JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu welcomed the 6th Batch of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM 2026–31) as the three-day Orientation Programme commenced today, September 01, 2026, at Mandapam, IIM Jammu.The day began with an insightful session on “Maximize Happiness and Mindfulness” by Yoga Guru Mr. Sahil Mehra, encouraging the new cohort to embrace balance, mindfulness and well-being alongside academic excellence.An engaging self-introduction session brought together the new students and faculty members, setting the foundation for meaningful connections and a vibrant learning community.
The formal inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by a Saraswati Vandana presented by the students. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu in presence of Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Chairperson Admissions and Dr. Archana Sharma, Chairperson, IPM.
The highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the ‘Welcoming the New Batch’ address by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who extended a warm welcome to the incoming students and emphasised the importance of their five-year journey at the Institute.He highlighted that the IPM programme offers students an opportunity to build a strong foundation in management while developing *intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, leadership, discipline and a sense of responsibility.
He emphasized that meaningful management education extends beyond the classroom and is enriched through interactions with faculty and peers, experiential learning, industry exposure and active participation in campus life. He encouraged the students to approach their journey with an open and inquisitive mind, embrace diverse perspectives and make full use of the academic, professional, entrepreneurial and co-curricular opportunities available at IIM Jammu.
He urged the young cohort to dream boldly and prepare themselves to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Emphasizing the spirit of entrepreneurship, he encouraged students to think beyond traditional career paths and aspire to become “job creators rather than job seekers.” He highlighted that students with innovative ideas can explore opportunities to register their ventures and seek support through the Institute’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, empowering them to transform ideas into meaningful and impactful enterprises.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, welcomed the students to their new home and encouraged them to actively engage with the Institute’s mentorship programmes, initiatives and experiential projects, emphasising that an active and curious approach to campus life would help them gain practical insights, understand real-world challenges and make the most of the learning opportunities at IIM Jammu.
Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, shared a thought-provoking story with a timeless lesson, inspiring students to nurture a passion for learning, embrace the Institute’s distinctive pedagogy and remain committed to their aspirations. He encouraged the new cohort to approach their journey with enthusiasm and an open mind, reminding them that many enriching opportunities and experiences await them at IIM Jammu.
Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Chairperson Admissions, IIM Jammu, presented an insightful profile of the new cohort, highlighting the diverse academic backgrounds, experiences, aspirations and perspectives that the students bring to the IIM Jammu family. Dr. Archana Sharma, Chairperson IPM, IIM Jammu, delivered the Vote of Thanks, warmly welcoming the new cohort and extending her best wishes for a rewarding, enriching and transformative journey at the Institute. The inaugural programme concluded with the National Song and National Anthem, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the young learners.
Following the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, conducted a session on ‘Academic Rigor and Code of Conduct’, familiarising students with the academic expectations and standards that form an integral part of their IPM journey. In his address, he welcomed the students to the institute and introduced them to the academic environment and expectations associated with the IPM programme. He emphasised the importance of maintaining academic discipline, developing a habit of continuous learning, and making the most of the diverse opportunities available at the institute. He also encouraged students to actively engage with faculty members, peers, and the broader academic community, while approaching their five-year journey with curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn beyond the classroom.
The students were subsequently introduced to the ‘IPM Program at IIM Jammu’ by Dr. Archana Sharma, Chairperson IPM, who provided an overview of the programme and its academic journey. She provided an overview of the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIM Jammu during the orientation programme. She introduced the students to the structure and academic framework of the five-year integrated programme, highlighting its multidisciplinary approach and the integration of foundational subjects with management education..
The orientation then moved towards entrepreneurship and innovation, with Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, conducting a session on ‘Entrepreneurship & Incubation at IIM Jammu’. He shared insights into the Institute’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting the platforms, initiatives and support available to students to ideate, innovate, experiment and build.Dr. Vivek Sharma, Chief Innovation Officer; Shri Kannav Padha, Incubation Manager, DST-iTBI; and Ms. Anjali, IIM Jammu, also shared their introductions and valuable perspectives, familiarising students with the opportunities and support available within the Institute’s innovation and incubation ecosystem.The session encouraged students to look beyond conventional career pathways and explore how ideas can evolve into solutions, ventures and meaningful impact through the right mentorship, guidance and ecosystem.Adding a student perspective, the Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) team introduced themselves and welcomed the new cohort into IIM Jammu’s growing student-led entrepreneurship community.
The post-lunch sessions further strengthened students’ understanding of the institutional and professional ecosystem. Shri Arup Bhattacharya, Chief Program Officer, IIM Jammu**, conducted a session on ‘Academic Regulations, Academic Discipline and Student Handbook’, providing students with an overview of important academic regulations and institutional guidelines.
This was followed by a session on ‘Various Internships in IPM Program’, conducted by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson Placement introducing students to internship opportunities associated with the programme. Students were subsequently briefed on ‘Administrative Support, Discipline and Security on the Campus’ by Brig. Bhupinder Singh Kang (R), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), IIM Jammu, providing them with an understanding of campus support systems, discipline and security.
Dr. Jai Kamal and Dr. Garima Maurya, faculty, IIM Jammu conducted a dedicated session on hostel-related matters, familiarising the students with hostel facilities, guidelines, procedures and essential aspects of residential life at IIM Jammu. The session helped the new cohort understand the residential ecosystem and the responsibilities associated with being part of the campus community.
The day continued with a session on ‘Student Life at IIM Jammu’, conducted by Prof. Brigadier (R) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson Student Affairs. The session familiarised the students with various dimensions of student life and engagement at the Institute. The first day concluded with an Interaction with Senior Batches**, coordinated by Prof. Brigadier (R) Neeraj Soni, Chairperson, Student Affairs. The interaction provided the newly inducted students with an opportunity to connect with senior students and gain first-hand perspectives on academic and campus experiences at IIM Jammu.
The inaugural day of the Orientation Programme thus offered the new IPM cohort a holistic introduction to life at IIM Jammu, bringing together elements of well-being, academic orientation, programmefamiliarisation, entrepreneurship, internships, institutional regulations, campus support, student life and peer interaction. The sessions collectively set the foundation for the students as they embark on their five-year journey towards academic and professional development at IIM Jammu.
