IIM Kozhikode Welcomes Sixth Batch of One-Year MBA in Business Leadership

KOZHIKODE:
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) inaugurated the sixth batch of its flagship one-year full-time residential MBA, the Post Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL), at its campus here. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Japneet Kaur Sachdeva, Partner at Deloitte India and a distinguished alumna of IIM Kozhikode (PGP Batch of 2008), as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, and attended by faculty, staff, and members of the incoming cohort.

Delivering her keynote address, Japneet Kaur Sachdeva said, “IIM Kozhikode is truly creating the leaders of tomorrow. As you embark on this transformative journey, never limit yourselves — explore fearlessly, fail purposefully, and grow through every challenge. Remember, failures are not endpoints but stepping stones to success. Build character, embrace the power of reflection, and lead with authenticity. That is what will define your leadership in the years to come.”

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, in his welcome address, emphasized the deeper purpose of the programme. “At IIM Kozhikode, we believe that leadership is not just taught, but awakened. As we welcome the sixth batch of the PGP in Business Leadership, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing responsible, inclusive, and globally-minded leaders who will carry forward the mission of Globalizing Indian Thought as a lived ideal. In just a few years since its inception, the PGP-BL programme has earned prestigious global recognition in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings and the QS Global MBA Rankings — a testament to its academic rigour, innovative design, and industry relevance. The programme’s global footprint and growing corporate appreciation reflect our vision of creating transformative leaders for a rapidly changing world.

The sixth cohort comprises 63 students drawn from 19 states and union territories, representing a wide array of industry backgrounds including services (19%), IT (15%), BFSI, and consulting (10%). With an average work experience of 5.7 years, the batch is characterised by both depth and diversity. Notably, 25% of the cohort comprises female professionals, underlining the Institute’s ongoing commitment to gender diversity and empowering women in leadership roles. Over half the class falls within the 25–28 age group, highlighting the programme’s appeal to ambitious, mid-career professionals seeking a high-impact leadership education.

The PGP-BL, since its inception in 2019, has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most sought-after one-year MBA programmes, combining academic excellence with real-world relevance and global exposure.