education Tour of private/ public sector establishments and a Foreign Tour as part of the course curriculum. In the culminating application phase of the course they carry out “Project Studies” with a view to find solutions to the challenges being faced by the Armed Forces. Participants are awarded the degree of Master of Management Studies (MMS) by the Osmania University and a Certificate of Advance Course in Management by All India Management Association on successful completion of the course.