IIMB Convocation 2026
The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27 March 2026, celebrating the graduation of 785 students across its doctoral and postgraduate programmes. Degrees were awarded to students from the PhD programme as well as MBA programmes including PGP, PGPBA, EPGP, PGPEM and PGPPM, marking a significant milestone for the Class of 2026.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, who addressed the graduating cohort with reflections on leadership, resilience and long-term thinking. Emphasising that success is built through consistent choices rather than moments of acceleration, she encouraged students to balance short-term performance with long-term value creation. She likened careers to a marathon rather than a sprint, underscoring the importance of prioritisation, discipline and endurance in navigating an evolving business environment.
“The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation.”
Drawing on her own journey, she spoke about the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the ability to prioritise what matters at different stages of life.
“It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time.”
The convocation also recognised academic excellence, with nine gold medals awarded across programmes for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank. In addition, a PhD scholar received the Institute Research Award 2026 for excellence in research, highlighting the Institute’s continued focus on academic rigour and scholarly contribution.
The event brought together members of the Board of Governors, faculty, alumni, and staff, alongside families and well-wishers, making it a moment of pride and celebration for the entire IIMB community. As the graduating students step into new roles and responsibilities, the convocation marked not just the culmination of their academic journey, but the beginning of new paths shaped by learning, purpose and possibility.
