- Premier B-school welcomes 63rd PGP and 27th PGP-FABM batches as future business, technology and agribusiness leaders embark on a transformational journey
- 414 students join the flagship PGP while 44 enter the prestigious PGP-FABM programme, bringing together exceptional academic excellence and diverse backgrounds
- Director Prof. Bharat Bhasker urges students to build resilience, embrace collaboration and lead India’s AI-driven future with integrity and innovation
- Inclusive and diverse cohort reflects IIMA’s commitment to nurturing leaders across disciplines, genders, experiences and socio-economic backgrounds
- From classrooms to boardrooms, IIMA promises a rigorous learning ecosystem designed to create ethical leaders, entrepreneurs and nation-builders
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 17
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) ushered in a new generation of future leaders on Wednesday as 458 highly meritorious students joined its flagship Two-Year Full-Time Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and the Two-Year Full-Time Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agribusiness Management (PGP-FABM).
Prof. Karthik Sriram, Chairperson, Admissions, IIMA, addresses the incoming Class of 2026, encouraging students to discover their strengths, aspirations and unique leadership journeys. . – NE Photo
The incoming Class of 2026-28 comprises 414 students in the PGP and 44 students in the PGP-FABM, representing a vibrant blend of academic disciplines, professional experience, age groups and cultural backgrounds, reinforcing IIMA’s enduring commitment to excellence through diversity and inclusivity.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed the Institute’s leadership and faculty welcoming the new cohorts while offering them insights into the transformative academic journey that lies ahead.
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, reflected on the Institute’s six-decade legacy of shaping leaders who have steered India through multiple phases of economic transformation—from the manufacturing era and liberalisation to the internet revolution and global economic crises.
“You all have stepped into an Institution which has created numerous leaders and change-makers, who have been able to tackle new situations and challenges, and every time they have not only succeeded but also steered the country out of difficult times. Your journey towards such leadership requires you to be resilient. And the rigorous process of learning at IIMA is designed to build that resilience in you, irrespective of the change in technology or economic environment, and create opportunities not only for yourself but society as a whole,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective success, Prof. Bhasker encouraged students to develop a spirit of cooperative competition.
“Learn to be a team player and have cooperative competition where knowledge is shared. Success comes to those who build partnerships of complementary abilities together. IIMA has also been providing an ecosystem and environment where our students remain at the top of technological advancements. With the establishment of the School of AI, we aim to nurture people who can lead the AI transformation of this country and put India at the top,” he added.
Addressing the students, Prof. Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), IIMA, introduced them to the Institute’s unique pedagogy and rigorous academic environment.
“You all have been accepted into two of the most competitive programmes in the world. Enjoy the ride, work hard, play fair, and strive to make the most of the opportunities you get at this Institute,” he said.
Encouraging introspection over conformity, Prof. Karthik Sriram, Chairperson, Admissions, IIMA, advised students to discover their own aspirations rather than merely following conventional career paths.
“Throughout your journey into this programme, you may receive advice from the people around you on what to do, which elective to choose, which companies to strive for, and so on. However, I would advise you to take these two years to understand and identify yourself, your interests, strengths, and aspirations. This understanding will help you pursue endeavours and opportunities that are meaningful to you,” he said.
Prof. Ankur Sinha, Chairperson, PGP, IIMA, called upon the incoming class to embrace the transformational journey with humility, integrity and curiosity while respecting diverse viewpoints.
He emphasised that although the IIMA brand creates extraordinary opportunities, ethical conduct and honesty remain the cornerstones of enduring success. Encouraging responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence, he reminded students that learning—not merely task completion—must remain their highest priority, while assuring them of the Institute’s unwavering support for their academic, personal and mental well-being and urging them to actively participate in campus life.
Speaking to the PGP-FABM students, Prof. Prashant Das, Acting Chairperson, PGP-FABM, stressed the need to combine managerial excellence with entrepreneurial thinking to transform India’s agriculture sector.
“As we witness infusion of AI in everything we do, it is important for you to foster managerial thinking, a risk-taking spirit, and an entrepreneurial mindset to transform India’s agricultural and allied sectors,” he said.
He observed that the food and agribusiness sector is witnessing rapid transformation while becoming increasingly relevant in the AI era, creating unprecedented opportunities for future managers.
The students also interacted with Prof. Viswanath Pingali, Chairperson, Placements; Prof. Balagopal Gopalakrishnan, Chairperson, Student Housing, Activities and Welfare; Prof. Rajat Sharma, Chairperson, Sports and Recreation Activities (SARA); and Ms. Shikhali Gohil, Elected Batch Representative, Students Legislative Council (SLC) 2026-27, who introduced them to various dimensions of campus life and encouraged them to make the most of their IIMA experience.
Diversity and Inclusivity at the Core
The PGP Class of 2026-28 comprises 60.87 per cent engineering graduates and 39.13 per cent non-engineering students, with 30.92 per cent women and 69.08 per cent men. The average work experience stands at 24 months, while nearly 77 per cent of the students bring prior professional experience.
The PGP-FABM batch consists entirely of students from agriculture and allied disciplines, with 38.64 per cent women and 61.36 per cent men. The average work experience is 16 months, with nearly 34 per cent of the cohort possessing prior industry exposure. The average age in both programmes is 23 years.
Further strengthening its inclusive education philosophy, IIMA has welcomed 17 differently abled students into the PGP Class of 2026-28. Through its Equal Opportunity Office (EOO), the Institute provides specialised support including Apple iPads, automotive wheelchairs, assistive software, high-resolution laptop cameras and other customised facilities to ensure an equitable and empowering learning environment.
Renowned for producing business leaders and innovators across sectors, IIMA’s flagship PGP continues to prepare graduates for leadership roles across industries, while the PGP-FABM remains India’s premier programme for shaping future leaders in food, agribusiness, rural development and allied sectors.
