The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati has commenced its inaugural MBA programme (2026–28) with 52 students from 18 states, marking a significant milestone for higher education in Assam and the Northeast. The institute officially began its first academic session at its transit campus in Tech City, Bongora, under the mentorship of IIM Ahmedabad.

The inaugural session was launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described the occasion as a landmark in the state's educational journey and a major step towards expanding access to world-class management education in the region.

First MBA batch begins academic journey

The first MBA cohort comprises 52 students representing 18 states across India. Until its permanent campus is completed, IIM Guwahati will function from the newly developed transit campus at Tech City, Bongora in Kamrup district.

The permanent campus is being developed across 574 bighas at Morabhita and Dighalkuchi villages under the Palashbari Revenue Circle and is expected to be completed within the next three years.

Modern transit campus ready

The Assam Government has invested nearly ₹39 crore to establish a fully functional transit campus equipped with lecture halls, administrative offices, a library, faculty and staff residences, and three hostel blocks, ensuring that academic activities begin without delay.

The institute had earlier launched its Executive Education programmes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated its academic session on February 14, 2026.

Boost to management education in Northeast

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Sarma said the launch fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the people of Assam and the Northeast. He noted that the institute joins the network of 22 Indian Institutes of Management, reflecting the Centre's continued expansion of premier management institutions across the country.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that IIM Guwahati strengthens Assam's growing ecosystem of national institutions, including IIT Guwahati, AIIMS Guwahati, IIIT, NIPER, and the upcoming National Forensic Sciences University, positioning the state as an emerging hub for higher education and research.

He encouraged IIM Guwahati to collaborate closely with other institutions of national importance to promote innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and solutions to regional development challenges.

Digital Design and 3D Printing Centre inaugurated

On the same occasion, Chief Minister Sarma inaugurated the Digital Design and 3D Printing Centre of Excellence at Tech City, Bongora.

Established under the PM-DeVINE Scheme with an investment of ₹53.84 crore, the facility has been developed by AMTRON in partnership with the North Eastern Council. Operating through a Hub-and-Spoke model with one hub in Guwahati and ten regional spokes, the centre will support advanced technologies in healthcare, manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and education.

According to the state government, the centre has already trained around 880 individuals, benefited nearly 1,680 people, and is expected to generate more than 2,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to Assam's Industry 4.0 ecosystem through skill development, innovation, and academia-industry collaboration.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has opened admissions for the fifth batch of its Executive Programme in Healthcare Management, offering working professionals an opportunity to strengthen their management and leadership skills without taking a career break. The 12-month live online programme is designed for professionals across the healthcare ecosystem, including doctors, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical executives and allied healthcare specialists, as the sector undergoes rapid digital and organisational transformation.

Delivered through an interactive Direct-to-Device (D2D) learning platform, the programme combines academic rigour with practical applications, enabling participants to continue their professional responsibilities while upgrading their managerial capabilities.

Designed for healthcare professionals and leaders

According to IIM Indore, the programme aims to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and managerial excellence by equipping participants with the skills needed to lead hospitals, healthcare institutions and other healthcare organisations effectively.

The course is intended for medical, dental and allied healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, professionals working in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare service providers, medical device manufacturers and other organisations connected to the healthcare sector.

It is also suitable for mid-level and senior professionals seeking leadership or managerial roles within the healthcare industry.

Comprehensive curriculum focused on healthcare leadership

The 12-month Executive Programme in Healthcare Management covers eight major areas essential for healthcare leadership, including:

• Healthcare Management
• Finance and Accounting
• Strategy and Entrepreneurship
• Operations Management
• Business Ethics
• Organisational Behaviour
• Global and Indian Healthcare Regulations
• Data Analytics

Participants will learn through live online lectures, case studies, business simulations, project work, assignments, term papers and self-paced learning modules, allowing them to apply management concepts to real-world healthcare challenges.

The programme focuses on improving decision-making, strategic thinking, operational efficiency and patient-centred healthcare delivery.

Campus immersion and Generative AI certification

A key highlight of the programme is a three-day campus immersion at IIM Indore.

