The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has introduced its new cohort for the 2026-28 academic session, with women representing 66% of students admitted to its Post Graduate Program (PGP). The institute said this is the highest proportion of women enrolled in the PGP among the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A total of 599 students joined its three full-time MBA programs, while 99 scholars enrolled in its doctoral programs.The PGP admitted 499 students, including 329 women. In addition to gender diversity, the institute said 57% of students in the program come from non-engineering backgrounds. In all three MBA programs, women account for nearly 63% of intake, while 59% of students are from non-engineering disciplines.Key admissions dates for 2026-28
Diversity benchmarks continue to riseThe institute has increased the share of women in the PGP in the last decade. It crossed 50% in 2013, exceeded that level again in 2021, reached 59% in 2024 and now reports 66% of women in the 2026 batch.Academic diversity is also widening. Non-engineering graduates make up 57% of PGP intake, 96% of the Graduate Program in Liberal Studies and Management (PGP-LSM), and 45% of the Graduate Program in Finance (PGP-Fin).The institute also inducted 99 doctoral scholars, including 27 students in the regular doctoral program in Management and 72 in the executive doctoral program. This year’s intake also includes the first batch of the Doctoral Program in Management (Teaching Track).The Institute emphasizes an inclusive learning environmentSpeaking at the inaugural ceremony, Raghu Polisetty, Senior Managing Director, Accenture, said: “AI can enhance intelligence, but it cannot replace human judgement, ethics or purpose. Leaders who will thrive are those who remain lifelong learners, continually adapt, build meaningful human connections and focus on creating collective success rather than individual success.”Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said: “The Class of 2028 marks an important step for IIM Kozhikode and for management education in India. The highest representation of women in the history of the IIM system reflects our long-standing belief that diversity and excellence go hand in hand.”He added that the institute will continue to build classrooms with students from varied academic backgrounds and experiences while encouraging collaboration and multidisciplinary learning.
