The institute welcomed a total of 599 students across its three full-time MBA programmes this year. In addition, 99 doctoral scholars have joined its management doctoral programmes, further strengthening the institute’s focus on research and academic excellence.

The most significant highlight of the new academic session is the strong representation of women in the flagship Post Graduate Programme (PGP). Out of the 499 students admitted to the programme, 329 are women, meaning nearly two out of every three seats have been secured by female candidates.

The latest intake reflects IIM Kozhikode’s long-standing commitment to improving gender diversity in management education. The institute has consistently been among the leading business schools in India when it comes to promoting greater participation of women in MBA programmes.

Its journey towards gender inclusion began more than a decade ago. In 2013, IIM Kozhikode became one of the first IIMs to admit a batch with more than 50% female representation, a move that drew national attention. The percentage of women students continued to rise in subsequent years, reaching 59% in 2024 before setting a new benchmark of 66% in 2026.

When all three full-time MBA programmes are considered together, women constitute approximately 63% of the total student strength. The figures highlight a broader shift in management education, where increasing numbers of women are pursuing leadership and business careers through premier institutions.

The new batch also reflects growing academic diversity. Management institutes across the country have been encouraging candidates from non-engineering backgrounds to create more balanced classrooms and foster wider perspectives in learning and decision-making.

Education experts believe the rising participation of women in top business schools is a positive indicator for corporate India, where companies are increasingly focusing on diversity, inclusion, and leadership representation. A larger pool of women graduates from premier management institutions is expected to contribute to stronger gender balance in leadership roles across industries.

The achievement further strengthens IIM Kozhikode’s reputation as a pioneer in promoting inclusivity and diversity in higher education. As the new academic session begins, the institute’s record-breaking intake is likely to be seen as a significant step towards reshaping the landscape of management education in India.