During the campus visit, participants will attend classroom sessions with faculty members, engage in academic discussions and network with professionals from diverse healthcare backgrounds.

Additionally, participants will receive complimentary access to the Certificate Programme in Generative AI Tools and Business Applications, enabling them to understand how artificial intelligence can be integrated into healthcare management and business decision-making.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

• Hold a diploma, bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution in any discipline.
• Secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks across all years of study.
• Possess at least three years of full-time work experience after graduation.

Participants who successfully complete all academic requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion from IIM Indore.

Responding to a rapidly evolving healthcare sector

IIM Indore noted that healthcare is witnessing significant transformation driven by the growing demand for quality healthcare services, digital health technologies, telemedicine, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and electronic health records.

The institute cited industry estimates suggesting that the global healthcare market could reach USD 665.37 billion by 2028, while the world may face a shortage of nearly 18 million healthcare professionals by 2030. In India, initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are accelerating the adoption of digital healthcare systems, creating demand for professionals with both healthcare expertise and strong managerial capabilities.

Commenting on the programme, Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, said healthcare leadership today requires much more than clinical or operational knowledge. He emphasised that professionals must be equipped to manage institutional complexity, respond to regulatory and technological changes, improve organisational performance and keep patient outcomes at the centre of decision-making.

Previous batches have attracted professionals from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare service organisations, medical equipment manufacturers, educational institutions and fitness organisations. Participants have included CEOs, founders, surgeons, consultants, nursing leaders, assistant professors and business managers with work experience ranging from three to over fifteen years.

With admissions now open, the programme offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to build advanced management capabilities while continuing their careers and preparing for leadership roles in one of India's fastest-growing sectors.

A breakdown of an IIM Ahmedabad student's monthly expenses has gone viral on social media, prompting discussions about the cost of living at India's premier management institutes and whether pursuing an MBA remains financially viable for middle-class students.

Vivek Kundu, a student at IIM Ahmedabad, shared a video revealing that he spent ₹24,000 in a month, explaining that he generally tries to keep his monthly expenses below ₹25,000. The video quickly gained traction online, with users debating whether such expenditure is justified given the already high cost of an MBA.

According to Kundu, food accounted for the largest share of his monthly budget, with nearly ₹14,000 spent on meals. He also spent around ₹3,500 on Swiggy orders and grocery purchases from DMart, while additional expenses included stationery, haircuts, transportation, sports, medicines, subscriptions and social activities.

Responding to the online discussion, Kundu clarified that the ₹24,000 spending represented the higher end of his usual monthly expenditure, which typically ranges between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.

"At first glance, the monthly expense may seem quite high, but the figures I shared are on the upper end and can certainly be reduced," he told Hindustan Times. He explained that students who opt for the institute's hostel mess subscription can reduce food expenses by 50–60%.

Kundu also noted that his grocery spending was unusually high because he had recently returned from vacation and needed to purchase several household essentials, making many of those expenses one-time purchases. With better planning and fewer discretionary expenses, he believes students can comfortably manage their monthly budget at around ₹15,000.

The viral post drew mixed reactions on social media. While some users questioned whether spending nearly ₹6 lakh over two years on living expenses—apart from tuition fees—was affordable for middle-class families, others appreciated Kundu's transparency and emphasis on self-care during a demanding academic programme.

Addressing concerns about financing an MBA, Kundu highlighted that many IIM students rely on education loans, while others receive support through merit- and need-based scholarships, case competition prize money, summer internship stipends, and savings from previous work experience.

The discussion has once again brought attention to the rising cost of higher education in India, with students increasingly balancing academic aspirations against the financial realities of pursuing degrees at the country's top business schools.

A viral video by an IIM Ahmedabad student has sparked a fresh debate on the actual cost of living at India’s top business schools, with many questioning whether the lifestyle associated with premier institutes is affordable for middle-class students.

In the video, student Vivek Kundu shared a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses, revealing that he spent around ₹24,000 in one month. His post quickly gained traction as social media users discussed everything from food costs and hostel life to education loans and the financial realities of studying at an Indian Institute of Management.

“IIM Ahmedabad student here. I try to keep my monthly expenses under ₹25,000 — sometimes I manage, sometimes I don’t. This month? ₹24,000,” Kundu wrote while sharing the video.

