IIM Kozhikode Records Highest Participation in Executive MBA Programme
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of its 18th batch of the Executive Post Graduate Programme – Interactive Learning (EPGP–IL). With a record 683 participants, this cohort not only marks the largest Executive MBA batch in the institute’s history but also stands out for its remarkable gender diversity.
Record Participation and Gender Diversity
The EPGP–18 batch is notable for its gender diversity, with women constituting nearly 29 percent of the cohort. This is the highest representation of female participants in the programme to date, reflecting a progressive shift towards inclusivity in management education.
Inaugural Address Highlights
During the inaugural ceremony, Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International, served as the chief guest. He emphasized the importance of developing “pilot-like skills” to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment. His address focused on several key areas:
- Skills Over Degrees: Shivakumar urged participants to prioritize skill development over mere academic qualifications.
- Continuous Adaptation: He highlighted the necessity for professionals to continuously adapt in an AI-enabled world.
- Situational Awareness: The ability to remain aware of one’s surroundings and make informed decisions is crucial.
- Clear Communication: Effective communication is vital in ensuring that messages are conveyed accurately.
- Physical and Mental Fitness: Maintaining both physical and mental health is essential for success.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Participants were encouraged to make decisions that align with ethical standards.
- Flawless Execution: The importance of executing plans flawlessly within defined rules was stressed.
Leadership Development and Career Navigation
Shivakumar also spoke about the significance of people development and the need for feedback without hierarchical barriers. He encouraged participants to think strategically and operationally, urging them to stay alert and proactive in managing their careers. His message was clear: combining strong conceptual foundations with disciplined execution is key to responsible leadership and leaving a lasting legacy.
Insights from IIM Kozhikode’s Director
Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, shared his insights on the EPGP–18 cohort, describing it as a reflection of the evolving landscape of Indian leadership. He noted that the participants are ambitious, diverse, digitally fluent, and rich in experience. Chatterjee emphasized that the record number of participants, along with the strong representation of women, reaffirms the institute’s belief in the future of inclusive excellence in management education.
Industry Representation in the EPGP–18 Cohort
The EPGP–18 batch comprises professionals from a wide array of industries and functional domains. The participants represent both private sector organizations and government/public sector undertakings (PSUs). Here is a breakdown of the industry representation:
- Information Technology: Approximately 29.43% (201 participants)
- Consulting: 10.23%
- Banking and Financial Services: Significant representation from this sector
- Manufacturing and Automotive: Notable participation
- Sales and Marketing: A diverse range of roles
- Other Sectors: Including advertising, e-commerce, real estate, petroleum and energy, engineering services, electronics and telecommunications, education, aerospace, and more.
Conclusion
The record participation in the EPGP–18 programme at IIM Kozhikode highlights the growing interest in executive education and the importance of diversity in leadership roles. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the skills and perspectives gained through such programmes will be invaluable for the next generation of leaders.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from IIM Kozhikode and reflects the current trends in executive education as of December 2025.
