IIM-Shillong students celebrate after receiving their degrees. Photo: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The traditionally matrilineal State of Meghalaya is attracting more girls to the Indian Institute of Management-Shillong (IIM-S).
IIMs elsewhere in India, such as Kozhikode, Rohtak, and Sambalpur, have recorded 59-76% female enrolment in their flagship MBA or Master of Business Administration programmes.
A perception that Meghalaya was unsafe for women, apart from being too far away for students from the “mainland”, reflected on the composition of the students for a considerable time since the IIM-S was established in 2007.
“The respect for women in this matrilineal State and the diversity of the northeastern region have been factors in more girls pursuing MBA, PhD., and other courses today,” D.P. Goyal, the director of IIM-S, said after the 16th annual convocation ceremony at the institute on Friday.
The change in the gender composition started after IIM-S shifted from its temporary campus in Shillong to its 120-acre permanent campus at Umsawli, about 10 km away.
“We have students from 28 States across the country, and 52% of them are girls,” Prof Goyal said.
The institute has about 900 students. During the convocation, degrees were conferred on 475 graduating students, including 381 from the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) 2023-25 batch, 54 from the PGP for Executives 2024-25 batch, and 35 from the PGP for Working Executives 2023-25 batch.
Five scholars were also awarded PhD degrees
“With a consistent 100% placement record, we are the fifth among 20 IIMs in the country in terms of graduation outcome. The average starting package for our students ₹26.44, the highest being ₹71.5 lakh,” he said.
Campus in Clouds
Prof Goyal said location apart from diversity sets IIM-S apart from others of its kind. “Our institute is called Campus in Clouds because clouds often waft into the classrooms. We have hills on one side and a forest on the other,” he said.
Addressing the convocation, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma urged the young graduates to approach life as a marathon — one that requires perseverance, resilience, and commitment to their passions – instead of a sprint to achieve success.
“As you move forward in life, you will face different situations and challenges. This is an important transition, and how you navigate it will define your journey,” he said.
Ashish Modi, president of Honeywell India, and Shishir Kumar Bajoria, chairman of IIM-Shillong’s Board of Governors, also spoke at the programme.
Published – April 05, 2025 03:15 am IST