However, he clarified that the amount represented the higher side of his spending pattern and that his usual monthly expenses generally remain between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000.

IIM Ahmedabad Student’s ₹24,000 Monthly Budget Breakdown

According to Kundu, food was the biggest expense category during the month.

His approximate spending included:

• Food expenses: ₹14,000
• Swiggy and DMart purchases: Nearly ₹3,500
• Expenses on stationery, grooming, transportation, social activities, sports, medicines and subscriptions

The student explained that certain costs were higher because he had recently returned from a vacation and needed to purchase several household essentials.

‘IIM Does Not Automatically Mean a Lavish Lifestyle’

The video challenged the common perception that students at top management institutes automatically live a luxury lifestyle.

While IIM campuses are often associated with high-paying placements and corporate careers, students still have to manage everyday expenses, academic costs and personal budgets during their two-year MBA journey.

Kundu explained that a more disciplined approach could significantly reduce monthly spending.

According to him, choosing the hostel mess subscription could bring down food costs by 50–60%, while avoiding unnecessary purchases and better planning could help students manage expenses closer to ₹15,000 per month.

Social Media Debates the Cost of Studying at IIM

The expense breakdown triggered a wide discussion online, especially among students from middle-class families.

One user calculated the possible two-year living cost and asked whether the overall investment was worth it:

“₹24,000 × 24 months = ₹5.76 lakh, plus fees. Is it really worth it for a middle-class student?”

Another user appreciated the transparency, saying that it was good to see a student openly discussing personal expenses and financial planning.

Some users, however, felt that ₹25,000 per month was expensive, while others questioned why students did not rely more on hostel mess facilities.

How Do IIM Students Manage Their Expenses?

Addressing concerns about affordability, Kundu said that many students use multiple sources of financial support.

“Many students primarily rely on education loans,” he explained, adding that other financial support options include:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based financial aid
• Prize money from case competitions
• Summer internship stipends
• Savings from previous work experience

These sources help many students manage the overall cost of pursuing an MBA from a premier institution.

Education Loans Remain a Major Support System

For many IIM aspirants, education loans are an important part of financing their management education.

The high fees of top business schools can appear challenging initially, but students often consider the investment alongside future career opportunities, placement prospects and long-term earning potential.

However, the viral discussion highlights an important reality: the cost of an IIM education is not limited to tuition fees alone. Accommodation, food, personal expenses and lifestyle choices also influence the total financial burden.

The Bigger Conversation: Affordability of Elite Education in India

The viral video has opened a broader discussion about access to India’s premier educational institutions.

While IIMs continue to attract students from diverse backgrounds, conversations around monthly expenses show that financial planning remains an important part of the student experience.

For many aspiring management students, the question is not only about getting admission into an IIM but also about understanding the complete cost of living and planning finances accordingly.

The debate around Kundu’s ₹24,000 monthly budget reflects a larger shift in how students and families view higher education — not just as an academic opportunity, but as a major financial decision requiring careful planning.

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) is strengthening industry-academia collaboration through its External Exposure Activity (EEA), a semester-long elective that enables students to gain hands-on experience in leading technology companies and research institutions while earning academic credits.

This year, 18 undergraduate students participated in the programme, working on cutting-edge projects across software engineering, embedded systems, fintech, and advanced research.

Students Apply Classroom Learning to Industry

Among the participants, Bhoumik Patidar, a BTech Computer Science student, completed his EEA at Qualcomm, where he developed an open-source ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) linker—a core software tool that combines compiled code and libraries into a single executable program.

Reflecting on the experience, Patidar said that working on a production-grade open-source project significantly enhanced his problem-solving abilities and allowed him to contribute to foundational software used by modern computing systems.

Meanwhile, Tejas Zunjare, a BTech Electrical Engineering student, interned at HapiHygi Innovation, where he worked on embedded systems and electronic circuit design for hygiene automation products.

According to Zunjare, the internship provided valuable practical exposure by demonstrating how theoretical concepts learned in classrooms can be translated into real-world engineering solutions.

