Another defining feature of this year’s MBA cohort is that students from non-engineering backgrounds have outnumbered engineers, signalling a growing preference among candidates from commerce, economics, humanities, science and other disciplines for management education. The batch represents 23 states across India, bringing together students from diverse academic, cultural and professional backgrounds.

Ms. Gautami Tadimalla, Actor, Television Host, & Public Speaker was chief guest while Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, TATA AutoComp Systems Ltd was Guest of Honor. Director of IIM Nagpur Dr. Bhimaraya Metri; Prof. Prashant Gupta, Dean-Faculty & Academics; Prof. Sujeet Kumar Sharma, Dean- Research, and PhD Programmes; Prof. Alok Kumar Singh, Dean- Executive Education; Prof. Prakash Awasthy, Chairperson MBA; Prof. Rakesh Gupta, Chairperson Admissions; and Prof. Ranjitha G P, Chairperson, Student Affairs also shared the dais. The programme was attended by newly admitted MBA and PhD students, their parents, faculty members, officers, staff, and invited guests.

In her address, Ms. Gautami Tadimalla urged the students to see themselves as future leaders and achievers but never forget their identity as compassionate human beings. “You have already achieved something remarkable by earning admission to IIM Nagpur. The institute will teach you management and technology, but never lose your humanity. Success becomes meaningful only when it improves the lives of others,” she said.

Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar, described admission to IIM Nagpur as a privilege earned by only a select few. Appreciating the institute for enrolling 52 percent women students, he observed, “Industries today struggle to achieve even 25% women representation, while this batch has 52% women. That is a wonderful milestone and reflects the changing face of leadership in India.” Kolhatkar said India is uniquely positioned for sustained growth and highlighted the national vision of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. “Today’s management graduates would play a crucial role in achieving this aspiration,” he said.

Welcoming the incoming students and their parents, Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, said they had chosen the right institution at the right time. “India will play a defining role in shaping the global economy, and this century belongs to India. Prepare yourselves to lead the world.”

Earlier, Prof. Prakash Awasthy, Chairperson MBA, welcomed the gathering. Prof. Rakesh Gupta, Chairperson Admissions, presented the admission report of the new batch. Prof. Prashant Gupta, Dean-Faculty & Academics, outlined the academic framework and learning ecosystem of the institute. Prof. Sujeet Kumar Sharma, Dean- Research, Sponsored & Smart projects and PhD Programmes, introduced the institute’s research ecosystem and doctoral programmes, while Prof. Alok Kumar Singh, Dean- Executive Education, highlighted the rapid growth and achievements of IIM Nagpur’s executive education initiatives. Prof Ranjitha GP  proposed a vote of thanks.

During the ceremony, Director’s Merit List Certificates were presented to outstanding incoming students. IIM Nagpur and Cheema Group Scholarships were also awarded to deserving candidates by Mrs Kokila Cheema, Director of K S Cheema group of Companies, and Dr. Bhimaraya Metri.

The new MBA batch comprises 341 students from 23 states, including 65 students from Maharashtra, 39 from Uttar Pradesh, 31 from Madhya Pradesh, 25 from Gujarat, 23 from Delhi, 19 from Rajasthan, 17 from Bihar, 15 from Jharkhand, 13 from Haryana, 12 from Telangana, and 10 each from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The institute has also welcomed students from the North-East, including Assam (3), Mizoram (2), Nagaland (1) and Tripura (1). The average age of the incoming MBA students is 23 years, while nearly 40 percent of the batch brings prior work experience, further enriching classroom diversity.

Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of acknowledging women’s potential and strengthening their leadership in both present and future growth trajectories. WIPS has grown into the largest network of women in the organized sector in India, with over 16,000 members. SCOPE continues to advance women empowerment initiatives within PSEs, focusing on leadership development, health and well-being, capacity building and overall professional growth, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and equitable workplace practices.

Addressing mid-career professionals, especially women leaders, Dr. Davar emphasised the importance of balancing capability with visibility and aligning individual contributions with organisational impact. She underlined that continuous learning is a lifelong necessity for leaders and urged professionals to move beyond reliance on past experience, noting that evolving challenges demand fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.