The decision to set up an IIM in Assam marks a milestone for the North-Eastern region, which has long sought more premier educational institutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded this development, stating that the new IIM will enhance education infrastructure and attract students and researchers from across the country. Sharing the update on social media, he congratulated the people of Assam for this transformative step.
While responding to the discussion on the Bill, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the Modi Government is committed to creating new institutions and providing equal opportunities to students nationwide. He highlighted that IIMs enjoy the status of Institutes of National Importance, underscoring their role in shaping future leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Education Minister revealed some striking figures: in 2013, only 3,500 students were enrolled in IIMs, while in the academic year 2024-25, the number has risen to 9,800 students. This growth demonstrates the government’s focus on expanding access to quality management education. Pradhan also criticized previous administrations for neglecting Assam, while reiterating that the Modi Government prioritizes balanced regional development.
Currently, 21 IIMs operate across India, forming a globally recognized brand in management education. With the passage of this amendment, IIM Guwahati will become the 22nd IIM in the country. Under the provisions of the Bill, the new institute will receive a corpus fund of ₹555 crore, and admissions are set to commence in the current academic year.
The Education Minister further noted that nine new IIMs have been established in the last eleven years, showcasing the government’s continuous investment in higher education. He also stressed that IIMs have earned an international reputation, making India a hub for world-class management studies.
During the debate, several MPs echoed support for the Bill. BJP MP Geeta Chandraprabha pointed out that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the number of medical colleges, IITs, and IIMs in the country has doubled. She highlighted the significant rise in global recognition, with 46 higher educational institutions in India now featuring in World University Rankings, compared to just nine a decade ago.
YSRCP MP Golla Baburao noted that the amendment aims to provide greater autonomy to IIMs in academic, administrative, and financial matters, further enhancing their ability to compete globally. Other leaders, including Praful Patel (NCP), Dr. M. Thambidurai (AIADMK), and Niranjan Bishi (BJD), also participated in the discussion, supporting the expansion of IIMs as a step toward strengthening India’s knowledge economy.
With this historic move, IIM Guwahati is set to become a game-changer for the Northeast, opening doors for students from the region to access top-tier management education without leaving their homeland. This development aligns with the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and a knowledge-driven economy, where education, innovation, and entrepreneurship thrive across all regions.
