18th Batch of EPGP Begins at IIM Indore

18th Batch of EPGP Begins at IIM Indore

• A new cohort embarks on a transformative journey in the one-year residential MBA programme

The 18th batch of the Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) at Indian Institute of Management Indore commenced on April 03, 2026. The programme was inaugurated by Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, in the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Rudra Sircar, Managing Director, Accenture. The event was also graced by Prof. Prabin Kumar Panigrahi, Dean – Programmes, and Prof. Saumya Ranjan Dash, Chair – EPGP.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Himanshu Rai encouraged them to stay open to new ideas and perspectives, viewing every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. He spoke about the importance of being conscientious, by bringing sincerity, discipline, and accountability into both personal and professional spheres. Highlighting emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of effective leadership, he urged them to be more aware, empathetic, and reflective in their interactions. He also emphasized the need to remain adaptable in an ever-evolving world, and to actively build and nurture meaningful networks that would support them throughout their journey. “Stay open to learning, be sincere in your actions, understand people deeply, adapt with courage, and build relationships that truly matter. These will shape not just your career, but the leader you become”, he said.

Chief Guest Mr. Rudra Sircar congratulated the participants on joining the EPGP programme and embarking on a significant phase in their professional journey. He reflected on his own journey, noting that he once sat where they are today, and emphasized that they are not just beginning a management programme but standing at a crucial inflection point in their careers. He highlighted how the era they are entering is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, which has evolved from a support function to a transformative force driving decision-making and execution. “You are stepping into a world where technology is no longer just enabling business, it is redefining how decisions are made and executed,” he remarked. With the rise of generative and agentic AI systems capable of planning, learning, and acting autonomously, he explained that traditional roles in areas such as marketing and strategy are undergoing a fundamental shift. Managers, he noted, must now focus on designing intelligent systems, exercising judgment, and ensuring ethical governance. He encouraged participants to build AI literacy, develop strong problem-definition skills, lead hybrid human-AI teams with empathy, and uphold responsibility and trust in all decisions.

Prof. Prabin Kumar Panigrahi congratulated the participants and highlighted the rigorous and forward-looking curriculum designed to equip them with future-ready skills. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to nurturing leaders capable of navigating complex and dynamic business environments.

Prof. Saumya Ranjan Dash welcomed the new batch into the IIM Indore community and emphasized the institute’s focus on fostering an enriching learning environment that promotes intellectual growth and professional excellence. He encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunities and resources available to them during the programme.

The batch comprises a cohort of 58 (11 female and 47 male) participants. The batch reflects a strong blend of youthful energy and professional experience, with an average age of 30.28 years. Participants bring an average work experience of 7.12 years, highlighting a mature and industry-exposed group. A significant proportion of participants come from IT/ITES (27%), followed by BFSI (19%) and Manufacturing (15%), indicating strong representation from core and service sectors. Additionally, participants from Consulting, Logistics, Energy/Power/Oil, and other domains further enhance the cohort’s cross-functional exposure and peer learning opportunities. This diverse experience range is expected to foster rich peer learning and dynamic classroom engagement throughout the programme.

The EPGP at IIM Indore continues to be recognized among leading global MBA programmes, reflecting the institute’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development.

The inauguration also included an overview of the institute’s academic framework, campus facilities, and learning resources, setting the stage for an intensive and rewarding year ahead. As the participants begin this transformative journey, IIM Indore remains dedicated to shaping them into visionary leaders prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.