IIM Kozhikode Welcomes MBA Batch 2025–27 with Record Gender Diversity and Global Representation

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has taken a significant stride toward inclusive management education by inducting 586 students into its full-time postgraduate programs for the academic session 2025–2027, with 51% of the cohort comprising women—a notable feat in the landscape of Indian Business Schools.

This induction marks a powerful continuation of IIM-K’s decade-long push for gender equity, with 2025 being the fourth instance in ten years where women outnumber men in the MBA intake. It not only reflects the institute’s commitment to equitable representation but also sets a national example in line with evolving global academic and workplace expectations.

Flagship PGP Batch Sees 55% Women Enrolment

At the heart of this milestone is the PGP-29 cohort, IIM-Kozhikode’s flagship Postgraduate Programme in Management, which comprises 489 students, 55% of whom are women. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the national average, where only 36% of applicants to the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 were women.

This level of inclusion is not just symbolic but transformational, as it sets a precedent for Indian B-schools where male-dominated classes have historically been the norm. The move signals a broader shift toward gender-balanced leadership pipelines in India’s corporate and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Diverse Academic and Geographic Backgrounds

In terms of academic diversity, the PGP cohort is evenly balanced, with 53% of students from non-engineering backgrounds, further underscoring the institute’s dedication to broadening the perspectives represented in business education.

Geographically, the batch boasts a broad representation. Students from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh together make up 35% of the cohort. The institute also welcomed 23 students from Kerala, its home state. Adding a global dimension, seven international students from Canada, USA, UK, and the UAE are part of this year’s intake, reflecting IIM-K’s growing international appeal.

Specialised MBA Programmes Also Embrace Diversity

In addition to the flagship PGP, IIM Kozhikode also inducted students into two specialised MBA tracks:

• PGP-Finance (PGP-Fin 06): This programme welcomed 49 students, with a 50:50 split between engineering and non-engineering backgrounds. The average age in this cohort is 25.43 years, and participants bring an average of 2.51 years of work experience, suggesting a cohort with a balanced mix of academic foundation and early-career industry exposure.
   
• PGP in Liberal Studies and Management (PGP-LSM 06): This unique programme continues to attract an interdisciplinary student body. The current batch includes 48 students, 60% of whom are women, and a significant 96% come from non-engineering disciplines. This trend underlines a sustained interest in management education that goes beyond traditional technical or quantitative profiles.
   

FPM Programme Sees Largest Intake Yet

Adding to the academic momentum, IIM-K also inducted the 19th batch of its Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), the institute’s doctoral-level research programme. With 31 scholars, this marks the largest-ever intake into the FPM, reflecting growing interest in research-driven management careers.

These scholars will pursue intensive, research-based training across a range of management and allied disciplines, contributing to the academic and theoretical advancement of the field.

Inauguration and Orientation: A Thoughtful Welcome to Future Leaders

The formal induction ceremony was followed by a week-long orientation programme designed to familiarize students with IIM-K’s academic environment, values, and expectations. The orientation featured interactive sessions with industry leaders, IIM-K faculty, government officials, and distinguished alumni, providing students with early insights into the real-world applications of their upcoming coursework.

These sessions also served as a platform for students to engage in peer networking, build rapport with faculty, and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the business world they are preparing to enter.

Classes Begin June 30: The Journey Ahead

With academic sessions scheduled to begin on June 30, the new batch is now set to embark on a rigorous and transformative two-year journey. From core management training to specialised electives, from corporate internships to international immersion programmes, IIM-K’s comprehensive curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools, perspectives, and networks necessary to thrive in a dynamic global economy.

Conclusion: A Milestone Year for IIM Kozhikode

IIM Kozhikode’s 2025–2027 MBA batch is more than just a cohort—it’s a symbol of progress. With its historic representation of gender, global and interdisciplinary participation, and a record intake of research scholars, the institute has reaffirmed its position as one of the most forward-thinking management institutions in India and beyond.

As it continues to champion diversity, innovation, and excellence, IIM-K remains a beacon for the future of inclusive and impactful business education.