IIMA convocation 2026: 629 students graduate across programmes; five students honoured with gold medals

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad hosted its 61st annual convocation with 629 students graduating across different programmes at the louis kahn plaza on campus. The ceremony marked an important moment as students prepared to step into the next phase of their careers.

Students from the doctoral programme, the two-year MBA-PGP, the MBA in food and agri-business management (FABM), and the one-year MBA-PGPX were awarded their degrees. The event saw the presence of faculty members, alumni, and families, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Chandrika Tandon, a business leader and grammy award-winning musician, attended as the chief guest and addressed the graduating batch, sharing her thoughts on leadership and growth in today’s fast-changing world.

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IIMA convocation 2026: Degrees awarded to 629 students

A total of 629 students received their degrees during the ceremony, marking the successful completion of their academic journey at IIMA. The degrees were conferred by Pankaj Patel, chairperson of the board of governors.

The graduating class included 20 doctoral students, 408 from the MBA-PGP programme, 45 from MBA-FABM, and 156 from MBA-PGPX, reflecting the institute’s wide academic portfolio.

Gold medals awarded; students encouraged to lead with purpose

Five students were honoured with gold medals for their outstanding academic performance, recognising their hard work and consistency throughout the programme.

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Speaking at the event, Pankaj Patel told students, “You are now part of something far greater than yourselves. A global alumni community that has shaped industries, built institutions, and changed lives.” He also urged them to stay adaptable and approach challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Emphasis on resilience, global thinking and meaningful impact

Bharat Bhasker, director of IIMA, said, “The world may be your marketplace, but your impact begins in your own communities. Understand global trends but adapt them thoughtfully to local realities. True leadership lies in the ability to connect global knowledge with local insights. The more you learn, the more you will realise how much more there is still to understand. Leaders who remain open to learning are often those who create the most enduring impact.”

Chandrika Tandon said, “Learn about the world far from you continuously. Insight gives you perspective. But you need intention to move from an accidental to an intentional life. You need the intention to execute right with clarity and commitment, however challenging the goal. In the world of Artificial Intelligence, Integrative intelligence is about becoming ‘wholly’ human. That will define true leadership.”