IIM Sambalpur Holds 9th Convocation; 60% Graduates are Women

Bhubaneswar: A total of 370 students were conferred degrees during the ninth convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sambalpur, held on Saturday. The event marked a significant milestone as the institute celebrated its 10th year of establishment with a focus on innovation, inclusiveness, and academic excellence.

Of the total graduates, 316 students from the 2023–25 batch received MBA degrees, while 38 students from the 2022–24 batch were awarded Executive MBA degrees. Additionally, 10 students earned an MBA for Working Professionals, and six were awarded PhDs.

The convocation ceremony was graced by Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended as the chief guest. In his keynote address, Dr. Mishra lauded IIM Sambalpur for its progressive educational approach, especially highlighting the gender ratio, with 60% of the degree recipients being women—a first among Indian IIMs and top B-schools. He encouraged the institute to further raise the bar to 80% female participation in the future.

“IIM Sambalpur has earned a reputation for its integration of innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness. The introduction of artificial intelligence in its curriculum and initiatives like the ‘Master Weavers’ programme for Western Odisha’s weavers are commendable contributions toward regional development,” Dr. Mishra said.

One of the most inspirational moments of the convocation was the graduation of 80-year-old entrepreneur GM Gupta, who received an MBA for Working Professionals, showcasing that learning has no age limit.

Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Sambalpur and CEO of Salesforce India & South Asia, also addressed the gathering. “Education is a lifelong journey. The world is evolving rapidly, and with the skills and knowledge you’ve gained, you are well prepared to face any challenge,” she said.

In his welcome speech, Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal highlighted the institute’s growth and achievements over the past decade. “For the first time in IIM Sambalpur’s history, graduates from five different programmes—MBA, Executive MBA, MBA for Working Professionals, PhD, and PhD for Working Professionals—are receiving degrees. It is also a proud moment as the number of female graduates has surpassed that of male students,” he noted.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chairman’s Gold Medals to students for their exceptional academic and extracurricular performance across various programmes.

IIM Sambalpur continues to position itself as a pioneering institute, setting benchmarks in academic inclusivity, regional engagement, and innovative education.