IIM Kozhikode Welcomes Record 683-Strong Executive MBA Cohort with Nearly 30% Women
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) has officially welcomed its largest and most gender-diverse Executive Post Graduate Programme – Interactive Learning (EPGP–IL) batch, consisting of 683 executives. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the Institute’s commitment to executive education, showcasing a strong representation of women and a diverse professional background among participants.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The inaugural ceremony for the 18th batch of the EPGP was graced by Shri Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International and former CEO of Nokia India and PepsiCo India, who served as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, who welcomed the cohort of experienced professionals embarking on their leadership journey.
Keynote Address by Shiv Shivakumar
During his address, Mr. Shivakumar emphasized the need for participants to develop “pilot-like skills” to successfully navigate the complexities of today’s fast-paced business environment. He highlighted the importance of:
- Continuous adaptation in an AI-enabled world
- Situational awareness
- Clear communication
- Physical and mental fitness
- Ethical decision-making
- Flawless execution within defined rules
He encouraged participants to remain alert at the controls of their careers, combining strong conceptual grounding with disciplined execution to lead responsibly and leave a lasting legacy.
Director’s Address
Prof. Debashis Chatterjee remarked, “The EPGP–18 cohort reflects the changing face of Indian leadership—ambitious, diverse, digitally fluent, and deeply rooted in experience. The record number of participants and the strong presence of women professionals reaffirm our belief that inclusive excellence is the future of management education.”
Demographics of the EPGP–18 Cohort
The EPGP–18 batch stands out not only for its size but also for its gender diversity, with women making up nearly 29% of the cohort. This is the highest representation of women participants in the program’s history. The age profile of the cohort is as follows:
- 30–39 years: 50%
- 24–29 years: 39%
- 40 years and above: 11.26%
The participants bring a wealth of professional experience, with:
- 6–9 years of experience: 41%
- 3–5 years of experience: 25%
- 10–15 years of experience: 25%
- Over 16 years of experience: 7.9%
Industry Representation
The EPGP–18 cohort represents a broad spectrum of industries and functional domains, including both private sector organizations and government/public sector units. The breakdown of participants by sector is as follows:
- IT Sector: 29.43% (201 participants)
- Consulting: 10.23%
- Other sectors include banking, insurance, investment services, manufacturing, automotive, sales and marketing, advertising, e-commerce, real estate, petroleum and energy, engineering services, electronics and telecommunications, education, and aerospace.
Program Structure and Learning Approach
The EPGP–IL program is designed to bridge theory and practice, equipping participants with rigorous analytical frameworks, strategic insights, and leadership capabilities essential for navigating complex business environments. The program utilizes an interactive, center-based learning format, facilitated through IIM Kozhikode’s technology partner, TimesPro. This approach allows participants the flexibility to attend classes from learning centers located in their city of residence or work.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
With the EPGP–18 batch, IIM Kozhikode reinforces its position as a pioneer in executive education, committed to shaping future-ready leaders while emphasizing academic excellence, inclusion, and national relevance. The strong presence of women in this cohort signals a positive shift towards greater gender diversity in executive management education.
About IIM Kozhikode
Established in 1996, IIM Kozhikode is the fifth Indian Institute of Management created by the Government of India. The Institute began its academic journey in 1997 with its flagship Postgraduate Program (PGP) and has since expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of academic programs such as:
- Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD)
- Executive PG Programs
- Management Development Programs
- Faculty Development Programs
IIMK also operates a satellite campus at Infopark, Kochi, dedicated to Executive Education and has launched innovative programs like the PhD (Practice Track) for working professionals and a full-time undergraduate program in Management Studies.
Conclusion
The launch of the EPGP–18 batch at IIM Kozhikode represents a significant advancement in the realm of executive education, showcasing the Institute’s commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in leadership. As these executives embark on their educational journey, they are poised to make impactful contributions to their respective fields and the broader business landscape.
Note: This article is based on information available as of January 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the recent developments at IIM Kozhikode.
