IIM Bangalore Launches UG Courses in Economics & Data Science

IIM Bangalore is launching its first-ever undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science starting August 2026. These four-year residential degrees will be offered at its new Jigani campus, with admissions opening in September 2025. The courses aim to equip students with interdisciplinary skills, global exposure, and real-world learning; marking a major shift in IIMB’s academic journey.

In a landmark move set to reshape India’s higher education landscape, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has announced the launch of its first-ever undergraduate degree programmes, beginning August 2026. This historic step will see the prestigious management institute offer two new four-year residential degrees; BSc (Hons) in Economics and BSc (Hons) in Data Science; through its newly established School of Multidisciplinary Studies.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on IIMB’s Bannerghatta Road campus. These undergraduate programmes will be offered at the institute’s upcoming Jigani campus, with admissions for the inaugural batch opening in September 2025.

What’s on Offer?

Each degree programme is designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating subjects such as economics, data science, business, communication, ethics, and philosophy. Students will also have the option to pursue minors in complementary areas, such as Business or the alternate core discipline. The curriculum is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and includes:

Two internship cycles
An international exchange term
A flexible three-year exit option

Intake and Faculty

The inaugural class will admit 80 students (40 per programme). IIMB expects the total intake to gradually rise to 640 students by 2031, depending on infrastructure expansion at the new campus. A dedicated faculty team of 15 members, drawn from existing IIMB staff and new hires, will lead the academic delivery.

Why This Matters

IIM Bangalore is known for its world-class postgraduate, doctoral, and executive programmes. Introducing undergraduate courses marks a strategic expansion and an effort to nurture young, critical thinkers and ethical leaders right from the start of their academic journey.

“Our vision is to nurture critical thinkers and problem solvers capable of driving positive change,” said IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan.
“To actualise this, we must engage students early and equip them with analytical, contextual, and ethical perspectives.”

The idea for UG programmes has been over a decade in the making, first proposed in IIMB’s Institutions of Eminence application. According to the institute, the focus will be on applied learning, problem-solving, and real-world relevance.

Admissions & Eligibility

Students aspiring to join these prestigious programmes should note the following eligibility criteria:

Minimum 60% in Class XII Mathematics
Overall 60% or more in Class X
Age limit: 20 years (General category), 22 years (Reserved categories) as of August 1, 2025
Admission through a national-level entrance exam followed by a personal interview

Tuition and Financial Aid

The annual fee is set at ₹8.5 lakh, but IIMB has committed to ensuring that no deserving student is denied admission due to financial constraints.

“We’ve already factored in need-based aid covering up to 20% of students, and all deserving candidates will have access to financial support,” Prof. Krishnan assured.

What Makes These Programmes Unique?

Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Blending technical education with a liberal arts foundation
Global Exposure: International exchange terms and industry internships
Practice-Oriented Learning: Designed to meet dynamic market demands
Placement Support: Structured placement opportunities through IIMB’s network

Prof. PD Jose, who is leading the development of the Jigani campus, emphasized the importance of preparing students to be empathetic, skilled, and collaborative leaders in a data-driven world.

Looking Ahead

The undergraduate initiative is just the beginning. IIMB has also hinted at future UG offerings in areas such as Sustainability and Behavioural Sciences.

Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean of Programmes, highlighted the practical edge of these new courses.“This is a degree from a management school. We’re approaching it from a perspective of application, impact, and market relevance.”

Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean of Alumni Relations and Development, noted that IIMB’s 30,000+ strong alumni network is actively backing the initiative. “It’s a new direction for us, and we’re ready to recalibrate to meet the needs of younger learners.”
If you're a Class 11 or early Class 12 student with a flair for numbers, a passion for economics, or an interest in data, IIMB's undergraduate degrees could be your gateway to a world-class education right here in India.

Stay tuned for more updates on the entrance exam and detailed admission process on www.onlyeducation.in.