A Unique Academic-Industry Initiative

The External Exposure Activity is designed for students during their seventh semester, allowing them to spend an entire semester working in industry or research environments without delaying graduation.

According to Bhaskar Datta, the programme enables students to gain meaningful professional experience while continuing to meet their academic requirements.

Students earn 16 academic credits through the elective and work under the joint supervision of faculty members and industry mentors. Any remaining degree requirements can be completed during the final semester.

Datta noted that the initiative has witnessed growing student interest, with participants contributing not only to core technology projects but also exploring interdisciplinary domains such as fintech.

Industry and Research Partners

As part of the programme, students have collaborated with several leading organisations, including:

• Qualcomm
• Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited
• Tower Research Capital
• Samsung Research and Development Institute
• Oracle
• California Institute of Technology
• Indian Institute of Science

Significance

The semester-long industry exposure programme reflects the growing emphasis on experiential learning in engineering education. By integrating academic coursework with real-world industry projects, IIT Gandhinagar is equipping students with practical skills, industry readiness, collaborative research experience, and exposure to emerging technologies, thereby enhancing their employability and innovation capabilities before graduation.

India's engineering education landscape is undergoing a significant correction. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the progressive closure of 58 engineering and technical colleges during the 2025–26 academic year, signalling a shift from expanding capacity to improving quality.

The highest number of closures has been reported in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, with 12 institutions each, reflecting the growing challenges faced by many engineering colleges in sustaining admissions and meeting regulatory standards.

What does 'progressive closure' mean?

Contrary to concerns, these institutions are not shutting overnight.

Under AICTE's progressive closure policy:

• No fresh admissions will be permitted.
• Existing students will continue their education until graduation.
• Institutions will cease operations only after all enrolled batches complete their programmes.

The phased approach is designed to protect students while allowing colleges to wind down in an orderly manner.

Why are engineering colleges shutting down?

AICTE attributes the closures to multiple long-standing issues:

• Persistent decline in student admissions.
• Shortage of qualified faculty.
• Failure to meet infrastructure and academic norms.
• Poor compliance with regulatory standards.
• Difficulty maintaining institutional quality.

Alongside institutional closures, more than 950 engineering and technical programmes have also been discontinued due to consistently low demand.

A changing engineering education ecosystem

The closures reflect a broader transformation in student preferences.

Today's engineering aspirants increasingly prioritise institutions that offer:

• Strong placement records.
• Industry-oriented curriculum.
• Programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Semiconductor Engineering.
• Better research infrastructure.
• Industry collaborations and innovation ecosystems.

As a result, colleges relying on traditional programmes without upgrading infrastructure or academic quality have struggled to attract students.

Impact on students

AICTE has assured that students already enrolled in colleges under progressive closure will face no academic disruption.

The regulator has directed institutions to:

• Continue teaching current batches.
• Ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
• Protect students' degrees and academic interests throughout the transition.

Why this matters

The closures represent more than administrative action—they reflect a structural correction within India's technical education sector.

For years, India witnessed rapid expansion in engineering colleges, creating abundant seats but often without corresponding improvements in quality, faculty or employability. Many institutions struggled with vacant classrooms as student demand shifted towards reputed universities and emerging technology disciplines.

Rather than measuring success by the number of colleges, regulators are now focusing on educational outcomes.

What engineering aspirants should learn

The latest developments underline an important message for students:

Choosing an engineering college should go beyond admission availability. Before enrolling, aspirants should evaluate:

• AICTE approval and accreditation status.
• Placement performance.
• Faculty qualifications.
• Industry partnerships.
• Curriculum aligned with emerging technologies.
• Research and innovation opportunities.

The engineering sector increasingly rewards specialised skills rather than simply possessing a degree.

The road ahead

India's engineering education system appears to be entering a phase of consolidation. While the number of institutions may shrink, the emphasis is shifting towards creating colleges capable of producing industry-ready graduates equipped for technologies shaping the future.

If accompanied by curriculum modernisation, stronger industry collaboration and investment in faculty development, AICTE's quality-focused approach could help bridge the long-standing gap between engineering education and employability.

Ultimately, fewer but stronger institutions may serve students—and India's innovation ambitions—better than an ever-expanding network of underperforming colleges.