IIM Bangalore has officially commenced classes for its first-ever undergraduate cohort at the Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies. The program aims to blend data science and economics to create a new generation of multidisciplinary leaders.

  • IIM-B has launched its first UG program: BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences and Economics.
  • The inaugural batch consists of 80 students from 20 different Indian states.
  • 25% of the first cohort has been granted full or partial scholarships.
  • The institution aims to scale to 2,400 students and 150 faculty members by 2034.

In a historic shift for one of India's premier management institutes, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) has officially begun classes for its first undergraduate batch. The program, hosted at the Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, focuses on a BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences and Economics, marking the institute's strategic move into foundational higher education.

The inaugural cohort comprises 80 students hailing from 20 different states across India, showcasing a diverse geographic representation. This multidisciplinary approach is designed to break the silos of traditional education. According to Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM-B and Founder of Narayana Health, this initiative is a momentous step toward transforming the broader Indian education system.

Read Also:CBI Exposes ₹1 Crore Bhopal Scholarship Scam: Fake Accounts, Wrong KYC, False OTPs

Dr. Shetty emphasized that the school is built upon the legacy of Tata-established institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The vision is to cultivate "bilingual minds"—individuals who can seamlessly navigate the complexities of business, public policy, economics, and science without being confined by rigid academic boundaries.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that IIM-B's entry into undergraduate education is a direct response to the critical shortage of top-tier higher education institutions in India. By introducing a specialized degree in Data Sciences and Economics, IIM-B is addressing the global demand for professionals who can synthesize quantitative data with economic theory. This move shifts the academic paradigm from a mere "elimination process" in admissions to a genuine "selection process" for talent.

"The goal is to train minds that are not yet set in their views of the world, capable of moving comfortably between business and public policy."

Looking toward the future, Siddharth Sharma, CEO of Tata Trusts, revealed an ambitious growth trajectory. While the current batch is small, the institution plans to expand to approximately 2,400 students and 150 faculty members by 2034. However, Sharma clarified that the focus remains on quality and investment in youth rather than mere numerical scale.

The demographic breakdown of the first batch reveals a balanced academic background: 39 students from Commerce, 39 from Science, and two from Arts and Humanities. In terms of gender, the cohort includes 56 male and 24 female students. The majority of students come from CBSE backgrounds (51), followed by State boards (23), IB (4), and others from NIOS and ICSE.

Metric Inaugural Batch (2026) Projected Goal (2034)
Student Strength 80 2,400
Faculty Size Initial Staff 150
Focus Area Data Sciences & Economics Multidisciplinary UG
Did You Know?: IIM-B's new undergraduate school is named after Dorabji Tata, continuing the Tata family's century-long legacy of establishing world-class research and educational hubs in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the specific degree offered in the new UG program?
The program offers a BSc (Hons) in Data Sciences and Economics.

Q2: How many scholarships were provided for the first batch?
Approximately 25% of the 80 students received either full or partial scholarships.