
IIM Mumbai Expands to Pune with New Centre, Academic Programs to Begin in 2026
Pune to Host IIM Mumbai’s New Centre
Pune, often celebrated as the “Oxford of the East”, is preparing for another feather in its academic cap. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai, one of the country’s top B-schools, has announced the establishment of a new centre in Pune, with academic programs set to start in 2026.
The development marks a historic milestone for Maharashtra’s education ecosystem and adds another layer of prestige to Pune’s standing as a center of higher learning. Notably, this will be the second IIM presence in Pune, complementing the existing IIM Nagpur’s Moshi campus in Pimpri Chinchwad.
How the Decision Took Shape
The proposal for the Pune centre was first tabled by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, who strongly advocated for Pune’s inclusion in IIM Mumbai’s growth plans. The idea soon gathered momentum, gaining formal approval from the Dean’s Committee of IIM Mumbai and the Vidya Parishad.
The approval underscores both governmental support and institutional vision, paving the way for Pune to emerge as a focal point in India’s higher education map.
Academic Vision and Programs
IIM Mumbai Director Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari confirmed that the institute is working toward launching a mix of capacity development programs, short-term executive training modules, and management courses at the Pune centre.
“From 2026, the proposed centre will focus on executive education and leadership training, building a strong pipeline of professionals equipped to contribute to the national goal of Developed India 2047,” Prof. Tiwari said. He also expressed gratitude to Minister Mohol for spearheading the initiative and opening new avenues for collaboration.
Pune’s Strategic Advantage
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol described the expansion as a “Knowledge Corridor” linking Mumbai, the financial capital of India, with Pune, the hub of technology and education. According to him, this corridor will bring new benchmarks for industrial-academic partnerships, fueling research, innovation, and industry-led growth.
For Pune, already home to prestigious institutions like Savitribai Phule Pune University, Symbiosis International, and College of Engineering Pune, the arrival of IIM Mumbai is a powerful reinforcement of its brand as an academic powerhouse.
Catalyst for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Pune centre is envisioned to be more than just a classroom for management education. It will act as a springboard for entrepreneurship, encouraging students and professionals to translate ideas into successful business ventures.
With Pune’s thriving technology, IT, and manufacturing ecosystem, IIM Mumbai’s new centre is expected to play a pivotal role in:
- Strengthening the startup culture with mentoring and incubation.
- Providing specialized executive programs for mid-career professionals.
- Encouraging industry-academia research collaborations.
- Supporting the growing demand for skilled managers in Maharashtra’s industrial clusters.
Boost for Pune’s Academic Ecosystem
Education has long been at the heart of Pune’s identity, and the establishment of IIM Mumbai’s centre further cements this reputation. Students from across Maharashtra and India will now have greater access to world-class management education without leaving Pune.
This development is expected to:
- Enhance Pune’s appeal as a top destination for higher education.
- Attract national and international collaborations in management research.
- Position Pune as a model city for knowledge-driven growth.
Looking Ahead: A Step Toward 2047
As India charts its path toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, institutions like IIM Mumbai will play a critical role in shaping leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The new Pune centre represents a strategic step in this larger journey.
With programs scheduled to begin in 2026, the centre is expected to bridge the gap between academia and industry, train the next generation of leaders, and solidify Pune’s role as a key knowledge hub in India’s growth story.