IIM Nagpur Inducts Over 355 Students into MBA and PhD Programs

Nagpur, 14th July 2024: The inauguration of the 10th batch of the flagship MBA program (2024-26) and the 4th batch of the regular PhD program (2024-28) at IIM Nagpur took place on July 14, 2024, at the MIHAN campus. The inauguration of the Executive PhD program is scheduled for July 15, 2024. The institute welcomed a diverse cohort of students from nearly all parts of India.

Out of the 355 MBA students enrolled, 144 are female and 211 are male. The cohort represents 25 states, with students hailing from Nagaland in the northeast to Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Bihar, among others, making it a true representation of mini-India.

Among the students, 191 have six months or more of work experience, while 158 are freshers with less than six months of experience. The batch includes 132 students from engineering backgrounds, 128 from arts and commerce, 30 with Bachelor of Science degrees, and a notable 60 students from medical backgrounds. This diversity showcases IIM Nagpur’s commitment to academic and gender inclusivity.

The inauguration ceremony began with the lighting of a lamp and a Saraswati Vandana. Professor Prakash Awasthy, Chairperson of the MBA program, delivered the welcome address, stating, “Today, as students of IIM Nagpur, you are beginning a transformative journey.” Professor Prashant Gupta, Dean of Academics, Faculty, and Alumni Affairs, added, “It will be challenging, but you have the potential for remarkable transformation.”

Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, warmly welcomed the students and guests, emphasizing the institute’s growth over the past decade. “The campus is smart, and you, as smart students, will bring new laurels over the next two years,” he said, highlighting IIM Nagpur’s pioneering role in executive education and its introduction of courses in cybersecurity and blockchain.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Rajesh Dighde, Director of Engineering at Meta – Reality Labs, inspired the students by sharing his journey from engineering cranes to working in the Metaverse and AI. “You have come to the right place at IIM Nagpur’s fantastic and mind-blowing campus,” he said. He urged students to adapt and evolve, stating, “Life and the market are not static, so you must keep moving ahead. Re-invent, re-engineer, re-invest, and re-calibrate with physical, mental, and spiritual robustness.”

The Chief Guest, Mr. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group, congratulated the students on joining IIM Nagpur. “You are the future leaders of India. You live in a rapidly changing world, and IIM Nagpur will nourish you to emerge as leaders tomorrow,” he said. He also highlighted the significance of India’s current era, calling it “India’s decade, if not a century.”

During the event, Dr. Metri, the Chief Guest, and the Guest of Honour presented the Director’s Merit Certificates to second-year students. IIM Nagpur offers 10 merit-based and 10 need-cum-merit-based scholarships, including full tuition fee waivers. Additionally, a new scholarship was announced, bringing the total to 21 scholarships for the new session.

Professor Ranjitha GP, Chairperson of Student Affairs, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests for their inspiring words to the students of IIM Nagpur.