New Delhi: With the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai announcing the launch of its first undergraduate programme in 2026, it joins a growing number of premier management schools stepping into new territory by offering full-fledged bachelor-level courses.
The institute last month announced a Bachelor of Science in Digital Sciences and Business Management, scheduled to begin in July next year at its proposed campus in Pune.
Over the last two years, several IIMs have expanded beyond their flagship MBA programmes by launching undergraduate courses, including one of the older institutes, IIM Bangalore which has announced two programmes—BSc (Hons) in Economics with a minor in Data Science and Business, and BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences with a minor in Economics and Business—with the first batch set to begin in August 2026.
Besides, IIM Kozhikode launched its first Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS Honours with Research) this academic year, and Sambalpur has already rolled out BSc degrees in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and Management and Public Policy.
IIMs have traditionally been known for postgraduate and career-oriented integrated management programmes. This is the first time they are admitting students directly after Class 12.
Speaking to ThePrint, IIM Mumbai Director Professor Manoj Kumar Tiwari said the institute identified a major talent gap in India due to emerging technologies in management domains.
“Graduates often lack understanding of how technology integrates with core business functions,” he said. “Many operations are being automated, but there is insufficient talent to manage these technologies alongside Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).”
To address the gap, the institute has decided to launch a four-year undergraduate course combining technology and business management.
“The programme will equip students with practical knowledge of digital technologies and business domains, enabling them to apply these skills in finance, marketing, operations, and logistics,” Tiwari added.
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Evolving demand, alignment with NEP
Officials at other institutes cited evolving demand, more students aspiring for early, interdisciplinary, and future-ready education, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as reasons for the shift.
IIM Kozhikode Director Professor Debashis Chatterjee said the launch of undergraduate programmes should not be seen as a response to declining demand for postgraduate courses, but as part of a larger vision to diversify academic pathways and strengthen the institute’s intellectual ecosystem.
“The UG programme is driven primarily by evolving demand and the changing aspirations of young learners. High-performing school-leavers are seeking research-driven, future-oriented UG programmes, rather than waiting until postgraduate levels to pursue management,” he told ThePrint.
Similarly, Professor P.D. Jose, chairperson of the undergraduate programme at IIM Bangalore, said moving into undergraduate education does not shift the institution away from its core strengths. “It reflects a vision to influence and nurture the next generation of changemakers from an earlier stage, with strong interdisciplinary grounding, global relevance, and a deep commitment to societal impact,” he said.
Professor Jose added the programme addresses India’s growing need for high-quality interdisciplinary undergraduate education, particularly in fields central to the future economy. “Data science and economics are not just technical domains—they shape public policy, governance, ethics, and societal outcomes. A liberal arts foundation ensures students not only master analytics and theory but also understand the human context, enabling them to become thoughtful, responsible leaders.”
IIM Sambalpur’s Professor Diwahar Nadar, chairperson of the institute’s BSc Management and Public Policy programmes, said the institute launched the UG courses in line with NEP 2020, which encourages multidisciplinary and flexible learning. “The shift has been made with consideration for the evolving educational needs outlined in NEP 2020, alongside a growing demand for future-ready graduates skilled in data, technology, management, and public policy,” he told ThePrint.
The move reflects a broader evolution in India’s higher-education landscape, as students seek early exposure to management thinking and multidisciplinary learning, said Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease Edtech.
“IIMs offer aspirational value, aligning pedagogy, industry exposure, and global relevance with NEP 2020. These UG programmes combine analytical rigour, case-based learning, internships, projects, and early leadership development, giving students workplace-ready skills and a foundation for future specialisation,” he said.
Why are these programmes different?
Officials at IIM Bangalore said their two undergraduate programmes represent a pioneering approach to UG education, combining the analytical rigour of Economics and Data Science with practical Business Studies.
“IIMB’s undergraduate programmes follow a multi-disciplinary approach and provide a rigorous quantitative and analytical foundation. Integrating economics and data science ensures graduates develop strong analytical capabilities alongside life competencies, making them uniquely positioned for leadership roles in data-driven organisations,” said Professor Jose.
At IIM Sambalpur, the first IIM to launch BSc courses, Professor Nadar said, “Our undergraduate programmes stand out for combining sustainability and technology, offering a 170-credit curriculum with management, data science, soft skills, electives, capstone projects, and internships, providing real-world exposure uncommon at the UG level.”
Students expect IIM-like job opportunities upon completing the course. “The programme is expensive, but we should view it as an investment. We are not only gaining an IIM-quality environment, but we also expect better job opportunities than at any private institute where we might spend a similar amount,” said a BS student at IIM Sambalpur, requesting anonymity.
IIM Mumbai Director Tiwari said that their undergraduate course will stand out due to its close industry connections. “Our MBA programmes work with 200–250 industries, with 50 key partners offering 3-month intensive programmes. Around 150–200 students receive pre-placement offers. The undergraduate course will similarly expose students to real industry problems, giving them practical knowledge and experience that sets them apart from other bachelor programs,” he said.
Encouraging response; experts term it ‘win-win’
Officials at IIM Sambalpur and IIM Kozhikode said the response to their undergraduate courses has been encouraging.
IIM Kozhikode received over 8,000 registrations from across India. “This signals widespread interest in a research-driven UG programme from an IIM. After a rigorous selection process, 110 students were admitted into the inaugural batch,” said Professor Chatterjee.
At IIM Sambalpur, the first batch comprises 176 students—86 in Data Science & AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. “Students have come from over 20 states, creating a vibrant and diverse learning community on campus,” said Professor Nadar.
Meanwhile, a former IIM director said the shift to undergraduate courses can also be linked to the need to raise funds amid declining government support. Government funding for IIMs has declined sharply in recent years, prompting institutes to look to tuition revenues and industry partnerships for sustainability.
“The fees for a normal IIM undergraduate course are much higher, at approximately Rs 7 lakh per year. It generates significant revenue for the institutes, so introducing UG courses is a win-win. However, it may also change the nature of these premier institutions, which were originally career-focused,” the former director said, requesting anonymity.
A director at one of the aforementioned IIMs agrees. “While revenue generation is a benefit, the primary focus remains on education…Students from smaller cities gain access to quality education, making it a win-win. As the reputation of IITs and IIMs grows, more students are willing to study here, which is positive for the future of management education.”
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
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