IIM-Shillong students celebrate after they receive their degree. Photo: Special arrangement
Traditionally, the matrilineal state of Meghalaya is attracting more girls into the Indian Institute of Management (IIM-S).
IIMs in other parts of India, such as Kozhikode, Rohtak and Sambalpur, have recorded 59-76% female enrollment rates in their flagship MBA or business administration programs.
Since the establishment of IIM-S in 2007, it has been unsafe for Meghalaya to women, except for being too far away from students in the “mainland”, reflecting the composition of students.
“Respect for women in this matriarchal state and diversity in the Northeast is a factor in more girls pursuing MBA, PhD and other programs,” IIM-S Director DP Goyal said after the 16th annual meeting ceremony held on Friday.
The change in gender composition began after IIM-S moved from the temporary campus in Shillong to the 120-acre permanent campus in Umsawli, about 10 kilometers away.
Professor Goyal said: “We have students from 28 states across the country, 52% of whom are girls.”
The study has approximately 900 students. During the convening period, degrees were awarded to 475 graduates, including 381 in the 2023-25 batch of Graduate Program (PGP), 54 in the 2024-25 batch of PGP, 35 in the 35 batch of PGP, and 2023-25 batch of senior executives.
Five scholars also received their PhDs
“In terms of graduation results, we are the fifth in the country’s 20 IIMs. We are students with an average starting package of Rs 26.44, with the highest being Rs 71.5 lakh,” he said.
Campus in the clouds
Professor Goyal said that apart from the IIM-S of diversity, the location is far from other similar locations. “Our institute is called campus in the clouds because clouds often pour into classrooms. We have hills on one side and forests on the other,” he said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma urged young graduates to approach life as a marathon – which requires perseverance, resilience and commitment to their passion – rather than sprinting to succeed.
“As life goes on, you will face different situations and challenges. It’s an important transition and how you navigate will define your journey,” he said.
Honeywell India President Ashish Modi and IIM-Shillong Board Chairman Shishir Kumar Bajoria also spoke in the program.
publishing – April 5, 2025 03:15 AM IST
