IIM Guwahati Launches First MBA Program, Aims to Transform Education in Assam
Inauguration of IIM Guwahati's MBA Program
Assam CM welcoming the inaugural batch of IIM Guwahati with 52 students from 18 states on Tuesday (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, July 21: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati officially began its first academic session on Tuesday, welcoming an inaugural cohort of 52 MBA students at its temporary campus located in Tech City, Bongora.
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Sarma expressed that the initiation of the MBA program marks the realization of a long-held dream for the people of Assam and the Northeast, creating new avenues for local students.
He stated, "With the launch of the MBA program, IIM Guwahati proudly joins the esteemed group of Indian Institutes of Management. This day is historic for both Assam and the Northeast region,"
The Chief Minister highlighted that the inaugural batch consists of students from 18 different states and mentioned that the construction of the permanent campus, which will span 189 acres, is advancing swiftly.
"We anticipate the completion of the permanent campus within the next three years, and the State government is committed to facilitating this process," he added.
Addressing the overall educational landscape, Sarma pointed out that Assam is home to nearly all major national institutions, including IIT Guwahati, AIIMS Guwahati, NIT Silchar, and others.
However, he raised concerns regarding the underrepresentation of local students in these institutions.
"Despite the presence of numerous national institutions in Assam, our students occupy less than 20% of the available seats. We have not succeeded in inspiring our youth to aim for and gain admission to these prestigious institutions," he remarked.
Stressing the importance of enhancing the educational environment, Sarma expressed, "I aspire to see at least 50% of these seats filled by Assamese students. With the resources at our disposal, we must cultivate a genuine academic culture in Assam."
He encouraged local communities, especially in Palashbari, to introduce students to new technologies and research facilities by organizing visits to local institutions and innovation centers.
The Chief Minister also recounted the swift developments that led to the establishment of the institute, noting that he had contacted Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in May 2022 and later discussed the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023.
"Approval for the establishment of an IIM in Assam was granted within a year, and in August 2025, the Union Cabinet formalized the proposal. Today, that vision has come to fruition," he stated.
Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Union Education Ministry for their support in establishing the institute, which is recognized as the 22nd IIM in the country and the second in the Northeast, with IIM Ahmedabad serving as its mentor institution.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Digital Design and 3D Printing Centre of Excellence at Tech City, Bongora.
While addressing the audience, he emphasized that advanced manufacturing technologies will be crucial for the future of the State's industry.
"Before arriving here, I visited the 3D printing facility established by Amtron. We should take pride in the fact that components for refineries, hardware manufacturing, cancer treatment, mining operations, and even aircraft systems can now be produced using these machines," he noted.
Sarma also reiterated plans for establishing Azim Premji University in the area, stating that Palashbari is evolving into a significant education and innovation hub with two internationally recognized institutions set to operate in the region.