The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has inducted its new cohort for the academic session 2026-28, with women making up 66% of students admitted to its postgraduate program (PGP). The institute said this is the highest recorded proportion of women in the PGP among Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A total of 599 students joined its three full-time MBA programs, while 99 students enrolled in its PhD programs.The PGP admitted 499 students, including 329 women. In addition to gender diversity, the institute reported that 57% of students in the program come from non-engineering backgrounds. Across all three MBA programs, women make up nearly 63% of intake, while 59% of students come from non-engineering disciplines.Key admission data for the academic year 2026-28
Diversity benchmarks continue to riseThe institute has increased the proportion of women in the PGP over the past decade. It crossed the 50% mark in 2013, crossed that level again in 2021, reached 59% in 2024 and has now reported 66% women in the 2026 batch.Academic diversity has also expanded. Non-engineering graduates make up 57% of the intake of the PGP, 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 students, including 27 students in the Management Doctorate Program and 72 in the Executive Doctorate Program. This year’s call also includes the first round of the Doctorate in Management Program (Teaching View).The institute emphasizes an inclusive learning environmentAddressing 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 achievement.”IIM Kozhikode Director Professor Debashis Chatterjee said: “The Class of 2028 marks an important milestone 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 diverse backgrounds and academic experiences while encouraging collaboration and multidisciplinary learning.