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.