Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in India: A Comprehensive Overview By Salahlo

Introduction

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are a prestigious group of autonomous public business schools in India. Known for producing top-tier management professionals and business leaders, IIMs are synonymous with excellence in business education and research. Established by the Government of India to provide quality management education, these institutes now serve as global centers for leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

History and Evolution

The journey of the IIMs began in 1961 with the establishment of IIM Calcutta and IIM Ahmedabad, set up with collaboration from global institutions like MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School. Over the decades, the network expanded to include 21 IIMs as of 2025, located across various Indian states.

Generations of IIMs

The IIMs can be broadly categorized into three generations:

1. First Generation:

   • IIM Ahmedabad (1961)

   • IIM Calcutta (1961)

   • IIM Bangalore (1973)

   • IIM Lucknow (1984)

2. Second Generation (established between 1996–2010):

   • IIM Kozhikode (1996)

   • IIM Indore (1996)

   • IIM Shillong (2007)

3. Third Generation (2010 onward):

   • Includes IIMs in Rohtak, Ranchi, Raipur, Trichy, Udaipur, Kashipur, Nagpur, Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, Sirmaur, Sambalpur, Jammu, and Visakhapatnam.

Academic Programs

IIMs offer a range of programs in management:

• Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) – Equivalent to MBA

• Executive MBA (ePGP or EPGP) – For working professionals

• Fellow Programme in Management (FPM/PhD) – Doctoral-level research program

• Management Development Programs (MDPs) – Short-term executive education

Admission to PGP programs is based on the Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted annually.

Conclusion

The Indian Institutes of Management are not just educational institutions; they are incubators of leadership, innovation, and change. As India continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse, IIMs are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping its corporate and entrepreneurial future.

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