IIM Kozhikode Admits Largest-Ever Executive MBA Batch: 683 Professionals Join EPGP–18 with Nearly 30% Women

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) has inducted 683 participants into the 18th batch of its Executive Post Graduate Programme – Interactive Learning (EPGP–IL), marking the largest Executive MBA cohort in the institute’s history. The announcement reflects the growing demand for flexible, high-quality management education among working professionals across India.

According to an official statement from the institute, the EPGP–18 intake not only sets a new record in terms of batch size but also demonstrates significant progress in gender diversity. Nearly 29 per cent of the cohort comprises women, the highest representation recorded since the programme was launched.

EPGP–IL: A Flagship Programme for Working Professionals

The EPGP–IL is IIM Kozhikode’s flagship Executive MBA programme, designed specifically for professionals who wish to upgrade their managerial and leadership skills without taking a career break. The programme combines academic rigour with flexibility, making it particularly attractive to mid-career executives balancing professional and personal commitments.

Now in its 18th batch, the EPGP–IL has steadily evolved to meet the changing needs of industry while maintaining the academic standards associated with the IIM brand.

Batch Size, Sections, and Pan-India Learning Centres

The newly inducted EPGP–18 cohort is distributed across six academic sections and operates through 67 learning centres located across India. This decentralised structure allows participants to engage with the programme from cities close to their residence or workplace.

Programme snapshot:

This nationwide footprint enables IIM Kozhikode to reach professionals from diverse geographies, including metro cities, tier-2 towns, and emerging business hubs.

Technology-Enabled Interactive Learning Model

The EPGP–IL follows a centre-based interactive learning model, supported by IIM Kozhikode’s technology partner TimesPro. Classes are delivered in real time, allowing participants at different centres to interact with faculty and peers simultaneously.

According to the institute, this model ensures a consistent academic experience across all centres while preserving classroom-style engagement. The structure is particularly suited to working professionals, as it reduces the need for relocation and extended campus stays while maintaining academic continuity.

Women Representation Reaches an All-Time High

One of the most notable features of the EPGP–18 batch is its gender composition. Women account for nearly 29 per cent of the participants, the highest proportion since the programme’s inception.

Gender composition:

IIM Kozhikode described this trend as a reflection of the growing participation of women professionals in structured executive education pathways. The rise in women enrolment also signals increasing interest among women leaders in acquiring formal management credentials to advance into senior and strategic roles.

Age Profile Highlights Strong Mid-Career Participation

The age distribution of the EPGP–18 cohort points to a strong presence of mid-career professionals, particularly those in their 30s. At the same time, the batch includes younger professionals seeking early leadership exposure as well as senior executives with decades of experience.

Age-wise distribution:

With nearly half the batch in the 30–39 age group, the cohort reflects a demographic that typically looks to transition from functional roles to broader managerial and leadership positions.

Diverse Work Experience Across the Cohort

The EPGP–18 batch brings together professionals with a wide range of work experience, reinforcing the programme’s peer-learning environment. Mid-career executives with 6–9 years of experience form the largest segment, followed closely by those in the early and advanced stages of their careers.

Work experience profile:

This mix allows participants to learn from peers with different industry exposures, career trajectories, and leadership challenges, which is a key strength of executive education programmes.

IT Sector Leads, Consulting Follows

In terms of industry representation, the Information Technology (IT) sector dominates the EPGP–18 cohort. Around 29.43 per cent, or approximately 201 participants, come from IT roles, reflecting the sector’s continued emphasis on management upskilling.

Sector-wise participation:

Consulting emerges as the second-largest contributor, while the remaining participants come from a wide range of industries.

Participation from Private Sector, PSUs, and Government

Beyond IT and consulting, the cohort includes professionals from private companies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and Central and State Government organisations. Other represented sectors include banking, insurance, investment services, manufacturing, automotive, sales and marketing, advertising, e-commerce, real estate, petroleum and energy, engineering services, electronics and telecommunications, education, aerospace, and allied fields.

This broad sectoral diversity adds depth to classroom discussions, case analyses, and group projects, enriching the overall learning experience.

What the EPGP–18 Batch Signals for Executive Education in India

The induction of the largest-ever Executive MBA batch at IIM Kozhikode highlights several important trends. Demand for flexible, technology-enabled management education is rising steadily among Indian professionals. At the same time, the increasing participation of women and mid-career executives points to a maturing executive education ecosystem.

With its pan-India learning centres, interactive delivery model, and diverse cohort profile, the EPGP–IL continues to strengthen IIM Kozhikode’s position as a leader in executive management education. The EPGP–18 batch not only sets a numerical milestone but also reflects broader shifts in how Indian professionals approach lifelong learning and leadership development.