The Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA), two of IIM Bangalore's premier two-year full-time MBA programs, welcomed new students on June 8, 2026, during an inaugural event. There are 541 PGP students and 77 PGP in Business Analytics students in this year's new cohort, for a total of 618 students. Notably, 41% of the students in this batch are female, which is the greatest percentage of female students the Institute has ever had. The dates of the orientation program are June 8–14, 2026.
Welcome addresses
The inauguration ceremony also featured an inspiring address by Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore. He welcomed the new cohort to one of the best campuses in the world, highlighting that the IIMB campus had secured the 17th spot among "The 25 Most Significant Works of Post-War Architecture," as ranked by The New York Times Style Magazine. "I am sure your new journey will be fruitful and successful," he said, sharing the story of two monks to illustrate the importance of inner calm when facing adversity or what he called "muddy roads." "You may not always get the grades or CGPA you expect, but do not carry that extra baggage. Keep your mind at ease — that is real success — and understand that there are many definitions of success. We need to succeed in overcoming the negativity within us. You will learn all this during your IIMB journey, and two years from now, at your Convocation, you will be truly proud of yourself as a person."
Describing the day as a "hallmark day" in the lives of the incoming students, Prof. Manaswini Bhalla, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management and PGP in Business Analytics, and faculty member in the Economics area, said in her address, "As you become part of this great Institute today, you must thank your family, friends, and everyone else who supported you along the way. Your journey at IIMB will define and redefine you — and I hope you become a better version of yourself."
Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean, Programmes, Chairperson, Office of International Affairs, and faculty member in the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area, shared three key ideas with the new cohort during her address. "As you go through the programme, do not just focus on grades or other tangible outcomes. Look for experiences that will stay with you. Second, try to step out of your comfort zone, network with everyone in this diverse cohort, and carry that diversity of thought with you beyond the campus. Third, there is a vast range of activities here — but do not focus on quantity; stay focused on quality."
Batch Profile
Prof. Arpit Shah of the Public Policy area congratulated the new cohort and shared the admission statistics for the year. "Out of the total 618 students in the new cohort, a remarkable 41% are female, the highest proportion recorded so far. The batch comprises 541 PGP and 77 PGPBA students, with female representation at 42% in PGP and 34% in PGPBA. Overall, 68% of the cohort comes from an engineering background — 67% in PGP and 78% in PGPBA. Among these, 30% are from the IITs, 21% from NITs, and 49% from other institutes. Engineering is followed by Commerce, Science, and Arts and Humanities as the most common academic backgrounds. The average work experience stands at 27 months, with an average age of 25 years. On the international front, 15 students gained admission through GMAT, with an average GMAT score of 713."
The ceremony also featured an address by Students' Affairs Council (SAC) President Shreyaunsh Ajit Patil on the topic "Life at IIM Bangalore." The inauguration concluded with a cultural performance by Miracle on Wheels.
Orientation Programme Scheduled from 8 to 14 June 2026; Reorientation Programme on 14 June 2026
The orientation programme is designed to give new students a comprehensive introduction to life at IIM Bangalore. It includes interactive sessions with faculty members and senior officials, including Deans and Chairpersons, covering key topics such as programme structure, online learning tools, administrative processes, and an overview of IIMB's offerings — including exchange programmes, student activities, centres, committees, and offices, along with campus facilities and institutional policies.
The schedule also features case analysis sessions led by IIMB faculty, interactive workshops, and engagement sessions with alumni groups, giving students valuable insights and practical exposure right from the start. On the concluding day, 14th June, the programme will also include a reorientation session for the 2025-27 batch of PGP and PGPBA students, helping returning students reconnect and prepare for the next phase of their academic journey.
