Management

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur marked its 13th Annual Convocation by awarding degrees to 546 students, signalling not just academic achievement but a broader transformation in management education—one that increasingly values diversity, experiential learning, and real-world impact.

Diverse Cohort Across Programmes

The graduating batch was spread across five programmes:

• MBA: 280 students
• MBA (Analytics): 160 students
• Executive MBA (E-MBA): 34 students
• Executive MBA in Analytics (EMBAA): 58 students
• PhD: 14 scholars

The scale is significant, but the composition is more telling.

Women’s Representation Sees Strong Growth

One of the defining highlights of this year’s convocation was gender diversity. Women made up 39.19% of the total cohort, up from 33% last year. More notably, the MBA (Analytics) programme recorded over 73% women, indicating a sharp rise in female participation in data and analytics-driven fields.

In a sector often criticised for gender imbalance, this shift suggests that India’s B-schools may finally be correcting course.

Recognition of Academic Excellence

The institute awarded 10 medals to top performers, while 22 students were named to the Director’s Merit List. Beyond numbers, this reflects a continued emphasis on academic rigour alongside holistic development.

The presence of over 24 PwD (Persons with Disabilities) students in the graduating cohort also highlights a growing commitment to inclusivity.

Learning Beyond Classrooms

What sets this batch apart is its exposure beyond textbooks. Under the Experiential Learning Programme, over 300 students worked on 73 live projects across 80+ organisations, focusing on:

• Sustainability
• Rural development
• MSME growth

This shift towards application-based learning signals a departure from traditional MBA models, aligning education more closely with real-world challenges.

Global Exposure and Institutional Standing

IIM Kashipur continues to expand its global footprint through academic collaborations with institutions across Europe, Asia, and beyond. Its consistent ranking among the Top 25 B-schools in the National Institutional Ranking Framework further reinforces its growing reputation.

Leadership Messages: Beyond Degrees

The convocation was presided over by Guhanathan Narendar, who urged students to prioritise integrity and impact over comfort and convention. Guest of Honour Kamal Poddar echoed this sentiment, emphasising adaptability and purpose in a rapidly evolving economy.

Director Neeraj Dwivedi reinforced the institute’s mission: not just to produce skilled professionals, but ethical, future-ready leaders.

The Bigger Picture

Convocations often celebrate closure, but they also reveal direction. At IIM Kashipur, the narrative is clear—management education is evolving. It is becoming more inclusive, more practical, and more aligned with societal needs.

The question now is whether industry—and policy—will keep pace with this transformation.

For the 546 graduates stepping out, the degree is just the beginning. The real test lies ahead: translating knowledge into impact in an increasingly complex world.

Securing admission to a top MBA college in India—whether it’s the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management, XLRI Xavier School of Management, or SP Jain Institute of Management and Research—is a goal shared by thousands of students and working professionals. While the competition is intense, a structured approach and consistent effort can make this goal achievable.

The first step in this journey is gaining clarity about your purpose. Ask yourself why you want to pursue an MBA and which specialization aligns with your interests—be it marketing, finance, human resources, or operations. A clear goal helps in selecting the right entrance exams and colleges, ensuring your preparation remains focused and relevant.

Understanding the entrance exams is equally important. The Common Admission Test is the most competitive and widely accepted exam for admission into IIMs and several top institutes like FMS, MDI, and IMT. Similarly, Xavier Aptitude Test is conducted by XLRI and opens doors to institutions such as XIMB and IMT Ghaziabad. The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test is required for Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD, while the Management Aptitude Test, conducted by AIMA, is accepted by numerous private B-schools. Each exam has a slightly different pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level, so understanding these nuances is crucial.

Once you’ve identified your target exams, the next step is to build a solid study plan. Ideally, preparation should begin 6–9 months in advance. Divide your time across key sections such as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. For exams like XAT or CMAT, General Knowledge also plays an important role. Setting weekly and monthly goals can help maintain consistency while avoiding last-minute stress.

Choosing the right study material can significantly impact your preparation. Standard books by authors like R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma for quantitative and reasoning sections, along with resources like Norman Lewis for vocabulary, are widely recommended. In addition, enrolling in mock test series from platforms such as TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher can provide valuable exam-like practice.

Mock tests are, in fact, one of the most critical components of preparation. They help improve speed, accuracy, and time management while also highlighting weak areas. Taking one or two mock tests every week and analysing performance thoroughly can lead to steady improvement over time.

Beyond the written exam, candidates must also focus on the application and selection process. After securing a good score, it is essential to track application deadlines, fill out college-specific forms, and prepare for subsequent rounds like Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI). Staying updated with current affairs and practicing communication skills can significantly boost performance in these stages.

Finally, staying motivated throughout the journey is key. MBA preparation can be demanding, but consistency and self-belief make a significant difference. Avoid unnecessary comparisons, focus on your progress, and maintain a healthy balance between study and rest.

Cracking MBA entrance exams in India is not just about hard work—it’s about smart strategy, disciplined preparation, and the ability to adapt. With the right mindset and approach, gaining admission into a top B-school is well within reach.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the registration process for the Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) 2026, offering students a direct pathway into premier management education after Class 12. The entrance test facilitates admission to the five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya and the Indian Institute of Management Jammu.

According to the official notification, the application window opened on April 16 and will remain active until May 10, 2026 (11:50 PM). Candidates can complete the fee payment process until May 11, while a correction window will be provided from May 12 to May 14, allowing applicants to make necessary changes to their submitted forms.

JIPMAT 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on June 7 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam will be held in a single shift from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with a total duration of 150 minutes. The question paper will be set in English and will consist entirely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), designed to assess candidates’ aptitude for management education at the undergraduate level.

The NTA has stated that details regarding the exam city intimation slip and admit card download will be released in due course on the official website. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on updates to avoid missing important announcements.

The Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) has emerged as an increasingly popular option among students seeking early entry into the field of business and management. Unlike traditional pathways that require graduation before pursuing an MBA, the IPM offers a seamless five-year course combining undergraduate and postgraduate studies, culminating in a management degree from an Indian Institute of Management.

Officials have reiterated that applications for JIPMAT 2026 will be accepted strictly through online mode. Any submissions made via offline channels will not be considered. Before filling out the application form, candidates are encouraged to carefully review the detailed information bulletin available on the official website to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Applicants must also ensure that they provide a valid email address and mobile number during registration, as all communication from the NTA—including updates, alerts, and notifications—will be sent through these channels. Failure to adhere to the prescribed guidelines or submission protocols may lead to disqualification.

For further assistance, candidates can reach out to the NTA helpline numbers or contact the examination authority via email. As competition for IPM seats continues to intensify, early registration and thorough preparation will be crucial for aspirants aiming to secure admission to these prestigious institutions.

With registrations now underway, JIPMAT 2026 once again opens doors for young aspirants to begin their management journey at some of India’s leading business schools.

In a significant shift aimed at expanding access to technical education, new academic provisions will now allow students with a four-year BSc degree to pursue MTech programmes, even without qualifying for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. The move, set to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session, is expected to benefit a large pool of students who were previously excluded due to rigid eligibility norms.

Traditionally, admission to MTech programmes in India has been closely tied to engineering backgrounds and mandatory GATE scores. However, with the introduction of more flexible pathways, institutions are now recognising diverse academic backgrounds, particularly those with strong foundations in science. This reform reflects a broader push to align higher education with evolving interdisciplinary demands, especially in emerging technology sectors.

As part of this transition, a new programme titled MTech in Quantum Information Technology has been introduced under the Department of Applied Sciences at a leading institute. The course will offer 25 seats and aims to equip students with specialised knowledge in quantum computing, communication, and related advanced technologies—fields that are rapidly gaining global prominence.

One of the most notable aspects of this programme is the relaxed admission criteria. While candidates with valid GATE scores will continue to receive preference, the examination is no longer mandatory. Students without GATE qualification can still apply and will be considered for admission if seats remain unfilled. In such cases, selection will be based on an institute-level screening test followed by a personal interview, offering a second chance to candidates who either did not appear for GATE or could not clear it.

Eligibility criteria for the course have also been broadened. Applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. In terms of undergraduate qualifications, candidates with degrees such as BTech, BE, BSc, MSc, or integrated BS-MS programmes are all eligible to apply. This inclusive approach is expected to attract students from varied academic streams, particularly those interested in transitioning into high-end research and technology domains.

Education experts believe that this policy shift could significantly reshape postgraduate technical education in India. By allowing science graduates to directly access MTech programmes, institutions are fostering a more interdisciplinary learning environment—one that blends theoretical science with applied engineering skills.

Beyond academics, the programme also promises strong industry exposure. Students will have opportunities to participate in internships, live projects, and hands-on training aligned with current industry needs. This practical focus is expected to enhance employability and prepare graduates for careers in cutting-edge sectors such as quantum computing, data science, and advanced research.

The development signals a progressive step toward making higher education more inclusive, flexible, and future-ready. For thousands of science graduates across the country, it opens a new pathway to specialised technical careers that were previously out of reach.

The Indian Institute of Management Jammu has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organisations to enhance healthcare leadership, management practices, and patient safety across India.

The agreement was formalised between IIM Jammu Director B S Sahay and CAHO President Vijay Agarwal during CAHO’s annual conference. Officials said the collaboration aims to build a skilled healthcare workforce through capacity building, research, and knowledge exchange.

Under the partnership, both institutions will jointly design specialised training programmes, executive education courses, and workshops tailored for healthcare professionals. These initiatives will focus on improving hospital administration, operational efficiency, and governance systems, while also promoting the integration of digital technologies in healthcare delivery.

A key emphasis of the MoU is on strengthening patient safety and quality standards. The collaboration will encourage healthcare organisations to adopt structured frameworks and accreditation practices, helping improve overall service quality. By combining academic expertise with industry insights, the initiative seeks to address emerging challenges in the healthcare sector.

The partnership will also open avenues for interdisciplinary research, particularly in areas such as healthcare analytics, policy development, and digital health transformation. Officials noted that such efforts are aligned with India’s broader vision of building a robust and future-ready healthcare ecosystem.

The MoU reflects a growing push towards professionalising healthcare management in the country, with institutions like IIM Jammu playing a critical role in developing leadership capabilities and advancing best practices in hospital and healthcare administration.

The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has launched a new four-year Bachelor of management Studies (BMS) programme for the 2026, 27 academic session, a solid move to meet growing industry needs in management education.

The BMS course runs at the indian Institute of packaging, an affiliated college with 60 total seats. Students will gain hands-on exposure to core business functions, standard management practices, and current market shifts, skills that fit real-world corporate, startup, and service environments.

Admission hinges on performance in the university's Common Entrance Test (CET). If CET doesn't fill all spots, CUET-UG scores step in to allocate remaining seats. This setup gives applicants more than one route into the programme.

University officials say the BMS programme is being introduced because more students are asking for early access to business and leadership training. At least in theory, this meets the rising demand for undergrad management education. The course plans to mix classroom learning with real-world projects, so it matches what employers want today.

It's part of GGSIPU's wider push for change in 2026, including new programs tied to modern industries. The shift toward management degrees shows a bigger trend - schools are now offering focused undergraduate paths to help students get jobs faster.

Students can join through flexible admission channels with a clear plan of action. The curriculum is built around industry needs, not just theory. This lets them step into management roles sooner than waiting for a master's degree.