IIM Kashipur Welcomes 433 Students With Record Female Intake -

IIM Kashipur has kicked off its academic year 2025-27 by welcoming 433 new students across its flagship MBA, MBA (Analytics), and PhD programmes. This year’s intake marks not just a numerical milestone but also highlights the institute’s growing focus on gender diversity and inclusivity. The induction programme, held from June 23 to 26, set the stage for what promises to be an exciting academic journey. The formal inaugural session took place on June 27, bringing together students, faculty, and industry experts.

A Diverse and Talented Batch

The new cohort comprises 265 students enrolled in the MBA programme, 157 in the MBA (Analytics) programme, and 11 scholars who have joined the PhD programme. Students this year come from varied academic backgrounds — engineering, science, commerce, and arts — reflecting the institute’s commitment to diversity in education. Their professional experience spans leading organisations such as Infosys, Accenture, Deloitte, Wipro, Larsen and Toubro, Cognizant, Capgemini, ICICI Bank, EY, HCL, HDFC Bank, and Byju’s. This blend of academic knowledge and industry experience is expected to enrich peer learning and add practical dimensions to classroom discussions.

Gender Diversity Takes Centre Stage

One of the most remarkable features of IIM Kashipur’s new batch is its gender composition. Out of 433 students, 201 are women, making up around 46 percent of the total intake. The MBA (Analytics) programme stands out with 115 women among 157 students, an impressive 73 percent of that cohort. In the flagship MBA programme, 82 women have joined, accounting for 31 percent of the intake. The PhD programme also reflects this positive shift, with four of the 11 research scholars being women.

This significant female representation underscores IIM Kashipur’s continued efforts to encourage women in management education and leadership roles. The institute has consistently worked towards creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

Industry Leaders Engage With Students

As part of the induction, IIM Kashipur organised interactive sessions with prominent business leaders. These sessions were designed to provide students with insights into the world of finance, leadership, and strategic decision-making. Jitendra Gohil, Chief Investment Strategist at Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited, shared his perspective on market trends and investment strategies. Nitin Madan, Managing Director and CFO of Barclays GCC India, spoke about the importance of financial discipline and strategic thinking in today’s business world.

These sessions offered students valuable lessons from industry veterans, helping them understand what it takes to succeed in a competitive and fast-changing environment.

Global Partnerships and Innovation

The institute’s focus on international collaboration was reflected in its choice of guest speakers for the inaugural session. Dr. Anuradha Basu, Director of the Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship at San Jose State University, and Mr. Gurmeet Naroola, Adjunct Professor at the same university and former executive at Apple and Mahindra GenZe, addressed the new batch. Their session focused on innovation, artificial intelligence, and building entrepreneurial bridges between IIM Kashipur and Silicon Valley.

They highlighted the growing role of AI in business, the opportunities within global startup ecosystems, and the importance of academic partnerships in driving innovation. The session encouraged students to think beyond national boundaries and to consider how Indian management talent can contribute to and benefit from international collaborations.

Strengthening International Ties

IIM Kashipur continues to expand its global footprint through initiatives like the Study in India Programme. The institute aims to promote joint research, faculty exchange, and student mobility by engaging with universities and organisations across the world. This focus on international collaboration is intended to provide students with broader learning opportunities and prepare them for leadership roles in a globalised economy.

The institute believes that such partnerships will not only enhance the academic experience but also contribute to India’s position as an emerging hub for world-class management education.

Looking Ahead

As IIM Kashipur’s academic year gets underway, the institute has much to celebrate. The strong female participation, the diversity of academic and professional backgrounds, and the growing network of industry and international partnerships all reflect its vision for the future. The new batch represents the next generation of business leaders — individuals who will be equipped to drive innovation, promote inclusivity, and tackle global challenges.

With a blend of rigorous academics, practical exposure, and a focus on values, IIM Kashipur continues to strengthen its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking centre for management education. The 2025-27 batch is set to embark on a journey that promises both personal growth and meaningful contributions to the world of business.