IIM Leadership Vacuum and Appointment Delays Persist

Several IIMs continue operating with interim or extended leadership amid prolonged government deliberations on director appointments. The Centre rejected IIM Bangalore’s shortlist earlier in 2026, forcing a restart of the process; similar delays reported for IIM Nagpur and others, with boards submitting names months ago. Whispers in academic circles suggest heightened scrutiny under new IIM rules empowering the President as Visitor, emphasising alignment with national priorities like research commercialisation and industry linkage.