IIM Guwahati has officially commenced its journey into academics with the launch of its first MBA batch 2026 - 28, thus marking a milestone event for management education in Assam and the North East. The course was launched by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, at the temporary campus of the institution in Tech City Bongora, Kamrup.
Table of Content
-
- + more items Show less
The inaugural batch comprises 52 students from 18 states across India, highlighting the institute's national presence from its very first academic session. Initially mentored by IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Guwahati will function from its transit campus before moving to its permanent campus at Palashbari. The permanent campus being developed on 574 bighas of land is expected to become operational within the next three years.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Minister described the establishment of IIM Guwahati as a historic achievement for Assam and the North East. He said the institute fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the region by making world-class management education more accessible to local students. He also shared that the proposal for setting up the institute was first put forward by the Assam government in 2022, received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Education in 2024 and was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025.
Highlighting the expansion of management education in the country, Sarma noted that the number of IIMs in India has grown from 13 in 2014 to 22 today, improving access to quality business education nationwide.
Until the permanent campus is ready, the Assam government has developed a modern transit campus at an investment of nearly ₹39 crore. The facility is equipped with classrooms, a library, administrative offices, hostel accommodation for students and residential facilities for faculty and staff.
He said that the introduction of the MBA program will further boost the emergence of Assam as an education centre along with the top institutions of the state. He also advised IIM Guwahati to associate itself with top institutes to foster innovation and development.
As part of the trip, Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Digital Design and 3D printing Centre of Excellence at Tech City under the PM-DeVINE program, which has been created using an investment of ₹ 53.84 crore. This centre focuses on enhancing skill development and Industry 4.0 implementation within the North Eastern Region using a hub-and-spoke approach.
Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for an integrated administrative building at Palashbari, where many government organisations will operate from the same place.
Also Read
