IIM Lucknow Kicks Off Academic Year 2024 with Diverse New Cohort
The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L) has officially begun its 2024 academic session with 643 fresh faces on campus. The new batch marks a strong step forward in inclusive representation, as 30% of the enrolled students are women. The inaugural ceremony was graced by notable figures including Ananth Narayan G, a Whole-Time Member of SEBI and an alumnus from the class of 1993.
What Happened in Lucknow
On campus, the energy was unmistakable as students gathered for the welcome ceremony. The 643 students are spread across a range of signature programs: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), Post Graduate Program in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM), Post Graduate Program in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. Each participant brings with them a distinct academic history and lived experience contributing to an eclectic batch ready to shape the future of business leadership.
Diverse Academic Mix
- 30% are women, making this year’s batch one of the more balanced in recent years.
- Half the students—around 50.70%—have engineering backgrounds, while 49.30% come from non-engineering fields.
- Among PGP entrants, 32% are freshers; in the PGP-ABM batch, that number rises to 68%.
This range gives an idea of the learning potential that can arise from group discussions, peer mentoring, and cross-disciplinary teamwork. Whether a commerce graduate or an environmental science researcher, every student is expected to contribute to a collaborative learning culture.
Voices from the Institute
The opening remarks by faculty leaders leaned into both anticipation and humility. Prof. Sanjeet Singh, Dean of Faculty at IIM Lucknow, offered direct guidance to students. “At IIM Lucknow, what will set you apart is your ability to think critically, challenge assumptions, and approach problems with both emotional intelligence and clarity of mind,” he said. “You come from diverse backgrounds—engineering, arts, commerce—and that diversity is your strength.”
His words struck a tone that felt more like a conversation than instruction. There was a recognition that the world students are stepping into is messy and less predictable than before. He also emphasized the two-year journey would be more than academic rigor: it’s as much about learning to learn as it is about mastering strategy frameworks or finance models.
The SEBI Connection: A Noteworthy Alumnus Returns
One of the highlights of the event was the presence of Ananth Narayan G. Now serving as a Whole-Time Member at SEBI, his return to campus had both symbolic and motivational weight. As part of IIM Lucknow’s 1993 graduating class, Narayan offered a living example of long-term professional success grounded in the IIM experience.
According to faculty present, his story resonated strongly with many new students. “For many incoming students, especially those uncertain about future paths, seeing someone from their college reach such regulatory heights is genuinely encouraging,” said a student affairs coordinator.
As someone now deeply embedded in the Indian financial policy architecture, Narayan’s presence also hinted at the institute’s ongoing relevance in shaping national leadership both in industry and governance.
Industry Orientation and Multi-Stakeholder Learning
What lies ahead for the new class isn’t just theory or lectures. Over the next few weeks, students will be exposed to real-world issues through an intensive induction program involving academia and industry stakeholders. These interactive sessions aim to broaden their understanding of current challenges, changes in business thinking, and their own decision-making strategies.
The design of these sessions is deliberate. IIM Lucknow appears committed to ensuring that its students are not merely problem solvers, but thoughtful, well-rounded contributors. The schedule will cover areas ranging from leadership psychology to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.
Why This Cohort Matters
The buzz around campus isn’t just ceremonial. This year’s group represents a subtle but clear evolution in the kind of applicant that business schools are attracting. There seems to be shift—not complete, but noticeable—from chasing just CAT scores or GMAT marks, to bringing more focus on purpose, values, and a willingness to engage with complex societal questions.
Can business schools like IIM Lucknow keep up? That’s an open question. Still, the incoming group of 643 students will be watched closely by recruiters, policymakers, and maybe even younger siblings wondering if they’re next.
What Challenges Lie Ahead?
The environment isn’t easy right now. Economic cycles are sensitive. The job market is recalibrating, especially in sectors like technology and consulting. Yet, within that chaos are smaller pockets of real opportunity. Sustainability, digital inclusion, agribusiness, and analytics are just some of the newer pathways IIM Lucknow plans to emphasize.
For this batch, their very diversity could be a competitive edge. Having 30% women, nearly half of students from non-engineering backgrounds, and a varied mix of freshers and professionals opens doors to learning from each other in deep, surprising ways.
Final Thoughts from Faculty
Students were told, not just urged, to stay curious. Across departments, faculty seemed less interested in rigid learning and more in open-ended inquiry. As Prof. Sanjeet Singh mentioned, “Welcome to a journey that will transform not only your career, but your way of thinking as well.”
That’s the promise, and maybe the challenge too. Education no longer guarantees certainty. What it does, when it’s working right, is provoke better questions. And for IIM Lucknow’s latest batch, the time to start asking those just began.
