IIM Shillong Honors 469 Graduates at 17th Annual Convocation Ceremony
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong marked a significant milestone with its 17th annual convocation on April 2, celebrating the academic achievements of 469 students who graduated from the prestigious business school. This event underscored the institute's growing prominence in management education and its commitment to fostering leadership aligned with national development goals.
Breakdown of Graduating Batches and Academic Achievements
The convocation saw a diverse group of graduates, including 395 students from the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2024–26 batch, 54 from the Post Graduate Programme for Executives (PGPEx) 2025–26 batch, and 15 from the Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) 2024–26 batch. In addition to these management graduates, five scholars were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, highlighting the institute's dedication to advanced research and academic excellence.
Leadership Insights on Viksit Bharat and Ethical Leadership
During the ceremony, Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIM Shillong, addressed the graduating class, describing them as 'torchbearers of a Viksit Bharat'. He emphasized India's transformative journey through key initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and Skill India. Bajoria also noted the unique educational environment of the northeast, where 'development coexists with nature, culture, and community', offering students a holistic learning experience that blends modern management principles with regional values.
Vijay Kedia, Managing Director of Kedia Securities, praised IIM Shillong for emerging as a 'formidable force in management education' within less than two decades. He highlighted that the institute goes beyond training managers to nurture 'ethical leaders and value-driven entrepreneurs', preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy.
Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving Global Landscape
Anoop Mehta, President of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, reflected on the distinctive learning setting at IIM Shillong, noting that its 'non-linear landscape mirrors the evolving world' that graduates are entering. He pointed out how rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and shifting industry dynamics are redefining career paths, making adaptability and grounded thinking more crucial than ever for success in today's competitive environment.
Institutional Growth and Global Expansion
Prof. Naliniprava Tripathy, Director of IIM Shillong, detailed the institute's progress during the academic year 2025–26. She highlighted IIM Shillong's 'growing global footprint', achieved through the signing of seven new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading international universities. This brings the total number of international collaborations to 37, enhancing the institute's academic offerings and research capabilities.
Prof. Tripathy also announced several key achievements:
- IIM Shillong's debut in the QS Global Rankings, recognizing its quality in management education.
- The launch of a five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at attracting young talent.
- Plans to host the 11th Pan-IIM World Management Conference in 2026, further solidifying its role in global academic discourse.
These initiatives demonstrate IIM Shillong's commitment to innovation and excellence, positioning it as a key player in shaping the future of management education in India and beyond.
