The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati officially began its academic journey with the inauguration of its first MBA batch (2026–28), marking a major milestone for higher education in Assam and the North East. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the programme at the institute’s temporary campus in Tech City, Bongora, Kamrup district.
The inaugural cohort includes 52 students representing 18 states, reflecting the institute’s national reach from its very first academic session. Initially mentored by IIM Ahmedabad, the institute will operate from its transit campus before shifting to its permanent campus in Palashbari, which is being developed across 574 bighas and is set to be completed in the next 3 years.
Addressing the students and dignitaries, the Chief Minister described the launch as a landmark moment for the region, stating that IIM Guwahati fulfils a long-standing aspiration of the people of Assam and the North East by bringing world-class management education closer to local students.
He also noted that Assam first proposed the idea in 2022, followed by in-principle approval from the Ministry of Education in 2024 and Union Cabinet approval in 2025.
Highlighting the growth of management education in India, Sarma said the number of IIMs has increased from 13 in 2014 to 22 today, expanding access to quality business education across the country.
Until the permanent campus is completed, the Assam government has developed a fully equipped transit campus at an investment of nearly ₹39 crore. The facility includes modern classrooms, a library, administrative offices, residential accommodation for faculty and staff, and hostel buildings for students.
The Chief Minister said the launch of the MBA programme further strengthens Assam’s position as an emerging education hub alongside premier institutions such as IIT Guwahati, AIIMS Guwahati, IIIT, NIPER and the upcoming National Forensic Sciences University. He also urged IIM Guwahati to collaborate with other leading institutions to promote innovation, research and regional development.
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During the visit, Himanta Biswa Sarma also inaugurated the Digital Design and 3D Printing Centre of Excellence at Tech City, established under the PM-DeVINE scheme with an investment of ₹53.84 crore. The facility aims to boost advanced manufacturing, skill development and Industry 4.0 adoption across the North Eastern Region through a Hub-and-Spoke model.
In addition, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a new integrated administrative complex at Palashbari, which will house multiple government offices under one roof to improve public service delivery.
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