IIM Bangalore introduces a 4-year BSc (Hons) in Economics and Data Science from 2026–27. Includes NEP-aligned structure, electives, and national entrance test.
In a transformative move that marks its official entry into undergraduate education, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is all set to launch a four-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Economics and Data Science, beginning from the 2026–27 academic year. The announcement has generated widespread interest in academic circles, as this is the first time IIM Bangalore is offering an offline undergraduate programme, further cementing its role in shaping the future of higher education in India.
The new residential program will be based out of IIMB’s upcoming campus located near the Bannerghatta National Park. In keeping with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), the structure includes a flexible exit option after three years, while the full four-year programme leads to an honours degree. This aligns with the NEP’s objective to promote multidisciplinary and flexible education.
Two Distinct Tracks with Industry-Relevant Curriculum
The programme offers two major tracks—BSc (Hons) in Economics and BSc (Hons) in Data Science. Students pursuing the economics major will be able to choose minors in data science and business, opening avenues to electives such as public policy, environmental economics, health economics, auction theory, and algorithmic game theory.
Conversely, the data science track will offer minors in economics and business, featuring electives like quantitative risk management, big data computing, combinatorial optimization, and supply chain optimisation—fields that are highly relevant in today’s tech-driven and analytics-focused world.
Eligibility, Selection, and Student Profile
To ensure inclusivity while maintaining academic rigour, students applying for the programme must be under 20 years of age as of August 1, 2025 (or under 22 for candidates from reserved categories). A strong mathematical background is essential—candidates must have studied maths in Classes 11 and 12 and scored at least 60% marks.
The selection process includes a national-level entrance examination scheduled for December 2025, testing proficiency in mathematics, logical reasoning, English, and general knowledge. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a personal interview to evaluate their aptitude and alignment with the program’s goals.
Seats, Fees, and Financial Support
Initially, each stream will admit 40 students, with the total intake projected to scale up to 640 students by 2031. The annual tuition fee is ₹8.5 lakh, but IIMB has confirmed that need-based financial aid and merit-based concessions will be offered to ensure deserving students are not held back by financial constraints.
A Decade in the Making
According to IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, the vision to introduce a UG programme was first proposed over a decade ago. “Although the proposal was submitted to the central government back in 2017, the permissions were initially granted only to multidisciplinary universities,” he noted. “But now, the policy environment and institutional readiness are finally aligned.”
He emphasized that the undergraduate initiative stems from the need for high-quality, non-engineering undergraduate programs, particularly in economics and applied sciences. “With our deep experience in running postgraduate programmes of excellence, we believe the same standards can and should be applied at the undergraduate level as well.”
Application Meets Foundation
What sets IIMB’s undergraduate offering apart is its emphasis on application. As a premier management institute, IIMB brings its core strengths into the curriculum—blending academic depth with practical business insights. “We’re not just teaching economic theory or data algorithms in isolation,” explained Krishnan. “We’re encouraging students to explore how these tools can be applied in the real world—across industries, policy-making, and global business environments.”
The curriculum also plans to expand in the future to include behavioural sciences and sustainability, reflecting IIMB’s holistic and future-focused approach to education. The program will be housed under a newly formed School of Multidisciplinary Studies, designed to foster collaboration between disciplines.
Applications Open Soon
Applications for the first cohort will open in September 2025. With this launch, IIMB joins a small but growing group of IIMs venturing into undergraduate education—IIM Sambalpur being one of the few already offering a four-year UG course.
As the academic landscape evolves, IIMB’s foray into undergraduate education promises to redefine how young Indian students experience learning—integrating the rigour of economics, the power of data science, and the practicality of business education into one dynamic program.
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