GIM welcomes 685 students to 2026-28 batch, introduces AI-focused induction programme

The Goa Institute of Management (GIM) welcomed 685 students to its 2026-28 batch through an induction programme that introduced the new cohort to the institute's academic environment, industry expectations and emerging business trends.

Students have enrolled across four postgraduate management programmes, including the flagship Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) with 304 students, PGDM in Big Data Analytics (BDA) with 150 students, PGDM in Banking, Insurance and Financial Services (BIFS) with 124 students, and PGDM in Healthcare Management (HCM) with 107 students.

Speaking at the induction programme, GIM director Ajit Parulekar said, “At GIM, we believe management education must go beyond functional expertise to nurture ethical leadership and a deep understanding of the societal impact of business decisions. As emerging technologies are transforming industries, our focus remains on developing future-ready leaders who can combine technological competence with human values and purpose.”

GIM batch sees diverse student mix

The incoming batch reflects a mix of academic backgrounds and professional experience. Nearly two-thirds of the students come from non-engineering disciplines, while the remaining students have engineering backgrounds.

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The class also includes a significant number of professionals with prior work experience. Around 57 per cent of students have worked before joining the programme, while the rest are fresh graduates. Women account for 43 per cent of the batch.

Senior faculty members, including dean academics Naga Venkatesh Devaguptapu, programme chairperson Manas Mayur and placement chairperson Shawnn Coutinho, were also present during the inauguration of the academic session.

GIM introduces students to AI

A major focus of the induction programme was preparing students for a business landscape increasingly shaped by technology and data. Sessions were conducted on topics such as generative AI for business management, data visualisation, critical thinking, foreign languages and professional communication.

Students were also introduced to GIM 's institutional AI policy, reflecting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in management education and corporate decision-making. These sessions were designed to help students build skills that will be relevant across industries as organisations continue to adopt digital and AI-driven technologies.

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GIM emphasises leadership and well-being

Alongside academic orientation, the programme included sessions on mental well-being, diversity and inclusion, prevention of sexual harassment (POSH), and social, emotional and ethical (SEE) learning.

These initiatives are aimed at helping students develop as responsible leaders who can balance professional success with social awareness and ethical conduct.

Students also interacted with GIM alumni, who shared insights into career growth, workplace expectations and industry trends. The induction programme additionally featured an introduction to entrepreneurship opportunities available through the institute's Atal Incubation Centre, which supports student-led innovation and startups.

With the induction programme now underway, the institute said it remains focused on creating a learning environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation, leadership and social impact for the new batch of management students.