IIM Bangalore Launches First-Ever UG Programmes in Economics and Data Science from August 2026
These programmes will be delivered under IIMB’s newly established School of Multidisciplinary Studies, aligning with the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to broaden the base of higher education and create well-rounded graduates.
Broad-Based Curriculum with Interdisciplinary Focus
Each new degree will offer an optional minor in the complementary discipline (i.e., Data Science students can take a minor in Economics and vice versa), along with a minor in Business. The curriculum integrates core subjects with communication, ethics, and philosophy, reinforcing IIMB’s commitment to a holistic and applied learning experience.
Per NEP guidelines, the curriculum includes two internship cycles, an international exchange opportunity, and a flexible three-year exit option with a bachelor's degree. Students will gain a rich blend of analytical and contextual education, empowering them to navigate dynamic global environments.
Admissions and Eligibility Criteria
Admissions for the first cohort will begin in September 2025, and students will be selected through a national-level entrance exam followed by a personal interview. The eligibility criteria include:
- A minimum of 60% in Mathematics in Class XII
- An overall score of 60% or more in Class X
- Age cap: 20 years for the general category and 22 years for the reserved categories, as of August 1, 2025
The initial intake will be 80 students — 40 in each programme. As the Jigani campus infrastructure develops, IIMB aims to increase the intake to 640 students by 2031.
Affordable Excellence: Commitment to Inclusion
The annual tuition fee has been fixed at ₹8.5 lakh. However, IIM Bangalore has clarified that financial constraints will not be a barrier for deserving candidates. “Aid to the extent of 20% in aggregate has already been factored in, and every deserving student will have the opportunity to access financial support,” assured Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIMB.
Faculty, Pedagogy, and Global Exposure
A dedicated team of 15 faculty members, including new hires and current IIMB professors, will lead the programmes. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, students will undergo rigorous training in their majors while exploring liberal arts, data tools, ethical leadership, and real-world application.
Students will also benefit from structured placement support, industry internships, and international partnerships, which are integrated into the curriculum to ensure readiness for global careers.
Visionary Leadership and Long-Term Impact
Professor Krishnan emphasized that the undergraduate initiative is not just a course offering but a larger vision to “nurture critical thinkers and problem solvers capable of driving positive change.” He added that the undergraduate programme seeks to prepare students early to understand unfamiliar markets, develop analytical thinking, and make ethical decisions.
The concept of offering undergraduate degrees was proposed over a decade ago and later formalized in the institute’s Institutions of Eminence proposal to the Indian government. The plan was meticulously shaped to cater to the growing demand for early academic exposure in emerging fields.
Campus and Infrastructure at Jigani
The new residential campus at Jigani will serve as a fully equipped academic hub with modern infrastructure designed to support experiential and interdisciplinary education. Professor PD Jose, who is overseeing the development of the new campus, noted that the curriculum is tailored to develop empathetic, skilled leaders with technical and humanistic competencies.
“The challenges of today’s world demand collaborative, creative, and data-driven leaders. Our curriculum is geared toward meeting this need head-on,” he said.
Industry-Ready and Ethically Informed Graduates
Dean of Programmes, Professor Mukta Kulkarni, emphasized that the undergraduate offerings are uniquely positioned because they are emerging from a globally reputed management institution. “This is a degree being offered by a management school. We are looking at this from a practice and application point of view,” she said. The curriculum has been designed to keep pace with industry expectations, offering flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Support from Alumni and Future Expansions
Professor Sourav Mukherji, Dean of Alumni Relations and Development, described the undergraduate initiative as a transformational step in IIMB’s journey. “We’ve been used to working with older, postgraduate learners. Undergraduate education requires a recalibrated approach, which we are ready for,” he said. He added that alums from IIMB’s vast global network — nearly 30,000 strong — are actively supporting this endeavour through mentorship, infrastructure, and funding.
IIMB also plans to expand its undergraduate offerings with future Sustainability and Behavioural Sciences programs, further strengthening its commitment to creating a dynamic and inclusive undergraduate academic ecosystem.
Conclusion: A New Era for IIM Bangalore
With the launch of these UG programmes, IIM Bangalore reaffirms its role as a forward-thinking institution addressing 21st-century educational needs. These offerings promise to produce well-rounded, ethical, and analytically skilled graduates ready to lead in an increasingly complex world.
IIMB's new undergraduate degrees open a bold and exciting frontier for students aspiring to blend economics, data science, and leadership from one of India’s most prestigious management institutions.
