IIM Shillong has been set up with a vision of providing good quality management education and research in the North Eastern region of India. The decision of coming up with an Indian Institute of Management in the North East was unanimously taken by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development along with the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States in the Review Meeting held at Shillong during June 2004. Shillong was drafted as the permanent location for the institute after consultation between the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER) and the Chief Ministers of States of the region.

Located in the green contours of North Eastern part of the country, IIM Shillong which commenced operations in 2008, remains committed to its goal of excellence in management education and research so as to evolve into a nationally and internationally recognized educational institution. Besides high quality standards and academic rigor, which are considered as the hallmark of an IIM, in IIM Shillong there is also emphasis on the ever growing significance of sustainable development and business practices. The Institute strives to impart to its students ethical values, compassionate behaviour, and concern for society.